Black tie no dress

zscore

I have been invited to a black tie event in Washington, D.C.. I do not own a dress of any description, nor do I intend to buy one. If I go, I will be attending alone. What are my options?

14 years ago

Dressing

17 replies

Latest reply was from Deb

annagybe

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Veteran

Can you rent one?

14 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Can you borrow one from a friend?

14 years ago

modgrl

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Veteran

http://www.renttherunway.com/

14 years ago

Steph

Veteran

Is your problem simply that you don't want to purchase a dress, but are willing to wear one? Or is it that you won't wear a dress at all? If it's the former, I think that the other ladies are right and renting or borrowing would be the way to go. If it is the latter, I do think that there are some non-dress clothing options that can work for a black tie event. If you are willing to wear a skirt, a floor length formal skirt with a very fancy top would be the obvious choice. If you only wear pants, you could either get a tailored woman's tuxedo, or wear very formal pants in a nice fabric with, again, a very fancy top. The key would be looking formal and dressed up.

14 years ago

zscore

Member

Thanks for your response. I have not worn a dress since high school. Basically, I detest them. I am encouraged by your advice, as I was not aware of the option of a women's tuxedo which I presume is available at a formal shop? Alternatively, I can probably pull off nice slacks and a dressy top.

14 years ago

carrie

(website)

Active Member

I vote for nice slacks and a dressy top, but I'm not familiar with the woman's tuxedo. I think a lot of the major department stores sell formal separates; it seems like you could easily buy a formal top/jacket and find dressy slacks or tuxedo pants to pair it with.

14 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I don't think you'd be able to rent a women's tuxedo. It's a bit of a speciality item
This might work

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/st.....26st%253Ds

14 years ago

annagybe

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Veteran

Or if you want to be literal (with pants of course)

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/st.....26st%253Ds

14 years ago

carrie

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Active Member

Annagybe that first post is fantastic!!

14 years ago

Michelle

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Veteran

You'll If you go the pants and top route, you'll have to ensure that both items are *extremely* formal. Black tie means all stops out, formal attire only. Ordinary dress pants, unfortunately, won't really be appropriate. Nothing that could be construed as businesswear will be dressy enough.
Fortunately, as Anna has demonstrated, alternatives do exist.
Out of curiosity, what is it about dresses that you hate so much? Is it just dresses, or does your antipathy extend to skirt ensembles too?

14 years ago

zscore

Member

I appreciate how helpful these suggestions are. In response to those who are curious about my antipathy toward dresses, I grew up as a tomboy and hated dresses since I can remember. Dresses, skirts, dress shoes were and are always so uncomfortable. I even find long pants such as jeans uncomfortable. I am fortunate to work in a profession where I can wear shorts every day of the year. As attractive a s the NM pantsuit is, the limited size range rules it out. I'm sure I could get fitted in a men's tuxedo but I would probably do well to find an appropriate blouse to substitute for the shirt. Thoughts on this approach?

14 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

What about a very long, pleated skirt? That would be very comfy. You could wear it with a silk blouse, some jeweled ballet flats, and be done with it!

14 years ago

Deb

Active Member

I believe that white tie is the new black tie ... which is to say that black tie is less formal than it used to be.

I think that you could wear a form of pants or pantsuit - possibly palazzo made of a soft, drape-y fabric in a deep or a jewel-tone color, with an "embellished" (as they say) blouse or soft jacket.

Accessorize to the max with statement earrings, or necklace, and a gorgeous evening purse and shoes ... and you will be perfect.

14 years ago

Deb

Active Member

Re that female tuxedo ... my personal feeling is that I would steer away from it, especially here in fashion-conservative DC, unless you want to make a statement.

:o)

14 years ago

Steph

Veteran

I agree with Michelle that any pant outfit does have to be very formal, in very nice, dressy fabrics.

Just for reference, this is what I was thinking when I mentioned a female tuxedo. I don't think these would make any more of a statement here in DC than any other pant-oriented outfit, but it is still a very feminine look because of the cut:
http://www.life.com/image/84598514
http://www.peoplestylewatch.co...../gallery/0,,20262498_20585260,00.html

Obviously, an easier look to pull off when you look like Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie!

14 years ago

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Hmmm...Zscore, it sounds like you're going to have to make some sort of sacrifice to comfort for this event, since you don't tend to like items that work best in formal settings. Since that's the case, would you consider trying a flowy skirt in a soft fabric like velvet, paired with a silky or shimmery dressy blouse? Is it the constriction that tends to bother you?
And...I gotta ask based on your screen-name...are you a statistician?

14 years ago

Deb

Active Member

Steph - In no way did I intend to dismiss your suggestion of a tuxedo - I quickly scanned down the page before providing my input and didn't even notice who had said what. :o)

So much depends on who/what organization is hosting the event, and what the profile of guests would be. I've not yet seen a woman in a tux ... but maybe I'm attending the wrong kind of parties!

14 years ago

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