Black Tie dress for DS Graduation

[SoTiredNeedHoliday]

Hello,
I am looking for a formal / black tie dress to wear to my DS's graduation dinner. I haven't bought a new dress for an event like this for years and years.

I want something classic so I can wear it to other events but also something interesting.

Any hints on where to look? I'm an easy size to fit 6-8 but not very tall 5.5/5.6"

The weather will not be really hot, probably something like today I imagine. So I will need a jacket to go with it too.

Thanks in advance!

That sounds fancy. We only get a daytime ceremony and only 2 tickets too. I was looking for something too, but daytime. I’ll follow here for ideas.

As to where to look: Coast, Karen Millen, the evening section on John Lewis.

any other hints out there..... I'm awful at shopping and vision of what will look good etc!

I'd have a look at The Outnet and Lyst type sites and see if you can pick up a beautifully made dress at a bargain price. House of Fraser / Fenwicks / local independent boutique if you still have one .

@SoTiredNeedHoliday

possible ideas? https://hire.girlmeetsdress.com/collections/black-tie-dresses/size8

thanks all. Everything is either too expensive or not my taste... I will keep looking

Are you sure it's 'black tie' - that to me suggests long dresses / cocktail dresses / sequins / evening dress

Usually degree ceremonies are of the what-you'd-wear-to-a-wedding type thing for the families, with the graduating students wearing academic gowns & caps and 'sub fusc' - suits / ties

I would double check - we had a graduation reception and it wasn't black tie, more per una/wedding guest outfits. Graduations are day events so unlikely to be black tie in the U.K.

@gogohmm @DPotter the dress code is 'formal or national dress' and I have checked they say black tie is very appropriate. Its a big celebration dinner in a marque not a day time award ceremony.

Its a parents and student celebration. The students are wearing black tie too

OP, is that in the UK?

@LadyWithLapdog yes it is.