Shoes vs dresses (for an event)

[EnterFunnyNameHere]

Hi all, looking for some advice as I'm out of my comfort zone...!

I have been invited to an industry awards event. It's very unlikely that I will actually win anything (!), but if my company does I might well end up collecting "on behalf of", and regardless there will probably be photos taken.

I have a very "informal" style, usually a shorts/tshirts/hoodies/sneakers sort really. So I'm well out of my comfort zone! I have three dresses I like (and basically fit), the middle is my favourite but I've put on a bit of weight since I got it and it errs slightly on the "over-stuffed sausage" at present... the one on the left is also nice but goes out a bit more over my bigger waist than I'd like... I have two slightly more smart pairs of shoes, but I'm not sure either pair go with any dress!

So basically, I'd love some advice on whether either pair of shoes goes with any dress, and if not, ideas for a dress which matches the shoes or shoes that match the dress!

Probably pertinent: I have eu42 feet and prefer round toed shoes as I think pointy toes make my feet look enormous. I'd also prefer lower heels if possible as I'm tall already and want to look photogenic in a crowd... For clothes I'm an 16-18 bottom (closer to 18) and a 14-16 top (closer to 14).

So I'm picky as well as everything else I'm afraid, I just think I look crap in most smarter stuff so stick to more casual - I'd really like to not cringe whenever I see these photos in future as they'll be in a few newsletter etc 😔 Thank you for any advice or ideas!

I did an awards ceremony on Thursday OP and women were wearing all styles but predominantly more formal long dresses.

It really depends on if you'd feel uncomfortable not being as formal as others.

You could look at Vinted if you wanted to go with affordable.

Thanks @fernsandlilies and @Lavenderosa - I'm shamelessly now mostly listening to the people telling me what I want to hear, so might see how that cape dress looks on!! 😁

OP at 5 ft 10 I sympathise with the height dilemma. Is 42 big enough for you…if so I recommend looking at the various strappy ballet flats from Zara for something flat but not frumpy. I struggle with formal shoes even more post pandemic as my feet got used to not wearing uncomfy work shoes but I have worn Zara flats to recent events without them feeling too horrendous.

I think your own blue dress is nicer. Cape dresses are awfully fussy.

I like the middle dress by far the best. I think if you get some sucky-in mega pants from Sainsbury's it'll be fine and not stuffed sausagey!

Wear the blue shoes and the blue dress. No point spending on a new dress or shoes if it’s not something you will enjoy/value owning. I suspect that a lot of people will be making an existing outfit work because they don’t usually go to black tie events.

I'm always on the lookout for shoe options so thanks for that! I've never been in zara so wouldn't have thought of it!

That's my favourite dress I own, just not sure if it's a bit "pattern-y" for black tie??

Haha don't say that! I thought it was classy 😁

I love the Monsoon dress! I go to quite a few black tie but not high fashion type of events, I would very happily wear that to one.

It's not too patterny. It would not have looked out of place at the awards dinner I was at on Thursday, but the blue shoes won't go with it, sucky in knickers are hellishly uncomfortable and mostly don't work. The blue dress is dressier.

Not sure of your budget but there are some gorgeous semi-fitted sleeveless event dresses on Reiss. I would find something new, classic and plain coloured that you could wear to all events (weddings, big parties etc) that you feel amazing in. The dresses you've shown are now a bit dated.

I think the blue dress is best
I found these outfits that are similar, it just need some heels like these
boots won’t go well with it
I wouldn’t wear any jewellery apart from earrings

You've been reverse googling! I found them too. I agree it doesn't need jewellery other than earrings although I disagree it needs heels.

It isn't "dated" . I hate the way that word gets thrown out on here usually with no justification.

Why does dated need justification? It means it looks like something worn a lot circa "x" years ago.

"Justification" needed in the sense of actually meaning anything.

It's intended to be derogatory and that the OP couldn't possibly be seen in something "dated".

As it's frequently thrown out about clothing which Vogue or fashion writers have said are in, or in as in a thread yesterday about a classic, standard, never in or never out, Donegal sweater it's often hilariously meaningless.

www.longtallsally.com/lts-tall-navy-blue-wide-leg-jumpsuit-p

I would but this, wear it with your navy flats, and buy a big chunky sparkly necklace and bracelet and get your hair/make up done

You would look fabulous!

That cape dress is fabulous!

Blue dress and shoes are totally fine, book a cut and blow dry for the day and buy some make up , new lipstick and you'll look nice

Yes I did ! I wanted to see how the model wears it
it could go with flats too rather than heels and some nice earring

The middle dress and the first pair of boots would work IMO.

The blue dress and shoes you have are fine, you could wear them no problem. The cape dress looks a little Halloween to me, sorry.
Personally, as you said you're a pear shape with long legs, I think you would look great in a dark suit with wide leg trousers and brogues, softly tailored jacket and a crisp shirt with a larger collar worn open- I tried and failed to find a picture but imagine Isabella Rossellini in 90s Vogue. Have fun !

Like this

Re hair and makeup, have a chat when you make the appointment so they know what you want. Maybe even pay for a trial. It is possible to get a natural look and feel great, even when you don't normally wear makeup, but you probably won't be happy if you don't recognise yourself in a mirror. Remember, us tall ladies look elegant without even trying.

I’m no help I’m afraid, but can I ask where you got those boots on the right from? I really like them!