Opinions for a black tie ball

[NutterlyUts]

I am not girly at all. I don't do makeup, my hair "style" is wash and tie it up and I live in jeans. I've been invited to a black tie ball and I'm scared! The Ball is in October so I need to be warm

I've found a dress I love that I hope will suit me (and hide the bits I want to hide with the help of Spanx ) and I need help with the fancy bits.

this is the dress and I

was thinking these for shoes/bag as there is no chance of me walking in strappy shoes and then maybe a chunky silver bracelet?

Hair and makeup leaves me shaking at the thought!

Wow! That dress is AMAZING.

will you feel comfy in it though, if you are usually pretty casual? I know I tend to err on the less dressy side myself, cos feel like a dog's breakfast if I go too posh. Ooh, and toilet might be an issue! (Rememebers little sister having to hold wedding dress above head so could have a wee)

Accessories are great too, maybe a sivery pashmina as well if chilly?

Get your hair put up at a salon - will cost about £15 and be lacquered into submission for the night. Might do make up too?

What is the occasion?

fab choices. I love the dress but was surprised as it's more "girly" than I expected. Agree with slouchy - have your hair and makeup done for you. If you don't want to pay for both, have your hair done. Meantime, get one of the makeup folk in a dept store/Boots to help you choose makeup and show you how to apply it, then practise between now and the big day. Have a great time when it comes.

That's gorgeous! Lucky thing!

Oo I'm glad everyone is liking the dress. I just hope it'll suit me like I think it might.

I picked it cause a) I love it and b) I think I'll surprise a lot of people how well I can scrub up, and will feel 100x more confident then I usually am. I'm not a girly person as I really have no idea where to start rather then being opposed to the idea.
The ball is for our 10 yr anniversary of a move to new premises at work. this is the venue so you can see why I need to look fantastic!!

I would love to walk around that castle in that dress, you will look and feel fantastic!

Message withdrawn

What dress then Cod?

The dress is gorgeous

please not taht dress
everyone else will be in cocktail dresses or long slinky ones
you risk look like at best like a bridesmaid or at worst like a loo-roll doll

have you bought already?

whatever you do do not have your hair in an 'up-do'
either get a really good blowdry or just a low chignon.

Agree that the dress is a definate no no.

I am really sorry as i know it is gutting when you have found something you like but that dress is a bit like a black version of Jordan's wedding dress. And if you have bought it, or have decided on it i strongly urge you to keep the rest of your outfit/hair ect very simple.

Nice dress but way over the top. Agree it's like Jordan's wedding dress.

I think the dress is perfect for a blacktie ball - I have never seen bridesmaids wear anything like that! And it certainly doesn't make me think of Jordan! If everyone else is in cocktail dresses (which I doubt) then they will be dressed inappropriately - full length dresses an absolute must for black tie, imho.

Because there's plenty of detail on the dress itself, I think you'd be wise to keep jewellery v simple - like your idea of a silver bangle.

This bangle is sparkly and fab frommonsoon

look, these are students at a black tie do this summer
these are sixthformers at a ball with their parents
these are from a 'work' black tie do
these are from a charity ball

bellabelly, who hosts your balls?!

Mrs B, sadly can't remember the last time I went to one!

Thisis a nice shape but would be better in solid metal rather than wire.

I like this one!drool...

Can you get a trusted friend to do your make-up for you? Experiment with a few different looks before the big event?

LL, I am - so beautiful, sigh.