What to wear for a black tie party?

[Amireallyhere]

I rarely dress up and don't have a clue what would be suitable. It is for a friends party in June. I want to look elegant and would like to be able to wear it again for another occasion (graduations etc) up to £150.

I am in my 50s, size 12 with brown bobbed hair. I don't suit v-necked dresses, which most seem to be. I'd like something longish as I don't like my legs and not too loud, I prefer to blend in! I suit blues, greens and pinks.

Posters in this topic always give amazing advice. Can anyone help please?

I like this, but I'm not sure whether it's smart enough.
https://www.johnlewis.com/baukjen-jaylene-floral-midi-dress-navy/p110214724

I don't think that's smart enough for black tie, Monsoon usually has suitable dresses.

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/kendra-sequin-maxi-dress-22003312208.html?utm_source=rakutenmarketing&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=2523611%3ALyst%20UK%2FEU&utm_content=15&utm_term=uknetwork&ranMID=44103&ranEAID=gcdL%2FATRVoE&ranSiteID=gcdL_ATRVoE-WWVg.zAeE_hjqG_jahtP9g

https://www.fenwick.co.uk/women/clothing/dresses/evening/teal-leopard-charlie-dress/NFDDR161-TEAL.html

How about this one - bargain in the sale!

https://www.coastfashion.com/fleur-embroidered-halter-maxi-dress/ACC00716.html?color=107

My DH and I used to go to a lot of black tie things. It was always long skirts and at least elbow-length sleeves, very little cleavage. This was with the military so non-military might be different.

This is beautiful and very very forgiving. It's sale price. I was at a black tie event recently. It was all long dresses. The odd jumpsuit.

https://www.next.co.uk/style/ls326366/q26742

Thank you for all the suggestions. I love the coast dress but I'm not sure I could carry it off. I think I need some sleeves, even if they are short. The next and fewick one are lovely but may be a bit warm in June, I like the phase 8 one.

The next one might

Hear me out: SHEIN. Type in evening dress. Terrible fast fashion but excellent choice.

Do lots of googling of black tie dresses to see what people have worn to different events and get a feel for the type in dresses.
Coast have a sale on so look through all their dresses.

£25 over budget

https://www.harveynichols.com/brand/sister-jane/538500-arabesque-sequin-midi-dress/p4436169/

I've found a couple of lovely black tie dresses on Oasis. I have worn this dress for a black tie. It's lush on.
www.oasisfashion.com/frill-v-neck-satin-bias-midaxi-dress/BAA03513-1.html?color=125

john lewis search with all your filters

I like this navy monsoon dress with lace for example

this wrap dress is nice and comes in several colours

You could also consider renting a dress if you don’t think you’ll wear it again? I am not sure you can really wear black tie to things like a graduation.

Thanks again everyone, I'll take a look. My biggest problem I think is imagining myself wearing some of these. Lots of dresses I've looked at before are too long for me (I'm 5'5"). I think I'm just scared of looking silly!! I have done the John Lewis search and been in store and tried a few things but haven't found what I think is right. I do like the wrap dress above as it is not quite so formal but I'd need to try it on as v-necks don't always look right on me.

Rent or buy on vinted - no sense in blowing the bank in something you won’t use again, and something that’s black tie will look bonkers at a daytime graduation

Don’t rule out having something altered, it can elevate a good outfit to a spectacular one.

I am 5’5’’ and a huge fan of a jumpsuit but often need the legs shortened. Ted baker have a beautiful dark green wide leg one in at the moment - with a good heel and stunning earrings it would cover a black tie event. Then with a beautiful cropped jacket, block heel ankle boot or sandal and simpler accessories you have a completely different outfit for a graduation etc.

Roman have some fairly budget options in smart dresses. I suspect a lot of them won’t be high in natural fibres content, but that need not matter for a occasional wear.

Soft Tailored Drop Shoulder Ruched Pencil Midi Dress | Karen Millen https://www.karenmillen.com/soft-tailored-drop-shoulder-ruched-pencil-midi-dress/BKK09797-105-14.html?&&&&gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9deiBhC1ARIsAHLjR2DSxVH5_ow-i8nvj5bhVBfxNJWY7PWqPJvXHbwhXkXdvLiMSGpU1D4aAhb7EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds?share

Ghost have lots of beautiful, timeless dresses. 10% off first order too. They have a classic style that I think is quite versatile and won't date.

https://www.ghost.co.uk/madison-dress13-d05g001-a01?pk_cid=1&pk_keyword=5059814115115&pk_medium=multifeeds&pk_campaign=Google&pk_source=Google&pk_content=ClothingAccessoriesClothingDresses&utm_source=Google&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9deiBhC1ARIsAHLjR2CROau4fBHh4H0d9WjdYnJt0ukSj5AiTXV4nZ6GSlniFnawjJ9p_REaAl_6EALw_wcB

Definitely not smart enough.

Women generally wear evening dresses to black tie functions.

That’s definitely not a black tie event dress.

DH and I used to go to lots of black tie events and I generally hired dresses. I always went for what would be described as an “evening gown” so long and glamorous although a couple of summer balls I did go for ballerina length.

John Lewis actually offer a rental service now although I’ve no idea of their prices.

this maybe? https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/lysithea-dress/
its fairly "classic" could be very glam with gold shoes/jewellery understated or pop coloured with maybe fushia or something/patterned pashmina around shoulders..wear in winter with boots?

Try ebay. Most dressy stuff, people only have worn once so will be in good condition. We've been invited to a black tie and I've already bought 2 dresses second hand for 12 pounds each. One is Liberty. Worth having a look. Can't beat a bit of recycling.