https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 01:12:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2062562 Fri, 20 Sep 2019 16:35:51 +0000 Susie 2062562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's lovely, Katie. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2062349 Thu, 19 Sep 2019 18:32:22 +0000 Katie 2062349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No I think I would like that and see his expression. Hopefully a good one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2062345 Thu, 19 Sep 2019 18:17:49 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2062345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm all for the big reveal on the big evening, but that might not be you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2062335 Thu, 19 Sep 2019 17:42:27 +0000 Katie 2062335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you and no not yet. Still pondering whether or not to sure my partner before the night of the event. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2062217 Thu, 19 Sep 2019 06:21:36 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2062217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>“Not everyone’s cup of tea but I love it” sounds perfect. Have you tried it on yet? By now, you should be able to post pix here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2062063 Wed, 18 Sep 2019 19:13:48 +0000 Katie 2062063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, not quite floor length but I genuinely think I have found my dress. I know it won't be everyone's cup of tea but I love it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2061899 Wed, 18 Sep 2019 10:49:52 +0000 Katie 2061899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow thank you. Lots of great advice. It's not the sort of thing I would normally go to but am glad I am going as it's a really good opportunity to look glamorous and I don't often get the chance. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2061897 Wed, 18 Sep 2019 10:08:40 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2061897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to go to 2-3 military balls a year, and I frequently wear them for theatre. There is no worse misery than an uncomfortable gown in a formal setting, so I have some personal criteria for ball gowns.</p> <p>These are all my personal preferences...</p> <p>1). They should look timeless, or, barring that, 1930s or 1950s. A trendy gown is really going to limit the lifespan of wearability of a gown for me. And I can wear a period-looking dress for stage. So it earns its keep in my closet!</p> <p>2). I have to be able to sit comfortably and eat a reasonable meal in it. This is non-negotiable for me!</p> <p>3). I won’t rule out control top hosiery or light Spanx-Type stuff, but I prefer not to have to wear it.</p> <p>4). The gown either has to fit a bra underneath, or have sewn-in cups and corset-seaming. Either way, the ‘girls’ have gotta be hoisted up and the weight distributed off my neck and shoulders. </p> <p>5). It cannot look like a bridesmaid dress. I can’t quite specify... but I think we all know a bridesmaid dress when we see it. (That being said, a lot of bridesmaid dresses restyle well as Edwardian-look, so if you’re a Downton Abbey fan, maybe go check out bridal clearance)</p> <p>IMPORTANT TIP: Life happens, and it is always easier to have a dress that’s a little big taken in, than it is to try and lose 5 pounds in a short period of time.</p> <p>Honestly, my very best gowns are all thrifted or were bought off clearance racks. Textiles, beadwork, and craftsmanship were just better prior to 2000. Or at the very least, more affordable. You have some time to search - go dig around Nordstrom and Rack - but also hit the consignment and thrift stores in the more affluent neighborhoods where you are. I go by my local GW every week, and there’s a constant influx of beautiful gowns. </p> <p>Oh... also... you could check with your local theatre or opera company and see if they have anything they can loan, rent, or sell you. People donate amazing things to local theatre all the time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2061888 Wed, 18 Sep 2019 09:11:25 +0000 Katie 2061888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oohhh yes very nice indeed I want to look the part, that is for sure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2061765 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 22:22:51 +0000 Susie 2061765@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't gone to a black tie event in quite a few years. But you sparked my interest so I did a quick search on Nordstrom and picked some I would consider trying for myself. That was fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2061761 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 21:50:35 +0000 Susie 2061761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For myself, the first one. But I've never worn a lot of pink or ruffles so the pink just isn't something I'd choose for myself. And it would somewhat depend on the event as well.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2061759 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 21:37:04 +0000 Katie 2061759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Susie. Which would you choose if you had to? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2061754 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 21:16:39 +0000 Susie 2061754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To me the pink one is very pretty and very feminine. The first is more striking, more sophisticated.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2061752 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 21:04:14 +0000 Katie 2061752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love it Cardiff Girl </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2061744 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 20:23:18 +0000 Cardiff girl 2061744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is SO pretty! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2061743 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 20:18:29 +0000 Katie 2061743@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What do people think of this, put of interest? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2061734 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 19:41:49 +0000 Katie 2061734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yeah that is nice too </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2061672 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 17:38:19 +0000 Anonymous 2061672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh love that dress! Ditto to checking the op shops. Formal wear is often worn only a few times, so those things are in like new condition.<br /> This one (that brand has others too) is at Nordstom in your budget, but most are 500$+<br /> <a href="https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/after-six-sleeveless-tulle-a-line-gown/4571843" rel="nofollow">https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s.....wn/4571843</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2061643 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 17:09:08 +0000 Barbara Diane 2061643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That’s a beautiful dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2061569 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 09:28:06 +0000 Katie 2061569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some great feedback, really appreciate it all. Budget wise I am thinking up to £200. I saw this earlier which I liked and think it's the sort of dress I want-something with a flowy/tulle skirt. Open to other picture suggestions though of any colour/style etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2061563 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 07:19:05 +0000 Jenni NZ 2061563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel like it totally depends on how much you have available to spend? The suggestion of “op shops” ( same as thrift stores I think) is a good one, I picked up suitable dresses for my teenagers in the past at such places for $20-25. They liked the dresses too, but we may have just been lucky. For myself l have only bought 2 “evening” dresses in my adult life, one in about 1999 and one in 2013, and I paid full price of $300-$350 both times. It seems like quite a waste though so renting could be worthwhile. My 1999 dress was worn maybe 3 times and the 2013 dress is at one wear so far </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2061486 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 00:25:47 +0000 Helena 2061486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You might also Google evening gown images for Meghan Markle, Kate, or Letizia of Spain for some "elegant modern princess" inspiration? FWIW I immediately thought of a rich deep sapphire colour for you :)<br /> <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=letizia+of+spain+gowns&#038;client=ms-android-rogers-ca&#038;prmd=insv&#038;sxsrf=ACYBGNRzDbTfHMzzz8-zebWhslgrti15LQ:1568679825861&#038;source=lnms&#038;tbm=isch&#038;sa=X&#038;ved=2ahUKEwjr_qTey9bkAhWR_J4KHWWhB8sQ_AUoAXoECA0QAQ&#038;biw=360&#038;bih=512&#038;dpr=3#imgrc=HFr9-DFt6dU4GM" rel="nofollow">https://www.google.com/search?.....-DFt6dU4GM</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2061456 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 21:17:05 +0000 Katie 2061456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all your messages. I will have a look around and post. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2061321 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 09:24:14 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2061321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anthropologie has gone into the wedding business, with an offshoot called bhldn. Lovely fancy dresses, including some from Shoji. Every once in a while, they put a bunch of them on ridiculous sale, like 50-80% off. I don’t suggest you try to follow a favorite all the way through til sale, but def check out the sale page on anthro’s site. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2061298 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 04:35:48 +0000 karen13 2061298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have time, but start now. If on a tight budget, definitely try consignment stores - lots of these get worn just a few times and there are many timeless styles. You look great in your black sweater/pleated skirt, so you are lucky there is so much black out there.</p> <p>November allows you to wear rich fabrics like velvet (a personal favorite!). And for fun, I got a formal jumpsuit last year to wear to the opera and cruise. So different and so fun! But beware of ease of exit for bathroom breaks!</p> <p>Post some Finds of what appeals to you. And spend an afternoon of brick and mortar shopping. I tried on everything I could find last year and it really opened my eyes to new ideas. Then post pics of your faves here for feedback.</p> <p>Here part of my journey on this process<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kr-more-cocktail-attire---love-those-jewel-tones">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....ewel-tones</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2061296 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 04:22:30 +0000 Sal 2061296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It has been a long time since I have been to a black tie event....</p> <p>You could consider rent the runway or something like that?</p> <p>Or even EBay - formal dresses often do not wear out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2061193 Sun, 15 Sep 2019 22:47:03 +0000 Angie 2061193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have a look at brands like Tadashi Shoji, and gowns on the Nordstrom site for inspiration. Then we can help you narrow it down.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-help-needed-regarding-black-tie-ball#post-2061175 Sun, 15 Sep 2019 19:48:22 +0000 Katie 2061175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So HELP needed regarding black tie ball.</p> <p>I am going to a formal black tie ball in November. Never been to one before but I know I want to wear a floorlength dress but not sure what style. I want to try and look a bit princessy but elegant too.</p> <p>Any ideas? I am 5'7" for the record. </p>