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Original poster

Black-tie Dinner

47 replies

blacktiedupinknots · 01/02/2023 00:27

I've been invited to a black tie dinner with work colleagues. It's an awards dinner so professional networking affair.

Do you guys think this Reiss ('Harlyn') dress is appropriate?

https://www.otrium.co.uk/product/harlyn-ls-plunge-jersey-m-black-black?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl6TYkofzAIVG-rtCh1CC[[https://www.otrium.co.uk/product/harlyn-ls-plunge-jersey-m-black-black?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl6TYkofz_AIVG-rtCh1C_wofEAQYASABEgLoWvD_BwE wofEAQYASABEgLoWvDBwE
]]
I like it, but am slightly concerned about the plunge neckline - would you guys wear this around work colleagues to a fancy dinner?

I wanted to stick to floor length, and ideally black / not too OTT. Would like to look nice, classy, stylish / not too frumpy.

OP posts:
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13
Cinnamonandcoal · 02/02/2023 07:36

I think it's fine, there will be a range worn judging by the ones I've been to.
What do you think of this as an alternative if you want something slightly less low cut? It also comes in black.

www.johnlewis.com/ghost-madison-satin-maxi-dress/bordeaux/p5719716

ZeldaWillTellYourFortune · 02/02/2023 08:49

DietCroak · 01/02/2023 10:10

In my industry (quite traditional), this would be much too much. Work black tie is tricky as for women black tie is so often about looking sexy by showing flesh and that's not necessarily how you want to present to work colleagues (or maybe you do- obviously personal choice and industry-dependent).

It's perfectly ok to wear a short cocktail dress to a black tie event. Only white tie requires long gowns.

ZeldaWillTellYourFortune · 02/02/2023 08:56

This would be more appropriate for a dressy work event

www.johnlewis.com/ro-zo-sequin-v-neck-shift-dress-black/p109510392

ZeldaWillTellYourFortune · 02/02/2023 09:05

Or this.

For black tie, esp with work colleagues, you want a bit of glam without lots of bare flesh. Think elegant, not sexy.

www.johnlewis.com/gina-bacconi-dorris-sequin-dress-taupe/p6258371

Gruelle · 02/02/2023 11:34

In case it’s of use to anyone else there are still some decent things left on sale at Galvan. Good choice of long or short evening wear that’s svelte rather than flouncy.

kateandme · 02/02/2023 11:53

blacktiedupinknots · 01/02/2023 11:16

@Gruelle I love these!! The yellow is my fave. But yes, likely outwith price range and also a bit too striking for the professional work event in question. Guess I'll keep looking!

@DietCroak I feel like the options are either sexy black tie or bridesmaid black tie? There doesn't seem to be a professional, sophisticated black tie category in the shops!

Anything close?

Black-tie Dinner
kateandme · 02/02/2023 11:58

I don't know!

Black-tie Dinner
Black-tie Dinner
QCKC · 02/02/2023 12:06

Bloody hell.

Op - that dress is lovely and wholly suitable for a black tie work do. I go to them regularly and this wouldn't be out of place.

Some of these alternative suggestions are ridiculous.

kateandme · 02/02/2023 12:08

Go with what you want op.you probably look stunning in the one you chose.
You could show uz a pic wearing it?

Black-tie Dinner
kateandme · 02/02/2023 12:08

QCKC · 02/02/2023 12:06

Bloody hell.

Op - that dress is lovely and wholly suitable for a black tie work do. I go to them regularly and this wouldn't be out of place.

Some of these alternative suggestions are ridiculous.

Sorry if mine were

maddy68 · 02/02/2023 12:09

I really like it. As long as not to oo much boobage is on show

QCKC · 02/02/2023 12:14

@kateandme - to be fair, yours were the least-bad.

Original poster
blacktiedupinknots · 02/02/2023 22:18

Thanks very much everyone. I had the dress delivered tonight, and have tried it on - it is actually much more modest on me, so I feel a bit better! (If a tad basic 😂)

I'll try it with proper heels / underwear tomorrow and post a pic.

Split is waaaay round the side with a wrapover on top, so hardly any leg on show - and while it is low cut, I'm not sure I'll even need boob tape.

Now just concerned it's not dressy / different enough! 🙈

OP posts:
Original poster
blacktiedupinknots · 02/02/2023 22:18

@kateandme I actually really like that EverPretty one!

OP posts:
Original poster
blacktiedupinknots · 02/02/2023 22:20

@QCKC @maddy68 @Cinnamonandcoal Thank you for making me feel better!

(@Cinnamonandcoal nice choice on that Ghost dress, I actually have it already in bubblegum pink! Just hadn't thought of it for black tie.)

OP posts:
Original poster
blacktiedupinknots · 02/02/2023 22:22

@Gruelle - those Bear Parke dresses are a dream to look at! Maybe just a bit out of budget for this 🙈 But I'll keep them in mind and will see if I can justify it for a special event perhaps!

OP posts:
kateandme · 03/02/2023 03:16

blacktiedupinknots · 02/02/2023 22:18

@kateandme I actually really like that EverPretty one!

at least i wasnt totally off haha. i did thing on the slit picture she had to show it that way in order for the brand to show the costomers exactly what they were getting. imagine if they didnt show the whole split and you recieved it in the post with it looking more suttle.
im glad you like it though. wear it. i bet it looks fab.
post a pic here if you want.( and because im a nosy fucker who loves to see peoples outfits)😋

LivelyBlake · 03/02/2023 05:58

Re. the first dress, I like it a lot but the slit may be awkward when sitting down. The neckline is fine!

I like this too:
www.massimodutti.com/es/vestido-largo-detalle-malla-abalorios-l06692872

Gruelle · 03/02/2023 07:44

I wondered about that Massimo Dutti dress, too, @LivelyBlake ! My only hesitation was that, given the low price, the fabric might turn out to be disappointingly thin. But it could be lovely.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 03/02/2023 07:52

I would high slit and low cut fur a professional do, no. But I'm 50 and on the chunky side. I have been to a lot of professional awards though (and won a few 😉).

Good luck x

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 03/02/2023 07:52

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 03/02/2023 07:52

I would high slit and low cut fur a professional do, no. But I'm 50 and on the chunky side. I have been to a lot of professional awards though (and won a few 😉).

Good luck x

Sorry, should read "I would not do..."

LivelyBlake · 03/02/2023 08:34

Gruelle · 03/02/2023 07:44

I wondered about that Massimo Dutti dress, too, @LivelyBlake ! My only hesitation was that, given the low price, the fabric might turn out to be disappointingly thin. But it could be lovely.

I agree!

This from the Reformation could be lovely on the right body - I know it wouldn’t suit me

www.thereformation.com/products/aden-silk-dress/1312083BLK.html?dwvar_1312083BLK_color=BLK

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