I'm going to a black tie gala! help

[Mom to Brandon and 2 cats]

My DH got invited to a once in a lifetime black tie gala! I've got three weeks to find a dress, shoes, and accessories! I considered Rent the Runway, but it is very expensive, I think I can find a dress for the the amount that I'd spend to rent. Now to find one that will hide a multitude of body flaws, LOL. Seriously, need something to hide a thick waist, and prefer straps.

Is this dress fancy enough?
http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1780381/chaya-mixed-media-long-dress-womens.jsp

Is this one better? I think it will be about an inch too long, even with 3" heels on, though.
http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1511753/chaya-shirred-empire-maxi-dress.jsp

How about this one? I'm thinking dark plum color.
http://www.target.com/p/tevolio-women-s-satin-one-shoulder-rosette-maxi-dress-fashion-colors/-/A-14206294#prodSlot=medium_1_8&term=tivolo+dress

thanks!
Jennifer

[elektra]

Have fun! I like the second one best of the ones you posted. I would also check Macy's. They might have some prom stuff on sale (?)
I got a dress at Off 5th (saks outlet) when I needed a last minute black tie dress. And then for my latest event I borrowed from a friend.

[TwinFoxes]

I definitely like #2. I don't like #1 at all, and #3 looks a little too junior to me.

[almostmom]

I like them all! I think I like the purple target dress best though. Have fun!

[boolady]

I definitely like #2. I don't like #1 at all, and #3 looks a little too junior to me.

Everything TwinFoxes said!

[boolady]

What about these?

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1438942/chaps-embellished-faux-wrap-evening-gown-womens.jsp

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1438507/chaps-faux-wrap-empire-evening-gown-womens.jsp

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1696728/chaps-colorblock-evening-gown-womens.jsp

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1709229/chaya-colorblock-crisscross-long-dress-womens.jsp

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1538810/chaps-solid-cutout-evening-gown-womens.jsp?isClearance=true

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1585726/chaps-mixed-media-empire-evening-gown-womens.jsp?isClearance=true

[Mom to Brandon and 2 cats]

I just ordered that last one, with the lace bodice, to try on! Bonus to Kohls for having such a great return policy.
Unfortunately, the #2 that I linked to in my original post is out of stock in my size...boo.
Keep the ideas flowing! I'm up for purchasing a lot online and returning it all later, LOL.

[erosenst]

Some are a little pricier than what you've found so far, but the quality will LIKELY be better as well, and alterations are free on full priced even when purchased on line (if you have a Nordstrom in your area, of course!). Adrianna Pappell is my 'go to' when I need 'event' dresses - lots with straps, and work well with my thick waist.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/womens-dresses-shop?origin=leftnav#category=b2374331&type=category&marketingslots=2&page=1&defaultsize3=&size=&width=&color=&price=&brand=1548&instoreavailability=false&lastfilter=brand&sizeFinderId=2&resultsmode=&segmentId=0

A quick look at all 'formal' and I pulled up these that are more reasonably priced:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lauren-ralph-lauren-beaded-shoulder-jersey-gown/3655615?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=0&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_3_A

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lauren-ralph-lauren-embellished-cowl-neck-jersey-gown/3711265?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=0&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_3_C (only in limited sizes - depends which you need!)

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/hailey-by-adrianna-papell-sleeveless-lace-gown/3655285?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=2431&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_8_D


Good luck - and have fun!!

[Mom to Brandon and 2 cats]

Love that last lace one! In the shopping cart it went. I'll peruse the Adrianna Pappell selection later when I'm not supposed to be working, LOL. Thanks!

[ZeeBaby]

I would also suggest the sale rack of many department stores. I always hit the sales racked before buying online. You can sometimes find the same dresses significantly discounted. Lord and Taylor is my go to store

[elizabethkott]

I second Lord and Taylor. They have never failed me for a dressy occasion!

[SnuggleBuggles]

I think you will feel too underdressed in any of those. Some you linked were $50. I have seen RTR ones for $75. I'd pay $25 more for a true gown. Check Bluefly too.

[Indianamom2]

Ok, here are my suggestions:

This is very similar to your #2 but just a tad dressier and cheaper! I wore one very similar to this to a black tie function last year:
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/r-m-richards-sleeveless-beaded-evening-gown?ID=885089&CategoryID=5449&swatchColor=Royal Blue#fn=SPECIAL_OCCASIONS%3DFormal%26sp%3D1%26spc% 3D207%26ruleId%3D%26slotId%3D1

Almost identical to your #2 again:
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/sangria-sleeveless-keyhole-gown?ID=913558&CategoryID=5449&LinkType=&swatchColor=Black#fn=SPECIAL_OCCASIONS%3DFormal%26 PAGEINDEX%3D3%26sp%3D3%26spc%3D207%26ruleId%3D%26s lotId%3D98

[daisysmom]

I live in the south east and go to a fair amount of "black tie" events. Many of them are related to work or charities, as well as weddings. Honestly there is a range if from silty for these sorts of events, and some people definitely wear short dresses now to black tie ("creative black tie" brings a whole nother level"). Get what you like and you can't go wrong in my opinion, as long as you are wearing a cocktail dress. And your husband needs a tux (some do west just a dark suit but I don't perceive as much leeway for guys). The fanciest black tie events that really require a gown are inaugural balls in my opinion, or army or navy balls. For everything else there is lee way. White tie is the most formal.

[westwoodmom04]

I think you will feel too underdressed in any of those. Some you linked were $50. I have seen RTR ones for $75. I'd pay $25 more for a true gown. Check Bluefly too.

I was going to say the same. The styles you linked to are cute, but the fabrics are casual (i.e. jersey, etc..). You need to take both into consideration for a black tie event.

[Katigre]

You will not find true black tie wear at kohls - you need to go to a more upscale (vs bargain) department store and go through their clearance racks.

[niccig]

I think you will feel too underdressed in any of those. Some you linked were $50. I have seen RTR ones for $75. I'd pay $25 more for a true gown. Check Bluefly too.

And if you're a first time renter, you get $25 off at rent the runway. You can filter by Black-tie and there's plenty of gowns around $70-100.

[mom2binsd]

Go to some consignment stores, lots of worn once dresses at both my favorite stores, I always have luck there.

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