Ask Angie&everyone: Black tie charity dinner

Hi all, long time lurker, first time poster! I've really enjoyed reading all your posts and getting inspiration from your photos over the past few months. You ladies seem like a fun & fashionable bunch! Just the people to help with my problem!

My question is on black tie dressing. Hubby and I and 8 others are going to a black tie charity dinner in Glasgow at the end of October. I have no idea what to wear, I was hoping to wear someing in my wardrobe, but I'm not sure if what I have is "dressy" enough. I can post pictures when I get home of the two dresses I have, they are both knee length though.

I was looking online at this dress, but not sure it it's too much dress?
http://www.my-wardrobe.com/rao.....own-340722

Should I be in black like this one?
http://www.my-wardrobe.com/iss.....own-532680

I like this one too, but again is it a bit OTT?
http://www.my-wardrobe.com/cat.....ess-508629

Are jeans really out of the question? I have black ones?

I'm getting panicky, and I think the other girls at the table are not sure what to wear either. The men are hiring tux's , so easy for them.

Any help, suggestions would be appreicated! Thanks for reading!

13 years ago

Glory

Veteran

Not Angie but wanted to say welcome. It would be great to see the options you already have - I think it can be knee length if it has the right fabrication.

LizL

Active Member

Thanks Glory! I really would like everyone to answer I should have specified that in the post. I'm trying to post photos I took of the dresses I have, I found 3 stuffed in my wardrobe.
I don't know how to post a photo though there doesn't seem to be a button for that.Unless I'm being really dense.

I put them on google+here's the link. https://plus.google.com/photos.....s-pipjTqgE

I didn't try them on because I'm just back from holiday, and have a few pounds to shed before I can fit in them again. I'm leaning towards the silk grey one?

Any and all help appreciated! Liz

unfrumped

I'm not Angie either! But I've had to balance attending special events, or not, vs. coming up with a reasonable outfit for the occasion. It can be hard to keep a current and well-fitting outfit or capsule at the ready for occasional events. You try to keep something classic on hand for that role, and the pouf, a year or 2 might go by and somehow you don't like it as much. Anyhoo.

I would think the grey silk would work fine. A long gown is perfect for black tie and likely you will see those there, but women can also wear cocktail length dresses, and for many people it's more versatile to have a dressy knee length dress vs. a gown, and it works for the charity ball/dinner people too, elsewise they wouldn't fill their tables.

You want to say, evening, glam, I dressed up for this, I respect the host's dress code and what they're trying to do. No jeans! If wearing a cocktail-length dress for black tie, I usually try to make sure my accessories speak that it's not church, not wedding, not just dinner out--so dressy shoes, clutch, jewelry (not all blingy, but something that says very special).

That said, I don't think someone should break the bank for one such outfit, or have to go on a frenzy of shopping, or stay home from all such events if the outfit is a bit on the less-dressy side. Some gals with good girlfriend connections can trade accessories for these events. It's more about having a kind of outfit goal and making the effort. Also, evaluate which dress when it's on you. If one is a nicer fabric but it doesn't fit you well or you struggle in it, the poor fit will make more of an impression than the fabric content, I think. This is where accessories can make the difference, as with the LBD concept.

rachylou

Hi! Welcome! I love #1 (the red). I like #2 (the black) also, but don't think it's that dressy. #3 would be too Ivanka Trump for me (but of course, that's me).

You're second blue dress, the silk with draped collar - That to me would be the winner. Unless long gowns are specified. I don't know the dress code in Glasgow... In California where I am, long gowns are long gone.

missvee

I love the long black Issa one you posted, but that's a lot of money to spend for one evening! Of the ones you own, the grey silk would be my pick, with some killer sparkly shoes and maybe a clutch in a a really bright colour - citron or fuchsia perhaps.

Thanks ladies, for all your great advice.

I think I'll go with the grey one, and try and dress it up a bit. I like the bright clutch idea. Shoes are a problem for me I'm 5'11", and killer shoes ususally have 4 inch heels, I'm not that brave! Maybe a belt?

unfrumped - you have some really good points, and I agree about fit, it can really make or break an outfit. The grey one fits well (or will do when I'm back to normal) I've never actually worn it anywhere, I just cut the tags off to take that picture!

rachylou--LOL Ivanka Trump!!!! Now I can't unsee that!!

Missvee, I love that Issa dress too, and I wouldn't (couldn't) buy it, but I like looking at that site as it shows complete outfits. I copy the style, but get the actual items from the high street.

If I'm feeling brave I'll post a finished outfit picture of me in it..

jayne

I think the first dress would be fun and the second one elegant and both good with a tux.

Suz

(website)

Gorgeous dresses, one and all. I am sure the grey one will work and I also love the high-neck black one.

Thanks Suz, I like the high neck black one too but, the size is just too small, I'll never be a 10 again. Off to the charity shop it went!

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