Dress me for a black tie work event

[hillview]

I am going to a black tie event for work in Sept in NYC. Our company has a table at this event and there will be CEOs from many Fortune 100 companies attending. I need something elegant/sophisticated but not too sexy (no DH with me).

Any ideas?
TIA
/hillary

[crl]

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=525684&CategoryID=20486. ?

Catherine

[ThreeofUs]

How much do you want to stand out?

[goldenpig]

JS Collections Ombre Chiffon Gown (http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/js-collections-ombre-chiffon-gown/3088852?origin=category&resultback=4717)
I like this one because I think the color and the ombre detail make it unique. Actually I might even get this one since I need an evening dress myself!
http://g-lvl3.nordstromimage.com/imagegallery/store/product/medium/12/_6049892.jpg


Sue Wong Metallic Silk Jacquard Beaded Gown (http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=511344&CategoryID=20486&LinkType=PDPZ1)
I know it might look a bit like a wedding gown since it's white, but I love the delicate beading at the bodice.
http://images.bloomingdales.com/is/image/BLM/products/8/optimized/1134658_fpx.tif?wid=325&qlt=90,0&layer=comp&op_sharpen=0&resMode=sharp2&op_usm=0.7,1.0,0.5,0&fmt=jpeg

Tadashi Shoji One Shoulder Chiffon Gown (http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/tadashi-shoji-one-shoulder-chiffon-gown/3187968?origin=category&resultback=1659)
Retro glam--I love red!
http://g.nordstromimage.com/imagegallery/store/product/medium/5/_6532985.jpg


And here's a "if money were no object" dream gown: :love-retry:
Zac Posen Sleeveless Bustier Gown (http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=550157&CategoryID=20486)
Just once I'd love to make people go :47:!
http://images.bloomingdales.com/is/image/BLM/products/6/optimized/1200566_fpx.tif?wid=325&qlt=90,0&layer=comp&op_sharpen=0&resMode=sharp2&op_usm=0.7,1.0,0.5,0&fmt=jpeg

[hillview]

How much do you want to stand out?

Don't want to be another black dress in the crowd.



And here's a "if money were no object" dream gown: :love-retry:
Zac Posen Sleeveless Bustier Gown (http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=550157&CategoryID=20486)
Just once I'd love to make people go :47:!
http://images.bloomingdales.com/is/image/BLM/products/6/optimized/1200566_fpx.tif?wid=325&qlt=90,0&layer=comp&op_sharpen=0&resMode=sharp2&op_usm=0.7,1.0,0.5,0&fmt=jpeg

OMG LOVE this one. Really love it. Wish it was in range!

[crl]

Don't want to be another black dress in the crowd.



OMG LOVE this one. Really love it. Wish it was in range!

Ah, so maybe sexier than I was thinking? Cause that is pretty sexy, IMO. :)

Catherine

[hillview]

Ah, so maybe sexier than I was thinking? Cause that is pretty sexy, IMO. :)

Catherine

Oh it is way sexy. I just WANT it. Sigh. Something less sexy for this work event I think.

[goldenpig]

Ah, so maybe sexier than I was thinking? Cause that is pretty sexy, IMO. :)

Catherine
:rotflmao:
Haha, that's what I was thinking. I almost didn't post that because she said "not sexy", but it's just such a gorgeous dress I couldn't help myself.

Here's something similar I found on polyvore:
Long red backless halter neck silk jersey Issa dress (http://www.josephm.com/ladies-store-8/eveningwear-13/issa-long-backless-halter-neck-silk-276897.htm)
Looks like it is from a place called josephm in England though, not sure how long that takes. And I don't think it has the dramatic fishtail hem.
http://www.josephm.com/ladies-store-8/dresses-9/issa-long-backless-halter-neck-silk-276897-100211.jpg

[goldenpig]

What colors do you like? What kind of gown do you have in mind--sleeveless/sleeved, long/short, simple/embellished? What's your price range?

[hillview]

What colors do you like? What kind of gown do you have in mind--sleeveless/sleeved, long/short, simple/embellished? What's your price range?

I like red. (Maybe I just want that dress above?). Long I am thinking. Something dramatic but not hooker. Price range would be TBD but under $800 I would think.

[erosenst]

Just a thought - but especially if it's during the week the majority of women will have on somewhat classic cut black cocktail dresses, not 'slinky' long dresses.

Is there any way you can double check with people who have attended in the past? (OTOH, you might not care what other people are wearing. In that case, get the dream gown ;) )


If you're going to look at short, but not black, these may be the kind of thing you're looking for:

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod136160148&parentId=cat9360738&masterId=cat000127&index=42&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat936 0738

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod131540040&parentId=cat9360738&masterId=cat000127&index=79cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat0001 27cat9360738

Oh - wait - just saw the "I like red"...looked for a bit and didn't see anything that would really fit the bill...

Good luck!

[goldenpig]

OK, if you don't like the other two red ones I posted, here's some more red gowns:
Nicole Miller berry stretch silk strapless gown (http://www.bluefly.com/Nicole-Miller-berry-stretch-silk-strapless-gown/sale-cat20112/315015904/detail.fly?cm_mmc=CJ-_-1909792-_-2178999-_-Nicole+Miller+berry+stretch+silk+strapless+gown&partner=Gate_AFF_2178999&referer=cjunction_2178999_10436858_348665824)
http://cdn.is.bluefly.com/mgen/Bluefly/prodImage.ms?productCode=315015904&width=340&height=408
Nicole Miller berry stretch silk draped asymmetrical gown (http://www.bluefly.com/Nicole-Miller-berry-stretch-silk-draped-asymmetrical-gown/cat20180/315016003/detail.fly?cm_mmc=CJ-_-9223372036854775807-_-2687457-_-Nicole+Miller+berry+stretch+silk+draped+asymmetric al+gown&partner=Gate_AFF_2687457&referer=cjunction_2687457_10436858_a63c2479a6834e1 7b07db00633fc4c75)
I'm not so keen on this asymmetrical strap width but you might like it
http://cdn.is.bluefly.com/mgen/Bluefly/prodImage.ms?productCode=315016003&width=340&height=408

Calvin Klein Asymmetrical Ruched Jersey Gown (http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/calvin-klein-asymmetrical-ruched-jersey-gown/3107070?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=32)
This one is nice, but might be a bit plain for a black tie event though
http://g.nordstromimage.com/imagegallery/store/product/medium/7/_6532927.jpg

Mignon ginger pleated jersey jeweled convertible long dress with stole (http://www.bluefly.com/Mignon-ginger-pleated-jersey-jeweled-convertible-long-dress-with-stole/PDP_CROSS_SELL/313060201/detail.fly)
What about this one? This isn't red, but I like orange a lot too, and I agree with you--I'm tired of all the black dresses everyone wears. It comes with spaghetti straps (I don't like strapless dresses). I actually have this on order from Bluefly to try on and it should be arriving soon. I'm not sure if it will seem too "old" though, I'll have to wait till I try it on.
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=34506197
http://cdn.is.bluefly.com/mgen/Bluefly/eqzoom85.ms?img=313060201_alt02.pct&outputx=340&outputy=408&level=1

Finally, I've never heard of this place, but here's one I randomly found on the web:
Red Satin Halter Evening Gown (http://www.sungboutiquela.com/red-satin-halter-evening-gown-p-518.html?osCsid=be9mie6td3fektc9fim1k27rd4) at Sung Boutique Los Angeles
This looks perfect! And only $138! And 10% off with coupon code SummerGlamour and free returns. Hmm, I might have to bite the bullet and order this myself!
http://www.sungboutiquela.com/images/7122_red_m.jpg

[*myfoursons]

Can you check for photos of last year's event? I've done that in the past when I wasn't sure exactly how "black tie" am event might be, iykwim. For example, I went to a black tie fundraiser in a knee-length, albeit super fancy, cocktail dress and felt right at home.

If long and red is your inclination, how about:
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod134520003&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=8&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat353 50732

I luuurve this one, now that's a back:
http://www.shopbop.com/chelseas-halter-gala-dress-milly/vp/v=1/845524441908132.htm?folderID=2534374302063655&fm=other-shopbysize&colorId=17619

[ThreeofUs]

OMG LOVE this one. Really love it. Wish it was in range!

You should get this gown (or one like it in range and maybe slightly less *ahem* form-fitting) and wear it with a bolero jacket in some deep, lovely coordinating color.

You'll stand out, look fabulous, and get rave reviews!

ETA: Hmm, but this is black-tie. It's an evening event, right?

[DrSally]

Beautiful dresses listed. I love the idea of a red dress. I also like the idea of checking photos from previous events, just to make sure everyone else is not wearing cocktail length.

[goldenpig]

What size are you? Here are some red short cocktail dress options:

This one is available in a 6 on Bluefly:
Nicole Miller Red Jersey Butterfly Pleated Strapless Dress (http://www.bluefly.com:80/Nicole-Miller-red-jersey-butterfly-pleated-strapless-dress/SEARCH/306432602/detail.fly)
http://cdn.is.bluefly.com/mgen/Bluefly/eqzoom85.ms?img=306432602.pct&outputx=738&outputy=700&level=1

This one is currently only available in a 0 on Bluefly, but I ordered two in a 6 & 8 last week. I could send you the one that doesn't fit or both if I decide not to keep it, if you want (I had ordered several dresses to try out, but am planning to return most or all of them as soon as I get them and try them on).
Badgley Mischka Platinum Label red silk georgette strapless sweetheart dress (http://www.bluefly.com/Badgley-Mischka-Platinum-Label-red-silk-georgette-strapless-sweetheart-dress/SEARCH/311758701/detail.fly)
http://cdn.is.bluefly.com/mgen/Bluefly/eqzoom85.ms?img=311758701.pct&outputx=738&outputy=700&level=1

And here's one I was drooling over before when the Bloomingdale's code was available, although now it's not on sale anymore:
Ali Ro Strapless Petal Dress (http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=542393&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results)
http://images.bloomingdales.com/is/image/BLM/products/0/optimized/1188380_fpx.tif?wid=325&qlt=90,0&layer=comp&op_sharpen=0&resMode=sharp2&op_usm=0.7,1.0,0.5,0&fmt=jpeg

[kozachka]

I am late to the party but I love, love, love that Badgley Mishka red dress. If only I already did not have several going out dresses in different shades of red and nowhere to go :(. For a more grand, formal occasion I'd wear the red Tasashi Shoji dress from Neiman posted above. Nicole Miller berry stretch silk strapless gown (http://www.bluefly.com/Nicole-Miller-berry-stretch-silk-strapless-gown/sale-cat20112/315015904/detail.fly?cm_mmc=CJ-_-1909792-_-2178999-_-Nicole+Miller+berry+stretch+silk+strapless+gown&partner=Gate_AFF_2178999&referer=cjunction_2178999_10436858_348665824) would be my second choice for a more formal option.

[hillview]

Ok have to read the other posts but saw this
http://www.shopbop.com/isadora-dress-diane-von-furstenberg/vp/v=1/845524441901851.htm?folderID=2534374302063655&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=11739

[goldenpig]

Ok have to read the other posts but saw this
http://www.shopbop.com/isadora-dress-diane-von-furstenberg/vp/v=1/845524441901851.htm?folderID=2534374302063655&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=11739

Wow, no need to worry about blending in with that dress! But what size are you--it's only available in size 0.

[hillview]

crap I am not NOT a 0. I am a 8 or a 10 depending. SIGH

[CaliMommy]

Not red, but the decoration makes the color stand out...
La femme fashions (http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/la-femme-fashions-crisscross-back-chiffon-gown/3103143?origin=category&resultback=0)

I think the mermaid style is pretty, but sadly do not an excuse to wear something like this now that I'm a SAHM.
Teri Jon dress (http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/teri-jon-one-shoulder-silk-taffeta-mermaid-gown/3095249?origin=category&resultback=0)

Good luck! I will have to say though, that dream dress looks awesome! ;)

[niccig]

How about this
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod132570229&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=19&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat353 50732

or

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod130490019&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=55&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat353 50732

Colour and styling will make both stand out.

[ThreeofUs]

Ok have to read the other posts but saw this
http://www.shopbop.com/isadora-dress-diane-von-furstenberg/vp/v=1/845524441901851.htm?folderID=2534374302063655&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=11739


Gorgeous dress! I love the gold!

Too bad it's only available in 0 or 2. Here's thought: have it made. It would cost less than $800, and fit you perfectly!

[hillview]

Gorgeous dress! I love the gold!

Too bad it's only available in 0 or 2. Here's thought: have it made. It would cost less than $800, and fit you perfectly!

OOOH I love this idea. I've been stalking etsy to see what might be an option there as well.

[hillview]

Not red, but the decoration makes the color stand out...
La femme fashions (http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/la-femme-fashions-crisscross-back-chiffon-gown/3103143?origin=category&resultback=0)

Good luck! I will have to say though, that dream dress looks awesome! ;)
LOVE this one!


How about this
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod132570229&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=19&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat353 50732

or

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod130490019&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=55&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat353 50732

Colour and styling will make both stand out.

Love the purple one.

Thanks ladies you are making it easier!!
/hillary