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?

Beautiful dress by the way!

Ivy and Otto fit larger feet properly and the owner will happily talk you through sizing if you contact her to save the ordering/trying/sending back waste of time!

I've got a below knee length black dress that I could wear with suitable accessories. Would need nice shoes though. And would not know what to do with my hair. I'd need a bag too.

If I was 1.5 stone lighter - yes, easy, within the hour.

Right now.. I'd need a new dress

Thanks Covid-19lbs

Black tie (so knee length dress) - I can be ready in an hour. White tie (long dress) I'd hire a dress, I already have shoes, wrap and jewellery.

@OooPourUsACupLove

Yeah I could do black tie without notice. I'm not at events all the time but the companies I work for typically do black tie Christmas parties so I have a couple of dresses.

One general question - I always understood black tie to mean knee length/cocktail dresses. Long dresses go with white tie. I know in practice not one thinks anything if you wear a long gown to a black tie as long as it's not full ballgown, but was "black tie means shorter dresses" ever a thing or did I just make it up?

I think it was the case when there were more formal events in the social calendars, but white tie is so rare, black tie has become an excuse to wear longer dresses. I have two black tie ‘go to’ dresses, the £7 Oxfam one is a long velvet sheath dress, and another is a black mid calf length. Neither have looked out of place at any event I have been to.

Absolutely...I'd be so excited 🤣🥰

@BillMasheen, @keepmoving, @Biscoffees I and everyone else who has suggested places to get big shoes, I am aware of these places, I’ve even bought shoes from some in the past, it’s not like my feet have shot up overnight! I have a pair of black patent ballet flats with proper soles that I bought from a shop on Kings Road when I was 18, I have a feeling it may have been Magnus, or a predecessor of. My old “posh” shies were actually a very large 8, velvet Mary Jane heels from Sainsbury’s about 20 years ago, which are sadly looking considerable worse for wear now.

Unfortunately, this month was not the time for additional expenses that we could get away withoutz But I have realised that I need to get my own “out out” shoes and it’s something to keep an eye out for.

For everyone who has wished me good luck, thank you. My project/project team is a finalist in 2 of 16 categories, so who knows?

@ElspethFlashman, it’s from Phase Eight

As long as it was cocktail dresses rather than long dresses, I could do it with zero notice.

I always have 1-2 pairs of evening shoes (some Dior ones which are 20 years old!) lurking just in case plus 1-2 cocktail dresses (1 of which is a very loose shape but quite edgy so it means if my weight changes, I can still get away with wearing it - it also doesn't crease and can go in the washing machine).

Same goes for evening jewellery and evening bags. I rarely use them but I keep them stashed just in case. Perhaps the remnants of a more glamorous work life when I was younger.

Yes but I would also consider renting something if I wanted to wear something new (to me). I don’t think I would buy another black tie dress.

Ah I love Phase Eight. So reliable, and decent sizes.

I nearly bought that dress as you've forced me to go look for cocktail dresses ready for the few work-related Xmas lunches I'm doing in November which isn't that far away I've bought this as couldn't find much I fancied.

I need comfortable low heels now I have some at a push but they aren't that comfortable only problem is like you OP in an unusual size a 7 1/2.

Oh and I did look in 2nd hand shops my town has a fair amount but nothing useful in there.

Yes. Easily

I could, thanks to my inherited wardrobe... great aunt's especially. She was the same size and shape as me and she bought expensive classics in the 40s, 50s, and 60s. So I can go to a ball tonight, but a posh restaurant would take more thought. DH would probably need starving for a week to fit into his DJ though.

I could because I have a gorgeous emerald maxi that can be dressed up with heels and jewellery.

Yes, I have a couple of outfits from previous black tie events. They don't get many outings now.

Have a lovely time.

@XingMing - how amazing!! I'm very envious of your collection of clothes. I think I might wear them all the time (ball or no ball)

Yes. Have full length and cocktail length dresses plus accessories

Yes but only because I’ve been the same dress size for the past 20 years so I still have all my old bridesmaid dresses, wedding outfits and shoes. All worn once but still sat in the wardrobe.

Less than 5 minutes notice

Unless I had to put on tights

Tights are wankers

I couldn't, and thankfully won't have to... I haven't been to a ball or similar in over 20 years, and nothing at my work would ever require anything smarter than black jeans and a nice top... I do have some dresses and skirts but I virtually never wear them and bought them when I got a bit over excited about having lost weight in all honesty. I'm happiest in my levis.

I do have a very plain but nice black knee length dress I could possibly dress up if I had to - I've never actually worn it and bought it because it was reduced

Your dress is nice - good luck with the awards!

I have a ten year old dress I'd probably wear, but failing that I'd definitely find "something" in one late night shopping trip.

Yes, because I hate having to grab something last minute so I keep an eye out for things I love at the right price then get any alterations done straight away.
Then I know I probably am covered. Love a charity shop and also warehouse clearance sales, went to the MyTheresa one once and got a couple of utter bargains including a long slightly stretchy DVF gown with long sleeves and which can be worn with a normal bra. It's deep blue and doesn't even need ironing. Sorted.