It seems that many of you have black tie weddings or affairs to attend this summer. As if finding a dress isn’t difficult enough on it’s own, there seems to be a discrepancy in what the definition of black tie actually is. Plain and simple, black tie translates into ‘long dress.’ There are however, some exceptions to this rule. If it is just cocktails, a daytime event, or one held outdoors during the summer months, you can slide by with a short dress given it is VERY dressy. Personally if the invitation specifies black tie, I wear a long dress. But that’s just me. I’ve included a brief ‘Black Tie Starter Kit’ for those of you who need a launching point.
There are many more expensive dresses that I adore and could easily have included, but I’ve kept the price points on the lower end. Most of the styles I’ve chosen are also very basic, and will flatter a variety figures. I really like the ‘Strapless Ruched’ dress by ABS. (Pictured) http://tinyurl.com/6jpc37 It comes in black and red, and for $280 is a simple ‘best bet.’ The Nicole Miller ‘Square Neck’ satin gown for $238, is chic and timeless. http://tinyurl.com/5s2ww5 My personal favorite is from J. Crew’s bridal line. The ‘Sophia’ is a long, silk dress priced reasonably at $225. http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product.jhtml?id=prod63050171 Although it’s pictured here in white, it comes in a variety of different colors, my favorite being ‘Quartz’ (J. Crew speak for light pink)
J. Crew bridal also has some great picks as far as accessories go. I particulary like the ‘Martine’ satin party clutch for $98. http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product.jhtml?id=prod92723171 With such a vibrant selection of colors, there’s bound to be one you’ll like. For a little more sparkle, choose the ‘Mirabelle’ clutch in metallic silver. $128 http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product.jhtml?id=prod93176171 This is great since not only is it black tie appropriate, you can carry it out at night with almost anything you wear. Also check out the ‘Gwendolyn’ satin t-straps (http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product.jhtml?id=prod90722171) and as an alternative to the ‘oh so played out’ pashmina, I LOVE the metallic ‘Mosaic’ jacket. http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product.jhtml?id=prod90790171&catId=cat302209
Since this is just a rough outline with which to begin, feel free to let me know what you like, don’t like and want to see more of. Maybe with a little help you can turn black tie events into an opportunity to feel gorgeous, instead of a shopping headache. Until then…
Your,
LASM
Thank you so much for answering my question! I really like the Jcrew dress, but worry about long dresses on my short body. The black tie wedding I am attending is in July at a country club. I think I could get away with a short dress. What do you think?
Thanks for your help (as always!)
I think a long dress on a short body is actually elongating - given it is hemmed to the proper length. I think if you had that one hemmed, it would work. You can probably get away w/ a short dress, but to me a country club black tie event definitely denotes long. Just my opinion. If you go short be sure that it’s very formal. You can always provide me with links if you want input…
LASM
P.S. You can always poll others who are attending the same event to see what they’re wearing! (And you’re welcome, as always)
I see your point. I’m curious to try it on. What length should it be hemmed to? Which shoes do you like with the quartz color? I love the clutch they are showing with it. I also like the jacket you suggested. The ceremony is in the afternoon at a church. Do you think I would need the jacket too?
I never would have thought of a long dres… hmmmm…. i’m liking it.
solid dresses always look bridesmaid to me - is it in my head?
No. I don’t think it’s in your head, as they often can. I just think that for black tie solids are an easier place to start. I also think that if you’re feeling self conscious about your body ,or about wearing a gown in general, then a solid is less likely to draw attention. I tried to choose silhouettes that were flattering to different body types. I think your point is a good one - something to look out for. Thanks!
LASM
P.S. Diana - hem until it’s about an inch off the floor. It should touch your toes. Always look in the mirror at the tailor to be sure that you like it, plus any good tailors know the rule(s) of thumb.
Sorry Emily!! I meant P.S. EMILY ; )
L
Hi again Emily!
I answered your hem question above - sorry about that. With that dress you could go with the Lucie d’Orsay in platinum/gold, or the Alessandra metallic peep-toe in silver. (Which would look perf w/ the Mirabelle bag) If it were me? I would pair it with the Gwendolyn t-straps in sour lemon and the Martine clutch in the same color - fresh and unexpected. You don’t HAVE to wear a jacket in the church, but you’d probably feel more comfortable…keep me posted.
LASM
E,
Here are some links to a couple more that I like.
http://tinyurl.com/4n9vu7
http://tinyurl.com/4t3eqs
For any of you NYCers looking for a black tie or cocktail dress Lela Rose is having a sample sale tomorrow and I think today 10-6 pm.
http://www.timeout.com/newyork/events/sales-and-sample-sales/62495/lela-rose-sample-sale
I have a friend that works there and have gotten some great dresses from the sales fwiw. GL!
You’re welcome Jessica and thanks for the tip D!!
My pleasure! Love the Marc Jacobs post btw. My dh met Robert Duffy a few times, said it was amazing to see these living legends in person. And dh is a suit and tie w/ a Thomas Pink shirt kinda guy, not the least bit metro (could stand to be a bit more so :)!
HI LASM! Ok… I got the invite today for the black tie (or so I thought) wedding. Invite doesn’t say “black tie” (although DH is in the wedding and the wedding party will be wearing tux’s). Do you think I still should go long? I popped into BCBG today and felt overwhelmed.
ps-I got the $9.99 bag from Target and have gotten tons of compliments!
Hey Emily! I got the bag yesterday and love it ,too - perfect for summer. Okay, so…I think you could still go long for sure, but short would also be fine. I just checked out the BCBG site and chose a few things that I like, and felt would be appropriate for your event. In order; I LOVE the maxi print dress - very boho chic so as not to feel too dressy since it’s long. The green is my second choice - pretty, and then the black which would be fine. I would totally work the long…let me know what’s up!
L
P.S. AS USUAL, here are the links…SO tired tonight, sorry!
http://tinyurl.com/6dcdhb
http://tinyurl.com/5t4ec8
http://tinyurl.com/64abx9
Thanks for giving me some direction, LASM. It’s time to bite the bullet and start trying dresses on. I’ll hit BCBG this weekened — when I can go without kids — and report back.
TY!
we hane a black tie invitation at an opening of an exhibit hall at a major national museum in the area. Reception is 7:30 to 10pm, Picking up my husband closer in town. I will change there about only any 1 1/2 drive to the museum.
My Questions is: ? is Dressy knee length or formal length. I have both from other events. My formal length ones wrinkle easly.
Hi LLK,
Since it would hardly be worth it to arrive looking like a wrinkled mess, I would say go with the knee length. Plus a 1.5 hour drive certainly would be less than comfortable in a gown. Since you’ve worn the shorter one to black tie events prior, I’m assuming that it’s appropriate. Unless you want to roll in to ‘The Smithsonian’ in sweats and change in the bathroom? I say go short!
L