https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 05 Apr 2026 11:59:48 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help/page/2#post-52726 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:25:16 +0000 HannahC 52726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dani,</p> <p>So sweet of you to check!<br /> Well, the JCrew dress is the right size, however way too much cleavage. I am now looking for a black silky cami to wear underneath. I have a black cami, but it is not the right shade of black (although, in the evening it might not be noticeable...). When I have the right shade cami, I will definitely post pictures! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help/page/2#post-52696 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:58:03 +0000 Dani 52696@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hannah, did the J Crew dress work for you? Did you post a picture somewhere and I missed it? Hope you have a great time at the event! Take pictures of your final outfit for us! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help/page/2#post-52642 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:43:54 +0000 HannahC 52642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Anne,</p> <p>Thanks so much!</p> <p>OK, let's see:<br /> little black dress of the right length - yes, mine is between knee and calf (it is Sophia dress from JCrew in black silk)<br /> tight waist ... hmmm ... it does go in in the waist, but it is not uncomfortable, so I think it is ok<br /> Jewelry - have pearls necklace or a diamond brooch, or, as Shiny suggested, the brooch clipped on the pearls - I guess for "not too showy" I will just go with the pearls<br /> Makeup - I never wear too much, I actually wear too little usually I planned to put on only mascara and lipstick, I guess it is ok. I am in Europe a lot (conferences), and my makeup is usually in line with what women wear there.<br /> Hair up - oops ... I guess I will go with a tight french bun then. This is the only style of hair up that I can do myself. I also can do "half-up, half-down" but it seems not formal enough.<br /> The only velvet jacket that I have is purple, so no I guess I will go with the pashmina and try my best to prevent it slipping from my shoulders.</p> <p>Thanks again, you are the best!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help/page/2#post-52590 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 02:03:07 +0000 anne 52590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Hannah,<br /> I have had some more info back, with this dinner in mind<br /> Some of this might be a bit late now, but I'll tell you anyway.</p> <p>Here's a few details that should let you know you're on track<br /> "little black dress, not ball dress, knee to calf range"<br /> "anything with a tight waist uncomfortable, because you will be sitting down"</p> <p>Jewellery - she'd go for single pendant or single string - not too showy if you want to blend in<br /> Makeup - enough to know your're wearing it, but not too much (less than an American might wear to a similar event)<br /> Hair - wear up<br /> She suggested a velvet jacket might stay on better than a scarf/pashmina during the long meal (probably too late for that though) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-52589 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 01:56:51 +0000 anne 52589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Hannah,<br /> I have had some more info back, with this dinner in mind<br /> Some of this might be a bit late now, but I'll tell you anyway.</p> <p>Here's a few details that should let you know you're on track<br /> "little black dress, not ball dress, knee to calf range"<br /> "anything with a tight waist uncomfortable, because you will be sitting down"</p> <p>Jewellery - she'd go for single pendant or single string - not too showy if you want to blend in<br /> Makeup - enough to know your're wearing it, but not too much (less than an American might wear to a similar event)<br /> Hair - wear up<br /> She suggested a velvet jacket might stay on better than a scarf/pashmina during the long meal (probably too late for that though) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-52442 Sat, 28 Feb 2009 15:09:25 +0000 HannahC 52442@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne, here it is:</p> <p>One one side of a white card with the Magdalen college sign written:<br /> "The President and Fellows of Magdalen College request the pleasure of the Company of &lt;my name&gt; at the Waynflete Dinner on Friday, 20 March, 2009"</p> <p>On the other side:<br /> "Dinner 7.30 p.m. Evening dress (dinner jackets for men); champagne will be served at 7 p.m. in the &lt;name of the room there&gt; ..."</p> <p>Then details about where to R.S.V.P., how to park etc.</p> <p>Thanks so much! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-52433 Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:12:17 +0000 anne 52433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hannah,<br /> before I get back to my contacts, could you please tell me the exact wording on the invite?</p> <p>thanks </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-52390 Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:06:16 +0000 HannahC 52390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Anne,</p> <p>Thanks so much for following up on this!! Yes, please, if it is not too much to ask - contacting somebody at the college would be fantastic! </p> <p>I love the understated look recommendation I am waiting for another dress to arrive, but I definitely have a good fitting day dress (I have a thread on the forum with pictures of me wearing it with different accessories). Phew, I feel so much better </p> <p>Thanks a million again!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-52335 Fri, 27 Feb 2009 02:50:53 +0000 anne 52335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hannah,<br /> Just after I got an email from someone about this my internet went on the blink and I haven't had it at home since! That was 6 days ago and I am just quickly logging on now at my husband's work.</p> <p>My contact with Oxford experience said she would go for an understated look and that she thought a nice day dress would be okay. She also offered to contact someone she knows (a senior don!) at the college! If you'd like her to do that - let me know (I may take a while to get back to you, because of my internet probs) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-51166 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:26:41 +0000 shiny 51166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to get off the computer soon, but another option - if you wear your hair up - is to skip the necklace and instead just go with an awesome pair of chandelier earrings. You can get them at any price point. If you have a long neck, get long, dramatic ones. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-51163 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:07:15 +0000 HannahC 51163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny,</p> <p>Yes, this is exactly what I had in mind for the Bravissimo dress - I tried it with the brooch pinned to the bodice to make it more evening-y. I will take pictures and post them for you to see (probably tomorrow), because I am not sure about the best placement of the brooch.</p> <p>The idea of attaching the brooch to the necklace never occurred to me! Wow! I must try that! (leaving the computer and running to try the pearls with the brooch).</p> <p>Thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-51160 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:01:31 +0000 shiny 51160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hannah, how about black patterned hose? I think that would look awesome. </p> <p>Also maybe you could try pinning the brooch on your bodice (in the center), to give the Bravissmo that special sparkle to take it out of the ordinary? (This is assuming the Jcrew dress doesn't work out). </p> <p>Another idea is to attach the brooch to the pearl necklace. I love that look. </p> <p>The clutch sounds nice! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-51158 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:56:18 +0000 HannahC 51158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tarzy -<br /> The dress is so cute and so exactly my style! How did you know? :)<br /> I am worried that it is too casual, though ... My understanding is that jersey is too casual for a black tie dinner. I might be wrong, though ... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-51155 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:52:17 +0000 tarzy 51155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hannah - would something like this work for you? </p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2992436/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6014199?mediumthumbnail=Y&#038;origin=category&#038;searchtype=&#038;pbo=6014199&#038;P=1" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....9&#038;P=1</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-51134 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 19:09:44 +0000 HannahC 51134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy - these are great ideas! Unfortunately, I cannot wear belts - it is a deadly combination of being very busty and very short-waisted. Any kind of belt makes me look like a sausage.<br /> I live in a very casual area as well, this is why I am having so much trouble figuring out what I should wear :(<br /> My co-workers suggested that I wear whatever I am wearing that day and say that the airline lost my suitcase </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-51133 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 19:06:37 +0000 HannahC 51133@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Angie,<br /> Thanks!!<br /> I am very relieved that long gowns are optional. I think the Jcrew one will be tea-length on me (I usually have to shorten so-called "knee-length" dresses a couple of inches in order for them to really be knee-length on me), so I guess if it fits, I will just keep the length?<br /> You are saying that this one<br /> <a href="http://www.bravissimo.com/prod" rel="nofollow">http://www.bravissimo.com/prod</a>.....tails.aspx<br /> is too casual, right? That's a bummer ... I like it a lot, and most importantly, it fits (unlike the other bravissimo dress and the boden dress - the JCrew hadn't arrived yet, I hope it will fit). Ok then, I will take Shiny's advice, bring it anyway, and wear to other functions during this trip.<br /> I bought classic black pumps with 3 inches heels (and a small platform, so they are walkable) and a leather clutch in pewter with a very subtle shine. I also ordered two pashminas from "The Pashmina store", they should arrive in a couple of days: cranberry and silver. Does this sound ok? Is pashmina ok to wear to a black tie dinner? Are there some specific requirements about the clutch shape? Mine is a little retro, looks like it is gathered at the top (it is not - it is leather, just sort of gathered).<br /> Accessories: I have a bit of antique jewelry inherited from my great-grandmother: antique gold earrings with little diamonds and a gold brooch with diamonds in an antique cut (they look rougher than contemporary diamonds). I also have a (modern) pearl necklace, very classic, short but not choker-length, with nice round cultivated pearls. I guess some of it will do the trick, right? I was thinking, either the earings and the brooch, or the pearl necklace, depending on the dress. I actually also have pearl studs, but I am feeling that it is too matchy-matchy with the pearl necklace. Or should it be matchy-matchy for a black-tie event?<br /> How about hosiery? What should I wear assuming I will wear a dress where some part of my legs is visible? Somehow I felt that sheer black with black pumps and a black dress is too much black overall, so I was leaning toward nude sheer with a subtle shine. I would love to hear your opinion on this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-51126 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:29:13 +0000 Anonymous 51126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hannah, I'm wondering if you could make the wool LBD more formal with a shawl or jacket that has some shine...satin or beading or even a metallic fabric. Another idea that wouldn't take up much room would be a fancy belt or even a wide satin ribbon tied in a bow. These are things that have worked for me because I hate to spend a lot of money on a dress I may wear once. A long and a short LBD that get a change of accessories have served me well and have always fit in.<br /> Edit: Just saw Angie's response that this is too casual, so disregard. I live in a very casual area and what's OK here probably isn't in a more formal community. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-51125 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:25:43 +0000 Angie 51125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such fab advice, Shiny. You rock! </p> <p>Long gowns at black tie functions are optional. Short and tea lengths are fine too as long as the dresses are VERY dressy. Actually I’m taking two clients (sisters actually) to shop for their black-tie event this afternoon. They both want long gowns.</p> <p>The first dress might do the trick. The J Crew dress is okay. The other dresses look too casual. How about shoes, a clutch and accessories? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-51124 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:23:20 +0000 HannahC 51124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just tried to order the Isadora lipstick, and the cosmeticmall don't ship to Israel They ship to so many other countries, but Israel? nope. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-51123 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:16:43 +0000 HannahC 51123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny -<br /> You convinced me - I am bringing the bravissimo dress anyway At the very least, I will wear it at the reception in the conference I am attending afterward, and will look very strange among other scientists who will, as usual, wear jeans (yes, even at the reception or banquet). Or I can also wear it in the lecture I am giving on the day of the dinner in Oxford, if I don't wear it to dinner. I do like it a lot and I feel very fab in it.<br /> The isadora lipstick looks good, and the colors are great! Of course, we don't have it in Israel, but I will order it via the cosmeticmall (the link that is provided at the bottom of the Isadora page) - apparently they ship international. Great, so I am covered lipstick-wise (at least my lips will be ). My previous option was to wear Maxfactor long-lasting thing (two pieces - a color and a top coat), but it is really drying my lips, so Isadora will be a better choice.</p> <p>Thanks!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-51120 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:05:44 +0000 shiny 51120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The good thing about the Jcrew dress is that it would take up very very little room in your suitcase, I suspect it weighs nothing. But the black bravissomo has the added plus of being something you could throw on for any event on your trip when you want to dress up a bit. I always haul an LBD with me on trips for this very reason - you just never know. </p> <p>Wear your hair up for sure! Mine is too short to wear up but if it was longer I would definetly wear an updo. </p> <p>As for lipstick, I don't know if you have this brand in Israel, but I'm cheap when it comes to make-up and usually just buy drugstore brands. This is the brand I am currently wearing:</p> <p><a href="http://www.isadora.com/?id=883" rel="nofollow">http://www.isadora.com/?id=883</a></p> <p>It's nice because it's really really long-lasting! It kind of stains the lips, so even if you try to wipe it away or kiss a lot or something, there's still some color leftover. Plus I can drink and not get lipstick all over the glass. Yet it doesn't feel dry on the lips as a lot of long-lasting formulations do. I wouldn't say it feels super moist (I put gloss or even chapstick over) but it's not horribly dry and icky feeling. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-51117 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 17:42:20 +0000 HannahC 51117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne -<br /> My host said that the dress code is "one level below full academic dress". Full academic dress consists of a tux with a white tie, academic gown with a hood lined in the colors of the college, and a mortarboard - like here: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_dress_of_the_University_of_Oxford" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A....._of_Oxford</a><br /> The "one level below", which is this dinner, is a tux with a black tie and an academic gown for men (no hoods or mortarboard), and an evening dress for women. Wasn't very helpful ... I asked him specifically whether he remembers what women wore to such a dinner, and he thought long and hard, and then recalled that a wife of a Japanese colleague wore a kimono. Given that Israel doesn't have a traditional dress (well, apart from khaki shorts and sandals ), this wasn't very helpful.<br /> If you can ask your contacts what is expected from me in terms of dressing, this will be fantastic!! Thanks a lot for offering this! See, I really don't have anyone to ask :(<br /> The college is Magdalene college, and I really hope that their guidelines permit knee-length dresses as well. I am interested in knowing the acceptable color, fabric, hosiery, and cover-up, and also hair (up/down/half up) and makeup. Thanks again!!</p> <p>Shiny-<br /> A great coat! Indeed, you were in luck! I guess I will just go with pashmina - you are right, March shouldn't be so cold, and besides, Oxford has a milder weather than Boston (although, if it rains, I wonder ... I don't think my umbrella will fit in the clutch).<br /> Thanks for the pointers for dresses! You are right, the bravissimo dress doesn't wrinkle, so it definitely looks like a good choice for traveling. The only problem is with its level of dressiness ... You are also so right about bringing both and then deciding on the spot, I should just do that! The problem is, of course, that I am only allowed to bring 20 kg (~42 lbs) of luggage. I see a lot of washing clothes in the sink of the hotel in my future :)<br /> I also gave up wearing eyeshadow about 5 years ago - my feeling is that it ages me. I also don't wear eyeliner (same reason). I am sort of with Carla Bruni on the subject of makeup - as I age, I tend to wear less and less. I wear mineral foundation, fill my sparse eyebrows, and put waterproof mascara. Indeed, I should put some lipstick, though I have yet to find a lipstick that survives on my lips for more than 10 minutes. So my strategy is to do a very sheer lipstick and then it is ok if it disappears. You are so right about keeping it simple! About hair - mine is very problematic, fine and thin, and hard to style. I can do a french bun or maybe pin some of the hair up. Also, a lot of hair spray and some backcombing helps (hello 80's!).<br /> Thanks for all the pointers and hints for dresses! I really like Donna Rico from what I saw on the Internet. Unfortunately, I don't think I will have guts to go for a jewel color dress for this dinner - I am too afraid to look inappropriate :(</p> <p>Tarzy -<br /> Thanks for the links!<br /> Yes, I too always have trouble finding dress that fits! Except for bravissimo dresses, I only wear wrap style dresses (can also be fixed wrap). For this occasion, I thought about separates briefly (though I am not brave enough to go with black pants - I thought about a fancy skirt and a fancy top), but then somehow I decided that it is not dressy enough. But the links you found are fantastic! And not expensive either! I might reconsider ... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-51057 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:02:15 +0000 tarzy 51057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a larger bust and I have trouble finding dresses that fit. I might be tempted to go with separates. I'm also shortish (5'4") so the skirt would have to be right - not too voluminous. I might look for something simple, similar to this:<br /> <a href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=142756&#038;CategoryID=5241&#038;PageID=5241*1*24*-1*-1*13" rel="nofollow">http://www1.bloomingdales.com/.....4*-1*-1*13</a></p> <p>Of course, I might also be tempted to wear black pants! I don't know if I'd actually do it, but I guess I have a bit of the rebellious old feminist in me that thinks "Why can't I be comfortable!" And they'd all think I was "eccentric." Of course, this is all fantasy for me, and it's always easy to be brave in fantasy. For you, it's reality and I understand the dilemma. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-51055 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:55:59 +0000 shiny 51055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hannah, I totally lucked out because this coat coordinated beautifully with the dress, and was just the right length too:</p> <p><a href="http://s386.photobucket.com/albums/oo309/lookingfabat43/sept%202008/?action=view&#038;current=thanksgiving2008052.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://s386.photobucket.com/al.....008052.jpg</a></p> <p>I was dubious about wearing an every-day coat over it, and not something more special, but when I tried on my various options for my girlfriend, she thought this coat and the dress looked perfect. </p> <p>Otherwise, it'll be March so hopefully the weather will be more cooperative and a pashmina will be enough. I would simply plan to take a taxi so all you have to do is run in and out for a few minutes of chilly air. You'll be fine!</p> <p>If the Bravissmo dress is woolen it probably packs well, so there's another point in its favor. The Jcrew dress probably doesn't wrinkle in a suitcase either. What I might do, if the Jcrew dress fits, is order that in long, and then bring BOTH. You will have options and once you are there, you may be able to find out more details to decide. </p> <p>If you want a dress in a jewel color, try googling for Calvin Klein dresses and also try Donna Ricco. I've had great luck with Donna Ricco in the past. The dresses do not wrinkle at all, and pack quite well. The quality is not as nice as the CK but the price is good and nobody can tell the difference. Adrian Papell is another designer to google, though I can't attest to the packability. </p> <p>No, I didn't go to the salon. I did have my nails done professionally, and I had my eyebrows threaded (because they were getting unruly). I swear, when I get my eyebrows done, it's better than any makeup!!! But I did my hair and makeup myself. </p> <p>I lucked out and had a "good hair day" ... as for make-up, I went very simple - moisturizer, a bit of foundation, some powder eyeliner, mascara, and (most importantly) red lipstick instead of my usual lipgloss. No eye shadow, I gave up wearing that about 10 years ago because it makes my eyes look even smaller than they already are. At most, I apply powder eye liner using an eye liner brush. That is my usual make-up strategy: focus on the lips and keep everything else simple. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-51053 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:52:08 +0000 anne 51053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh BTW I have a few email contacts ( through email discussion lists) you have been, or are, at Oxford. I could probably ask them some questions for you, if you'd like? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-51051 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:47:15 +0000 anne 51051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hannah, is what you are going to called "formal dinner"? If so, it is something that the colleges have quite frequently and the following might help</p> <p>What does dress code "formal" mean?<br /> "Formal has a slightly different meaning in different places. At Oxford University formal is not equivalent with white tie (tailcoats and ball gowns). These are the guidelines for Exeter College: </p> <p>Men should wear a dark suit, a shirt, tie or bow, and dark shoes. If you don't want to humiliate yourself, dark socks are probably a good idea. A tuxedo or dinner jacket is not required.<br /> Women should wear a dress that is at least knee-length. Go for a cocktail dress, an ankle-length dress, or a formal trouser-suit. "<br /> from <a href="http://www.exetermcr.com/node/1143" rel="nofollow">http://www.exetermcr.com/node/1143</a></p> <p>I think you are off the hook re a long dress. I think you'd be fine styling your hair yourself if you are confident about it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-51049 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:28:31 +0000 HannahC 51049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Shiny,<br /> Thanks for the great advice!<br /> Wow, you look amazing in the blue dress! It fits you like a glove, and it is very formal and pretty! And the color is fabulous by itself and on you!</p> <p>The Bravissimo dress that fits me well - I indeed kept it: I couldn't part with the dress that fits me so well That's what I said to myself to justify the expense - that this is my fallback option It is indeed very similar in shape to your dress, only my dress is woolen, so it doesn't have this evening look. I will try to accessorize it (hopefully my pashminas will arrive tomorrow or the day after), put some jewelry and take a picture for you to judge. Actually - what did you wear to keep you warm in your black tie event? Is pashmina ok, or should I buy some kind of a formal shawl or something?</p> <p>Full-length gowns?? Really?? (banging my head on my desk). I don't think I ever wore a full-length gown in my life! Well, I did wear a full length gown once - when I got married. But that's it. I am always hesitant to wear long dresses because I am so short, you know? (I know you can relate to that ).</p> <p>I do have nice shoulders and a long neck, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that the JCrew dress will fit. If it does, I might order it in full length as well, just to be on the safe side.</p> <p>Another thing - I am personally not so fond of black: I prefer jewel-tones (and they flatter my skin tone more). If I wasn't so worried about sticking out, I would choose purple. But, judging my the formality of the invitation, I guess I should go with black </p> <p>Oh, I just remembered another potential problem with a long gown: packing and creasing. This event is a part of a trip where I visit several European countries (all related to my research, not a vacation). The trip is 10 days long, and I have quite a lot of flights to Europe and in Europe. How do I pack a full-length gown? I am worried that it will arrive horribly crinkled! </p> <p>Last question: do you go to a salon to have your hair and makeup done before a black-tie event? I am afraid I don't know any salons in Oxford, but if I have to, I will need to search and book now ... I was hoping I can get away with styling my hair myself (I have shoulder-length hair) and doing light makeup.</p> <p>Shiny, thanks again! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-51047 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:12:20 +0000 shiny 51047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Hannah, I am hesitant to advise you because the UK may be very different than Boston. I know that Angie has said that black tie calls for women to wear full-length gowns. So you may want to go that route. </p> <p>However for the recent black tie event I attended here in Boston, I did not wear a full-length gown and only 2 or 3 women did (nearly every man was in black tie). But who knows.... maybe it is a regional thing?? </p> <p>Here is what I wore - it's very similar in shape to the Bravissmo dress:</p> <p><a href="http://s386.photobucket.com/albums/oo309/lookingfabat43/special%20occasion%2008/?action=view&#038;current=dec2008snowstorm181.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://s386.photobucket.com/al.....orm181.jpg</a></p> <p>The dress is Calvin Klein. I chose the color specifically because it coordinates with my DH's kilt, but I do think you can't go wrong with black (probably 80% of the women at the event I went to were wearing black). One thing I learned while trying on dresses: anything with stretch satin is very forgiving, because it stretches while still giving a good amount of structure. I just really love the shape of this dress for me. And yes, I wore micro fishnets. </p> <p>The Bravissmo dress is quite lovely and I personally WOULD wear it to a formal event. I would just accessorize it accordingly. That's the nice thing about an LBD like this - you can dress it up for night, or down for day. If it fits you well and you feel confident in it, I think that it is still an option in the running. Do you still have it or did you return it? I might hold on to it for awhile in case nothing else turns up, so you have a fall-back. </p> <p>However if the Jcrew dress fits and flatters, I may suggest you order the full-length gown, because your event does sound awfully formal. I should think you could not go wrong with that Jcrew dress in full length, in black, for any and every black tie event. It's a very classic dress. However it would not work for me as my shoulders are my least favorite feature - but it sounds like you have nice shoulders so go for it!</p> <p>Hope that helps!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-51040 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 11:48:26 +0000 HannahC 51040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oy, Dani, I went and looked at your pictures - you are so slender! If you wear large in JCrew, I am doomed </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-dinner-in-oxford-help#post-51037 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:10:34 +0000 HannahC 51037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Dani,</p> <p>Thanks!<br /> Now that you say that JCrew sizing is all over the board, I am even more nervous Hope this dress will work ... It looks like this shape should be right for me, but I don't know anymore ...<br /> Yes, indeed it should be cold in Oxford in March, this is why I definitely will need hosiery, but also because I think such a formal occasion requires some kind of hose? Maybe not ...<br /> I would try some more interesting alternative, had it been a less stuffy place than Oxford ... Do you think nude sheer hose is too matronly with an evening dress? I feel like black sheer hose is too much black, between the dress and the shoes. Maybe I am wrong ... </p>