Jora from Domestic Reflections wrote in on Sunday with a…
What to Wear: Black Tie Wedding
Maggie is going to a formal wedding and needs to look fancy without busting her already extended budget:
I will be going to a black tie wedding in Saratoga, NY at the end of June. After the beau coup bucks my husband and I will have spent on airfare and hotel, not much is left for a dress. As this will be a very fancy country club shindig, I want to look like a million dollars but only spend a few. Do you have any budget ideas – a dress in the $200 or less range.
I am 5′ 1″ and an XS or a 0 to 2. I was thinking a jewel tone or champagne color, something very elegant – strapless or spaghetti straps. Does black tie mean that the dress should be floor length or can it be knee length?
I admittedly haven’t been to a black tie wedding (they’re pretty rare out here in the casual west) but I think Maggie will be fine in an elegant knee-length cocktail dress. I happened across a perfect one:
Dress – A gorgeous green chiffon cocktail dress from Shoshanna for $210. Zoom in to get a good look at the delicate chain detail on the straps and the pleating at the bust.
Pumps – In gold to match the chain detail and with a peep toe for fun.
Bracelets – Something about these bangles is so cool. And the white beads kind of look like rice.
Earrings – Simple gold hoops.
I hope Maggie gets this dress!
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Love love love that color! I think the classic description of black tie requires a floor-length dress, but the rules are usually relaxed for the summer. I think you’d be an absolutely hit in such a beautiful and elegant dress!
While i absolutely LOVE the dress emily picked, if you want a floor length option, the Jcrew Sophia floor length dress is on sale right now for $225 and comes in black, white, navy, and espresso.
http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product.jhtml?id=prod63050381&catId=cat180147
It’s definitely not as fun as the green Emily dress, but it’s another option to keep in mind if you decide to go floor length. A friend of mine is considering purchashing it to wear to a black tie dinner she has next week.
Great pick! I love the idea of a long dress but isn’t it dangerously close to looking like a bridesmaid?
Missem- you may be right…. because it’s a wedding there may be danger of confusion! Perhaps the Sophia might work better for a non-wedding event! 🙂
gorgeous dress! As it’s my favorite color, I might be picking it up myself. Thanks Emily!
but…I think it might be too casual for black tie. If the invite actually says “black tie,” or “black tie optional,” I definately think it means floor length; many people will likely be in full on gowns.
I found a great floor length silver-ish Vera Wang gown in my size a week before my last black tie gig at Goodbyes (a consignment shop on Sacramento) for $48. Kismet! Goodbyes might be a good option.