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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:
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TheSquareMile · 15/10/2023 18:55

Would something like this work for you?

https://www.ralphlauren.co.uk/en/twist-front-stretch-jersey-gown-648376.html

IdontPracticeSanteria · 15/10/2023 19:00

I'm not generally a fan of jumpsuits. But I like the aubergine one from House of Bruar best that you linked OP. Even though you thought it may be frumpy.

Mandalayblonde · 15/10/2023 19:33

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.

Sadly not tomorrow - sorry!

And hadn't considered risk of cold ankles...

OP posts:
NatashaDancing · 15/10/2023 19:59

I'm just worried that my ankles will get cold in mine so might wear dress + tights.

Why can't you wear nylon pop socks?

redribbonrose · 15/10/2023 21:33

fhwt.app.link/aNbUQ9Y4UDb

VitoCorleoneOfMNMafia · 15/10/2023 23:46

Mandalayblonde · 15/10/2023 18:28

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!

If you've got good arms, you could pull it off at any age.

LivingOnAPear · 16/10/2023 00:44

I have the joanie bellatrix in black and it’s really comfortable and gets lots of compliments.
I’m 169cm but my legs aren’t that long and it’s a good length on me. I have big boobs and bum and slight post baby belly and it’s very flattering.

Middleagedmeangirls · 16/10/2023 07:54

I have the Joanie one in red and have worn it to black tie events. With heels and an evening bag it looked completely appropriate.

I'm now going to order it in green!

MBeat · 16/10/2023 10:15

I’m an inch taller than you, same build, I think I tried on around 20-30 jumpsuits so far this year. None fit!

Handsnotwands · 16/10/2023 11:14

i have the nancy mac one and have worn it to a few v posh dos. it's' fab. also their customer service is very helpful and will take up the legs if you need them too. i'm tall and quiet long bodied and it's a great fit

Singlespies · 16/10/2023 14:23

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.

Your friend looks great. Lovely!

LoobyDop · 16/10/2023 16:14

One of the reasons I really like jumpsuits for evenings is that the divided legs make a massive difference to warmth factor and remove the freeze or wear tights dilemma.
I love that Joanie one, tempted by the red. Polyester, though. It never looks as good as proper silk velvet.

CharlotteBog · 16/10/2023 17:31

KirstinBlest · 15/10/2023 12:31

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

I have a beautiful Phase 8 jumpsuit which I think would be absolutely fine for black tie.

Halter neck with diamanté finish. Elegant, flowing fabric.

CharlotteBog · 16/10/2023 17:42

VitoCorleoneOfMNMafia · 15/10/2023 23:46

If you've got good arms, you could pull it off at any age.

Those silky dresses have to fit you perfectly - really smooth over all your natural curves and the seams in the right place. If you can get that look then I think it's super elegant.

Badlands1 · 16/10/2023 18:43

Not velvet but silk and low cut so looks like evening wear
https://www.yoox.com/uk/54175889TR/item#dept=women&sts=sr_women80&cod10=54175889TR&sizeId=-1

mynameiscalypso · 17/10/2023 18:12

Having been to a black tie city event last night, I can confirm that about 30% of women were wearing jumpsuits, maybe more. I also saw a few - shock horror- wearing trousers and a smart top.

Mandalayblonde · 17/10/2023 22:25

mynameiscalypso · 17/10/2023 18:12

Having been to a black tie city event last night, I can confirm that about 30% of women were wearing jumpsuits, maybe more. I also saw a few - shock horror- wearing trousers and a smart top.

Yay! Many thanks for the feedback. AND I hope you found a kindred spirit and had fun.

OP posts:
jackstini · 17/10/2023 22:55

@Meredusoleil - that's a bargain!