Invited to very fancy party and nothing to wear!

[custardlover]

A very fancy and couturey fashiony party; guests will be wearing CHANEL but my speed (and budget) is a lot more like Boden. What would you do? I wonder if there is something chic I should target on Vinted or Vestaire (or somewhere else?)? Rixo maybe?

And absolutely I could just wear something in my wardrobe but it would be great to hear any inspiration!

This has just arrived at M&S, OP - so if the VW one doesn't work, you can't get more British than M&S (being worn by Karen Elson!).

https://www.marksandspencer.com/sequin-v-neck-frill-detail-midi-slip-dress/p/clp61267346?color=Black&intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

Lucky you! Is it the black tulle/lace/polka dot long one?

I think most lace fabric, for evening wear anyway, is primarily synthetic. Partly resilience (& cost), partly because cotton/linen lace fabrics are more daytime in feel.

Ditto with lamé finishes like the sparkly Falconetti dresses - metallic fibres will be synthetic (though the base fabric was silk/wool depending on the style).

Lots of the other styles were silk, wool, cotton etc though. Have you seen what she's doing now? It all looks amazing ...

https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/susie-cave-weddings-and-funerals

I have some antique silk lace that I used to trim a top a few years ago. It's really beautiful & delicate - but I doubt if silk would be used much for lace nowadays - except maybe for couture pieces or weddings?

Yes I think the same when I see “oh, everyone in Milan will be wearing….” I think if you’re wearing something that suits you then you’ll look your best. When you’re wearing something that doesn’t suit you, that’s when you stand out as looking odd.

I love the dress you’ve chosen OP!

It fits perfectly and I love it! I went over the budget (£450) but I can tell I am going to wear it confidently and for many occasions - THANK YOU for your help!

Great choice @custardlover! Hope you have an amazing time

That’s great news, OP! I’m going to stay watching the thread in case you update following the event 😄

Fantastic. Have an amazing time ❤️

Checking back in just to say an enormous thank you to those who helped me here. The party was a huge success and I felt sublime. The dress was highly complimented and the CHANEL party photographer particularly loved it and kept asking me to pose with others and in the middle of groups as he liked the colour contrast with all the black! I was thrilled. Thanks again.

Oh yay! I remember your thread, OP, but didn’t see what you eventually chose. I’m so happy the evening went so well and you felt fabulous!! I’m going to check out the brand now myself. Not that I’d have anywhere to where it

Oh I am so very pleased!!!! (Especially since I was the person to nudge you towards The Vampire's Wife!)

Hope you had a wonderful time in your fabulous dress!

That’s a wonderful update! ❤️

Love this - glad you had such a great time and your beautiful dress was such a huge hit ❤️

That's fantastic news ❤️