Black tie!! Help!

[Swearwolf]

Does black tie always mean floor length? Have been invited to a black tie Christmas party!

Any suggestions super welcome! I'm 5'2"/159cm, slightly overweight large size 10 (hoping to drop a few lb before Christmas), early 40s. Fairly even figure, most self-conscious about my upper arms.

Oh! And I have a toe thing that means I can't wear heels!

No, these days it can be cocktail length, jumpsuit or long trousers as well.

As the poster above says! Black tie these days means dress up in what you feel good in. Obviously you need to consider the culture of your event - but essentially as long as you look celebratory and as if you’ve made an effort, anything goes.

Sparkly pink mini skirt, raspberry velvet jumpsuit, dinner jacket and shorts …

Don’t stress, have fun with choosing.

No! I've been to several Lodge Ladies Nights which are Black Tie and quite formal and seen a mix of long dresses, short cocktail dresses and also a lady who wore a dinner suit and cream silk fitted waistcoat with nothing underneath (no shirt I mean, I can't guarantee she went braless!). She looked fabulous.

I've also got a couple of velvet jumpsuits which I've worn to Black Tie/Formal Nights.

As for the shoes, sparkly flats, pointed flats in velvet, or gold/silver will also look great. You definitely don't need vertical heels!

Thank you! I'll get looking.