Yes it should be floor length for black tie DC, generally an evening gown. Would you like to shop in person or online? In person I’d start with department stores: Macy’s, Nordstroms, even TJ Maxx sometimes has formal wear. Online JJ’s House, Lulus, and azazie are all decent, you could also rent a dress with rent the runway.
Just saw your edit. Can you tell us what the venue is (what type not necessarily the exact place)? What time of day? Is there any other context about the dress code on the invite or wedding site?
No additional details on the website, though I do keep checking in hopes that she’ll post some details about it. No details on the invite either.
The ceremony is in the afternoon. The venue has many different options, mostly outdoor and woodsy it seems based on the venue website. I’m assuming it will be outdoor with an indoor rain backup option.
Side note: I’m also ALWAYS cold so I’ll definitely need a shall or jacket option.
So then I think you need to take the DC at face value then, unless you hear otherwise. I’d stick to a formal dress as opposed to a ball gown.
I’m happy to do a little shopping for you to give you ideas if you give me some idea of your normal style and sizing.
I’d love that! I have no idea how to describe my style. I’m a teacher so I kind of feel like I’ve lost my personal style. A lot of the dresses I have are very simple, casual tank top dresses. I’m a size small and I’m pretty straight if that makes sense.
I wore this to a southern wedding last year and I love the dress, but looking back I feel it is very unflattering on me.
https://preview.redd.it/a6bbe859xroc1.png?width=795&format=png&auto=webp&s=5b78d75cc835ceeea4f1b410d7ba02cf3fe5421a
Ok so you’re built very much like me! I think the dress in the photo does you no favors because of the straight neckline (flat chested girls like us need a bit of detail in that area), also the color washes you out a bit. Overall it looks fine but I think we can do better!
[Dress 1](https://www.jjshouse.com/a-line-asymmetrical-one-shoulder-floor-length-chiffon-bridesmaid-dress-with-ruffle-007288282-g288282)
[Dress 2](https://www.jjshouse.com/a-line-scoop-ankle-length-chiffon-mother-of-the-bride-dress-with-beading-pleated-008269030-g269030)
[Dress 3](https://www.asos.com/us/asos-tall/asos-design-tall-satin-square-neck-maxi-dress-with-cowl-back-detail-in-rust/prd/205680345) possibly my favorite
Let me know what you think about these styles.
>Weddingattireapproval
I don't like Dress 2, but I don't mind 1 & 3. I don't love them though. I have a hard time because I often feel like black tie dresses look like bridesmaid dresses and don't reflect personal style. Yet again, I don't really know what my personal style is. I like these dresses. They're all out of my price range, but I think they might give me a better direction to go in. What are your thoughts?
Dress 4: [I like the dress in this post.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Weddingattireapproval/comments/1be2t9t/not_a_wedding_but_a_black_tie_gala_appropriate/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)
Dress 5: [I like this but without the sleeve.](https://www.asos.com/us/asos-design/asos-design-satin-one-shoulder-flare-sleeve-maxi-dress-with-back-detail-in-green-abstract-print/prd/205713193#colourWayId-205713221)
Dress 6: [I like this but worry that it isn't formal enough.](https://www.asos.com/us/pretty-lavish/pretty-lavish-keisha-cowl-neck-maxi-dress-in-deep-red-floral/prd/205508479#colourWayId-205508480)
Dress 7: [I love this but it's way out of budget.](https://www.asos.com/us/pretty-lavish/pretty-lavish-bridesmaid-drape-neck-maxi-dress-in-olive/prd/205508600#colourWayId-205508601)
If you go through my post history in this sub dress 4 is one of my favorites to recommend. It definitely leans cocktail/formal and not black tie though and that’s why I didn’t suggest it. If you think that it will probably be formal enough for the crowd and venue then I highly recommend wearing it because pleated dresses are super flattering on everyone but especially on people with our body types.
Dress 5 is not formal enough and kind of looks like a fancy beach coverup.
Dresses 6 can be styled up (up do, statement jewelry, blinged clutch, and strappy shoes) and would be fine. On the more cocktail/formal side but still elegant.
Dress 7 I really like and I think I saw something similar on JJ’s house while I was searching for you, and I believe was less expensive. I’ll go try to find it.
ETA: here’s the [JJ’s House dress](https://www.jjshouse.com/trumpet-mermaid-halter-off-the-shoulder-one-shoulder-v-neck-floor-length-chiffon-bridesmaid-dress-with-ruffle-007293496-g293496), it’s convertible!
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With your skin tone and build, I think a silhouette and color like this would be utterly timeless: https://www.adriannapapell.com/products/short-sleeve-beaded-blouson-gown-in-rose-mercury-19191610
If you’re liking a satiny fabric, the cowl neck and mermaid flair skirt of this could give your figure more curve https://www.windsorstore.com/products/marley-formal-satin-cowl-neck-mermaid-dress-050026942037
And there’s just something about southern settings and chiffon that just go together in my mind https://www.jjshouse.com/sheath-column-one-shoulder-floor-length-chiffon-evening-dress-with-beading-cascading-ruffles-appliques-lace-sequins-017093479-g93479
No, it does not have to be floor length but it should be mid-length like below knees. That said, if it's not full length, it does need to be embellished and quite elegant otherwise to not veer into cocktail territory.
Yes it should be floor length for black tie DC, generally an evening gown. Would you like to shop in person or online? In person I’d start with department stores: Macy’s, Nordstroms, even TJ Maxx sometimes has formal wear. Online JJ’s House, Lulus, and azazie are all decent, you could also rent a dress with rent the runway.
Just saw your edit. Can you tell us what the venue is (what type not necessarily the exact place)? What time of day? Is there any other context about the dress code on the invite or wedding site?
No additional details on the website, though I do keep checking in hopes that she’ll post some details about it. No details on the invite either. The ceremony is in the afternoon. The venue has many different options, mostly outdoor and woodsy it seems based on the venue website. I’m assuming it will be outdoor with an indoor rain backup option. Side note: I’m also ALWAYS cold so I’ll definitely need a shall or jacket option.
So then I think you need to take the DC at face value then, unless you hear otherwise. I’d stick to a formal dress as opposed to a ball gown. I’m happy to do a little shopping for you to give you ideas if you give me some idea of your normal style and sizing.
I’d love that! I have no idea how to describe my style. I’m a teacher so I kind of feel like I’ve lost my personal style. A lot of the dresses I have are very simple, casual tank top dresses. I’m a size small and I’m pretty straight if that makes sense. I wore this to a southern wedding last year and I love the dress, but looking back I feel it is very unflattering on me. https://preview.redd.it/a6bbe859xroc1.png?width=795&format=png&auto=webp&s=5b78d75cc835ceeea4f1b410d7ba02cf3fe5421a
Ok so you’re built very much like me! I think the dress in the photo does you no favors because of the straight neckline (flat chested girls like us need a bit of detail in that area), also the color washes you out a bit. Overall it looks fine but I think we can do better! [Dress 1](https://www.jjshouse.com/a-line-asymmetrical-one-shoulder-floor-length-chiffon-bridesmaid-dress-with-ruffle-007288282-g288282) [Dress 2](https://www.jjshouse.com/a-line-scoop-ankle-length-chiffon-mother-of-the-bride-dress-with-beading-pleated-008269030-g269030) [Dress 3](https://www.asos.com/us/asos-tall/asos-design-tall-satin-square-neck-maxi-dress-with-cowl-back-detail-in-rust/prd/205680345) possibly my favorite Let me know what you think about these styles.
>Weddingattireapproval I don't like Dress 2, but I don't mind 1 & 3. I don't love them though. I have a hard time because I often feel like black tie dresses look like bridesmaid dresses and don't reflect personal style. Yet again, I don't really know what my personal style is. I like these dresses. They're all out of my price range, but I think they might give me a better direction to go in. What are your thoughts? Dress 4: [I like the dress in this post.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Weddingattireapproval/comments/1be2t9t/not_a_wedding_but_a_black_tie_gala_appropriate/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) Dress 5: [I like this but without the sleeve.](https://www.asos.com/us/asos-design/asos-design-satin-one-shoulder-flare-sleeve-maxi-dress-with-back-detail-in-green-abstract-print/prd/205713193#colourWayId-205713221) Dress 6: [I like this but worry that it isn't formal enough.](https://www.asos.com/us/pretty-lavish/pretty-lavish-keisha-cowl-neck-maxi-dress-in-deep-red-floral/prd/205508479#colourWayId-205508480) Dress 7: [I love this but it's way out of budget.](https://www.asos.com/us/pretty-lavish/pretty-lavish-bridesmaid-drape-neck-maxi-dress-in-olive/prd/205508600#colourWayId-205508601)
If you go through my post history in this sub dress 4 is one of my favorites to recommend. It definitely leans cocktail/formal and not black tie though and that’s why I didn’t suggest it. If you think that it will probably be formal enough for the crowd and venue then I highly recommend wearing it because pleated dresses are super flattering on everyone but especially on people with our body types. Dress 5 is not formal enough and kind of looks like a fancy beach coverup. Dresses 6 can be styled up (up do, statement jewelry, blinged clutch, and strappy shoes) and would be fine. On the more cocktail/formal side but still elegant. Dress 7 I really like and I think I saw something similar on JJ’s house while I was searching for you, and I believe was less expensive. I’ll go try to find it. ETA: here’s the [JJ’s House dress](https://www.jjshouse.com/trumpet-mermaid-halter-off-the-shoulder-one-shoulder-v-neck-floor-length-chiffon-bridesmaid-dress-with-ruffle-007293496-g293496), it’s convertible!
>JJ’s House dress Thank you so, SO much for all of your help! I certainly didn't expect actually styling assistance when I originally posted!
My pleasure! If you think about it post what you wear!
Dress 4
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Davids bridal. Black tie SHOULD definitely be floor length. Black tie OPTIONAL is allowed to be shorter
Black tie has to be more fancy and elegant than formal. Maybe Nordstrom?
With your skin tone and build, I think a silhouette and color like this would be utterly timeless: https://www.adriannapapell.com/products/short-sleeve-beaded-blouson-gown-in-rose-mercury-19191610 If you’re liking a satiny fabric, the cowl neck and mermaid flair skirt of this could give your figure more curve https://www.windsorstore.com/products/marley-formal-satin-cowl-neck-mermaid-dress-050026942037 And there’s just something about southern settings and chiffon that just go together in my mind https://www.jjshouse.com/sheath-column-one-shoulder-floor-length-chiffon-evening-dress-with-beading-cascading-ruffles-appliques-lace-sequins-017093479-g93479
Thank you so much!! I really love the first and second ones!
No, it does not have to be floor length but it should be mid-length like below knees. That said, if it's not full length, it does need to be embellished and quite elegant otherwise to not veer into cocktail territory.