Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:IMO, black tie means a long dress. I have been to two black tie events in the past year, and I would say 80-90 % of the women are wearing long dresses.

This is the dress I have worn twice now - got it at Lord and Taylor, but they have it at Nordstrom, too. It's very comfortable and forgiving of all flaws!

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lauren-ralph-lauren-long-sleeve-surplice-jersey-gown/3352652?recs_type=related&recs_productId=&recs_categoryId=0&recs_productOrder=4&recs_placementId=PP_OOS&recs_source=Rich_Relevance_Recs_R3&recs_strategy=CategorySiloedViewCP

Uh, I don't think jersey dress is even remotely appropriate for black tie. Just because it's long, doesn't make it fancy.

Thanks for your positive comments. I've worn it twice to galas and have fit right in. I also think Washington is more conservative than other cities when it comes to these sorts of events. What goes in NYC, doesn't always fly here.

I think it depends on age too...a 40+ black tie event in DC is long dress only. If it a younger or more fashionable crowd, you can go shorter. For example, black tie events in NY (not opera, but regular old fundraisers, galas, etc.) it isn't unusual to see the 20-30 year old crowd in very skimpy dresses.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:IMO, black tie means a long dress. I have been to two black tie events in the past year, and I would say 80-90 % of the women are wearing long dresses.

This is the dress I have worn twice now - got it at Lord and Taylor, but they have it at Nordstrom, too. It's very comfortable and forgiving of all flaws!

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lauren-ralph-lauren-long-sleeve-surplice-jersey-gown/3352652?recs_type=related&recs_productId=&recs_categoryId=0&recs_productOrder=4&recs_placementId=PP_OOS&recs_source=Rich_Relevance_Recs_R3&recs_strategy=CategorySiloedViewCP

Uh, I don't think jersey dress is even remotely appropriate for black tie. Just because it's long, doesn't make it fancy.

. It is fine. Put your judgment away.

A short black dress only works if the material is fancy and you are wearing fancy jewelry. The ops dress isn't fancy.

Is this a "black tie event" for real-- or is it one of those weeknight DC galas that are "black tie optional"? (You'd look silly in a floor-length gown at the latter.) We need more info on your event to provide an informed opinion.

https://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/shoshanna_dresses/claragown

https://www.renttherunway.com/dress/search/formality-black_tie

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:IMO, black tie means a long dress. I have been to two black tie events in the past year, and I would say 80-90 % of the women are wearing long dresses.

This is the dress I have worn twice now - got it at Lord and Taylor, but they have it at Nordstrom, too. It's very comfortable and forgiving of all flaws!

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lauren-ralph-lauren-long-sleeve-surplice-jersey-gown/3352652?recs_type=related&recs_productId=&recs_categoryId=0&recs_productOrder=4&recs_placementId=PP_OOS&recs_source=Rich_Relevance_Recs_R3&recs_strategy=CategorySiloedViewCP

Uh, I don't think jersey dress is even remotely appropriate for black tie. Just because it's long, doesn't make it fancy.

No. This is more of a cocktail dress. When I think of black tie, I think of long or shorter but very fancy.

I have to attend an event too. Thanks for the link to Asos. Never heard of it and saw lots of cute dresses in my budget. Found a coupon code for 10% off. Code: RMNOCT (if anyone else needs it).

Count me in the group that thinks a short black dress can be appropriate for black tie. I'd just dress it up with sparkly jewelry, handbag and shoes.

Eh, you know, I was just at a black tie wedding that was NOT black tie optional. And lots of people were wearing short black dresses.

My conclusion: wear it if you like it. It's a great dress, and with some nice shoes and jewelry I think you would be just fine.