Black tie dress code?!

[Confusedpartyguest]

So, DH and I are going to a very fancy 50th birthday celebration next month. This is his boss, and is all paid for in a very luxurious hotel.
Dress code is black tie…I had planned on wearing this short ‘cocktail’ (?) dress from Reiss…but now I’m panicking that this isn’t formal enough. Thoughts??

I think it's v nice OP & with right shoes, make up etc suitable for black tie.

Its a very nice dress OP. I don't think it would be formal enough for the events I've been too as feels a bit daytime.

Black tie dress code can be a bit less formal these days though

I like it but my first thought was 'Is that a cocktail dress?' I think I would go
for something more formal. It could be as simple but something you can wear some jewellery with and a bit longer

I agree, it’s not formal enough for my interpretation of black tie. I think women can be less formal than in the past (obvs men still in DJ) but even so, if it’s a short dress rather than long it needs to be definitely cocktail - so something with sparkle, slinky fit, a bit more glam. It’s a pretty dress but more for say a fancy wedding for me.

That's perfect for a cocktail party but not a black tie event.

This style may work better

https://www.reiss.com/style/su660286/f67640#f67640

This is too informal & short for a black tie event, however perfect for a cocktail party.

https://www.karenmillen.com/notebook/fashion/black-tie-dress-code-women.html

The dress is really nice but not formal enough.

It could be formal with quality stockings, black patient leather shoes and clutch, and with an up do and pearls, blush pearly nails and evening makeup..and a fluffy fake fur stole/short cape in black or white.

The colour is divine and lends itself to formal wear.

Agree with @user1492757084 - although I hate the “dress it up, dress it down “ phrase , you absolutely can formalise your outfit with accessories, jewellery etc.

It’s a great choice, OP - hope you have a fab evening !

I think it’s fine! I don’t think anyone insists on ‘black tie must be long’ these days.

It would be better in another colour

Not formal enough. I can see this at a nice lunch somewhere but not black tie.

I love it, but it's not saying 'black tie' to me.

DS's school has formal events and it's very much expected that the girls are in long dresses. They had a talk on how to dress and boys were told that pockets on dress shirts were a no no and buttons should be covered 😂

Its a lovely dress, but not black tie in my opinion

short is OK but the dress is a bit casual for aa work related event. Better to err on the conservative side.

Interesting! Thank you for all the advice and input. I suppose in my mind I was just thinking smart, and the kind of thing I’d wear to a wedding but I agree that this maybe isn’t black-tie enough. I also think I just wanted an excuse to wear this dress as I love it so much!! 😂
Now to hunt for something more suitable…

Agree. I do wonder when this question comes up if posters who declared it's not black tie have been to a black tie do this century.

If not pearls some dramatic, modernistic, brutalist jewellery - earrings or necklace- the sort of stuff which looks as if it could be used as a weapon in an emergency.

There's some ghastly stuff in that guide.

Lol I have been to a few black tie dos this century actually tho icl they were about 10-15 years ago. I wore a long dress and so did lots of other people. I can imagine that in 2025 many people will wear short; I still think that a glammer dress might fit in better. Also “quality stockings” – what are they and how will they make a difference?