Which dress?

[DuaNinja]

Option 1

Option 2

Which dress for a black tie do in a large hotel in central London for company annual summer party? Age 52, size 14, menopausal tummy.

Or something else entirely?

Option 2 is … better, in that it at least doesn’t look wintery. The first is more Christmas party.

But I’m a fair bit older than you and both seem deeply staid and dull to me. At that budget I’d probably be looking at Zara, or borrowing from a relative, or best of all, digging out a long evening skirt and white shirt. As you say it will be too busy for anyone to notice much, it probably wouldn’t be worth renting a dress for - though you could, just about.

There's black tie and black tie. Work related, especially mid- week, black tie generally doesn't mean you have to turn up looking as if you're at the Met gala.

I think both dresses meet the criteria (having had decades of navigating many black tie events). Neither would be my choice but that's because I don't like them, not because they aren't suitable.

This is gorgeous

Witch-y …

Each to their own but if this and the OP's dresses were the choices I'd take either of the OP's dresses over that. I'd refuse to leave the house if I had to wear that.

From the dresses you've posted, I'm assuming your budget is around £50. I'd get on Vinted and try to find something interesting second-hand. I'd be searching for brands like Saloni, Erdem, Lisou, maybe vintage Ghost or Monsoon. I like silk so I'd be trying to get something silk if I could, but if you're less fussy about material than I am you'll have even more choice!

Love option 2 with gold sandals and gold clutch .

not 100% sure it’s dressy enough though.

never been to a black tie event so wouldn’t know what to wear to one.

Not either of them- I think they look badly made and next to the men suited and booted I think it will look cheap.

Rented is the way to go!

Gypsy hem- no
layered skirt- no
handkerchief type hems- no

something floaty is good if that is what you like but choose something tailored.

There’s a load of sparkly Christmas type dresses in the next sale.

Something like This

nice floaty shape but a bit more structure.

similar to your dress

Simple yet interesting very chic

Agree . Neither scream black tie to me and just nice dress.

I think Option 1 is more flattering around the menopausal tummy area.

Its become so difficult to know what to wear lately as my body has changed shape. I never used to have a tummy and now have bigger boobs and bum all of a sudden too. I have tried on dresses I already own but nothing fits like it used to. I will see what they look like on and decide.

The trouble with Vinted is that if I'm not sure what suits me then I end up buying things and having to sell them on and I can't be bothered with that. I have been looking in the Next Sale as this is where I found the 2 dresses. The yumi / john lewis dress is nice but only up to size 12.

That's the best so far by miles. I wonder if the top has to be off shoulder.

If budget is £50 this is a bit over but this dress in green, red or black.

https://joanieclothing.com/victoria-floral-damask-balloon-sleeve-midaxi-dress-clay.html

I don’t like the drop shoulder and long sleeves will be too hot. The venue is like a big basement with 500 people squashed in, it is always very hot and stuffy. I am looking on Vinted too so I have options.

Some of the suggestions are so far away from what I would wear. We all like different things I suppose. Very interesting to see.

How about this - a short sleeve version of the dress @IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle suggested:

https://joanieclothing.com/alberto-floral-damask-midaxi-dress-green.html

Or this
www.whistles.com/product/lori-textured-midi-dress-40265.html#cgid=Occasion_Dresses_Clothing_WW&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=lori-textured-midi-dress-40265&pos=14

Oh that's lovely. The blue would be great for a summer, work, black tie.

I quite like the short sleeved Joanie Clothing one but don't think the colours are quite right.

Some of the designers mentioned earlier are still very expensive on Vinted, I can't spend over £100 on a dress from Vinted. I always seem disappointed with Vinted purchases, they usually arrive screwed up and not quite as described.

This one has some draping over the tummy area and it’s a gorgeous colour for a summer black tie party even if the photos are from Christmas time 🙂
https://www.hurrcollective.com/listings/donna-maxi-dress-62470

And one in black from Needle and Thread:
www.hurrcollective.com/listings/solstice-satin-trimmed-gown

Number 2 I prefer, overall look is lighter & more summery

I really like the blue & gold colours, also the angel wing sleeves…have to admit, very much my style!