Help! Need to buy an evening dress.

I'm a pianist and am accompanying an instrumentalist in a charity recital at the end of May in a large stately home. She wants to wear a full length dress so I need to too. Needless to say I have nothing suitable, although I will post my one possible full length dress when I can.

I'm not excited about this because this is an unexpected (and possibly quite large) expense and I need to be practising, not shopping! If it is going to be useful professionally on the future it needs to be reasonably simple and probably black.

It needs to look good seated and seen from the side. It has to work with a bolero or shrug so I can cover my arms if necessary and I suspect I'll feel safer it is has straps! I've had a browse around in the shops and online today.

So, any thoughts from anyone? What do you think of these?

http://www.johnlewis.com/227586/Style.aspx

http://www.johnlewis.com/183162/Style.aspx

http://www.johnlewis.com/183168/Style.aspx

http://www.johnlewis.com/203682/Style.aspx

http://www.debenhams.com/webap.....ck++dress+

ETA I don't really want to spend more than £100, even though I know I've linked to much more expensive ones. Sigh.

13 years ago

celia

Veteran

I thought you had been invited to the royal wedding :O)
I didn't know you were a pianist. Such talented people on this forum.

Back to the dresses.
Adding to your requirements I think you might want to consider that the detail people will see most are the ones from waist up , so I wouln't be looking for detailed skirts.

From the one's you posted I think the one that meets your requirements better is the one form debenhms.
I do love the John Lewis Women Satin Crepe Strap Detail Long Dress, but am afraid that the straps around the waist won't look good after you been sitted playing and the John Lewis Women Diamanté Clasp Long Dress seems to have a too low neckline to be confortable to play.

What do you think?

HeleenH

How about renting or thrifting? I used to live in a university town and there was a great 2nd hand shop for evening dresses. They also had special places where you can rent this kind of dress.
I like these dresses and would feel safest in nr 4 as you can wear an everyday bra, in the others you would probably have to go strapless or even braless? But if you are comfortable with that, all of them are nice.

Jonesy

I like the first one the best out of this lot. Something about its simplicity and elegance (even though I know you mentioned you'd prefer it had straps vs. strapless).

londonkiwi (now back in NZ)

How fun - even though it may not seem so at the moment. Do we get a ticket if we find you a dress? Do you get to have a nosy around the house?

Out of the ones you posted I prefer the first one too and I wonder could you add straps to it?

I did a bit of hunting around and found this one - http://www.very.co.uk/south-pl.....ku11929863

You wouldn't be able to wear anything over the top though.

Also this one, again strapless - http://www.oasis-stores.com/Os.....5550030901

Then this one in Hobbs (on sale!) - http://www.hobbs.co.uk/index.c.....00-BLACK-8

This from Wallis:
- http://www.wallis.co.uk/webapp.....ageSize=20

This from BHS:
- http://www.bhs.co.uk/mall/prod.....673/239491

Do you have a TK Maxx near you? That could be a good bet. Another might be to brave a Bank Holiday visit to your nearest outlet village.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Style #1 , #2 and #4 are best IMO. Polly, this is a good investment for your profession. Once you have a long black gown you can wear it over and over again.

With dresses, its hard to know what will work. Get to John Lewis, try on their dresses and pick the one that makes you feel the most comfy. We are here if you need further help!

Polly (thunalata)

I knew you'd help!

I feel a bit more hopeful now.

Celia - haha that would be fun! Excellent advice about the detail in the top half. Very helpful and noted.
Heleen - that's an excellent idea. It's made me think of a dress agency very close by that will definitely be worth a look.
Jonesy - thanks for the input. Strapless is not necessarily a deal breaker.
Fi - wow! Thank you! I've been desperately thinking of places to look at and you've come up with loads of places that I haven't even considered. And an affordable Hobbs dress. Wow! I'll be looking at all of these carefully.
Angie - you're right of course. I know it's worth getting something good for the future, especially if I want to be taken seriously. Thanks for saying that. Now for some trying on!

And I shall be watching the forum for your black gown progress, Polly! Don't take it too seriously. Have fun fitting the frocks and report back soonest. I love gowns and we hardly see them on YLF

Scarlet

They are all pretty dresses. My favorite of these is number 4.

Thanks Scarlet.

Angie - you caught me breaking YLF's only rule! Certainly wasn't feeling it earlier, but it's time to have fun with fashion again!

RoseandJoan

I'm breaking your rule Poly, it's not black but it's so chic (and on budget)
http://www.coast-stores.com/AN.....2213142820
Please bring the forum gown shopping it's such fun!

taylor

Oh, ditto Angie!

I can't wait to see you in your gown! I didn't know you were an accomplished pianist...so impressive!

Found a few more:

- Phase Eight - http://www.phase-eight.co.uk/f...../201336050

and

- Long sleeved from L K Bennett - http://www.lkbennett.com/cloth.....002VISCOSE

Isabel

Polly, can you rent one ? Where I live, you can rent them like you would a tux and they will alter.

Good luck all around !

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