How many black tie gowns for 2-3 events per year?

[Anonymous]

I have a new job that entails roughly 3 black tie events per year. I can’t do rent the runway—nothing fits unless I get it tailored. How do people do this…do you have 3 or so gowns that you rotate? This is a whole new world, trying to figure this out.

[Anonymous]

I do rent the runway. Unless you have a very unusual body you can too. You just have to try a number of styles and find what works. If you’re having everything tailored you aren’t trying the correct size.

Otherwise buy one black one navy and one lighter (maybe floral?) long dress in a classic style and rotate with different accessories.

I attend at least a dozen black tie events every year and have a few classic dresses I keep in my closet and use 1-2 times a year when I don’t feel like renting.

[Anonymous]

I buy gowns from consignment sites such as the Real Real or from discount designer stores such as TheOutnet.com. You can find nice designer gowns from $200-$300.
I honestly wouldn’t spend more than that considering the cost per wear would be so high.
You can also consign them back and make some $$ as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I do rent the runway. Unless you have a very unusual body you can too. You just have to try a number of styles and find what works. If you’re having everything tailored you aren’t trying the correct size.

Otherwise buy one black one navy and one lighter (maybe floral?) long dress in a classic style and rotate with different accessories.

I attend at least a dozen black tie events every year and have a few classic dresses I keep in my closet and use 1-2 times a year when I don’t feel like renting.

That was my strategy too. One black and one light colored classic dress, and then rented the rest of the time.

[Anonymous]

Men wear the same tuxedo to each black tie event; no reason a woman could not purchase 1-2 dresses and wear to each event. As PPs said, I’d get one black and one in a light color, or navy. I personally wouldn’t get floral because it would be more memorable if you wore it twice in succession.

[Anonymous]

I have two dresses - one black and one blue. They were expensive - over $1,000 each. But both classic and low key enough that I can wear them again and again. I would love to get more dramatic dresses but figure it is for work and so need to be more practical.

[Anonymous]

Buy one fabulous black gown that you love and wear it to each event. Nobody cares. Your goal is to look and feel good. Period.

[Anonymous]

If you’re attending events for work, maybe it matters more? I think it really depends on the nature of the work. Is it development? Or PR? If so, you probably need to try harder and make rent the runway work.

[Anonymous]

OP here — too short for rent the runway, that is not an option for full length gowns. And it’s not just hemming — the bodice etc doesn’t fit if not petite without massive tailoring. If you are a standard size that can do rentals, be glad, many folks can’t. But other suggestions /advice great, many thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you’re attending events for work, maybe it matters more? I think it really depends on the nature of the work. Is it development? Or PR? If so, you probably need to try harder and make rent the runway work.

More like high level exec — so looking good matters, including fit, not showing too much skin etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have two dresses - one black and one blue. They were expensive - over $1,000 each. But both classic and low key enough that I can wear them again and again. I would love to get more dramatic dresses but figure it is for work and so need to be more practical.

This is brilliant and probably exactly what I need to do. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I comb thrift stores, estate sales, and h & m clearance racks for gowns. I’ve collected quite a few for less than $50 each.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here — too short for rent the runway, that is not an option for full length gowns. And it’s not just hemming — the bodice etc doesn’t fit if not petite without massive tailoring. If you are a standard size that can do rentals, be glad, many folks can’t. But other suggestions /advice great, many thanks!

RTR has shorter options including a huge range of “midi” length dresses that would be full length on you. Just suggesting you consider thinking a bit outside the scope so you have other options.

[Anonymous]

I would buy three dresses: one black, one fall/winter, one spring/summer.

[Anonymous]

I would buy 1 or 2 dresses. I've found nice ones at Nordstrom or heck, even on Amazon for formal weddings I've attended. I'm short. I just got them tailored as needed.