Black tie question - YouLookFab Forum

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Black tie question

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Is this pink dress long enough to wear to a black tie event?

I also have a purple satin and a teal satin but they seem more cocktail to me.

What do we think might work?
ETA I stopped in a local boutique that sells formal wear and asked the owner what she’s been selling for this event. She said floor length and darker colors. I didn’t tell her but I hated all of them. So matronly!
She didn’t think the pink dress was a good choice.

I was just invited to a Viennese Waltz a week from today.

https://www.monadnockmusic.org.....html#sept8

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Dressing

21 replies

Latest reply was from

Jules

Veteran

Is this strictly speaking Black Tie, I cannot say but suspect not. However given the nature of the event (3 hours long, charity-driven, veranda) I think you will look lovely and appropriate in this dress. If they truly expected strict "Black Tie" I believe those words would be enough, by qualifying it they have opened the door

L'Abeille

Veteran

I'm not an expert on black tie! But if you intend to do any waltzing, any longer than that would be TOO long. In fact, "waltz length" is about 4 inches above the ankle bone I think?

Also, I would love to see how those vertical ruffles on the skirt flare out when you twirl!

Tanya

Veteran

All the dresses are gorgeous on you.

I vote for the first, pink one. Beside length consideration which L'Abeille mentioned, skirt fullness matters a lot for ballroom dancing. For longer dresses, the skirt needs to be pretty full to allow for (big) waltz steps. As pretty as the satin dresses are, they would probably restrict your movement while waltzing.

Have fun!

Bijou

Veteran

I don’t have any true black tie ball gowns, but have found that not an issue with the balls I have attended. I love the first dress for dancing, you look beautiful in all of these. This is the dress I wore to a ball in 2022.

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cat2

Veteran

Can you find pictures of the event from a prior year?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

As KILLER beautiful as you look in these dresses UmmLila, they seem too casual for black tie, don't you think? They all look cocktail or dressy wedding, IYKWIM.

LOVE the pink!!!

Helena

Veteran

To my eye, the second one looks the most black tie-ish, especially if you accessorized with some bling ... I would say it would be dressy cocktail ... so if it's not the strictest of black tie, then that would be my pick I think.

The pink is beautiful though ... it looks so perfect for say a summer wedding, or dressy garden type party ... YLF in it!

unfrumped

Veteran

Wow, I struggle with your question because, it’s great to get this type of social event opportunity, but then the what-to-wear for the intended glam , potential need to shop & spend, maybe making poor choices under pressure— kind of gets to me.

So, the pink is not right. The teal maybe, with special footwear & jewelry, because you may not be able to find something on short notice.

I’d actually not focus on length as the best indoor “ elegant”. Meaning, as maybe was your impression, just because a dress is looong doesn’t mean it, or the wearer, will look or feel the most “ elegant. So a gorgeous midi ( I would include cocktail length also for my own environmental norm of gala/ fundraisers, because well, they know not everyone has or is going to go buy a ball gown, and they want to fill tables. But I digress. Just tossing out being open to not- floor- length if a fabulously glam/ elegant but shorter option presented itself. How something looks on YOU is important, not just what’s in a stock photo. Hence since your second dress looks really good, maybe work with that and relax.

Can you borrow or rent? I’d have huge trouble with either, if rental isn’t a real shop, but have to order, try on.

Also, shoes come into play. Sometimes full- length gowns are cut longer than the shoes you might wear, & expectation is that the customer will hem/ get hemmed to fit the footwear. Which takes time and adds $$$$.
OTOH, sometimes long enough for a flat shoe ( dressy) is great for feet, and dancing.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What's the pink one made of? Fabrication (and accessories) might be key here. You could bling it up and it definitely has a nice twirly skirt.

I love you in all of them, but the first looks best for dancing in.

I will say it seems a bit casual though if it is true black tie. Not that I have attended such an event in -- maybe forever! So I'm hardly an expert.

The black one is gorgeous, too, but it (and the also gorgeous last one) look more cocktail, for sure. The pink one feels more garden party.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

The pink looks a bit casual for the event, IMHO. The second one seems the most dressy fabrication, like it could be glammed up to black tie with the right shoes, bag, and jewelry.

My experience with that level of formality is limited, and I suspect a lot of functions now tolerate a bit more informality than in the past (after Covid), so YMMV. The event sounds lovely!

Irina

Veteran

I find the first one too casual for this kind of the event. I would seriously consider #3. Maybe with pumps or slingbacks instead of sandals but I’m old fashioned

Carol

(website)

Veteran

I agree that the pink is not right--that looks better for a modern garden party. I find the blue appropriate, and the burgundy not so much--unless you dress it up with a really ornate neckpiece.

You could add to the blue: ballroom dance shoes (if you have them), slick your hair back into a low bun, and add jewelry at the wrists. A good topper would be a wrap--tapestry, brocade, embroiderered, etc.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/5.....1&

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I have ordered a couple of floor length dresses to try out next week. My friend says she’ll help hem if one works out, since floor length is about six inches taller than me-length haha. I have a gold dance height stuart weitzman sandal and proper little gold evening bag.

My date just got a new tux so I need to keep up!

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cat2

Veteran

How fun! Make sure you can move backwards in the dress you pick. The way the white is draped at the bottom seems like it would work well.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I agree with others that no 1 looks a little too casual. Maybe it’s the print. Looks good though! No 2 and 3 look sensational and would be considered plenty dressy enough here.

Olive Green

Veteran

Can you put a tulle skirt with one of the sheath dresses?

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Well, as you might imagine, I have absolutely no idea but you do look beautiful in all of these.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

All 6 dresses are gorgeous! I last went to a black tie event 10 years ago. My black sparkly lurex dress hangs in the closet mocking me. Only one wear
Good luck with the new ones and the likely hemming!

VioletMyra

Ask Google, "What dress is appropriate for a black-tie event?", you might be pleased by the answer. Best wishes to all.

Sal

Veteran

I have read this with interest but didn't want to comment as US dress codes can be different to here. I have a possible black tie event in November and I know plenty of people won't go black tie at all!!

But I think if your date has a new tuxedo and you are up for it - a new special dress is fun !! It also depends on the crowd - our event is a business awards event.

I would wear 1 or 2 to a NZ Black tie event- 2 looks dressier due to the texture.

Anonymous

I think the second dress looks the most formal of these three, but love that pink floral one for a garden wedding or Easter, etc.
Long pink one you're considering looks good. Makes me think of Marilyn Monroe!