Dress for a black tie ceilidh

[VenusClapTrap]

This is harder than I thought. I’m going to a Burns Night fundraiser which involves dinner and a ceilidh, and the dress code is black tie.

I thought I’d be able to pick something up in the sales, but I’m struggling to find something that’s right. I’ve done my research - well, done a MN search - and gleaned that I need a dress that is:
• appropriate for black tie
• comfortable enough to dance in
• not too long so I don’t trip or others step on it
• not off the shoulder as I’ll be waving my arms in the air (apparently)
• not long sleeved - too hot for dancing
• swishy enough for the skirt to spin out, but not likely to reveal pants.

In addition, it preferably needs to suit me! I’m short (5 foot 3), size 12, and 51 with a meno belly. I ate too many mince pies over Christmas so I’d like to find something forgiving round the middle - no nipped in waists. I suit muted colours; no brights. Black drains me.

Budget up to about £250. So far I quite like the following two dresses, but I’m not sure either is quite right. Help.

https://www.loragene.com/shop/silk-dresses/the-paris-dress-in-silk-satin

https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/product/leem-round-neck-relaxed-fit-pleated-woven-midi-dress_R04380960/#colour=GREEN

The second one looks a bit summery for me - but neither is inherently wrong for a ceilidh. My top tip is wear your heels for dinner but bring flats for dancing

id go for this but have it taken up (I’m 5’2”) to perfect for me ankle length. I’m not great at dancing in heels so I’d buy the right shoes first (need to be firmly attached like Mary Jane’s or 1920s style.
https://www.monsoon.co.uk/ellie-sheer-sleeve-plunge-tulle-maxi-dress-green-1000829091.html

Love a ceilidh!!! You do get hot, and you'll want flats or be happy taking your shoes off for dancing. Would you wear strapless dress with a fitted top and fuller knee length skirt?

You will find that a lot of women will have their trainers stashed under the table for the dancing - dance in your best shoes and your feet will be bleeding and covered in blisters in no time!

Or something like this
Red Metallic Pleat Belted Midi Dress | Roman UK https://share.google/LS5nxj5fbKt0CQFOR

Beautiful, but the ribbon/belt wouldn’t work on my shape unfortunately, being thick of waist.

Too bright for me and belts are a no no, sadly.

Have a look at Coast - I've selected fit and flare style dresses, short sleeves or strappy, in petite, in blues and greens for example:

https://www.coastfashion.com/categories/womens-dresses-fit-flare-dresses/facet/classification/Petite/sleeveLength/Short%20Sleeve~Sleeveless~Strappy/colourFacets/Blue~Green~Navy

I think strapless could be prone to malfunction when dancing!

Would a skirt and top be easier than a dress? Theres
lots of maxi pleated skirts around that should be ok with a top.

Whistles have some nice things.

This might be a little short, but no belt and covers the arms in a sheer way, so you wouldn’t be too hot.

https://www.whistles.com/product/velvet-sheer-sleeve-dress-40603.html

Definitely have super comfy shoes for dancing! You want a dress that won’t move around much - nothing super strappy or strapless. Don’t dance barefoot - lots of stepping on feet if it’s a proper ceilidh.

Something like this? It’s not black and seems quite forgiving and easy to move in.

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/petite-riah-shimmer-maxi-dress-222551000.html

That’s a tricky combo.

i agree that ceilidh dancing in anything other than comfortable shoes is going to be unpleasant!

maybe have flats with you? (Trainers not so much there’s a fair bit of heel and toe stuff in some dances).

no advice on dresses sorry other than maybe put some black cycle shorts underneath

Vinted is your friend here. Mid calf, fullish skirt and definitely no silk. Ceilidh's are notorious sweaty affairs.
If you're planning on dancing at all, I'd recommend something with broad shoulder straps. Like this https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/4523632022-navy-boohoo-midi-dress-m-38-10

I think strapless could be prone to malfunction when dancing!

That was my first thought!

And I wouldn't go barefoot. I would wear shoes that are sturdy enough to protect your feet, in case the footwork gets a bit wild.

Don't go strapless, and wear shoes that you can skip and dance around in at great speed!

I have no other words to add, other than: has anyone seen this description of a ceilidh? It's brilliant!

https://www.roman.co.uk/petite-front-twist-jacquard-dress-14621634

https://www.roman.co.uk/petite-embellished-skater-dress-14437034

https://www.roman.co.uk/petite-velvet-bodice-midi-dress-14771331

Thanks for all these suggestions. Some nice dresses but none are really grabbing me. Separates don’t work on me because of the waistband problem.

Shoe-wise I’m tempted to get some proper ballroom dancing shoes. I’ve seen them recommended on here because they’re comfortable and properly fasten to your feet, and aren’t expensive.

You definitely don’t want heels - honestly everyone steps on everyone else and bring stepped on by heels hurts terribly.

That’s brilliant! 😂😱

Have you ever done any ceilidh dancing, OP? I don't know how high the heels on ballroom dancing shoes are, but if you've never done it before then you'll definitely want to be in flats. It can be high speed, lots of spinning around and bouncing kicks. I'm Scottish, so I learnt the dances young, but having seen people get over enthusiastic and basically throwing people around, I came to the conclusion long ago that flats are much safer!

Oh right ok. I saw them recommended on other threads about ceilidhs! They have a low heel. But I take your point. I’m not actually very good in completely flat shoes due to Achilles problems in the past, so I’ll have to mull that over.

I have been to ceilidhs before, but not for about fifteen years, and not proper ones. Wedding ones and village fair type ones.

Never seen anyone in trainers at a black tie ceilidh and been to many.

The great thing about ceilidhs is that everyone tends to be extremely enthusiastic and boisterous (possibly due to lubrication) so no one will really care too much about what you wear.

Burns suppers are really excellent nights out, you’ll be well fed, watered and well entertained.

I have ceilidh danced in a strapless dress (assisted by lots of tape!) and regularly ceilidh dance in heels so it is possible.

However if you aren’t practiced bringing some ballet flats to change into is a good idea (and pretty common practice)

The dresses you shared would be perfectly acceptable.

Not every ceilidh dance has you swinging from
the ceiling there are lots of slower paced waltzes. It’s the reels you have to watch out for 😆

The most dangerous moment of the evening will come right at the end with Auld Lang Syne (if you know, you know!)

I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time.

Love that vid! Helping me to connect more with my Scottish roots.