Is this dress appropriate for a black tie August wedding in the UK?

[mixandmatch]

I’ve just tried this on and it fits brilliantly. But is it black tie appropriate?

One thing I should clarify is that I am 5 ft 4, so this dress is almost to my ankles, it is not ‘midi’ in any sense. It is also very heavy and structured which it makes it feel smarter than the picture looks.

anyway, let me know thoughts! Plus is it nice? Please be very honest!

https://www.freemans.com/products/adrianna-papell-floral-jacquard-midi-dress/_/A-15S740_12?ns_mchannel=pla&ns_source=google&ns_campaign=control-womens-dresses&utm_medium=pla&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=DEP%3AWOM_CAT%3ADRE_THE%3AGen_CHA%3APmx_CFO%3AMx%2BF_ADV%3AFreemans_PLA%3ASA360_INV%3AGoog_OBJ%3AConv&ns_mchannel=pla&ns_source=google&ns_campaign=DEP%3AWOM_CAT%3ADRE_THE%3AGen_CHA%3APmx_CFO%3AMx%2BF_ADV%3AFreemans_PLA%3ASA360_INV%3AGoog_OBJ%3AConv&ns_linkname=20281768709&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20281769669&gbraid=0AAAAADplBR_UyDyA9dVBRyMjoxf9v7Ow6&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2YHY4uXylAMVrJpQBh2ppgX7EAQYASABEgLWbPD_BwE

I think it's a lovely dress - maybe with gold sandals?

No it's not black tie appropriate. Black tie is more like evening wear, not day wear, even if it is a day time event.

@user293948849167 You are describing white tie. Black tie is evening wear. The dress is evening wear if accessories are appropriate. It’s a jacquard fabric and is fine for black tie.

The pattern is too much

look on Club L for a host of more suitable dresses this is not floor length but eminently more suitable

@Tiptopflipflop I agree, it’s very damask wallpaper look, a lot of money for an bland dress

TBH it very much gives a ‘made from curtains’ vibe.
I think with that budget you will be able to find something much nicer and more appropriate.
DD had an August black tie wedding and some of her friend guests wore some lovely dresses from Zimmerman and Rixo (who have a massive sale on at the mo because they’re closing down). I would also look at Maje. The other option which DD has often done because so many of her friends were getting married over a period of two years, is to hire from by rotation or hurr.

I think it's beautiful!
I Certainly wouldn't wear a shawl for a black tie!!! Some type of light Bolero jacket if anything, & lemon or coral matching shoes & handbag!
The dress speaks for itself, although I would have it shortened as per photo so it wouldn't overwhelm your height! 💐

Black tie is evening wear

Black tie weddings are a current trend, just like boho/festival-style weddings were a trend a few years ago, barn dances back in the 90s, etc etc. It doesn't matter that black tie has traditionally been evening wear - at the moment it's popular for weddings whatever the time of day.

If it’s down to almost your ankles in length, wouldn’t the bit where the waist nips in be somewhere around your bum instead?
It’s a lovely dress for a wedding, but probably not a black tie one.

Yes, I know what it is was just trying to explain

@PhaedraTwo It’s evening wear but doesn’t have to be long. Decent jewellery lifts it up into evening wear and shoes plus an evening bag. My dd is saying black tie but also be as extravagant as you want! No doubt some won’t get the message but anyone who knows her will! The wedding is in a grand setting so grand clothes advised! Black tie with a midi length jacquard is fine but pay attention to accessories.

Again I have no idea why you're lecturing me.

Isn't ball gown white tie? One step smarter again.

https://debretts.com/deconstructing-dress-codes/

@BeneficialOrange Yes. White tie is long gown. In the uk, black tie is cocktail or long or even palazzo pants. The black tie is evening wear mantra is a bit silly when you can choose a day style in a fabric that’s day to evening.

It's a really pretty summer dress but it's not black tie. And if you're so short that it will touch the floor (I'm the same height so no shade!) then it is likely to fit weirdly on you, especially as it already had an odd dropped waist thing.

Actually I was wrong with Rixo…it’s Kitri that’s closing down…sadly another one bites the dust

Black tie for a day wedding is silly and lots of people won't wear evening gowns in the day because of that. It's a lovely dress for standard wedding attire and will fit the bill perfectly well.

@DappledThings Lots a people can and do wear evening attire. The dress code means evening jacket for men, not a day suit. Most men can manage that and most women understand it too. It works better in spring or autumn and in glamorous settings. Guests should buy into it and many don’t need to buy anything new.

Fine if people want to. But anyone who imposes an unusual and potentially expensive dress code shouldn't get arsey with anyone who chooses to wear a perfectly nice normal wedding dress instead.

I went to one wedding where guests were invited to change into black tie for the evening. About 10% of the guests did so.

@DappledThings I think they know what their friends will be up for! DDs is black tie. We have a friend or two who like to do their own thing but no one will respect them for it. Why would you not make an effort if you have money to do it? If bride knows everyone is penniless then it’s completely different. Where they have great jobs and are used to black tie, they don’t have to buy anything! So you choose according to who you know!

I have yet to be swayed from my opinion that imposing any kind of dress code on your guests is rude, pretentiousness really cringy. The most egregious examples of course are the ones that are colour-based. But black tie is pretty bad too.

@DappledThings Guests like guidance. Everyone asks otherwise and it’s a late party! It’s just easier for most and, as I said, know your guests and it’s not rude! Luckily we are not inviting you.

Lucky all round indeed!

Nobody needs guidance. Everyone knows the usual expectations for standard wedding guest attire. I didn't give anyone any guidance. It was totally unnecessary.