What to wear to Black Tie Event

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I'm attending a black tie event with my husband in a few weeks and I need some advice on what to wear.

It's a legal event, black tie, in downtown DC.
I'm 31, 5'4", and I don't own any long dresses. I'm pretty petite, so I can't wear anything with too much fabric.

My husband will probably wear a suit tux or a regular tux.

Could I wear a simple black satin sheath dress that falls just below the knee with a dressy bolero? Black clutch and black heels, with some simple accessories, like diamond studs/necklace, or pearls?

If you have any ideas or have been to any of these kind of events recently, I'd really appreciate your help!
Pictures will help too!

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Any lawyer moms out there that can help?

[Anonymous]

Not a lawyer here but been to many events. Black tie and a lawyer event seems like it will be very formal. The outfit you describe does not sound formal to me. I think you need to consider buying a long gown type of dress.

I think the dress you have sounds like a cocktail dress and you are trying to dress it up with the bolero but there will be women there way more dressed up then you.

Can you afford a new dress? I suggest going to Nordstrom and someone could help you find something there. The dress does not sound like it will cut it, sounds pretty, but not for a formal event.

[Anonymous]

i agree -- it doesn't sound like it's enough.
i like this: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/adrianna-papell-matte-jersey-taffeta-dress/3093961?origin=category&resultback=1278

this comes in petites: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bcbgmaxazria-strapless-silk-gown/3056852?origin=category&resultback=1423

this is sexy. probably would need hemming: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/adrianna-papell-one-shoulder-charmeuse-gown-with-side-slit/3056335?origin=category&resultback=5351

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kay-unger-one-shoulder-metallic-jacquard-dress-with-side-bow/3165749?origin=category&resultback=3456

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much for those suggestions!

Ugh..I dread shopping. Is there anyone petite out there that has found a long formal dress that flatters them? I am 5"4", around 105 pounds and pretty small on top and bottom.

[Anonymous]

Whatever you do, do not go with bolero idea. Sounds terribly early 90s to me.

[Anonymous]

As long as you don't get a gown with a skirt that's too full, you'll be fine. There are some very pretty ones in the sale section of the Saks and Neimans websites.

[Anonymous]

Www.rentthedress.com

[Anonymous]

NP here, and I think PP meant www.renttherunway.com? I've never looked at that site until today, and now I cannot wait for another formal event so I can rent a dress!

I also vote No on the Bolero. Are wraps still in? The past few events I've been to, I've gone without a jacket/wrap/sweater for fear anything would look dated, but then I shiver and freeze.

[Anonymous]

Okay, I'm a lawyer and I just want to say that I think a knee length black dress with dressy (not leather!) shoes and an evening bag is totally fine. (Am abstaining re bolero because I can't envision it but I imagine it could be fine and make the dress more formal). I've been to a million of those things and the dress really ranges dramatically. I honestly do not think you'll be under-dressed in what you describe. Especially the case if the event is on a weeknight as opposed to a weekend. I'd answer differently if you were going to a state dinner or some kind of ball ( am thinking of Louisiana Mardi Gras ball only because I've been before) but most of the work-related functions I've been to in and around DC, even if billed as "formal" end up with women in cocktail dresses, even where guys are in tuxes. I think you'd be super disappointed if you go out and buy a new long dress because you'll get there and realize most other women are not that formal.

[Anonymous]

17:45 Thank you so much for posting!

I've stuck to my original plan, except I'm wearing a dressy fitted jacket instead. I only mentioned bolero because I saw one of the White House Black Market website.

It's an awards ceremony w/ some Supreme Court justices in attendance so I think I will be fine after all.

Thanks again!

[Anonymous]

I attend Fairfax Bench/Bar dinner dance every year -- billed as a formal event. HUGE range of outfits, from dressy pants suits to full on ballgowns. I love your suggested outfit and think you will look appropriate and not too pageant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Okay, I'm a lawyer and I just want to say that I think a knee length black dress with dressy (not leather!) shoes and an evening bag is totally fine. (Am abstaining re bolero because I can't envision it but I imagine it could be fine and make the dress more formal). I've been to a million of those things and the dress really ranges dramatically. I honestly do not think you'll be under-dressed in what you describe. Especially the case if the event is on a weeknight as opposed to a weekend. I'd answer differently if you were going to a state dinner or some kind of ball ( am thinking of Louisiana Mardi Gras ball only because I've been before) but most of the work-related functions I've been to in and around DC, even if billed as "formal" end up with women in cocktail dresses, even where guys are in tuxes. I think you'd be super disappointed if you go out and buy a new long dress because you'll get there and realize most other women are not that formal.

I totally agree. Not a lawyer but have been to many DC "professional" black tie events and they are DEFINITELY different than black tie weddings, balls, state dinners, etc., at least for women. I don't seem many formal gowns and tend to see cocktail dresses.