Black tie work awards ceremony - help!

[polishprincesses]

Have to attend a work prize ceremony and need a dress. It’s black tie and although I don’t mind dressing up, I don’t do it very often and so I don’t feel confident with what to wear.

I’m late 20s, tall and size 14. Are any of these options suitable? Budget is not huge, under £100 but the less the better. Thanks!

I think the green one is totally appropriate. The others look like holidaybwear or workwear.

I can’t believe someone in their twenties is looking to Next for evening wear …

They’re all so dowdy and kind of pointless. Do you really not have any vintage or charity shops in your local area? Alternatively you could search on Vinted. Or you could browse any of the fifteen trillion shops available on the internet that are not Next.

What sort of dress do you feel you want to wear that is suitable for the event? Elevated office wear - a midi that anyone might wear to a smart lunch, or an evening gown? Could you wear a dressy mini dress, or a relaxed t shirt style that happens to be maxi length?

All the items you’ve shown are quite stark, so I’m guessing you don’t like puffy, flouncy dresses? There are lots here at around your budget, or less.

https://sisterjane.com

Here’s a variety of options:

This would be lovely if a mini would be appropriate:

Sister Jane pink

As would this:

Stories red

This is summery and relaxed:

Zara dots

This is even more relaxed, but still glamorous:

Stories black midi

The ultimate long black dress. Slightly over budget but so worth it. (Though if you’re in a serious profession you may want to add a jacket):

Realisation bargain

I bought these on the next site for an upcoming event. They are nice and comfy. I need to choose between them. Just deciding on accessories.

The first 2 are fine for work award black tie dos. Neither would be my choice but they'd do.

If you google Coast black tie dresses there's up to 40% off most of them bringing them into your budget. They're a bit more 'black tie' worthy than the ones you've posted.

None would be my choice but they don't look like holiday or workwear. All of them would get by at a work awards black tie do. There's always people at them who aren't that interested in full dressing up- it doesn't matter.

Is this something you are likely to have to go to on a regular basis? If not then you could consider renting - Selfridges Hurr or By Rotation all have a decent range well in budget.

https://www.brandalley.co.uk/18973081.html?gclsrc=aw.ds&&utm_campaign=(GB%3AsmecPMax)%20Clearance%20SKU&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_id=go_cmp-22114824707_adg-_ad-__dev-m_ext-_prd-18973085_mca-119667858_sig-Cj0KCQjwhMq-BhCFARIsAGvo0KcnnBps960eRjMFVLFmDNNnAapoEURoiGM2sdriEKpCigVTBg6Nw8oaAq0jEALw_wcB&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD9Yly5xsScyT2i4vvNJZzJYPv9nu&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhMq-BhCFARIsAGvo0KcnnBps960eRjMFVLFmDNNnAapoEURoiGM2sdriEKpCigVTBg6Nw8oaAq0jEALw_wcB

what about this?

Don’t think the link worked. Ghost have great black tie dresses at good prices

I hope this doesn’t sound rude but to me they are all very safe and dull. I am 43 and would think they are too “old” for me.

I am sure people will be able to find you something more fun but still appropriate.

I love the Ghost one, but again I am much older than you

Work event black ties are rarely black ties - all be it if you're in a particularly glam industry that may be different. Many people will come in a slightly dressed up version of work gear, for years, my default was a black tux which I could wear during the day at work, then switch up for the event in the evening.

When you say you don't dress up often - what would you be most comfortable in? A dress - and if so what length? A trouser suit or outfit? Or a Jumpsuit?
If you're going to spend the money, I'd at least get something you'd conceivably wear again.

Casual suit but could be broken up and worn separately afterwards https://www.zara.com/uk/en/creased-effect-blazer-p04387130.html?v1=422660395&v2=2420285

More tailored/evening top and trousers co-ord https://www.zara.com/uk/en/contrast-satin-bustier-top-p02682597.html?v1=434536832&v2=2420285

Mango draped midi dress https://shop.mango.com/gb/en/p/women/dresses-and-jumpsuits/dresses/draped-midi-dress_87067713 if you like that style, they have several options in similar cut but different colours, etc

Mango more traditional black tie https://shop.mango.com/gb/en/p/women/dresses-and-jumpsuits/dresses/combined-strapless-dress_87014813