Could you do Black Tie at less than a fortnight’s notice ?

[BikeRunSki]

Last week I was told by work that I could, in fact should, go to the industry awards ceremony that we were initially told we could not attend (public austerity).

I am not high maintenance at all and my wardrobe is largely outdoor wear, denim, fleece and hi vis (I’m in the construction industry), with a couple of smarter office outfits. Days in the office were rare enough before lockdown, since I spend most of my working time on construction sites. I do have a beautiful black tie dress, but it’s more than 20 years old, and despite being bias cut, it really doesn’t fit very well after 2 dc and lockdown!!

It’s been a bonkers week of ordering and returning dresses, bra fittings, realising that there appears to be global shortage of nylon tights and cursing my size 9 feet.

My mother is horrified that I can’t do black tie at the drop of a hat. Could you?

Now, no. When I lived in Oxford I bought a couple of ball gowns second hand. But the charity shops in Oxford have lots of evening wear.

One of my grandmother's best tips, go to charity shops in 'posh' places, so Oxford, Harrogate et al.

Actually I could probably sew something and there are some fabulous Indian material shops around.

OP

Good luck with the awards.

It has made me realise two things. One is I need to sort myself out and secondly I need to be more prepared for special occasions. I love the charity shop suggestion and will make my aim next year to start a small collection of outfits for all occasions

Me too!

Yes - by renting! OP you should consider it especially if you don't go to these things often.
www.hirestreetuk.com/category/black-tie for example lovely dresses, and no washing etc just wear and return

I’d be more concerned about the grooming side of a black tie event. I’m a bit gnarly after all these months of lockdown. I imagine I’d need buffing, hair dressing and a good facial starting NOW for two weeks’ time.
Dress-wise I’d either rent or fashion some sparkly Indian fabric I have around a boob tube, add a straight lined tulle skirt and a pashmina.
I’m 53.

I think so. I'd be raiding Monsoon or worst case I could hit Oxford Street for Selfridges and John Lewis.

I could do cocktail at the drop of a hat yes, but not black tie as it's not really a thing in my sector so have v rarely been to anything requiring it.
I, too, would shop online for it.
Hope you have a great evening though!

Stealth boast- I once did black tie with 10 minutes notice.

Hair slicked back into tight bun, no iron dress I bought for £7 from Oxfam, and make up on in 5 minutes. Concentrate on foundation and eyes for a good evening look.

Oxfam is great and as someone said, try charity shops in posh areas.

Yes...I have a good few dresses and accessories from previous events...sounds posher than it is. Most are from TK max, I always found them great for stuff like that. Only potential problem would be if they didn't fit me anymore

I have a dress I wore for a black tie event 8 years ago. I think with some seriously heavy duty underwear I could still get in it. Not sure how much I would be able to eat during the evening though!

@BikeRunSki

You mention bras - do you need a specific bra for your dress? If so I would pick another dress tbh. All my bras are too small. I was waiting for John Lewis to reopen, but my nearest one was closed down instead. The new frock I’ve got does not need a specific type of bra, other than one that fits properly and s not a sports bra!

Ah well new bras that fit you sounds like a good thing, black tie or not @bikerunski :)

I always hire I don’t have a lot of wardrobe space.

Not been to a black tie event for a long time but I do still have a couple of long dresses in my wardrobe. I think I still fit in them. Have some generic heels I could wear with them.

Dh has been to black tie more recently and does have a black tie suit.

So yes, I could go same day pretty much if need be.

For shoes try Asda or Asos or New Look - I'm a size 9 (wide feet) and rarely struggle for dressy shoes

Primark do size 9 too but you usually have to get to a city to ensure enough stock

@bikerunski, hold your head up high and good luck. Any woman at these awards looks amazing in a sea of uncomfortably-suited blokes.
If I'd got my * together to put an entry together, never mind get shortlisted, I would be in a flat panic, I'd be scouring eBay for the larger sizes of Ted Baker most likely.

I would love to be invited somewhere I could wear a ball gown.....I would have nothing to wear obviously, but I love the idea.

Hope you enjoy the night OP, In sure you'll look fabulous

I doubt very much that I will ever go to a black tie event again. The work ones aren't happening, and DH loathes them with a vengeance anyway. The last one he came to with me he said "promise me you will never make me come to one of these things again"

Yes, in fact I could do it with about 4 hours notice.

There are advantages to never decluttering. I have a lovely beaded knee length dress that does for most black tie events and it is a pretty forgiving fit, loose cut, bit of stretch, dark background colour, all the detail is beading so it doesn't matter if I have gained or lost weight. I have worn it loads, same accessories.

I have a couple of other options too, a long dress that is a bit boring but good if you are unsure of the dress code, and a couple of slightly more conservative knee length dresses, plus a couple of long ones that I would need time to diet into.

Yes, I could do black tie this evening if needed, so could most people I know. Haven't dressed that way for a few years now though. Also, I know it is irrational, but my husband does look sexy in black tie for some reason!

The one with the slightly rude name and grammar school
Is that the one in the North-East at the mouth of a river and with a brewery?

I could do black tie with 2 hours notice.

Yes easily. 2 weeks is ages

Kaleidoscope is good for that sort of thing.
You can order quite a few outfits even on credit. Try them all on, and sure you would find something that suits.
I think you get twenty per cent off as a new customer.
If you go through Quidco also cashback.

So all in all it is a pretty good deal.

Also sale stock good

@SirGawain

The one with the slightly rude name and grammar school Is that the one in the North-East at the mouth of a river and with a brewery?

No! North, but not NE.

Gods own county we call it…

@JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon

Yes, in fact I could do it with about 4 hours notice.

There are advantages to never decluttering. I have a lovely beaded knee length dress that does for most black tie events and it is a pretty forgiving fit, loose cut, bit of stretch, dark background colour, all the detail is beading so it doesn't matter if I have gained or lost weight. I have worn it loads, same accessories.

I have a couple of other options too, a long dress that is a bit boring but good if you are unsure of the dress code, and a couple of slightly more conservative knee length dresses, plus a couple of long ones that I would need time to diet into.

It’s not that I’ve never decluttered, more than my body has accumulated more clutter!