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!

Ah, just seen that you’re going for the first dress. Enjoy it OP!
As someone who has become obsessed with VB jeans since the Netflix documentary, I totally get it 🩷

I'm not a huge fan of VB's line , but no Next or Reiss dress is going to look as good on.

People have different budgets.

What on earth is it to you? OP said her Mum had died maybe it is inheritance that she wants to use to buy something that makes her feel fabulous because god forbid we should spend money on that. Maybe OP just has 1k to throw away and fancies the dress which makes mer feel wonderful, good for her.

Personally I would buy a simple, better value dress and a fabulous piece of jewellery. It holds its value better and fashions don’t change as much. The asymmetrical nature will date this quickly.

but if you are happy to wave goodbye to the money they are both lovely!

Love the first dress. Enjoy wearing it.

The first one is fabulous. I’m green with envy OP. I hope you have a brilliant time in it.

First one is lovely, second one doesn't have half the shape detail/interest IMO.

I’ve just looked at the orange one. I agree - it’s even more stunning in that colour. It’s a kind of rich burnt orange isn’t it. However, it does depend on your coloring. It would sadly look terrible on me.

I like the one pictured better and think it is slightly more useful as you would wear it to more events. Go for it, its lovely.

I like the first better. I think if you are body confident (no matter your size) this will look great. The other one would probably suit someone who prefers to cover up a but more. The only problem for me is that I'm jot that keen on any of the colours but if one would suit you, I'd say the posy is the best choice.

I love the first one.

I like the Posy one! However, definitely try on in person and see if they can alter for you. Dresses like that skim and need to be perfect!

You don’t understand that different people have different budgets and life circumstances?? You really should get out more.

OP that first dress is gorgeous. I do agree with PP that the lighter colours show the details and tailoring better, at least in photos. Love it in the orange.

I agree, with the right underwear, size is not important.

I often think of Miranda Bailey in Greys Anatomy, looks amazing in her clothes, even though shes not slim, but has fantastic foundation garments (im assuming)

Much prefer the first one. Beautiful cut and more flattering neckline.

@Blastedusername Style and beauty isn’t just high street and thrift stores! VB - why not!

I would have to agree with this!

@OopsieeDaisy But they are not, presumably, VB are they? That’s the point really!

Is it? I'm not in the market for a VB dress and might have thought they were overrated as I pay no attention to them, but that first dress is really beautiful, and I don't think that because of the label.

@Htcunya So you aren’t really best placed to comment then. Why not leave particular thread alone? It’s a thread about a label isn’t it plus it’s what the op values, not you. My DD wears VB. Not everyone goes to thrift shops,

OhDear111

I must have expressed myself badly or misunderstood you to have brought on such a snippy response.

I thought you were saying that OP only wanted to buy the dress because of the label, whereas I think it's a stunning dress which could never be replicated by cheaper brands, not just prized for the label. I was supporting OP's choice (and your daughter's, as it turns out).

My clothes are generally good quality and reasonably expensive, but not in the £1000 bracket. However, unlike some on MN, I do not criticise people for buying expensive clothes, bags or jewellery.

No. I didn’t mean she should be a slave to a label. She can of course value the label and how it makes her feel.

We seem to get too many comments based on waste of money, don’t like VB, don’t know the label, poor fabrics etc. I think if the op likes the label and look for her occasion, that’s fine. VB is well known for cut and fit. It just seems like posters on MN get a telling off for liking certain brands that others wear and do like. As I said, my DD has VB and looks fantastic so of course I support anyone wanting to look good and I fully accept it’s not buying the brand for the sake of it. However in some circles people do know brands! It might depend if you do want to dress to impress too but I’m not saying this about the op.

Good, but your remarks to me were rude and patronising for no reason.