A challenge for you .....practical but stylish "work wear" for a black tie ball

[WorkEventOutfitDilemma]

I need your advise please Style and Beauty Mners.

I'm going to be working at a Leavers' Ball where I work (private school) - event is black tie/evening wear in a marquee early July (in the UK so, lets face it, could be scorching hot/could be lashing it down and cold!)

The "work" element could be anything ....I might spend most of the evening advising/directing guests/catering or bar staff .... I might need to step in and help clear tables ... I could be running around from A to B troubleshooting .... or, if I'm lucky, I might be standing around people-watching and generally keeping an eye of proceedings, critiquing guests outfits with a colleague (who will be in DJ/black tie)

The issue is I need something that fits with that dress code but is also practical and modest enough for working in.

Any suggestions please?

A jumpsuit would fit the practicality brief and there are lots of evening wear suitable ones around. This sort of thing https://www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-zuri-sequin-bodice-jumpsuit-onyx-red/p114230408

I hadn't thought of a jumpsuit!

I'm not sure they'd suit me though ... I'm a size 12-14 and generally happy with my body but my arse is just awful. It's sort of flat and shapeless but the upper part, just below the waist, is where I carry my weight that I can't shift (love handles?). Not a good look 😬

Le Smoking …

You want an impeccable black tuxedo, your best grooming and really great shoes that you can run about in.

(Would be far better than the rather half hearted evening gowns I’ve seen staff wear at independent school balls.)

Something like this (both parts):

https://www.cos.com/en-gb/women/womenswear/coatsjackets/blazers/product/tailored-peplum-blazer-black-1283306001

Don’t get a tux; that’s all about the jacket and if it’s a warm night you’ll pass out!!

Definitely a black, stretchy jumpsuit with some fancy twiddles / sequins etc. Make sure it’s got pockets and that you’ve got some excellent flat shoes - I have glittery gold Supergas for precisely this situation.

Men in dinner jackets won’t be ‘passing out’ - so it’s highly unlikely any woman in a very lightweight jacket (linen, or cotton, or summer weight wool if it’s not boiling) would either …

(But I wouldn’t be seen dead in a black stretchy jumpsuit!)

I'd say a good quality black maxi skirt and a silk shirt

That also would work.

Have a trawl of Me&Em - links below. Nice tailoring and dresses that don’t seem to flimsy or expensive? tailoring and dresses

Thanks for ideas so far.

Sorry but 100% will not be wearing a black stretchy jumpsuit!

I like the idea of a tailored jacket and trousers (haven't got the Me&Em budget though I'm afraid) but I would be worried about over-heating as I'm menopausal and still can't control my temperature. Might work with a nice silk top underneath though so I can remove the jacket