Urgent Wardrobe hole....WiW at end update - YouLookFab Forum

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Urgent Wardrobe hole....WiW at end update

Sal

Veteran

I have just found out I need to attend a black tie/formal business awards night next week in our Capital City. And our company is getting an award so I will be briefly on stage to accept this.

I thought my wardrobe catered for most needs and whilst I doubt I will need a true black tie gown, I don't see my current pieces fitting the requirement. Given it is business related, and I could be photographed, I am also keen to not have cleavage or bare upper arms.

My current wedding/occasion dresses are below but I don't see any of them being appropriate. I hope to wear one of my two dressy heels though.

I had a look at hire places but they are aimed at school age occasions (balls/proms) and so not really what I am wanting. I am going to try and find something urgently over the next four days that will work.... although borrowing is a possibility.

I am hoping to find something dark, full length or ankle length, with short sleeves, some draping, that could be worn again....I had a quick look online last night and there appear to be some options. A colour would be nice but black would also be acceptable.

Wish me luck!!

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54 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

First of all Sal, CONGRATS!!! That's brilliant, and I hope you're celebrating. WELL DONE!

As pretty as your dresses are, they are not black tie formal. Onto filing the wardrobe hole.

I like the idea of dark - but not black if you're wearing black shoes. Black with your green shoes can work! You're heading into Spring.

If you want arm coverage - don't do #3.

I like #4! Although perhaps a little slinky and clingy. Not sure!

I like the colour of #1! Looks like a potential winner.

#2 is a classic - and worth trying

LJP

Veteran

Oh my god, this would send me into a tailspin. That's seriously not much notice to provide , is it? I do really like both the long dresses you have screenshot - and think that burgundy one in particular would work well for you. Good luck !

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Angie - good advice!! I am okay with revealing arms but I think not for this occasion. I am most hopeful about the second one, the last one is dark navy and I think I have tried it on in the past. These are all in local boutiques so I can try on in person.

Lisa - I found out whilst we were away but only just cottoned on that it is black tie (I was thinking it was business formal which I can make work). Most of my friends are smaller than me (they are verging on petite) so borrowing probably does not work. I may be able to think of someone though.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Congratulations! That is great news even if a bit of a wardrobe challenge. I love #3 but it doesn't fit the bill arms wise. I think this is a try on and see sort of situation, I hope you have time to check out a number of options.

Dee

Veteran

How exciting and congratulations. Glad you're able to source these dresses locally. All your options look lovely. Looking forward to seeing the one you chose.

Sal

Veteran

If it is flattering I am fine with my arms being out - it will depend on the cut. I try not to worry about aging too much but I am conscious my skin is less taut than when I was younger......

kinnick

You might consider a full length black skirt with a white button up or silk shirt.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Congratulations, Sal!

Good luck with the search!

I wonder if you can use your tuxedo jacket, and add flowy or dressy pants and a silk or sequined top with sparkly earrings. It might provide some other options for your search, and possibly more flexibility for future use.

BlueJay

Veteran

Oooh! Congratulations Sal! I like #1 and #2. Also, I was going to suggest the same as kinnick - a fancy long skirt with a shirt. Good luck!!

Runcarla

Veteran

I like kinnick’s suggestion of separates and Sharan’s suggestion of a woman’s tuxedo or full trousers and top with shine or bling. Honestly, this might be the beginning of more of these types of events for you and your company - so why not consider something that will mix and match and have a bit of longevity?

Have you checked second hand? My ‘ball skirt’ is designer and was picked up whilst thrifting for $50CAD. A local consignment shop has an entire room of bridal and formalwear, including accessories - footwear, clutches, wraps - used once and being sold for 50-10% of purchase price.

Good luck! But more importantly, congratulations!

Brooklyn

Veteran

Congratulations! I like all the dresses.

My first port of call in this situation would be Sass & Bide and Bec + Bridge. Pic 1 is S&B. Pic 2 is B+B.

The Iconic would be worth looking at too because they represent lots of retailers.

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Jenni NZ

Veteran

Congratulations to you and your company!
I could courier down my worn once formal gown? You could wear a mesh top underneath to cover arms?
It’s a bit big for me and a bit long so likely to be ankle length on you. And a bigger size than I now wear. Sparkly and could be good with your green shoes.
If you’re stuck.
But I like Carla’s idea- I have just been in thrift stores today (with no luck) but there are a lot of formal dresses.
I like the burgundy and the blue of the ones you have photos of, the best.

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Sal

Veteran

Nothing like a deadline to make me decisive... thank you for all the input.

Ordering online was not possible given I leave Monday night and it is now Thursday. I decided to take the lowest risk option and put myself in the hands of a boutique owner who I know and trust. And having something like this will be useful in the future - I hope!!

I have made a purchase. I found two in store I liked and purchased one. I will try it on in the weekend for the forum with shoes, bag etc....I may have also purchased a blazer.....

I did consider wearing my blazer with palazzo pants etc...but in the end decided I could justify a dress.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Yay! Good on you and on the boutique owner. We will all be excited to see!

Carol

(website)

Veteran

The green shoes seem more black tie, and of the dresses you looked at, #4 seems like a good choice, very elegant, but dramatic.

A boat neck is also a great cut for elegance, but no cleavage. I love how you picked a pencil silhouette for your picks--I think that is a good look.

I bet you there are a lot of options in stores, as long as you have a clear focus on details like silhouette, neckline, and fabric.

You could also do a silver-grey satin fabric, or...if I were on stage, and some people were men, I might just choose black so I could harmonize with their black jackets.

Here is a dress I bought for no reason, and I was so excited about it. It is not quite nice enough for this, but I do love thinking about these occasions.

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Bijou

Veteran

Congratulations on winning this award!

So glad that you have got the dress and tried it on. Having a formal dress in the wardrobe is always handy, if it works for 'business appropriate' events it will also be good for a black-tie wedding event.

Suntiger

Veteran

I like #4 the most, but sounds like you're sorted!

Helena

Veteran

Can't wait to see the result Sal; congrats!!

RobinF

Veteran

How fun! Glad you found something!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yay! Excited to see what you came home with, Sal

Lisa

Veteran

Congratulations on the award! Good luck with your dress shopping. I look forward to see what you found!

Sal

Veteran

Thanks - I tried it on again this morning and am happy with it!! It is one of the ones I pictured earlier but I will leave you in suspense over which one. I tried on about six potential dresses - some weren't black tie enough - one was more avant garde.

I will try on with my possible shoes in the weekend and maybe borrow a clutch bag (I do have three but I don't think any are quite right). I will have to do my own hair and makeup and will be on a tight turnaround but that's okay.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Ooo, looking forward to seeing your choice … and congratulations on the award!

lyn67

Veteran

Oh, how exciting-and congrats for the award!!!
I cannot wait to see what you'll wear! I understand your hesitation about the existing dressy outfits in your wardrobe-I wouldn't doo patterned or cleavage showing dresses either- BUT think your black pleated dress with a white stripe could really work great with a nice topper, didn't you consider that option? Now off to see what others said...

Sal

Veteran

I ran out of time yesterday for a styling session but have chosen my shoes and accessories. I will share some photos of the night when I have my hair done etc.. All packed up and ready to head off today.

Thanks for all your comments and help - it was a whirlwind week!

Penny

Veteran

Congratulations! We had a black-tie wedding last year, and although I didn’t love having to find a floor-length formal gown at the time (ultimately found a lovely gown on Poshmark), it was great to have it in my closet this year when invited to a 50th wedding anniversary celebration with a white-jacket dress code. I hope your new dress will serve you well for this event and in the future!

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

Wow, Sal --congratulations! That's fabulous news about the award but also -- eek! I gather you have picked your dress now and I can't wait to see what you came up with. I think your shopping strategy made so much sense. Easier to talk it over with someone you trust than to rush from store to store dithering alone!

Sal

Veteran

Here I am prior to the event and one on stage speaking at the lecturn.

I purchased the black dress that was the second picture along with a black blazer. The dress felt perfect for the occasion as it was flattering and yet easy. I wore the jade shoes and a pewter clutch bag - I would like a new clutch so will keep a look out for something sharp.

I was nervous getting on stage but was happy with my speech.

Thanks for the support and advice - I need another event to attend!!

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slim cat

Veteran

Lovely dress - looks great on you! Happy to see you all dressed up for a special occasion!

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