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Original poster

Black tie dress

12 replies

Anoushka1986 · 12/04/2023 05:30

Hi all,

I'm trying to help my mum find a dress for a black tie event. She is in her late 60s and size 16-18. I'm not having much luck looking at shops I would usually shop in and was wondering if there are any UK brands people can think of that may be suitable? We are in Australia.

Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
AutumnalLeaves38 · 12/04/2023 08:59

What's her budget?

LadyLapsang · 12/04/2023 09:10

Liberty in London does free delivery to Australia if you spend over 200 dollars and there is a rather elegant XL Bytimo crepe midi dress in the sale for £175 that may be suitable.

OrchidsBlooming · 12/04/2023 09:51

Unless she's going to be going to several events, can I recommend rental?

https://yourcloset.com.au/occasions/black-tie?sizes=83
or https://www.dressforanight.com.au/collections/sizes-14-18?sort=price-ascending&_=pf&pf_opt_size=16&pf_opt_size=18
or https://www.glamcorner.com.au/occasions/black-tie#collectionDesignation=on-demand&sorting=new&subAvailabilityFilter=now&style_type=Dresses&occasion=Black+Tie&body_shape=Apple%2CPear&size=16%2C18&limit=24&offset=0

She'll get something much more stunning for her money. Almost all of them have a similar style dress from a brand called pasduchas, slim fitting so maybe not if she's conscious of her tummy area, but if that's OK it has a beautiful neckline and cape sleeve, which may suit.

waltzingparrot · 12/04/2023 18:39

Have you looked for evening gowns on The Outnet?

NatashaDancing · 12/04/2023 20:05

Also "black tie" covers quite a gamut of occasions. The links are largely at the ultra glamorous end of the spectrum but would be OTT at the last "black tie" event I attended.

OrchidsBlooming · 12/04/2023 23:55

Fair point, there is a big difference in terms of what black tie means, also frankly between what it means in UK versus elsewhere. I'd argue it's more dressy in Australia when it's labelled a black tie event as sort of seen as a chance to pull out all the stops, but it's true very much depends on the event.

I'd argue rental could still apply and they'd have lots of more 'cocktail' options if so.

Original poster
Anoushka1986 · 13/04/2023 06:20

Thank you all for your replies. I will pass this information on to my mum.

Interesting to hear about the differences between black tie in UK vs Australia. It's for an awards night which they are flying across the country for, so I think will be fairly dressy.

Thanks guys!

OP posts:
WillowtreeHouse · 13/04/2023 08:41

The last black tie event I attended was very glam and that was in the UK (last year). When do people dress up these days if not for a black tie event? Granted, white tie event dress codes would be the most formal, but pretty rare for most of us.

AutumnalLeaves38 · 13/04/2023 10:06

There's a size 16 left in this sale, if any good?

https://www.sapphirebutterfly.com.au/special-occasion/evening-wear/monique-lace-flutter-sleeve-evening-gown

Black tie dress
HostessTrolley · 13/04/2023 10:22

I'm a similar size and got a dress from Scarlett and Jo - they do lots of patterned ones but I got a plain one with sleeves and it was so comfy and flattering

FinallyHere · 13/04/2023 10:38

I think renting is a great idea.

If you find something that you live, you can usually buy it with a discount after you have rented it.

Great way to find out how perfect a dress really is.

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