Black Tie work event - help with my look

[CoconutNoodles]

I'm possibly going to a black tie event for work in October in a hotel in London. Need a stupidly amazing dress and I want to feel on top of the world.

The dress needs to be:

1 - understated sexy but no legs on show or cleavage - I like showing shoulders, back, and calves

2 - no patterns or prints - solid colour

3- comfortable enough for me to sit down, walk, dance etc

4 - suitable for kitten pointed toes heels

5- not glittery, shiny, all gold or all silver etc

I will also need to buy a suitable bag and suitable shoes, preferably a style that I can use over and over again

I'm keen on creating a modern / youth / unassuming look yet chic and tasteful.

Please help with links, photos, tips and etc - i missed the opportunity to go last year so this year I want to enjoy to the maxxxxxxx.

Thank you!

https://www.ralphlauren.co.uk/en/crepe-off-the-shoulder-gown-637972.html?dwvar637972_colorname=Lighthouse%20Navy&cgid=women-clothing-jumpsuits#start=1&cgid=women-clothing-jumpsuits

Or this

https://www.ralphlauren.co.uk/en/twist-front-stretch-jersey-dress-641078.html?dwvar641078_colorname=Sport%20Pink&cgid=women-clothing-jumpsuits&webcat=women%2Fclothing%2Fwomen%20clothing%20jumpsuits#webcat=women%7Cclothing%7Cwomen-clothing-jumpsuits&start=1&cgid=women-clothing-jumpsuits

How about these?

www.coastfashion.com/full-skirted-satin-midi-dress/BCC00134.html?color=148

www.coastfashion.com/tulle-tiered-frill-sleeve-dress/ACC95332.html?color=148

www.coastfashion.com/premium-lace-feather-hem-halter-neck-mini-dress/BCC03188.html

Some of these really don't scream black tie to me 🤔 I think you've got to be mindful of fabric going mid-length (especially as they'll be plenty of people going full length drama) to avoid the dress looking meh.

I'd be tempted to go silky, no risk of it veering into work wear / day dress that way!

https://www.thereformation.com/products/casette-silk-dress/1311240AKO.html?dwvar1311240AKOO_color=SNG&quantity=1

@FrillyGoatFluff That is absolutely stunning. Perfect, I would say. Wonder whether OP agrees?

@FrillyGoatFluff, that's one utterly gorgeous dress.

But blows OP's budget of £300 to include dress, shoes and a bag!

@FrillyGoatFluff

Love the red and black but the back is too sexy for this work event but I would definitely wear it at another event - especially the red one

How about this one? Well under budget and a bit more modest.
ASOS

@FrillyGoatFluff that is gorgeous and I have a black tie too coming up - but I assume you can’t wear a bra with it? my event is v soon so probably no time for it to be delivered but I would try if I could work out what to do with my saggy large boobs!

I know I said no to floral but what are your thoughts about this one?
Not tottaly printed but enough to make me stand out from the sea of other dark dresses, the sleeves gives it some lightness and sensualness, the little keyhole sparks imagination. Sober enough for a work event yet kinda playful. Only £149. I won’t need anything else other than earings!

https://www.thereformation.com/products/bryn-silk-dress/1311188SAT.html

I’m thinking of this for mine

I don't like slits, sorry.

is this too boring? And will it make me look older?

Any good?John Lewis

Trying to open up my mind.

I know I said no slits but this one has a slit on the calve not leg! Also might be too long maybe? Zara DRAPED DRESS WITH EMBELLISHMENT

Beautiful! Too sexy for this week event sadly.

If you want floaty and can like with a belted bit, I love this one

The one you posted is also lovely, though it doesn’t meet a lot of your criteria (high necked, pleated, floral, doesn’t show off your shoulders or back which you said you liked to, and I’d call it pretty rather than sexy), but you could always order try and return!

work event

These two are my last try! The second one seems to tick all the boxes. Good luck OP.
Outnet 1
Outnet 2

It is beautiful - the tulle gives me fairy tale vibes, but that is ok. They don't have my size;(

Love the green one, they don't have my size.

The pink one looks like camisole to me when I try that type of dress on.

They have it in a 10 here and in petite they have an 8…..

I like the tulle at the top but not the skirt, I don't know why! But it is a good contender!

OP, before I go, why not think about renting? If you’re thinking of a longer length now, you could get a stunning Vampire’s Wife dress or similar. Vampires Wife

I like it but I don't think its black tie.