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Original poster

Wedding guest attire - black tie edition

32 replies

DancingNotDrowning · 01/09/2026 21:29

I need help finding a dress for a wedding where the dress code is black tie.

the wedding is early afternoon so I don’t want to be too OTT but a long dress is the expectation.

I suit navy, coral and cool red. I look my absolute best in cream but that’s out for obvious reasons and shops are full
of gold, burgundy or brown all of which make me look a bit corpse like.

I can’t find anything that isn’t either prom dress or dowager duchess.

im size 10, short ish and prefer to wear a bra. Other than that I’m open to anything.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
19
TheFarriersDaughter · 02/09/2026 04:21

Something from

Realisation Par?

100% silk - and obviously you could have it shortened if absolutely necessary.

Netaporter · 02/09/2026 04:22

Which month is the wedding? Do you have a budget or preferred style?

StripeyPJs · 02/09/2026 04:42

I wore this to a very smart black tie wedding recently -

I’d ordered 12 dresses (!) to try on, priced up to £400, and this was the cheapest but by far the most flattering. I did have to wear a strapless bra, though.

Went for nude heeled sandals with champagne gold accessories (clutch bag, bracelet, earrings), but I’m pretty conservative and I think brighter accessories could work well, too.

FWIW, even at a very high end black tie wedding, people were wearing all sorts within the ‘black tie, full length’ category - slinky satin dresses, ballgowns, one woman was in a gorgeous, unusual full skirt (floor length) and cropped jacket. Every colour under the sun (but no cream! Grin)

Original poster
DancingNotDrowning · 02/09/2026 06:34

@TheFarriersDaughter that is beautiful, but - and I hate to say this - but I think I’d need to be a foot taller to carry it off!

OP posts:
TheFarriersDaughter · 02/09/2026 06:47

Do you? (I’m a little under 5’3 and find that shape of dress particularly ‘flattering’ and easy to wear - even if I have to have them shortened at the hem.)

Original poster
DancingNotDrowning · 02/09/2026 06:50

@Netaporter wedding is early October - in London with a very international attendance. I think interpretation of dress code will vary hugely which is what is throwing me.

no real budget, but most of what I’m looking at is south of £700.

I’m short, short waisted and a 32E. Late 40s. In the wrong outfit I can very quickly look matronly.

I’m open to most styles - although would avoid body con, spaghetti straps and don’t want anything too low cut. A bit of structure and drama seem to suit me best.

OP posts:
Original poster
DancingNotDrowning · 02/09/2026 06:53

@TheFarriersDaughter my comment wasn’t intended to be a reflection on what anyone else can “carry off”. I’m sure you look great and know what suits you.

for me the combination of being short and proportionally massive boobs means there are better shapes for me.

OP posts:
Original poster
DancingNotDrowning · 02/09/2026 06:54

@StripeyPJs i really need to see your dress! 😊

OP posts:
Soonbbbqweather · 02/09/2026 08:08

@DancingNotDrowning i’m 5’2” short waisted and 34DD so similar shape. My go to black tie is Adrianna Papell column dresses. Often beaded/sequinned. Usually miles too long but I’ve shortened them all myself with a bit of patience. Might not suit but a starting point.

Netaporter · 02/09/2026 08:38

@DancingNotDrowning my go to’s for occasionwear are Nadine Merabi and Self-portrait. I am a 32H so understand the issues of dressing a large bust. I know you said no Burgundy, but this dress is a very rich tone and I think would suit a shorter stature (my DD is 5’1”) and suits this style. i think it was available in Navy last season - both labels sell well on vinted if you decide to invest.

Don’t rule out renting either - go to Harrods/Selfridges either in person on online, try on what you like and consider renting the same from By rotation. Then spend money on shoes and a bag you’ll use more than once? It’s ideal for events that might necessitate a large outlay for one day/night.

https://www.nadinemerabi.com/products/diane-burgundy-dress?_pos=5&_fid=72568c410&_ss=c

Diane Burgundy Lace Dress | NADINE MERABI

Step into the Diane Burgundy Dress by NADINE MERABI, a lace midi. Elegant designer evening wear for standout occasions. Shop luxury looks online today.

https://www.nadinemerabi.com/products/diane-burgundy-dress?_fid=72568c410&_pos=5&_ss=c

Original poster
DancingNotDrowning · 05/09/2026 09:25

Maybe a little warm - I’d give it a go if it wasn’t for the sleeves, which I fear will be a nightmare with a formal dinner!

Fab dress though - thanks!

Re coral I definitely can’t go too orange and anything approaching peach is an absolute no, but a pinky coral really works.

love green and most shades work, but the wedding party is in green so that’s a no.

OP posts:
EleanorMc67 · 05/09/2026 13:55

DancingNotDrowning · 05/09/2026 09:25

Maybe a little warm - I’d give it a go if it wasn’t for the sleeves, which I fear will be a nightmare with a formal dinner!

Fab dress though - thanks!

Re coral I definitely can’t go too orange and anything approaching peach is an absolute no, but a pinky coral really works.

love green and most shades work, but the wedding party is in green so that’s a no.

Bike clips are the answer! No sleeves trailing in the soup ...

EleanorMc67 · 06/09/2026 03:52

Is this the shade you like?

https://www.reiss.com/style/sv045897/v69256

Wedding guest attire - black tie edition
EleanorMc67 · 06/09/2026 03:59

I also like this Reiss one. I realise that they're probably too under budget for you!!! But I do love a Grecian-style draped dress & I think this looks rather lovely & great for someone petite.

https://www.reiss.com/style/su607911/an6306

Wedding guest attire - black tie edition
EleanorMc67 · 06/09/2026 04:24

Navy or red (quite a cool /classic one).

https://www.meandem.com/beautifully-draped-full-length-dress-scarlet-red

Wedding guest attire - black tie edition
Wedding guest attire - black tie edition
EleanorMc67 · 06/09/2026 04:28

I like this Maje one, & it would be fine with a strapless bra?

https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/p/maje-one-shoulder-maxi-dress-000000000007972271

Wedding guest attire - black tie edition
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