Please help me decide on dresses - for 2 events!

[PopcornFiend]

Hi all, I have 2 work events coming up: one black tie event (3 course dinner & party at a big event centre in London.) Then our work Christmas party (canapes/dinner/disco in a nice hotel).

I have all of these dresses either already purchased or on their way.. but I need help deciding which to wear to which event! Please let me know what you’d choose - and of course if you think any of them are completely awful 🫣

Im 5ft5, size 12, age 40. Not bought shoes or bag yet until I narrow down on the dress(es).

Hopefully the pictures will attach ok..

I’d probably pick picture 3 for black tie event and picture 4 for the work Christmas party in that colour. No 4 is something I’m considering not for work but for Christmas parties generally. Both these 2 can also be worn at non work events (with friends and/or family) too.

Thanks! Yes I am really leaning towards no 4 for the Xmas do. I actually saw the dress on S&B in another thread and ordered it straight away, it’s beautiful!

My only hesitancy on no 3 for the black tie is it’s quite a long leg split, wasn’t sure if would be appropriate enough.. but then it is pretty much a maxi length on me so maybe?
Thanks for your advice!

I've been to lots of black tie work dos in central London, I'd say all your options are more party dress than black tie? 1, 2 or 5 would do well for the disco.

Is a hip height split on the longer black one really ok for a work event? I'm mid 40s and I think I'd raise an eyebrow at that in a more formal setting, with sit down dinner etc. Maybe I'm getting old!

The long gold one is more appropriate but I think it's awful, it looks like she's accidentally tucked a sparkly sack into her pants, sorry!

Either OP goes down the cocktail dress route or does the ball gown long dress, which, having been to a few of these work events a few times too, you generally only wear the dress once to the same one.

OP - could you please clarify with your company whether cocktail dresses are suitable or whether it’s full ballgown territory.

I like the gold dress though, not seen it in real life but I’d wear that and think it drapes just enough, it’s not too baggy and perfect for a casual party, the other dresses to me are too smart for a work party.

@Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain exactly, that's the key, because if they genuinely mean black tie then I'd say none of the above will work, whereas they'd all probably be ok if it's cocktail dress.

3 is gorgeous and could wear for the black tie. 1 for the Christmas do.

4 is awful - like a foil bin bag and won't flatter the figure. You're way too young for it.

It’s going to be tricky to find out exactly what’s acceptable, the event isn’t run by my company - basically it’s an event thrown by a major retailer with suppliers in attendance. It’s not eg corporate law or anything I would deem as overly formal/stuffy. From what I understand at similar events our company has attended for other retailers, there will be some awards, dinner, and then some sort of non-A list celebrity appearance and show eg Steps/Five/ ex-X factor type singers. I don’t think it’s going to be ballgown type wear across the board - but I might try and see if anyone I work with has gone to past ones and advise!

Oh no @Jk987 and @tpmumtobe have I totally misread the 4th dress? I really love it! 😭

Steps/Five/Ex Factor? My type of do, can I come? 😂

I was trying to be polite about number 4, it's hideous.

@Jk987 might be right - the long black one might work for formal if you're quite short and it's longer on you and the split's not as raunchy as on the model?

Also if you've got the figure for 1, 2 and 3, why would you swamp it in 4?

I really love 4 - it’s by far my favorite. You have to be slim to make it work but you are. Not sure which one I’d wear it to - maybe the black tie if it’s a cocktail dress ok one.

No 5 is the best, the others a good except No 4 which is Dobby's sack!

Dobby suits it but with your figure and young age/ not being an elf I think the others are better for you!

Do you know what... after my rude Dobby comments, that I am now apologise for. I bet you would absolutely rock that dress. And if you love it you should wear it. 💛

@Rigatone thank you but actually that dobby thing made me howl 😂😂

4 is the only one I’d wear and I’m 5ft5 size 10

i think I just can’t relax in tight fitting dresses as I have small boobs but no waist and don’t have a flat tummy. So to me 4 would be elegant and dressy without being figure hugging

But now I realise everyone would think I looked like a tinselled dishcloth!

<exits S&B>

before I leave though- I’d say the others are similar but the one shoulder one is more elegant for black tie and the short glittery T shirt style dress my least favourite.

I am no expert, but I agree with everyone saying that no 4 is awful! The Dobby comparison is spot on.

My favourite is the black off the shoulder dress.

If you like/suit gold and one shoulder what about something more like this: www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/gold-metallic-foil-pleated-one-shoulder-maxi-dress/p/908502893?extcam=UK_PPC_PMax_Generics_Priority_Google_DV_m_AGID__PRID_9085040&_cclid=Google_CjwKCAjwvKi4BhABEiwAH2gcw95NiJ0nE-2t0otcA4H15HEcp-BQ1IHCfYThMOls13YFLH1ACfkcXhoCM4wQAvD_BwE&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwvKi4BhABEiwAH2gcw95NiJ0nE-2t0otcA4H15HEcp-BQ1IHCfYThMOls13YFLH1ACfkcXhoCM4wQAvD_BwE

@tpmumtobe that’s a really beautiful dress but I’m not keen on the cut out at the side. I’ve lost weight this year and feel slimmer than I used to, but my middle area isn’t as toned as I’d like. I feel like bodycon type dresses might be ok as they’ll kind of suck me in/smooth me out (especially with shapewear underwear), and more loose or floaty dresses also ok. But not confident to show any tummy/sides off!

The red one is the best by far. I also like the longer black one.

I don't get the love for #4, it looks shapeless and unflattering.

4 is the only one I like. I don't like any of the others, especially number 3.

I think the first three are ok, but no 4 is really hideous and people will laugh at you. No 5 just looks very tacky.

Spot on.

I love the dress in picture 4.

I have no idea if it's appropriate for the dress code but 4 is the only one I like.

I’d chose 4 for the works party. I’m not too sure about the more formal event. Number 3 is probably the most suitable but I don’t like the split. It’s a trend I’d like to see the back of.