First Black Tie Event - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

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First Black Tie Event

mummy2thea

We are invited to a black tie event in January. I have started doing a bit of research into what exactly I should wear and it all seems rather scary. I really have no idea. I don't own anything remotely suitable so I will need to buy something, I don't want to spend a fortune so I am not likely to wear it again or at least not for a very long time! I have had a look on a few websites and think it might be cheaper to order something, but that will take a few weeks hence tryin to do it sooner rather than later. I also run the risk of it not fitting but I suppose I could always get it altered if I had to. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Dressing

29 replies

Latest reply was from yublocka

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I love black tie events! This is FORMAL.

What will hubby be wearing?

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

In my experience, most formal gowns need a little alteration anyway, so I'd be prepared for that (especially if you're ordering online). Are you able to get to a store and try things on in person, or is that simply not possible due to family demands? If you can, it likely would be helpful to try a few things on just to narrow down style specifics.
That said, I'm really jealous that you get to shop for formal gowns!! I know it sounds daunting and scary, but truly it can be fun. At the very least, this forum should help minimize your anxiety.

jessica

Do you have any nicer or high end consignment shops in your area? If you're not bothered by the secondhand factor, formal gowns have usually only been worn once and have a much friendlier price tag.

mummy2thea

I don't know what hubby will be wearing yet. He also doesn't have anything suitable so we will both be buying our outfits. I have just about every shop you can think of at my disposal, only limitations are time and money!! I don't know of any second shops here so I don't think that would work. I think my worst fear is getting it wrong and standing out like a sore thumb on the night.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Do you have a Monsoon in your Mall in Dubai, I love their formal wear.

Mellllls

Veteran

Bridal shops often have bridesmaid and mother of the bride dresses that can be worn for black tie occasions. That may be an option. Plus many have their dresses online so you can look before you go shopping to save time.

londonkiwi (now back in NZ)

Veteran

The nature of my work means that I have attended a number of functions with black tie as the dress code. Normally, as these functions are on a work night I can get away with a knee length dress, rather than full length. If I needed a full length gown, I would probably get one made.

I normally stick with black, a floaty fabric and keep accessories simple. I normally go for a 4 inch heel and I have a couple of very comfortable shoes in this height.

What I would suggest is googling the event from last year and seeing whether you come up with any photos, that way you can get an idea of what others will wear.

Monsoon is a good suggestion, but I sometimes don't find their offerings formal enough. Coast is another option, but I don't know if they ship internationally.

mummy2thea

We have a monsoon and coast here but I have not had a chance to look yet. I will try there asap. Unfortunelty it is a one off event so I can't look at previous pictures although I will try and search for similar functions to see if it gives me an idea. Thanks for the advice

mummy2thea

Hi Ladies - the dreaded event is fast approaching now! I went shopping today to look for something. I tried on a few full length dresses and I hated them all!! now of them fitted right, one size too big smaller size too tight, big on the waist small in the hips etc etc!
I tried on a mid length dress in monsoon which I felt pretty good in. Its black with heavy gold detail round the chest and neck, it hits below the knee with a flowing hem line. I have high gold sandals and clutch which woud probably work with it. But, I am unsure if the length is black tie appropriate. I have put it on hold to think about it and cannot find a picture on the internet to show. I have put a link to another monsoon dress that I think is similar length on the model.

http://www.monsoon.co.uk/invt/.....ngdresses#

the neck detail is similar to this one but there is much more of it

http://www.monsoon.co.uk/invt/.....ingdresses

I am happier with a higher neck line, I just do not have the chest for low cut or braless efforts.
What are your views on this from what I have decribed? I know pictures would be best so maybe I will go and buy it with the view to return is it won't work.

Kristine

Veteran

I think it sounds beautiful. The length should be fine for black tie, my understanding is that black tie doesn't necessarily mean floor length, just formal. The embellishments and fabric really elevate the look. If you're afraid you won't wear it in the future, you could also choose a dress in a beautiful fabric with less embellishments, then use jewelry to make it more formal. It would give you more flexibility to dress it down in the future. Either way, I think you're definitely on the right track and will look great!

Boof

The dress sounds beautiful, and I love the higher neckline. From everything you've posted, you have a great sense of style and wonderful instincts. I'm sure you'll be stunning!

mummy2thea

This will have to be a quick post as I am skiving off in work!!
I went back and got the dress in Monsoon and took a few pictures of me wearing it with shoes and clutch. Still a bit unseure about the length being appropriate, but what do you think? Also as I ended up spending a bit more than I wanted to, do you think that I could wear this same dress to a May wedding? I was thinking to change the shoes and add a little jacket or something? Any comments appreciated. Thanks in advance.

http://i196.photobucket.com/al.....G_2159.jpg
http://i196.photobucket.com/al.....G_2160.jpg
http://i196.photobucket.com/al.....G_2162.jpg
http://i196.photobucket.com/al.....G_2170.jpg

Excuse the horrible hair and lack of recent pedicure!!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

KILLER. You are beautiful. Now all that's left is for you to feel as fab as you look!

Vani

Veteran

You are SO beautiful and everything looks absolutely fabulous. I hope you have a great time and feel as fab as you look!

RoseandJoan

Veteran

The dress looks fabulous!

londonkiwi (now back in NZ)

Veteran

You look absolutely stunning! I have seen that dress in Monsoon and the beading is stunning. I also like that the fabric has a swishy element, which is perfect for dancing!

I would love to see a photo of you with your husband all dressed up (I love men in a tux!)

Louise

Veteran

OMG you look stunning x

mummy2thea

Thank you so much for taking the time to look and for your kind words. I will return the long one which made me feel pregnant again and buy some nice ear-rings to match this monsoon one. I am guessing that ear-rings will be enough as too many acessories will look too much?! Thanks again, what would I do without ylf!!

Queen Mum

Veteran

absolutely gorgeous! yes, I think all you will need is earrings- the detail on the dress is an accessory already. That is a gorgeous bag as well!

as far as wearing it to a wedding.... is the wedding there? is wearing black culturally acceptable? If so, then it should be great for a wedding if it is a fairly dressy wedding. Here in the states it would probably be a bit dressy for a day wedding.

can't wait to see pics of you and hubby all glammed up!

Alecia

Veteran

Wow! I love it. You look beautiful. I agree that you don't need a lot accessorizing with that dress. It does so much on it's own. I can't wait to hear more about your event.

shana

Veteran

Gorgeous dress and you look stunning in it! You could add a thick gold cuff or maybe a few bracelets and you will be set. Do you have strappy black sandals? I just wonder how they would look since the gold on the dress appears so much darker. The clutch is perfect!

bella

(website)

Veteran

You look great! Have fun...

medusa

Veteran

M2T, you look FABULOUS!

marianne

I am way late to this, but you look stunning! The dress is so beautiful on you and the accessories are just right. Have fun!

AJ

Veteran

So glad you got the Monsoon dress! You look S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G!! I don't even think you need earrings. The dress speaks for itself! Have a great time!

Beth

Veteran

Beautiful! Have fun!

mummy2thea

As promised here is a picture of me and the hubby before we left for the black tie do!

http://i196.photobucket.com/al.....ty22-1.jpg

There was quite a mix of outfits there. I'd say 20-30% of the women were wearing similar length dresses to me so I felt fine in it. I have never been to anything so unbelievably glamorus before! The entertainment was really good and the food was to die for. I drank far too much champagne and although I maintained a very good facade on the evening, I really suffered badly yesterday. lol
I attempted to do something a bit different with my hair in the limited time I had when I got home from work, it looked alright I think.

Thanks for all the advice and kind comments that helped me prepare for this.

Queen Mum

Veteran

you looked fabulous! absolutely beautiful! Love the sunglasses on hubby

I'm glad you had such a good time, and that you've recovered from the champagne. That stuff can hit you before you see it coming. Thanks for sharing the pic.

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

You all look great, so elegant! (sunglasses included Your hair looks lovely. Glad you had such a good time and felt so well prepared!!!