<p>Totally out of my comfort zone here. I normally spend New Year’s Eve at home on the couch and even at that, I don’t usually make it to midnight. This year, we’ve been invited to a wedding, black tie suggested, at a venue in town. It’s the daughter of one of my husband’s co-workers, so I consider it a work event and need to dress accordingly.</p>
<p>I’ve seen a few dresses that I like and I am concerned because they are black. Is it still wrong to wear black to a wedding. Purple seems like a popular color for formal wear, but it looks horrible on me. I’m fair skinned and purple seems to highlight my veins (don’t laugh) And I’m fairly certain that the dresses I’ve looked at are not black tie event worthy - too plain, but I think I look ridiculous in over the top sparkle. FYI - I’m mid-fifties, a mom and I look like it.</p>
<p>Do you have any links to any of your dresses (or similar to yours) that “are not black tie event worthy”? Black tie does not mean all glitter and sparkle. I think black should be OK for a wedding held at a non-traditional wedding date and time, but if none of the other guests wear black, it could be a problem.</p>
<p>Agreed - black is fine for a black tie wedding. I went to one years ago and every woman wore black.</p>
<p>If you’d rather wear a color, I suggest going to a store with knowledgable sales people, describe the event, and ask them to bring you dresses that would flatter your shape and coloring. I know what mean about the veins - certain colors make me look ill. It sounds like fun!</p>
<p>I think this is a regional thing. In NYC, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear black to a wedding. My D went to a wedding in DC on New Year’s Eve about 6 years ago and wore a black and white dress. Based on the photos, several other women wore black too.</p>
<p>I don’t wear dresses. I look and feel better in a pair of dressy pants and cute shoes and dressy tank and then a silky loose top/jacket. Bracelets and make-up and I am good to go. I only wear black pants and tanks so am always looking out for the tops/jackets.
Of course, it is the smile that will make you look good or not :).</p>
<p>Thanks everyone. I don’t have any links to the dresses, but they are versions of shift dresses with decorative trims or maybe a some rouching to disguise a little bulge in the middle. Nothing strapless or too short. I’m just looking to hold onto the middle groud. I don’t want to stand out. Black is usually my go to color and as long as I can do that, I will be ok.</p>
<p>Also, is a short dress ok, or does black tie suggested mean long dresses for women.</p>
<p>If it is “in-fact” an invitation that specifies black tie, then yes it’s perfectly acceptable for women to wear black. These days for “black tie” I believe short cocktail or long eventing dresses are acceptable as long as you feel “equally” dressed next to a significant other in a tux. Because it’s a New Year’s Eve wedding I’m pretty sure almost all the women will be sparkly - fun time to glam up.</p>
<p>If you want something that is dressy but forgiving, I would suggest a dressy evening jacket over a silk tank and easy-fitting, draped, dressy pants or skirt. The jacket and bottom can be black, and the tank can be white, ivory, or a jewel tone. If you like metallics at all, this would be a good time to indulge.</p>
<p>When I had to go to a black tie wedding during the week before Christmas and New Years many years ago, I found a knee length fluttery black silk chiffon skirt, an ivory silk tank with a slightly draped neck, and a black sequined jacket. I wore see-through black hose and t-strap black shoes with a low heel. (I never wear high heels. ) I have been able to reuse the components since then, which is an added advantage.</p>
<p>These jackets would work, for example, over the right things:</p>
<p>It depends. I know that some sources still say no to black for a wedding, but frankly, I think that black is long since a fashion color and that the concept is pretty outdated. I would not hesitate, personally. If you are concerned, add a colorful wrap.</p>
<p>I think it’s funny when people talk about black being taboo for weddings, still.</p>
<p>D1 was maid of honor in a wedding last December (the week between Christmas and New Years), and all the bridesmaids dresses were black (right above the knee length). It was very, very classy!</p>
<p>I enjoy these kind of threads! I like helping women find the right dress for them! Not sure what you’re looking for…here’s a pretty one from Nordstrom that could absolutely work for a black tie wedding…</p>
<p>Thanks cccookie. That is exactly the style of dress I’m looking at - even from that site! Love the free shipping and returns. I wasn’t sure if something like that would be fancy enough for black tie, but I guess it is. I’m thinking if I start doing arm exercises now, I can cut down on the wiggle a little by New Year’s. I’m still searching…</p>
<p>Here’s another idea…same name brand…these styles won’t break the bank and hopefully you will still get to wear them for another occasion…wedding, party, vacation, cruise…</p>
<p>This one comes in 4 colors: champagne, black, navy and some sort of wine color…</p>
<p>tired, What about your hubby? As a former tuxedo operator I can tell you, based on experience, that a majority of men will NOT be wearing black tuxedos to black tie weddings. Instead, they will wear a dark suit. Tell your husband no “splashy patterns” on his tie or tan-colored shoes, which will tend to de-formalize his look if he opts for a suit instead of a tux.</p>
<p>OP, if you would feel comfortable wearing the (very pretty) dress Chocchip suggested then I have misunderstood your description of yourself as “50s mom and I look it.” :)</p>
Black tie does not mean all glitter and sparkle. I think black should be OK for a wedding held at a non-traditional wedding date and time, but if none of the other guests wear black, it could be a problem.</p>
) I have been able to reuse the components since then, which is an added advantage.</p>