Dress needed for black tie event tomorrow evening

[BlackTieEmergency]

Style & Beauty people, I need your help.

I'm staying with my brother because of a family emergency. He is hosting a black tie event tomorrow evening and has asked me to be his plus one. It would give him a lot of moral support at a stressful time and I really want to do this.

I don’t have anything suitable to wear with me. The event is in London tomorrow evening. I can travel to London during the afternoon and will have a couple of hours to buy a suitable outfit but I have to support a relative at a hospital appointment in the morning, before I can go into London, so can’t spend a lot of time.

I have a small silver handbag with me that would double as an evening bag, some black tights and some sheer tights. I am the same shoe size as a female relative here, so if I know what I’ll be wearing, may be able to borrow some shoes but would have to borrow them this evening and take them into London with me. I’ve also got access to a ton of make up (thank you teenage relatives) and can borrow some jewellery.

But help! I’ve nothing to wear. I’ve been online and put things like evening dress and black tie into the Selfridges website, but am feeling clueless and panicky. Everything looks long and I can’t work out what is in the shop and what is available to order online.

I am 5 foot 4, size 14, short black hair, 50, good going curves but flabby everywhere I was once toned, so would like to cover upper arms. Well actually I’d like to cover everything under a duvet tomorrow evening and hide from this whole thing, but he’s a lovely brother, it’s been a shitty year and I want to just make this work as smoothly as possible.

People will ask about budgets, but honestly this is so far from my usual comfort zone, I have no idea what’s reasonable. Everything I’ve seen looks expensive and I’m thinking of reselling whatever I wear. The event is for professionals and there’ll be a dinner so I need to be able to walk and sit down.

Thank you for all and any suggestions.

www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-satin-flare-sleeve-cut-out-maxi-dress-in-black/prd/205339970?_gl=1zx5p5h_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhLzdoOuxigMVSoBQBh259hryEAAYASAAEgKMMPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&gbraid=0AAAAADqFjOAXbC4hBi86mCgXFMrcprJgu#colourWayId-205339973

If you are quick you can order next day delivery

Something like this? Simple, covers upper arms, should suit if you are curvy up top - I like the burgundy one but you could go for classic black. You could probably order for click and collect: https://www.marksandspencer.com/satin-v-neck-midi-skater-dress/p/clp23014321?color=BURGUNDY

Thank you, it looks beautiful. I’m scared about the length and that there won’t be time to have it altered. If I was tall, this would be perfect. I’m also nervous about ordering online for tomorrow in case delivery doesn’t happen because of all the Christmas deliveries .

The M&S one is lovely. Thank you.

Or just find a branch of Phase 8 and see what they have got in your size - they are reliable, if not exciting, for presentable occasionwear. Ditto probably John Lewis.

If you have a silver handbag with you and don’t want to buy another, take silver shoes and jewellery. Lots of dresses will go with those. Take both pairs of tights with you or you can always buy some cheap ones in eg boots.

depending on where you are coming from and going to I would head to a John Lewis or go to Covent Garden and look in the usual Hobbs, Reiss, whistles etc and try the tk maxx on the off chance too. If you really aren’t bothered about budget try Rails there too - they may be able to suggest things

What about hiring something? There's a place called One Night Stand in Chelsea?

Have you got a local biggish Sainsburys? I'd pop there tonight, it's quite likely that you will find something that will pass.

I would go to John Lewis where you can take different brands into the changing room, rather than trek around individual shops.

I found staff in Reiss Covent Garden interested and friendly. . Might be worth going in there and asking for help.

@BlackTieEmergency A black tie event is not a long dress. It’s anything from satin trousers and a slinky sparkly top to a velvet dress. Where can you shop tomorrow? In London? M&S has had well priced evening wear. Are you near a John Lewis? Where can you shop?

Call and see if you can get a last minute personal shopping session at John Lewis Oxford St. They might have a cancellation and would make it easier to find something.

If not I'd go there as loads of choices all together. And M and S has great stuff right now.

Thank you all so, so much.
To answer the questions, I can get a train to Marylebone tomorrow and see there is a bus to Oxford Street. I could also go to Covent Garden and there is a big M&S on Oxford Street. I’m going to look at the relatives shoes this evening. Unfortunately I can’t get to a big Sainsbury this evening but could go locally before going into London tomorrow afternoon.

Thank you for the advice on tights and jewellery etc and for so much help. I’m very thankful.

If I were you I would think of this pragmatically.
you want something that is flattering to your body shape, but unlike at occasions where you are going for yourself, you don’t actually have to really like it or feel like yourself
you just need to be appropriately dressed and confident that you will look appropriate as your brothers guest.

for me that would make things easier.
a decent blowdry, a satisfactory dress, and a good smile will be enough .

i hope that you have a positive evening, and that the difficult circumstances become easier

Thank you @MumonabikeE5 your pragmatism and kindness really touched me. And I hadn’t thought of a blow dry. The teenagers here are helping me book an appointment.

It doesn't have to be black, but I'd suggest sticking with one dark colour rather than anything too daring. Black, navy, plum, etc All go with a silver bag, and try to go for shoes that are black or silver. If you pick a colourful shoe it might clash with an option.

M&S do great shapewear- I'd suggest getting that first and shopping around while wearing it if you intend to.

If in doubt about top of arms, get a thin scarf and use it as a shawl. Even primark has scarves, if you get stuck!

If in doubt- go with glitter and sparkles!

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/kenzia-wrap-floral-shimmer-maxi-dress-222481000.html#cgid=black-tie&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=222481000&pos=2

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/donna-velvet-maxi-dress-221855050.html#cgid=black-tie&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=221855050&pos=51

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/petite-holly-velvet-star-wrap-maxi-dress-221961050.html#cgid=black-tie&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=221961050&pos=52

If you have time , look in Liberty but otherwise a .John Lewis or Hobbs and Reiss at Covent Garden

Quiz has lots of party wear including black tie suitable... I believe they have a store on Oxford Street.

Can you borrow a boring black dress and then buy a sparkly beaded or sequined jacket everywhere has those?

@BlackTieEmergency The big M&S is at the Marble Arch end of Oxford street. Marylebone to Oxford Circus and then a short walk to John Lewis quicker by tube.

Everyone has given you great advice and I'm sure you will find something you feel comfortable in. You sound lovely and kind, and that will shine through no matter what you wear. I hope you enjoy the evening with your brother.

You brilliant women. It isn’t yet 7am and I’m sorted, thanks to this thread. I spent yesterday evening looking at the Sainsbury’s website and was there at 6am. I’ve bought a pair of silver sequin trousers and a plain black dress.

There is a relative here with a women’s dinner jacket that fits me, but alas not the trousers. I’m going to wear it with either the sequinned trousers or the dress (no fitting rooms in Sainsbury’s but they said I can return whichever one I don’t wear). I’ve also borrowed a lace and silk evening blouse from a different relative and am thinking to wear that with the trousers, but either way, I’ve got options and will be able to pick up a suitable top if that one doesn’t work.

Lots of shoe options too from family. The teenagers booked me a blow dry and are doing my make up for me. I’m relieved I won’t be rushing around shops in London today, but very, very grateful for everyone’s suggestions and in better times, I’ll come to London for a shopping day and visit all the places you have recommended. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart

@BlackTieEmergency Thank you for your update. Very pleased for you that you are sorted and can get on with supporting your relative without having this on your mind. I hope you have a lovely time this evening and your family emergency is resolved.

Ah, the family and teens sound lovely. Great choices. A black dress is never a bad option for things like this. Enjoy your evening.