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Original poster

Black tie events in City, navy velvet jumpsuit - if so from where, HELP?

59 replies

Mandalayblonde · 15/10/2023 09:32

Help please! I have three work black tie events coming up (the first this week) and nothing to wear... One of them I have to stand up and speak so really want to feel the part. Have developed a total obsession with the idea that a navy velvelt jumpsuit would be the thing but can't bloody find one, so not helpful.

I am 48, highlighted blonde, paleish, 5'7" and size 12. Good boobs not great waist or top of arms and long body / shortish legs (so jumpsuit maybe not best plan anyway?). I think I am soft / cool summer so not sure I should wear black - but then it can look quite striking when I do... Budget £150 ish

I have found

joanieclothing.com/bellatrix-short-sleeve-velvet-jumpsuit-black.html )also in green?)

www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-holly-velvet-jumpsuit-black/p110821656 (bit dull?)

www.houseofbruar.com/ladies-velvet-jumpsuit-purple/?locale=gpb&glCountry=UK&glCurrency=GBP&istCompanyId=facab9df-87a0-4360-a00c-69f8b6f60974&istFeedId=e1385490-e58f-4fe4-b510-6708df5ec276&istItemId=lxrxtttxr&istBid=t&src=webshp&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpompBhDZARIsAFD_Fp__0CdYwkA1DqRA1lDjfKQo0AERy4GMfBBQjrFdgidZ3Km1jGRMRUcaAvKaEALw_wcB (frumpy?)

(not sure about arms or if smart enough) www.coastfashion.com/product/coast-pleat-top-jumpsuit_bcc05729?colour=black

www.johnlewis.com/yumi-sparkle-velvet-jumpsuit-navy/p111047763 (don't like zip)

I also tried this on and love it (with decent spanks) but really don't think grown up enough www.nobodyschild.com/black-monika-satin-slip-maxi-dress.html

Feels like sequins would be TOO MUCH. Anyone have any of the above or better suggestions please? Oh and I can't wear heels...

OP posts:
Thread gallery
13
Original poster
Mandalayblonde · 15/10/2023 10:14

Beautiful - how is the fit?

OP posts:
KirstinBlest · 15/10/2023 12:31

A jumpsuit doesn't really cut it at a black tie do, IMO.

YouOKHun · 15/10/2023 12:43

I was going to say Nancy Mac too. The fit is not tight and being silk velvet it is more draped and fluid than structured. It’s very much a 1940s style. I know it’s not a brilliant pic but here is a friend wearing the green version, it’s perhaps easier to see how it looks.

Black tie events in City, navy velvet jumpsuit - if so from where, HELP?
Black tie events in City, navy velvet jumpsuit - if so from where, HELP?
NatashaDancing · 15/10/2023 13:43

For a work black tie a jumpsuit in velvet would be fine. (The JL Yumi one is awful btw)

I don't like jumpsuits or Nancy Mac but if you do the navy jumpsuit fits the remit. The green one looks a lot better on YouOKHun's friend than it does on the lollipop model on Nancy Mac.

Xrayspeccyspecs · 15/10/2023 14:12

I’ve not bought one yet - I just stalk their site waiting for the right occasion! But there are quite specific measurements on the website, it’s a small firm run by two sisters and I think they’d adapt if you need it longer/ shorter.

teoma · 15/10/2023 15:59

Sorry OP, but IMHO, not suitable for a black tie event.

BabyStopCryin · 15/10/2023 16:02

The problem with jumpsuits is that you need to try them on before (so not online on a rush) because the crotch length can vary (I had a jumpsuit fetish over the summer and bought a few and can testify to this).

bestbefore · 15/10/2023 16:07

How about this one?

fhwt.app.link/aNbUQ9Y4UDb next

YouOKHun · 15/10/2023 16:59

I’ll tell her that @NatashaDancing ;). I think the NM garments would benefit from being modelled by people with fuller figures. I’m very slim at the moment and they don’t look great on me at all - they need to drape not hang. Hope you find what you’re looking for @Mandalayblonde

NatashaDancing · 15/10/2023 17:35

YouOKHun · 15/10/2023 16:59

I’ll tell her that @NatashaDancing ;). I think the NM garments would benefit from being modelled by people with fuller figures. I’m very slim at the moment and they don’t look great on me at all - they need to drape not hang. Hope you find what you’re looking for @Mandalayblonde

My comment was slightly damning with faint praise, so to be clear, from what I can see of your friend it's a good, eye catching outfit and it suits her. You're right about it not hanging.

NatashaDancing · 15/10/2023 17:41

namechange55465 · 15/10/2023 16:55

That's one of Bombshell's better efforts but these are work black tie events. Depending on the sector they are not always as dressed up as say a gala charity event.

At the Thursday evening one I was at earlier this month a navy velvet jumpsuit would have been fine. I don't think anyone was as glammed up as that Bombshell dress.

NigelHarmansNewWife · 15/10/2023 18:03

What about a velvet jacket and trousers and a beautiful evening top/satin shirt/blouse?

Warringstars · 15/10/2023 18:24

@Mandalayblonde i thought the nobody’s child dress you linked to was beautiful, plus you loved it on and that is really important. I think it looks very elegant, with heels.

Original poster
Mandalayblonde · 15/10/2023 18:28

Warringstars · 15/10/2023 18:24

@Mandalayblonde i thought the nobody’s child dress you linked to was beautiful, plus you loved it on and that is really important. I think it looks very elegant, with heels.

I think it would be lovely if I were 19... or 29... not sure I can pull it off at nearly 50...

Thanks for the range of views, vipers!

OP posts:
bubblicious47 · 15/10/2023 18:32

I have just bought the Joanie one in green and I think it's fantastic - very good quality, and hangs really well (much better than the Nancy Mac one IMO, no offence as she looks great). I'm blonde and will wear it with gold jewellery and gold Esska shoes and I think it's quite festive without being OTT

Tisfortired · 15/10/2023 18:32

There’s a blue velvet suit in Sainsbury’s at the mo that looks lovely.

QueenKong101 · 15/10/2023 18:34

I also have the Joanie one in green and it fits really well (also long body and short legs). It's really nice quality for the price too.

eurochick · 15/10/2023 18:36

teoma · 15/10/2023 15:59

Sorry OP, but IMHO, not suitable for a black tie event.

I went to a legal awards dinner at one of the Park Lane ballrooms recently and there were quite a few women in jumpsuits. I still favour dresses but jumpsuits now seem to be acceptable black tie wear.

bubblicious47 · 15/10/2023 18:36

QueenKong101 · 15/10/2023 18:34

I also have the Joanie one in green and it fits really well (also long body and short legs). It's really nice quality for the price too.

And it has pockets! I'm almost tempted to get the red one too now...

Labradoodlie · 15/10/2023 18:39

No helpful links, sorry! But chiming in to say that I go to lots of black tie work stuff in the City and jumpsuits are very much OK.

mynameiscalypso · 15/10/2023 18:40

Do you happen to be going to one tomorrow night? I am and know nobody going so am desperately hoping that a fellow MN-er might be there.

I have been considering wearing a jumpsuit and think it would be fine. I'm just worried that my ankles will get cold in mine so might wear dress + tights.

Laurdo · 15/10/2023 18:45

Club L London usually have loads of jewel coloured velvets but just had a nosey and they only have jumpsuits in black velvet or red velvet. Loads of non velvet navy jumpsuits and navy velvet dresses though.