Pics added: Erm... what to wear to a *20s* black tie event? - YouLookFab Forum

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Pics added: Erm... what to wear to a 20s black tie event?

rae

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Veteran

(Disclaimer: Had a very, very stressful day today since my dad went into the emergency room this afternoon for high blood pressure that would not behave. He is okay now; they didn't even keep him very long, but I'm sorry to ask this without commenting on many of your posts tonight, as I am a little at a loss right now).

Anyway... so you know how I'm always saying everything is so casual here and I never have the opportunity to dress up? Well I just found out that we were invited to a black tie party for New Years - the couple who threw the last party we attended asked if we'd double-date with them. Cool!

But I'm a bit sketchy on the current rules for black tie... I've gone to a few websites and can't seem to nail down a solid answer. Do I need a long *gown*? DH is going to ask the other couple what they're wearing, but I thought I'd get a head start on planning and brainstorming.

Thank you for your thoughts!

Dressing

33 replies

Latest reply was from ManidipaM

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Rae - first off, so sorry about your dad -what a worry for you!! I am glad he is okay now. But clearly he'll need to be careful.

I'm afraid I'm not much help with the etiquette question, but I am really happy you get to go to a dress up event and can't wait to see what you come up with!

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

A black tie!!!

All jk aside - I'm not sure. Last time I went to a "black tie" event, cocktail attire was okay; but I guess it depends what type of event it is. I think in the purest sense, black tie is like ground-lenth gown.

Also; sorry to hear about your dad. BP is so hard to control sometimes

Nanabear

Hugs and hope you dad is fine now!

I haven't been to many black tie events but I imagine a floor length gown to be most appropriate although a formal looking shorter cocktail dress should be ok too.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Ok, I just heard it is 20s themed and the other gal going is wearing a long dress, although gowns are not mandatory.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Hmm; a flapper dress with lots of beading?

Or something Edwardian a la Downton Abbey?

Kristin SF

Veteran

So sorry to hear about your dad, and glad to hear he's stable now.

Some inspiration:
http://whatiwore.tumblr.com/po.....g-twenties

Esp here:
http://www.leluxeclothing.com/

I think, get thee to a vintage store ASAP in your area! And have a grand time!

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

What about something like this?

http://www.modcloth.com/shop/d.....slate-grey

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Anonymous

What's the venue? A hotel, event hall, restaurant? I take cues from the actual place too. A black tie at the Plaza ( just an example, unlikely to happen for me) is not the same thing as a black tie at my brother in law's catering hall.

You could wear a long gown but you really have to go pricey, to avoid looking like if you are going to prom. So much money for a once in a blue moon sort of thing, you know? I try to get away with cocktail dresses as much as I can.

how fun!

...and I'm glad your dad is OK. I hope the situation remains under control.

Fo period or themed based parties I seldom go "all out" with the theme. I prefer not to look to costumey, like for Halloween, but you could go all out and it would be really cool.

ETA: Allow me to present the most beautiful long gown ensemble I've ever seen
http://youlookfab.com/2011/05/.....h-friends/

RoseandJoan

Veteran

You now have the perfect hair for the event Rae and I imagine you have some really amazing gown hire shops on your doorstep

Could you rework your wedding dress?

I am sorry to hear your father has been unwell.

unfrumped

Veteran

Hope your dad is better. ED is no fun.

If you can, find out if the guys in general and yours in particular are sticking to tux's, or if there will be guys in suits. The more the black tie is optional or aspirational , the more cocktail dresses you will see, I think.

Zapotee has a good point-- you might base your decision on best iteration of formal attire regardless of length. If you find/ have/ rent a great long gown, you know that will be fine. If your only l ong options are cheesy but you have a beautiful cocktail length dress, wear that.

My recent experience is that unless you are in the spotlight at one of these events or it is some super- established very formal event, you will see a variety of dresses and if you look basically dressed up and pretty and happy, you will fit right in ,and at the end of the day no one will care or remember.

Debora

Veteran

Rae, this probably isn't dressy enough for black tie, but here's a 20's inspired flapper dress that DD tried on when we were out shopping. She was looking for cocktail attire and it looked adorable on. One reviewer suggested dressing it up with a long strand of pearls and strappy sandals.

http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/p.....Color=6600

So sorry to hear about the scary incidence with your dad.

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citygirldc

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Sorry to hear about your dad. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

20s events are great. I have a fondness for dressing up in period pieces. All you need to find is a great flapper-style dress (I.e vintage stores or regular dept. store), or a pleated longish dressy skirt with a dressy top: possibly long faux pearls (or dressing party jewelry), a cool cloche hat along with long black gloves, possibility of t-strap heels. You hair should look great with a hat. I hope these ideas help.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, ladies! I definitely can't do an all-out costume, because I have no time and not enough money. Hopefully I can find something beaded, pleated, or drop-waisted at my Rack. I know we have the pearls, and most dresses are on clearance right now. I'm going to try and get there right when they open today.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

How is Papa-Rae? Scary indeed :(. I'm sorry. (((HUGS))).

What will hubs be wearing to the do?

Amy

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Veteran

You've received great suggestions for the party. I just wanted to chime in with my sympathies for you and your dad. That is very stressful! Take good care of yourself and your papa.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Thank you for all the wishes for Papa Rae. He is doing okay, but it is extra scary because his father died of a stroke.

DH will be wearing his wedding outfit. There would be no convincing him to buy something new; he'd rather not go.

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Angie

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Fashion Stylist

Hubs will look KILLER.

Zap, Meredith does look breath-taking and sensational in that gown

Okay. So no long frocks required. Haul out your black sheath dress, wear lots of long beads, buy a cheap facinator or make a headband with feathers, add fun hose and if you have heeled Mary Janes - that would be best.

Glad Papa-Rae is doing okay. Sending him feel better energy.

Isabel

Veteran

Rae, I am so sorry to hear of the scare with your dad. That is scary when when it is familial. It becomes self-fulfilling with a high BP. You need to stay calm to bring it down but you get nervous because it is so high. The good news is that you guys are aware of it and you have access to good healthcare. I will be thinking of you guys.

I like the idea of a flapper dress too. I think that you can get away with a lot more than your hubby. Women didn't wear floor length gowns back then...I think. I would absolutely wear long gloves and beading, though.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Wouldn't you know that of all the people we know, the couple we're going with is the only couple who has already seen my black dress? And just, like, a week ago, too. I think I can get something for under $50. Even if I don't find beads, maybe I can wear MaryK's beaded shrug over the top? My fancy shoes are also in this pic... probably the black are best.

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Anonymous

Angie, well, I was referring to you but yes, I do agree, Meredith looks perfect in that gown....

Jules

Veteran

Love the beaded shrug and the black shoes; I'm no expert in formal wear but the other shoes look more like summer sandals to me (but I'm in Canada... And we have a lot of snow right now!). It all depends on what you find for dresses and I'm eagerly anticipating playing along at home! What a challenge - 3 days to get together a themed black tie outfit! It's like YLF Fear Factor or something But you can definitely pull it off!

Ariadne

Veteran

I wouldn't worry that the couple has seen your sheath dress before. There's nothing wrong with repeating clothing. You'll be accessorizing it totally differently anyway, right?

rae

(website)

Veteran

Well, here's what I came up with! DH's evaluation: "That outfit is a slam dunk." He's a sweetie. Do you agree? I tried not to be too literal/costumey, but I think I tend that way anyhow. The dress is sheer with a minidress underlayer and a slight hi-low hem and two high side slits. The back hem is just off the floor.

1-2 is me trying to make silly 20s expressions... realized I don't know what expressions 20s ladies made.

3-4 is the addition of an extra necklace and a fur collar. Me: "Is this too much?" DH: "Is there such a thing as too much for this event?"

I sure hope this is working and not too casual, because I'm sorta tired out. Plus, the dress was only $20!

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bj1111

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#4 with the fur tippet...very 20s! love!

hubs will look great. consider a bow tie...more formal.

Jules

Veteran

I love #4, I thinks the fur collar pulls it It all together!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

(Zap, oh my word! I just assumed you were talking about Meredith. I am humbled and blushing. *Thank you*).

#4 will do the trick! Good old hubs :).

Anonymous

(Angie, LOL, that is one of my all time fave outfits of yours, but the list is long).
#4 is really cute. Mission accomplished!

Jjsloane

Veteran

#4 looks great! Add a rhinestone bobby pin to your bangs for an extra touch. Enjoy the event!

Hope your dad is doing better.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Glad your dad and your outfit are sorted out. Love it with the fur!

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