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Original poster

Help finding a skirt to wear to a black tie event

31 replies

JaneOfGaunt · 07/12/2025 11:57

I recently bought a strappy black velvet top from & Other Stories which I love: https://www.stories.com/en-gb/product/strappy-velvet-top-black-1293834001/. I've worn it out with trousers a few times and it works well.

I've got a black tie event coming up and nothing to wear for it, and I was wondering about pairing this top with a skirt - but I'm not sure what kind. I'm quite pear shaped - 8-10 on top and 12 on the bottom, so would prefer something that keeps the focus on the top half rather than clinging to my slightly chunky thighs ... maybe A-line? What length would work - maybe below the knee?

I'm not great at this, so any suggestions would be very helpful!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
26
24Dogcuddler · 07/12/2025 12:08

Lovely top. Seems to be a lot of metallic floaty skirts around would that work? Or a velvet one?

Original poster
JaneOfGaunt · 07/12/2025 13:20

Oh, good call, thanks! I’ve just ordered. I was thinking it would need to be black, which is kind of boring. But metallic is a much better idea.

OP posts:
Original poster
JaneOfGaunt · 07/12/2025 13:20

Oh, good call, thanks! I’ve just ordered. I was thinking it would need to be black, which is kind of boring. But metallic is a much better idea.

OP posts:
Original poster
JaneOfGaunt · 07/12/2025 13:20

Oh, good call, thanks! I’ve just ordered it. I was thinking it would need to be black, which is kind of boring. But metallic is a much better idea.

OP posts:
Original poster
JaneOfGaunt · 07/12/2025 13:21

Oh, good call, thanks! I’ve just ordered it. I was thinking it would need to be black, which is kind of boring. But metallic is a much better idea.

OP posts:
Original poster
JaneOfGaunt · 07/12/2025 13:21

Agh, sorry for the multiple posts. Having trouble with connection, didn’t think it had posted.

OP posts:
24Dogcuddler · 07/12/2025 14:19

Meant to be! Was only available in your size. Have a lovely time.

Imtoooldforallthis · 07/12/2025 14:42

This may not work for you but I bought this skirt off tiktok shop and it is surprisingly nice I intend to wear with a black velvet waiscoat and boots.

vm.tiktok.com/ZNHwFrwYpNpSf-ssG2J/

TheGirlattheBack · 07/12/2025 16:07

I know you’ve ordered the skirt but in case it doesn’t fit/look nice an alternative would be some wide leg sequin trousers. Like these.

Theres lots around this year so you’d have lots of choice.

Milloew · 07/12/2025 16:26

I think a wide belted satin skirt would look lovely. Like this. Any colour.

Help finding a skirt to wear to a black tie event
EleanorMc67 · 07/12/2025 17:42

The full skirt above is lovely - but personally I don't think it's right for your top, which looks quite 1930s in style. I think you should pair it with a long, bias-cut skirt, possibly lace-trimmed, in (preferably real!) silk satin.

This is full-length so would look very elegant? https://www.sezane.com/en-en/product/ameline-skirt/cacao

Help finding a skirt to wear to a black tie event
EleanorMc67 · 07/12/2025 17:43

Lovely colour but maybe too much lace at the top?

https://www.neverfullydressed.com/products/olive-and-pink-lace-lily-skirt

Help finding a skirt to wear to a black tie event
EleanorMc67 · 07/12/2025 17:45

I LOVE this one - & think it would be perfect with your top?

https://www.johnlewis.com/mint-velvet-lace-hem-satin-slip-skirt-natural-cream/p114269826

Help finding a skirt to wear to a black tie event
EleanorMc67 · 07/12/2025 17:54

A cheaper version from Next in black/navy/champagne. Think all of the bias-cut styles would need a big pair of Spanx-type suck-it-all-in pants underneath!

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su554117/ay2592

Help finding a skirt to wear to a black tie event
Help finding a skirt to wear to a black tie event
Help finding a skirt to wear to a black tie event
EleanorMc67 · 07/12/2025 17:54

Beige from ARKET?

https://www.arket.com/en-gb/product/lace-detail-satin-skirt-beige-1317472001/

Help finding a skirt to wear to a black tie event
EleanorMc67 · 07/12/2025 17:59

Or, if you like the thought of metallic - silver Topshop?

https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/metallic-lace-hem-midi-skirt-000861363.html

Help finding a skirt to wear to a black tie event
EleanorMc67 · 07/12/2025 18:02

The Topshop one is at Liberty - you can also go in the other direction re price with this silk-satin Reformation one ...

https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/carolina-navy-silk-skirt-000862249.html

Help finding a skirt to wear to a black tie event
EleanorMc67 · 07/12/2025 18:04

Personally I think you should find room for this in your life, & channel your inner mermaid ... It's so amazingly slinky!!!

https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/sequin-column-midi-skirt-000861308.html

Help finding a skirt to wear to a black tie event
EleanorMc67 · 07/12/2025 18:09

Gorgeous, classic forever skirt - but pricey.

https://hayleymenzies.com/products/liv-silk-skirt-oyster

Help finding a skirt to wear to a black tie event
Help finding a skirt to wear to a black tie event
EleanorMc67 · 07/12/2025 18:16

Love this Aligne one in cognac or navy.

https://aligne.co/products/ari-lace-slip-skirt-navy

Help finding a skirt to wear to a black tie event
Help finding a skirt to wear to a black tie event
EleanorMc67 · 07/12/2025 18:43

God - sorry, I somehow missed that you said that you're bigger on your bottom half & don't want anything too clingy!!!

So - NOT the Aligne, Topshop, Reformation, Never Fully Dressed (green) or Sezane (cacao) ...!!! Too bias-cut so they go in at the hips.

BUT - the ones that are more straight or A-line would skim over your hips & look great I think? The Mint Velvet, Hayley Menzies (expensive!), or maybe the Arket one?

EleanorMc67 · 07/12/2025 18:51

Some more straight/A-line ones - something sequinned will be a heavier weight so wont cling.

https://www.cefinn.com/products/scarlett-sequin-maxi-skirt-navy

Help finding a skirt to wear to a black tie event
Help finding a skirt to wear to a black tie event
Help finding a skirt to wear to a black tie event