Anne_in_VA
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Post by Anne_in_VA on May 15, 2015 9:08:04 GMT -5
I have to attend a Black Tie event soon and am not sure what to wear. I'm older than most of the people that will be attending. I'm a plus size and don't have anything appropriate other than a "Mother Of the Bride" type long gown with jacket. Do you think I should wear that or look for something else? If something else, what? I don't want anything sleeveless or slinky type fabrics and that's all I can seem to find.
Help!
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Cookies Galore
Senior Associate
I don't need no instructions to know how to rock
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Post by Cookies Galore on May 15, 2015 9:21:36 GMT -5
Look for a long dress with 3/4 length sleeves, if you're worried about arms/coverage. A coworker of mine wore a very nice dress for out black tie optional event that had sheer sleeves to her elbow and it had a v-neck to play up her assets. She looked great.
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Cookies Galore
Senior Associate
I don't need no instructions to know how to rock
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 18:08:13 GMT -5
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Post by Cookies Galore on May 15, 2015 9:28:00 GMT -5
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Peace77
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Post by Peace77 on May 15, 2015 10:29:30 GMT -5
Do you have a picture of your gown?
I think a long gown with a matching jacket would be fine. Add a pretty pair of shoes and a sparkly clutch and you're great!
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Deleted
Joined: Oct 12, 2024 5:16:19 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on May 15, 2015 10:31:03 GMT -5
What color & look is the MOB gown? If it came from a bridal shop, it is going to look like nothing but an MOB gown & I would not wear that to a black tie event. If it is just a long cocktail dress you bought to use as a MOB then it may be okay for the event. Do you have a picture of it? I like Macy's on line because you can return to the store if items don't fit. Search Plus size formal and you will see a lot of options for dresses with jackets/sleeves. They are also running a 20% off coupon today if you use the promo code USA. black jacket dress this is a very simple dress you can get for $100 with the discounts running right now. |
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gs11rmb
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Post by gs11rmb on May 15, 2015 10:52:25 GMT -5
Have you looked at www.renttherunway.com? I went to a black tie event a couple of weeks ago and absolutely loved my dress. There is no way I'd pay a $1,000 for an evening dress but all it cost was $90 for 4 days. |
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billisonboard
Community Leader
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Post by billisonboard on May 15, 2015 11:02:43 GMT -5
Is it situation where you need to impress or is it one that okay if you just blend?
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Spellbound454
Senior Member
"In the end, we remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends"
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Post by Spellbound454 on May 15, 2015 11:03:08 GMT -5
You can get those little bolero style jackets in plain or lace to hide arms.... then just go for a well cut, not too fussy cocktail dress. |
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milee
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Post by milee on May 15, 2015 11:04:21 GMT -5
What type of event is it? Different things work for different occasions.
And what is your role at the event?
And what is the color of your MOB dress? |
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Anne_in_VA
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:09:35 GMT -5
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Post by Anne_in_VA on May 15, 2015 11:43:15 GMT -5
Sorry I was on a conf call and couldn't answer. The dress is a kind of pinky purple with beading on the neckline.
It's an awards dinner for an organization I belong to - there'll be several hundred people there so I only need to blend in.
None of the dresses suggested above are available locally, but I may order the black one and have it shipped.
I looked at rent the runway but the only two they had won't work.
I have a Nordie's and Macy's near me. I'll have to go there and look again.
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milee
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Post by milee on May 15, 2015 11:58:46 GMT -5
If you're not getting an award, giving an award, making a speech or one of the bigwigs at the organization or the awarding committee, wear what you've got and don't give it a second thought.
Enjoy your night and it will be OK. 
(If you have a large budget and don't mind spending some cash to look fantastic, there have been some great suggestions on here. I'm just talking from a practical standpoint of - you won't be inappropriately dressed, you won't be far outside social norms, your dress isn't offensive, and frankly if you're on the older end of the crowd most of the younger people will already have pegged you as the older woman who dresses differently anyways. So if you don't have or want to spend the money, wear your purple dress and have a good time. ) |
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Anne_in_VA
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:09:35 GMT -5
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Post by Anne_in_VA on May 15, 2015 12:06:57 GMT -5
Thanks everyone. I think I will wear the MOB dress. I'm 68 and can probably get away with it but I may try Burlington to see if they have something. I was freaking out a little because I represent my company at the event, but will just go and enjoy!
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Miss Tequila
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Post by Miss Tequila on May 15, 2015 12:25:35 GMT -5
Don't you have a business suit you can wear??
Come on...someone had to go there :/p
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Anne_in_VA
Junior Associate
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Post by Anne_in_VA on May 15, 2015 12:36:33 GMT -5
HAHA! Good one!
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Anne_in_VA
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:09:35 GMT -5
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Post by Anne_in_VA on May 17, 2015 15:49:38 GMT -5
A friend and I ad a shopping day and I found a great LBD at TJMaxx! It's sleeveless, but I found a black shrug in a silky fabric to go with it. Only $50 for both!
I've looking on and off for a couple of months now and couldn't find anything. I'll get a lot of wear from this dress!
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