Help me decide - black tie dress - splurge purchase

[Kellylindo]

I’ve had a wretched couple of years and feel like treating myself to a new dress for a black tie work party. The challenge is I want to buy something I’ll wear again i.e dinners, drinks out but that’s formal enough for black tie.
Any thoughts on this dress: https://www.victoriabeckham.com/products/posy-midi-dress-in-navy-21644

Or I go all out on this dress but don’t know when I’ll wear it again: https://www.victoriabeckham.com/products/isabella-gown-in-navy-21790

Thanks in advance!

Honestly, they are both acetate and viscose so I'd be reluctant to pay 1k on a dress made of that. They will both show every lump and bump so unless you are very trim and muscled . . . maybe drop in to the store to try a few.

I love the first one. The draping is beautiful. I'm not as much for the second one and it is no where near as versatile.

I've seen similar styles at Reiss and Next else I'm trying to think that are much cheaper but if you have the budget for the VB one and you love it then go for it.

The lump and bump thing can be an issue sometimes with designer wear. I have dresses from places like Sandro and Paige that are incredibly flattering but I was very disappointed that one I tried on at Loewe was not meant for my figure.

But you may have the perfect figure for it.

They are both stunning. You’re paying for the tailoring as much as the fabric (if not more) so I don’t think it’s unreasonable to spend that much if you can afford it. I agree you must try on in person though!

Some options here too. I personally love the burgundy ones (but I already have two burgundy evening dresses! https://www.flannels.com/women/clothing/dresses#dcp=1&dppp=59&OrderBy=price_asc&Filter=ABRA^Victoria%20Beckham

I think they’re both gorgeous. I wonder how tall you’d need to be though.

It’s so much a matter of personal taste …

Neither of those dresses would be on my list - but then there are several other designers whose clothes I’ve long coveted, and they might not appeal to you. So, 🤷‍♀️

How tall you’d need to be?

Tall enough to get yourself to a decent alterations service to have your frock tailored to fit, I guess. Although I’d assume if you bought one of the Victoria Beckham dresses in store they’d do the alterations for you. (That’s been my experience with other similar places.)

Agreed. Posy is far nicer 😊

I'd advise you book a stylist appointment at a fancy store, like Liberty, and try on a range of designers, as they def cut to different body shapes.

If you look amazing in both of those, I love the first one

Isn’t it likely the OP already knows what suits her, @similarminimer?

Neither of them. They don't even look good on the models.

My choice would be the Posy dress, it’s very elegant yet just a bit different.

@TheApocalypticiansApprentice - the fact she was asking a bunch of randoms on the internet which dress shenwould get miore wear out of, made me think she might like some hands on advice. Stylists appts are also often fun and a bit of a treat so I thought she might enjoy.

I'm tickled by you telling people off for giving advice on an advice board!

I’ve seen much nicer dresses for a lot less money.

That wasn’t quite what I meant - apologies!

It’s just that if someone is all at sea with £100 to spend after not going out for a decade, posters advise JL personal styling. But I assume that if someone has £1k, and is considering VB, they have more knowledge of brands and their own style.

But you’re right, in that instance I wouldn’t feel the need to ask MN …

I think the first one is very elegant. I love it. Not so keen on the second

I like the first one Op

Do you like Saloni?:

https://saloniworld.com/products/fabienne-long-dress-in-onyx-brushstroke

https://saloniworld.com/products/fabienne-b-dress-in-starlight-sky

saloniworld.com/products/taro-c-dress-in-black

The first one is absolutely stunning.

I would never make the assumption that having a larger budget means someone has more knowledge of their own style (or of brands, tbf). It's not like VB is an underground designer, she's probably one of the most famous women in the world.

OP, I think you could get a nicer dress for less money. But of the two I prefer the first. It's a bit more interesting.

That Saloni dress in Starlight Sky is stunning! But sold out in my size <sobs>

The posy dress is far more interesting and versatile. If it suits you and you feel great in it go for it!

As part of your "splurge" purchase, why not go physical shopping and try things on and lunch with a friend. The experience of trying dresses on in that price range is something I dream of, make the most of the whole thing. My wedding dress was £120 lol

This one

www.beulahlondon.com/products/moira-black-embellished-dress

I dont think thats black tie suitable though