Black tie help

[isntitapip]

I’m going to a black tie event in 2 weeks. I’ve lost weight so my only suitable dress is too big. I also hate wearing black, I’m all about bright colours. Budget £100-£150ish. I could afford more but really don’t want to spend it in something I’ll rarely, if ever, wear again.
I'm a size 10-12, 5foot5, hour glass with small waist and big boobs but short legs (so long dresses often trail on the floor ). Go to shop is NEXT as it’s just easy. Can anyone with more style than me suggest anything please? I’m clueless

So, is it a party, an academic dinner, a corporate work event? Is it closer to ballgown territory, or velvet trouser suit? Do you want to impress, or just turn up in something vaguely appropriate?

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su875786/v14771

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su089558/564563

Couple of good options

Phase Eight have a lot of options in their sale, I guess it depends on how bright you’re willing to go and how “traditional” black tie the event is.
Would you consider a jumpsuit? https://www.phase-eight.com/product/julissa-jumpsuit-10002680300.html

I always wear either black or navy evening trousers. You could just buy some wide legged trousers in a nice material and wear them with a fancy top. I hate buying clothes I am not going to get a good wear out of.

Ax Paris have some nice bits in the sale and really reasonable prices https://www.axparis.com/collections/dresses-1/products/burnt-orange-one-shoulder-cut-out-detail-draped-wrap-midi-dress

https://www.axparis.com/collections/dresses-1/products/burnt-orange-halter-neck-ruched-bodycon-midi-dress

https://www.axparis.com/collections/dresses-1/products/green-watercolour-print-mesh-one-shoulder-asymmetric-hem-midi-dress

It’s an awards ceremony. I was to be suitable, not to impress

Jump suits don’t usually work for me they end up being too long. Can I wear trousers to a black tie do? Is that acceptable?

Can you have your dress altered? I lost 5 stone and took all my favourite dresses to a dressmaker. Cheaper than buying new.

Oh now this is amazing! Can I wear that to a black tie? It’s very bright.
never heard of that brand are they any good?

thanks everyone for the replies, sorry I’m back to this late, had a bit of a minor crisis yesterday that took up my time

AX Paris is my go to for weddings and special occasions, I've never had any issues with quality or sizing.

It’s 2025 not 1925 yes you can wear trousers! Plus ‘black tie’ is the dress code for men. It means a tuxedo and a (usually black) bow tie. You can wear anything from a cocktail dress to a floor length ball gown.
can you get photos of last years event to check out other women’s outfits?

if it is a work awards dinner make sure you can sit and eat as well as stand! And it photographs well. So many awards photos the men all look amazing and the women are in low cut tops, or wearing black when it doesn’t suit them.

personally I’d love to get a tux in a jewel colour and just wear that for all future black tie dos!

I’ve had a few bits from there and they seem good quality