What does "black tie optional" mean?

[punkin]

I am not a fashionista and I have nothing in my closet and I have to go out tonight, so there's no time to buy anything. The only decent dress I own that fits me is a Betsey Johnson knee length knit with a cream top and checkered short sleeves and skirt. It makes me look like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.

How out of place will I look?

 

[Cantw8]

I think with "black tie" optional, your outfit will make you stand out It sounds like a tux and gown affair. Do you have a friend you could borrow from?

 

[Dodie]

Black tie optional means (to me) that there will be people there in a variety of stages of formal wear - some women will be wearing cocktail dresses and some men may be wearing tuxes - but most will be "very dressed up." Of course, there are usually people who are dressed less formally too - that sounds like it may end up being you.

Is your Dorothy dress "formal?" At least "semi-formal?" Is it a fancy event?

 

[Camicar]

I would suggest you call a friend to see if there is anything you can borrow.

Black tie optional means that tuxedos are welcome but not required for men. For women, that means long gowns are welcome but not required, but a fancy short dress is necessary. Your dress is far too casual for the event.

For the future, you might want to consider buying yourself the LBD -- Little Black Dress. It's a good basic to have in your closet for situations like this, along with a basic pair of nice black heels.

 

[punkin]

Is your Dorothy dress "formal?" At least "semi-formal?" Is it a fancy event?

Well it's definitely NOT formal. It is very cute and I think it does border on the semi-formal. I just don't know. I guess I'll have to wait for DH to decide. He's the clothes horse in the family.

 

[Handbag Lady]

You can even get away with a long plain black skirt, heels, and a nice top, too.

I think your dress sounds fun but a bit too casual for black-tie optional.

I second getting yourself a little black dress without much detail to last you a long, long time!

 

[Camicar]

I think it does border on the semi-formal.

FTR: Anything with checks and/or anything that makes you look like Dorothy is not semi formal.

 

[punkin]

FTR: Anything with checks and/or anything that makes you look like Dorothy is not semi formal.

That's why I am asking for advice. I know absolutely nothing about this kind of stuff.

 

[JessicaR]

A Black Tie invitation calls for formal attire. Men wear tuxedos, women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.

A Black Tie Optional or Black Tie Invited gives you the option of wearing a tuxedo or formal dress, but it should clue you into the formality of the event, meaning a dark suit and tie would be your other option. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.

I got the impression from the description of your dress that it would be fitting. Add some pearls and heels, dress it up. What colors are in the checkers?

 

[JessicaR]

FTR: Anything with checks and/or anything that makes you look like Dorothy is not semi formal.

She said checkered not checks. I was thinking it could resemble herringbone and combine that with the fact that its a Betsey Johnson and she could be perfectly suited to wear that dress to this event.

OP - Have a picture?

 

[punkin]

A Black Tie invitation calls for formal attire. Men wear tuxedos, women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.

A Black Tie Optional or Black Tie Invited gives you the option of wearing a tuxedo or formal dress, but it should clue you into the formality of the event, meaning a dark suit and tie would be your other option. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.

I got the impression from the description of your dress that it would be fitting. Add some pearls and heels, dress it up. What colors are in the checkers?

It's horizontal navy and purple thick stripes on a cream background with vertical brick brown thin stripes.

It also has a very low cut square neckline which is very flattering and shows lots of cleavage.

 

[punkin]

She said checkered not checks. I was thinking it could resemble herringbone and combine that with the fact that its a Betsey Johnson and she could be perfectly suited to weat that dress to this event.

OP - Have a picture?

No, or I would post it.

It is not herringbone. It's more like stripes. Thick horizontal stripes and thin verticals. It sounds worse than it looks. It is Betsey Johnson and her stuff is rather off the wall, but gorgeous.

 

[DMickey28]

We went to a Black Tie Optional wedding on NYE. DH rented a tux and I wore a beautiful color blue floor length gown.

I can't quite picture the dress but I looked up her dresses online. I think the one thing that you might having going against you in it being dressy enough is that it's knit. I am not a fashionista AT ALL either so that might not make a difference, I just think of knit as being more casual. Do you have any dressy black pants?

 

[JessicaR]

Since you said it is for tonight and there isn't any time to go shopping, what choice do you have? Wear it, feel good in it and enjoy yourself! I bet you will look lovely. Have fun.

 

[ChrizJen]

Does it look like this?

 

[punkin]

Since you said it is for tonight and there isn't any time to go shopping, what choice do you have? Wear it, feel good in it and enjoy yourself! I bet you will look lovely. Have fun.

Too true. The real problem is that I currently weigh 145 lbs and everything in my closet (that's dressy) is still a size 6.

 

[punkin]

Does it look like this?

YES!!! That's exactly it.

 

[GoodFairies]

Definitely NOT dressy enough. It has a drawstring...

 

[Cindy B]

If it looks like that, I'd be wearing black dress pants, heels, and the most sparkly top you can find.

Although cute, I don't think that dress is even semi-formal.

Do you even have a work suit? In a pinch, that could work as well (put the dressiest blouse you have underneath) and some sparkly jewelry.

Believe it or not, you can find something quickly. It is prom season and you probably could run out to any decent dept. store and find something quickly. If you have any luck, you may have it on clearance. I found a beautiful cocoa colored halter knee length dress (in my size) for only $6 once! (and it just before the event as well)

 

[JessicaR]

I have to agree, that dress is not dressy enough.
Simple black slacks and a white button down blouse dressed up with jewelry and heels as suggested would be a better choice.