Black Tie Attire
 

Hey GC'ers-
I just found out that my husband and I are going to be attending a black tie event in September, and I am not sure what to wear, as I've never been to a true "black tie" event before. I am under the impression that it means I need a floor length gown (which will be really fun cuz I'm short)-is this true? If so, how does this dress look?

http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesma...=24469&cfid=17

Any ideas on dresses would be really appreciated!!

A true "black tie" event for women is floor length gowns where you can barely see the shoes and hair is either "done up" (updoo) or neatly pulled back. Long time ago, it was elbow length gloves to match the dress. Jewelry was the real stuff or nice set of simple pearl necklace and button pearl earrings.

Nowadays, folks are clueless depending on where you live. I have not been to a true "black tie" affair in a lonnngggggg time. When you go to get your jewelry, depending on where you go, they have specialists to assist you. I know the Nieman Marcus, Nordstrom's, Tiffany's and Movado's stores know how this is done.

Just trying to help. :)

I live in West Virginia. :rolleyes:
Most things I buy will have to be either ordered online or bought out of state on quick trips.

if you are that dress may overwhelm you.

It isn't a wedding is it? That would change what suggestions I may make.

I'll edit as I find stuff.

Actually, floor length isn't bad on a shorter person. However, you might want to consider something simpler like this:

http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesma...=24375&cfid=17

or

http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesma...=24634&cfid=17

or

http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesma...=24522&cfid=17

The key to formal wear for short women is to have the silly thing HEMMED. I can't tell you how many women I've seen tripping over a too-long skirt.

Vandal, this isn't for a wedding.

Tau, I like the last dress you showed-I'm going to try that one too!!

Oh yes, it is going to have to be hemmed for sure-I'm too short for it not to be!:)

This site is awesome to find different styles, and the actual dress. Sort by event, price, brand, keyword (ie. color). Hope that helps!

http://shopping.instyle.com/browse/dresses

Please accept a man's position on this question. Black tie and white tie events are the norm in New Orleans and in London so its almost an everyday thing
An invitation marked Black Tie refers to the man's turn out. You mention that this is a true Black Tie event. In that case I would strongly suggest that your husband wear a black dinner jacket with black cummerbund or vest, a plain white pleated shirt with a turn down collar, and a plain black bow tie, preferably hand tied, not pre tied if he can handle that. The advent of long four-in-hand ties with dinner jackets is theatrical and not acceptable at a "true black tie" event. Wing collar shirts may be worn but really work better with white tie and tails. Trousers should be matching traditional black with leg stripe. Shoes should be black patent lace ups or men's patent evening pumps (yes, they do exist - consult Brooks Brothers on-line catalog). Well polished plain black leather lace ups can be substituted. Plain black dress socks, over the calf work best. Socks should not be clocked or figured. As regards these rules a simple guide would be that the closer you are to the center the less the rules apply, the farther you are from the center the more they apply.
Black tie is by definition "semi-formal". White tie or "Costume de Rigueur" is "Formal". White tie is always black tail coat, white pique vest, white wing collar shirt (plain - no pleats), a white pique bow tie, and white gloves.

Corresponding to the man's attire and depending on the nature of the event ladies attire can be quite different. Long gowns are appropriate for a more structured dance or ball. An up-market cocktail reception would call for your favorite cocktail frock. A structured sit down dinner would call for a dinner frock which could be your cocktail dress or something a bit more restrained but clearly formal. Depending on the event really high end evening pants suits could be appropriate. The range is rather broad so unless you are sure what the other ladies will be wearing I suggest you call the hostess and ask.
As usual its pretty easy for us guys and more complicated for the ladies. According to my sister its better to be a little over dressed than under dressed but long vs. short can be tricky.