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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Help...again!

Katie

Help again!!!

Hello again, I would first of all, would like to say a massive thank you to all the girls that have offered me advice/feedback etc in the past. You're all so sweet.

As some will know, I am a male cross dresser and still quite inexperienced, but a friend of mine (who knows I dress) as asked if I would possibly consider going to his annual company black tie ball with him (as a lady obviously). I haven't said yes or no yet, but it's quite tempting.

Anyone on here ever gone to such an event? And more importantly, what should I wear?

Thank you

P.S. just posted my pictures again, so people can see how I look dressed, for those that aren't aware of me.

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32 replies

Latest reply was from Katie

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I don't have any advice on going to an event as a cross dresser, but I can give you a thought on dress code, A black tie event is usually more formal than these outfits. So you'll need to have a gown with heels and a clutch.

Anonymous

Yes, a big event like that takes some know-how to prepare for. Perhaps you could work with a personal stylist to get your outfit together. Sounds like a fun opportunity.

Anonymous

Yes, gown, heels...and with your great hair styling skills, I'm sure you can create a brilliant up do. Have you been following Vix's journey with Rent the Runway? That might be an option for you.

If you decide to go, I hope you post pics. My life doesn't call for dressy events anymore, so I love to live vicariously when forum members get invited to such events.

Most importantly, have fun!

Anonymous

I don't think you could go far wrong with a classic long black dress.

rachylou

Veteran

I like sleeveless tea length velvet. Full length gowns are so rare now, but short skirts are too casual in my book. It's not cocktails, right? Right, lol. It's also a business affair, not the opera opening, so no big purple polka dots and ear grazing organza ruffles. That's what I say

annette

I have never had the opportunity to go to that type of event. But I just have to say go! In life, we only regret the things we don't do. Have a wonderful time! Also, I think with your coloring A deep navy dress would be beautiful.

BrieN

Veteran

My advice if you decide to go is to start outfit planning early. In my experience it can take quite a bit of time to get the right dress and accessories.

Peri

Veteran

Something with lace sleeves would be great. If your goal is to "pass" (and forgive me if that is not your goal...it doesn't have to be), I think arms are a big giveaway. I think you've always gone very subtle-tasteful with your makeup and hair and that's great. A mistake I see sometimes is way too much dramatic makeup.

Katie

Helllo. Yes my goal is to try and pass for sure. I am not really tall (5'7") so that may help. I also know I do need a long evening dress.

Katie

Any of these?

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jill58

Veteran

Maybe a good place to start would be Nordstrom, Lord and Taylor, and Bloomingdales. Do you know about the Finds function here on YLF. You could start collecting different evening gowns that you like in Finds and from there possibly get better feedback. You have such a great eye for make-up and hair--polished but not overdone. I'm sure you could put together something great. There are such a wide variety of styles and prices! Rent the Runway, as has already been suggested, could also be a good option, since if you're like the rest of us, you may not often frequent black tie events. Edited to add, I see you've already been looking!

Katie

Thanks Jill, will certainly explore those avenues. And yes, just been exploring Google etc.

rachylou

Veteran

Oh, that's exciting they're going all out to long gowns! The sky's the limit then!

Anonymous

Katie, I'm seconding Peri's suggestion of sleeves for a business function. First, When one isn't the employee, I think it's always safest to hedge towards a more conservative elegance. Also, since it's a ball, there will presumably be dancing. Anything strapless, like the looks in your inspiration pics 1, 2, 5, and possibly 3, opens us up to wardrobe malfunction. Heck, even sitting and standing can lead to problems. My worst memory of a formal event where I wore a strapless dress was when my date stood on my hem and everything went south. Even without dancing, I've struggled with strapless dresses and spent more time hoiking up my dress and worrying about slippage than enjoying myself.

The dress in your pic 4 looks like it has sheer sleeveless panels, which will be a bonus, IMHO.

Style Fan

Veteran

Sounds like fun. Gorgeous gowns that you posted. Your hair and make up are always so pretty.

Katie

Ok well I think we have established sleeves are needed then.

Katie

What about something like this?

http://www.dylanqueen.uk.com/m.....7136e95/t/

Anonymous

Yes, that's lovely! I thought you looked beautiful in the organza skirt in your first pic from the other day, and this gown has the same pretty feature.

Peri

Veteran

What about something like this?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/js.....category-p

As a guest at a business function I would caution against going too sexy. You may not, and your date may not, want that kind of attention with his work colleagues. I'd go for beautiful, elegant, but still young looking. Not matronly, but not too bombshell.

Anonymous

I like the dress Peri posted. I saw several options on the Nordstrom site earlier. Some elegant classic Hollywood red carpet styles. You might also find some good inspo on Saks, and other dept store sites. I just searched for ballgown. (Will try to add the ones I screen grabbed later, we have a power out right now so can't access them)

Helena

Veteran

Angelina Jolie is the best for formal gowns with sleeves ... Might be worth googling for some inspiration. Have fun!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

How exciting, a formal to dress for!

All of the dresses you've pictured except for #2, the pink one, would work. The pink dress looks like a Sweet 16 or Prom dress. The other ones are more black-tie.

In a pinch, I know Angie has looked fantastic wearing a crisp white shirt along with a long satin skirt. This is also a look that Carolina Herrera wears.
http://youlookfab.com/2011/05/.....h-friends/

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Katie

Hello and thank you all. I agree, that Nordtorm dress is really nice and a nice colour. I would definitely wear something like that.

Katie

Quite like this...

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rachylou

Veteran

Oh that's beautiful, Katie. And tea length! What brand/shop is that?

Katie

I saw it on pinterest. Would definitely wear that. Am I right in thinking I don't let my friend know what I am wearing too?

Anonymous

The last dress you posted is gorgeous. Love it!

I think it's fine to let your friend know what you're wearing, especially if he asks. If if he has any insight into the corporate dress code, he can offer it. I think the 'don't reveal' rule is mainly for weddings but could be wrong. However, it's also fun to surprise him if you want, especially as you can't go wrong with that last dress. Just stunning.

jill58

Veteran

I dont know anything about this site but Simply Dresses has lots of reasonably priced options--again you might just get ideas. I kind of liked this gown. I do like the last dress you posted too.

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Peri

Veteran

Wow that last one you posted is perfect! Beautiful and young, elegant and tasteful. I hope you find it, or something like it!

Hey is anyone else thinking that all men should do this? Then they'd know what we go through, why we shop all the time, and how hard it is to find what we need!

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