Maxi dress for black tie and a wedding?

[OneDayIWillLearn]

I’m looking for a dress to wear to a black tie event next month and a close family member’s wedding in August. I’m roughly a size 12, 5 ft 7in.

I love the look of this Reiss dress, and the waistline and shape/ style of the top are perfect. I feel this dress could fit the brief for both events - do you agree? - but a) I’d really like a less full/ more fitted skirt and b) really I want to spend less than £200!!

Anyone seen a dress which is a similar shape but a bit less full and cheaper? Or ideas for what else might work? I’m open to pretty much any colour.

Honestly I don’t think it’s right for black tie because it does have a day dress/beach dress vibe. I like the idea of getting someone to copy the shape but in a different fabric.

Sorry not suitable for either.

I immediately thought it would be good for a beach wedding.

I think it could be wedding (if casual) but not black tie

Agree - I'm surprised people have said the other way round! The colours/pattern stop it being black tie IMO. I don't agree with a PP that it looks like a beach dress, I think it looks like a perfect summer wedding guest dress.

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su924675/g49927

it is also available in a black colourway which might be more suitable?

I still think it would be better/ less beachy with a less full skirt though (and probably the pattern isn’t quite right even with the darker colour).

The worry about getting something made is what if I don’t love it once it’s finished - no taking it back is there!!? But seems what I want doesn’t exist at the moment. Maybe more shops will bring out spring/ summer stuff soon….

It’s not the right dress for black tie but could work for beach wedding. It more looks like a dress you see women wear to dinner at a beach resort.

It’s very “glam tropical beach resort”.

How about:
https://www.thereformation.com/products/pernille-silk-dress/1312835OGN.html?lang=en_GB&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20490674833&gbraid=0AAAAABnwCwcsw-_5qRcLXcJb_Rpt_D1Ef&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlqSGrbz3kgMVwJdQBh2gjQkDEAQYFSABEgJL_fD_BwE

Too casual

It could look lovely in black and suit both occasions.
Although black might be a bit dark for a wedding.

That’s lovely - I suspect I have too many lumps and bumps to carry it off though sadly! Good colour and neckline though 👍👍

Oh that's gorgeous. In the khaki and the blue

£428 for viscose and it looks like a beach dress. You definitely have the budget for a better dress!

If only I could find it!

How about these? not the same style at your OP but great dresses IMO:

https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/en-saison-lainey-ruched-drop-waist-midi-dress?color=029&curation_id=dresses-maxi-midi-curation&curation_name=Midi%20%26%20Maxi%20Dresses

https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/maeve-sleeveless-seamed-midi-slip-dress?color=564&curation_id=dresses-maxi-midi-curation&curation_name=Midi%20%26%20Maxi%20Dresses

I think the dress is more wedding-y than black tie actually! It’s really nice. Except for viscose. What about FarmRio clothes?

I think pattern doesn't scream black tie to me. Id maybe split the budget and pick the reformation dress for black tie and hang on for spring / summer wedding type dresses

I also feel it's so overpriced for a dress you'd see at dinner in a holiday resort (a nice one but still). The black and white one feels high street to me. 500 pound should buy more!

Not to sound like an arse, but maybe look up the "rules" of black tie dressing before ordering anything. It's very formal and very strict! Dress is nice; okay for a wedding (with pashmina or blazer or similar). I think it's too casual for black tie though.

Beautiful!

Sooo over budget but something like this would be perfect for a black tie wedding by the beach - they do often do pretty epic sales so you could keep an eye on them. https://www.self-portrait.com/products/ss26-navy-stripe-georgette-maxi-dress

farm rio black & green

anthropologie

It looks even more like a beach / holiday dress in black. It looks like the sort of dressed up, but not black tie dressed up you might see in the evening on holiday.

I hate this trend for black tie attire at weddings.
It's so difficult to do properly and the last (country Church) wedding I went to was a complete mismatch of beautiful youngsters in silky gowns, who looked like they were at the Oscars and Auntie Sandra in a traditional floral frock and hat, (which admittedly was more appropriate for the venue).
Very tricky, especially if you aren't 5'10 and a size 10 or under.

Honestly having looked through a lot of dresses recently I think you’re trying to do the impossible! Something that works for black tie and wedding is hard enough ,and then adding in a neckline that works well with large boobs…

I would split your budget , buy two dresses and look on Vinted or the outlet sections of clothes sites. (Reiss, Karen Millen, Farm Rio, LK bennett, Ba&sh and others all have good outlet sections and then there is the Outnet and Brand Alley etc).