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Outfit for black tie event

9 replies

legalalien · 21/08/2023 07:53

So - inadvertently finding myself in the Style and Beauty section after posting on the current thread about a wedding dress, and as someone who has no idea about current fashion or brands, I thought I’d ask you lovely folk for help with finding an outfit to wear to a black tie event in Dubai in October. It’s my partner’s work event and I don’t have info other than that or any idea where best to start, other than google.

I have a couple of dresses that were my “go to’s” for such events 25 years ago, and although they’d still fit (and are probably vintage!) they are sleeveless and I think would put a bit too much ageing flesh on display.

I’m mid-fifties, 5’6”, size 10 and I guess a sort of athletic build and not particularly feminine, if that makes sense. And not someone who has good hair or is going to look amazingly groomed - so don’t suggest I aim for that (silk purse, sow’s ear…)!

Any ideas where I could start looking?

(PS I don’t want to spend too much as I’m unlikely to wear the outfit often)

(PPS bit worried about shoes, I have some classic black / beige high heeled shoes somewhere but I’ve worn flats for at least the last fifteen years and I’d have to start practising walking in them. Maybe wedges of some sort?)

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Defiantlynot41 · 21/08/2023 09:07

Any ideas of colours, shapes that suit you? And the dress code, Dubai can be quite conservative, so do you need sleeves, modest neckline etc?

legalalien · 21/08/2023 09:41

I don’t know about the dress code is the truth but I’m happy to err on the side of caution re conservative cut. It will be an event with primarily westerners present I think.
colours - blue, green, grey, some kind of pattern or dusty pink or orange are Ok - definitely nothing yellow or cerise (colours I look terrible in) and I think I’m a bit old for black now without another colour to break it up… shape wise I have quite wide shoulders and long arms, not much of a waist and I don’t like things that cling around my thighs. Thanks!

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Whataretheodds · 21/08/2023 09:45

Are you shopping in Dubai, UK or somewhere else?

Defiantlynot41 · 21/08/2023 10:00

3 from John Lewis to start you off, a couple of them come in various colours

Outfit for black tie event
Outfit for black tie event
Outfit for black tie event
legalalien · 21/08/2023 10:11

I’m in the UK

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whiffyhouse · 21/08/2023 10:26

I like the pale green one and the ghost one but am always wary of satin for revealing too
Much - on me at least

legalalien · 21/08/2023 10:41

That’s a good point, I don’t want to be anxious about that all evening.

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