Oh My, It’s Black Tie!
Although I go to several events a week, it’s very rare when the dress code calls for cocktail, or even worse…black tie. For these reasons, I have very few “fancy” dresses in my closet, but the same three or four are always on call when it comes to these special occasions. After having two of these events last week (and Harper’s Bazaar practically reading my mind), this seemed like the perfect opportunity to get a little fancy and share some key tips to black tie dressing.
Whenever I receive an invite to a black tie situation, I turn into Kevin from Home Alone, throw my hands on my face and make a gasping sound, perhaps words come out of my mouth (which are usually oh shit! because I’m not proper enough to go oh my!), but regardless I’m suddenly anxious / sweaty / already knowing I will be dressed inappropriately. As much as I love fashion and putting outfits together (whether it be for myself or others), I have a hard time getting fancy. If I wear a dress, I always dress it down with boots (which I did this weekend…probably wasn’t very black tie of me) or flats. I never like to feel too done-up, because it’s just not my style. But when it comes to these types of things, that’s not really an option (especially for black tie…cocktail you can get away with more…if it’s white tie you’re basically screwed). How do you look appropriate for the occasion but still put together a cool outfit? (because there’s very few “cool gowns” and the best ones are borrowed by celebrities for the red carpet…they’re not even buying them).
The typical rule of thumb is that you wear a long dress for black tie events. Which can make things easier, if you immediately rule out all of the short dresses, but keep in mind that you can be too casual in a maxi dress. So don’t think longer is necessarily better. If you go for short, look for things with embellishments, lace, intricate details (just things that look fancy) or opt for a black or metallic dress. If you find something that would make you feel overdressed at a typical cocktail event, then you’re on the right track. Whether you choose short or long, if you go for something simple (like a plain black dress), it then becomes all about your accessories. Statement drop earrings or a jeweled necklace are a few ideas that will easily take your look to the next level. Now, this all becomes more of a challenge in winter, as I personally think tights dress down an outfit. So the easy way to stay seasonally appropriate and also look right for the event is a long dress with long sleeves (or at least 3/4 sleeves). But these types of dresses can get a matronly very quickly. To avoid this, look for ones with an open back, a high slit or just something that won’t make you look like you borrowed the dress from your grandmother’s closet. When you’re young, you can get away with this stuff. So, go for it!
Now this is not a cheap task…finding a dress that’s black tie appropriate usually comes with a high price tag. So if you’re looking for one on a budget, try discount sites like The Outnet and Barneys Warehouse. That way you can still get a quality dress you can continue to wear to more black tie events (because being a repeat offender isn’t such a bad thing) and you won’t go broke in the process. However, if you don’t like being a repeat offender you can always try sites like Rent The Runway. That way you never have to wear the same dress again. Or you can get super useful and mix / match separates. A ball skirt is a fun choice, only if you have the right top to pair it with. When in doubt, though, throw on a (faux) fur coat and you’re good to go (also perfect for those with black tie events in Chicago over the next four or five months…you’re going to need it).
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Still torn? Here’s a few black tie appropriate dresses you can get your hands on right now.
What’s your go-to for a black tie event? Do you get as overwhelmed as I do? I wish I was more overwhelmed with the choices I had for these things, but it’s mostly just about finding something that feels like it’s my style but still appropriate for the event. You feel me? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Images via Fashion Gone Rogue
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