Black tie event help

[SarahWoodruff]

I need an outfit for a black tie event and need some help/ inspiration please! It's an evening reception celebrating a religious event (but not a religious ceremony) and I am attending in a work capacity (a client is hosting the event) so I need to look appropriate and respectful as well as glam. I am size 6/8, 5'3, flat as a pancake boob-wise but happy with my arms and no stomach issues. My usual style is slightly tomboyish/gamine but I don't think that will cut it for this event. Budget up to £250 but slightly less preferred as I will need to get shoes (I only own loafers, brogues, trainers and flat boots). I don't usually wear a lot of black, but otherwise flexible re colour. Please can anyone suggest a good place to look or even a lovely frock? So far Ted Baker, Whistles, Cos and Rixo have yielded nothing.

Do you feel it needs to be a dress/skirt? If so does it have to be long? I am i am sure much older, but a similar size/shape to you, and a similar style, and over the years have acquired some full midi or long skirts in different colours, that I wear with different tops, to black tie events. Some things that I wear are over 30 years old. Having had food spilled on me I don't usually spend a lot on the tops, but it's quite easy to get nice evening tops, and shoes, for not much money, for some reason, but get a more expensive skirt with lots of material.

Dune is excellent for evening shoes, that look more expensive than the they are. Don't forget about a small bag. Again, over the years, I've acquired a collection of expensive-looking evening bags that weren't, including vintage ones.

Or hire something, for example:

www.hurrcollective.com/collections/dresses

What about a jumpsuit or a trouser suit? You could wear your brogues with either of those. Jumpsuits can be very dressy and trouser suits are very in at the moment so plenty to choose from.
Have you looked in Reiss? Or & Other Stories? I also saw a beautiful Karen Millen tuxedo jumpsuit on Vinted but it’s black.

I’ve bought some lovely black tie dresses from Amazon of all places. I would go for something black with short sleeves and no plunging necklines as it’s a religious event. They stock Adrianna Papell which are lovely and may be appropriate. As they are quite classic will last for years and always useful to have. They are generally quite long but I managed to alter mine myself.

Should have added I’m an 8-10 and 5’2”. I like the AP column dresses because they don’t have defined waist area and also wear heels which are largely hidden! If you don’t want a dress then I’ve worn trousers and tops and also trousers and plain tops with an evening jacket. Like a previous poster some of my outfits are 30 years old but each time I wheel one out, somebody compliments it! Again Amazon for evening bags that don’t break the budget. You could also wear a short black or navy dress with black tights and black shoes but this is really cocktail wear. I think key is to look smart and well groomed without displaying lots of flesh and if wearing a short dress then keep it closer to knees than thighs!

www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/badgley-mischka/dresses/knee-length-dress/belted-wrap-effect-ruffled-scuba-dress/42247633208119614

Have you tried phase eight?

That is lovely but anything with cups (or what I call 'designated boob room') sadly will not fit. Great colour though.

How about this one?
www.phase-eight.com/product/dinah-frill-sleeve-belted-maxi-dress-220512891.html#q=Dinah%20frill&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=220512891&pos=0

Thank you for all the suggestions. I have found two possibilities thanks to the helpful inspiration on this thread. I love the Reiss one as it's sleek rather than frilly, although possibly might be a bit too warm and potentially more of a cocktail dress? But it would be longer on me than the model so maybe ok?

I think the Reis's one looks really good

Hmm. I don’t. It’s a bit clubbing look. Not really respectful or appropriate for a “religious” client event. That doesn’t mean you cannot look glamorous but I think the Reiss dress is not great for the occasion you describe.

Dress + jacket? www.hobbs.com/product/christie-silk-blend-jacket-/0222-4235-3093L00-JEWEL-GREEN.html#navAjax=true&is=false&cgid=occasion&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=size&prefv1=6|8&pid=0222-4235-3093L00-JEWEL-GREEN&pos=23

It’s also velvet. Might be a bit heavy? I think these look better. I could see Duchess of Cembridge in the pink one. It’s classy.

Reiss one is showing too much skin for a religious event. The other Reiss ones are more wedding than black tie.

I bought some dresses for my upcoming cruise from urban outfitters. Very simple styles , not expensive and look stunning

Definitely worth a look

@bouncydog
Black tie just means something you wear in the evening that is suitable for a party. White tie is the formal long dress and bling. Wedding guest outfits often cross over with black tie. Black tie doesn’t mean glitter and sequins. Being comfortable and chic with great accessories is a really good look.

Thank you to all for the useful intel.