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Suitable for black tie?

61 replies

PolaDeVeboise · 26/06/2026 21:47

woukd you wear this dress to a summer black tie occasion?

Suitable for black tie?
OP posts:
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Anjo2011 · 26/06/2026 21:54

At first glance I thought too casual but having clicked and looked at full pic then yes I think you could. With some accessories and shoes, you are good to go.

ClearlyNoIdea · 26/06/2026 21:54

It's a lovely dress but imo it's to casual for a black tie event.

Newmama4321 · 26/06/2026 21:55

Sorry I think too casual as well, I think because of the pattern, if it was plain it would probably be ok x

OneNewEagle · 26/06/2026 21:56

Too casual looks like a summer dress.

GreenLemonade · 26/06/2026 21:57

The shape is fine but the fabric seems too casual for black tie. Do you have a better quality photo or a link to the dress? It’s hard to tell if it’s light cotton like for a sun dress or something more formal looking.

Shhhhitsmagic · 26/06/2026 21:57

Nope, way too casual

Totallyfrazzledmum · 26/06/2026 21:58

Too causal - no

Beetlebumz · 26/06/2026 21:59

Too casual looks like a day dress

TofuTuesday · 26/06/2026 22:00

Well it totally depends doesn’t it, loads of people do black tie events that don’t have expectations as per Debretts. If you have friends going check what the other women are wearing? I would say no if it will be formal and adherence to strict expectations but yes if you think your hosts are less formal?

Idontjetwashthefucker · 26/06/2026 22:00

No

PolaDeVeboise · 26/06/2026 22:12

Just as I thought, thanks all.

@GreenLemonade- it’s a Jolie Moi dress, so a thicker, stretchy material. tbh, it hangs beautifully.

OP posts:
PolaDeVeboise · 26/06/2026 22:17

Is this better, or does it look cheap?

Suitable for black tie?
OP posts:
Sandysandybeaches · 26/06/2026 22:26

What is the fabric? I think it could be suitable if you glam it up with an up-do, blingy jewellery (gold coloured) and black heels. Bare feet does give it more of a dressed down look!

LaLoose · 26/06/2026 22:26

Oh I LOVE the jumpsuit and it really suits you. As a PP said though how formal is it? There are shades of black and some aren’t trouser-friendly for women. I love it though!

LaLoose · 26/06/2026 22:27

Fabulous colour too

GreenLemonade · 26/06/2026 22:28

You look great in the jumpsuit

PhaedraTwo · 26/06/2026 22:37

PolaDeVeboise · 26/06/2026 22:17

Is this better, or does it look cheap?

The dress is much nicer. I think unless the event is super formal the dress is fine if you glam up. The jumpsuit is not black tie.

PolaDeVeboise · 26/06/2026 22:38

@LaLooseits a friend’s do at a country estate. Think it will be ok, however, I’m considerably less well-off than most of the guests, and don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb..

OP posts:
PhaedraTwo · 26/06/2026 22:39

PolaDeVeboise · 26/06/2026 22:38

@LaLooseits a friend’s do at a country estate. Think it will be ok, however, I’m considerably less well-off than most of the guests, and don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb..

In that case, definitely the dress.

Sandysandybeaches · 26/06/2026 22:45

I don’t think the jump suit could considered black tie.

MeetMeOnTheCorner · 27/06/2026 07:21

@PolaDeVeboise Like me, you aren’t the slimmest! I’m sorry but the jump suit looks awful! How much of your less flattering bits do you want to show? For me, wear the dress but wear silver shoes and get a silver bag. Long sparkly earrings and a sparkly necklace, and it’s evening wear. It’s not obviously an evening dress but you look way better in it than the awful jump suit! Most of us have binned jump suits for a reason! You need to be slim to wear one.

Alternative - swishy palazzo pants and a satin top. You cannot go wrong and they cover quite a lot up.

Velvetandleather · 27/06/2026 07:35

If I’m honest neither are black tie op, I’m sorry, if money is tight could you rent something?

the first dress is a casual summer maxi dress, I’d wear that out and about. The second jumpsuit does nothing for you, it’s also not remotely black tie either. Generally jersey materials are not black tie,

if it helps , this is an ai explanation of what black tie is,

Black tie for women is a highly formal evening dress code. The standard expectation is a floor-length evening gown made from luxurious fabrics like silk, velvet, chiffon, or satin. Modern interpretations also allow for elegant midi cocktail dresses, dressy evening trousers, or tailored jumpsuits.

Key Elements of Black Tie

The Dress: Floor-length gowns are the safest and most traditional choice. However, elegant midi or maxi-length dresses (below the knee) are generally accepted. Hemlines above the knee are usually too casual.

Alternatives: A sharply tailored, high-end tuxedo suit or a sophisticated, wide-leg jumpsuit in a rich fabric is a stylish and perfectly acceptable alternative.

Fabrics: The material is key to looking "black tie." Avoid everyday cottons or jerseys in favor of lace, sequins, crepe, or satin.

Shoes & Accessories: Pair your outfit with elegant evening heels or dressy flats. Complete the look with fine jewelry, a statement clutch, and—if the weather requires it—a formal evening shawl or faux-fur wrap.

The Unwritten Rules
Weddings: Avoid white, cream, or ivory.
When in doubt: It is always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed

PolaDeVeboise · 27/06/2026 07:59

Thanks all. Back to the drawing board!

OP posts:
GoodkneeBadKnee · 27/06/2026 08:06

Nope.

Velvetandleather · 27/06/2026 08:11

Op you can rent quite cheaply, alternatively look on vinted.