black tie dress?

[user5687921]

Is this suitable? The last several black tie things we've been to I think there have been more short/cocktail type dresses than gowns.

OhDear111 - the passage you shared literally says that long is usually best, and if you're not going long, then it should at least be below the knee. It doesn't say that short dresses are appropriate at all.

@QueenMummyTheFirst if you go to a do with many women under 40 you will see loads of mini dresses. They are not wrong to wear them and of course Debretts is more middle aged. Plus long is seen less and less now. It clearly says if you don’t want to wear long, there’s alternatives and these days many take them. As I said earlier, short dress: great legs a must!

Actually, I think long dresses are very 'in' with younger women especially.
I've seen young women arriving at weddings in long dresses, let alone a black tie 'do'.

@RecordBreakers That’s usually misunderstanding formal daywear code for a wedding. Saves changing for the party later. It’s ok at a black tie wedding of course.

In 2025 who gives a darn about Debretts?
I think one of the nice things about the OPs dress was that it was gold. Original "formal wear" advice is dark colours. Makes it look super gloomy.
I a room full of black dresses OP would be a blessed relief in gold

I wouldn't think dark colours are a must for black tie, I think gold could be perfect. Of course, anyone can wear whatever they want for an event, and the dress in the OP is lovely. However, I do stand by the point that a mini dress isn't traditional black tie dress code. Things do change, but if someone specifies a dress code, I would always do my best to honour that. A dress code sets the mood for the event, and I think it's respectful to honour the host and the other guests by adhering to the request.

I think I'm way too invested in this discussion now 😅 .

OP - I hope you have a brilliant time at your event, and I'm sure you will look fabulous in the gold dress, or any other one you choose x

DH and I go to a fair few black tie dinners. Younger women often wear dresses well above the knee, and look lovely. Long dresses are vanishingly unusual but perhaps they are comong back. I haven't worn one since the 90s.

@Breadcat24 Whether you like it or not, it gives a clear definition of black tie and white tie. It avoids worrying about dress. It is definitely a bit out of date regarding the long dress advice but it’s not really aimed at under 30s. These women don’t wear long as much and of course short is ok. For someone aged 55, maybe not - go longer! Reference points on what dress codes mean are always valuable. This is why Royal Ascot says what their dress code is. Avoids confusion.

sorry, wrong thread