Help! Black tie awards event coming up

[BaronessOrczy]

...and I've nothing to wear.

I'm 44, just over 6', a comfortable size 12, toned but pearshaped. I'd like something modern and fairly structured and with sleeves, even if it's just to the elbow.

Everything I look at seems to be designed for my mother - lots of lace overlay and fussy bits! The key for me is that it needs to be long enough. Tunic dresses aren't. Neither do I want masses (comfortable with some!) skin on display as I'll be with clients.

I'd really welcome any suggestions, particularly of brands to check out on Vinted as I can't see the point in buying new for one evening... I like Next Tall, Anthropologie, Zara, Hush...

Thank you!

Bombshell have some lovely evening dresses, but also what about a jumpsuit or lovely trousers?

Thanks, I’ll check out Bonbshell, I’ve not heard of them.

I'm really long bodied so jumpsuits tend to be far too short in the body I’m afraid.

Modern and fairly structured - have a look at Reiss, Tes Baker, Karen Millen. Not much lace there. Phase eight worth a look but some designs may be a bit maternal 😁

John Lewis is a good place to look for brand ideas, as you can apply lots of filters

*Ted Baker

Depends on the event. If it's a commercial trade awards type event rather than a Bafta red carpet type event, I think there are a number of Cos dresses which would be fine.

Cos 1
Cos 2
Cos 3
Cos 4
Cos 5

What about something like this?

Ooh! I’m actually starting to get a bit excited now. Thank you

love Cos 1 and 5, and the metallic dress - any idea where it’s from? I’d never have thought of Reiss or Karen Millen- I have looked at Phase Eight but yes, matronly…

I shall keep investigating. It’s definitely glam in comparison to most trade events, but not BAFTA- everyone makes a real effort though.

The metallic one is Quiz but it's an eBay listing.

Quiz

You could also check out Me&Em and Ba&sh on Vinted.

Yes the metallic is from Quiz. I'll be listing mine on Vinted this week if interested

@BaronessOrczy my go-to is Norma Kamali on net-a-porter (obvs) reasonably priced. I bought this one recently- am having the front adjusted by a local tailor so it is sewn up and I can wear a bra underneath. Any good?

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/norma-kamali/clothing/gowns/obie-draped-metallic-stretch-jersey-gown/1647597322010693?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GOO%3ANAP%3AEU%3AGB%3AEX%3AENG%3ASEAU%3APLA%3ASLR%3AMXO%3ANEW%3AWN%3ANORMA-KAMALI%3ALV0%3ALV1%3ALV2%3AXXX%3A11%3AEMPTY%3A&utm_id=20070269184&utm_term=3074457345626955302&vtp00=GOOGLE&vtp01=SEAU&vtp02=147366451423&vtp03=pla-311122297863&vtp04=g&vtp05=m&vtp06=657273760700&vtp07=pla&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADRhZnvu0n4-5GRRtvQI-4XnQBJaA&gclid=CjwKCAiA29auBhBxEiwAnKcSqgO4Chkd8H73daMWYYnToN6GwahJuwtwU5A8izICH-_cmKljDFpwCxoCi_wQAvD_BwE

Vampire's wife would be a good investment and tend to be long
https://www.theoutnet.com/en-es/shop/product/the-vampire-s-wife/dresses/maxi-dress/night-flight-floral-print-silk-satin-maxi-dress/1647597321350861
and this was posted on another thread recently but possibly too floaty although it would cover the arms well https://ba-sh.com/uk/p/dress-helena-violet-3664784695417.html?awc=21803_1708589957_b383deceb4ec7402fc9b823e21aaf6a9&utm_source=aw&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Skimlinks&utm_content=DE

Is the net-a- porter the one Georgia Tennant wore to the Baftas last week?

It did look lovely.

Inspired by the glitteryness upthread I have ordered this on Vinted

That dress is beautiful from Netaporter but not sure all over sheen would do anything for me other than highlight all my lumps and bumps!!

That Vampires Wife one is gorgeous but far out of my budget!

I also have an eye on this one, which my children found and think would suit me, not the sort of thing I would normally wear at all, but open to ideas!

Oh that purple Ba-sh dress is gorgeous

please let me know when you’ve posted yours on Vinted @Justmemyselfandi999

I’ve just bought this for an event and I’m thrilled with it! Really good quality heavy weight fabric and the draping across the front is very flattering. The split isn’t as high as it looks on the picture - the video shows the dress off best.

https://www.asos.com/prd/203756296?acquisitionsource=pasteboard

Self portrait or Reformation have some structured styles

I have this dress! Its gorgeous, and I had loads of compliments on it- it looks stunning when the light catches it especially

I have listed on Vinted this morning.

You can rent the vampires wife dress from literally every rental site. They all have it in multiple colours

thandth.com/collections/bridesmaid-dresses/products/camilla-in-emerald

Some of these are lovely. But I think I'd rather rent than buy of vinted so you could try them on first. Could you find somewhere near you? I know of a place in leamington Spa but not necessarily anywhere near you