Dallas: Best Black Tie Events for Twenty-Somethings…and what to wear!

Every fall, my schedule turns into a whirlwind of black tie events. Three weeks ago, I had the Houston Grand Opera’s performance of Aida (it was incredible, by the way!); this coming weekend, I have the opening night gala for the Austin Lyric Opera’s 2013-2014 season opener: Don Carlo. If I still lived in Austin, you bet your bum that I would’ve been at the Ballet Austin’s Fête*ish party back in September as well as Citizen Generation’s 5th Annual Charity Bash Live Auction, which took place last week, and their upcoming $50,000 Party (December 4th – don’t miss it if you live in Austin!).

This past weekend, I attended the Dallas Autumn Ball. This year was the inaugural year… and I have to say: I’m already excited for Dallas Autumn Ball 2014. The night featured drinks, dancing, and a lovely speech from the mayor. The best part – aside from the event being hosted at the amazing Hotel ZaZa? It was all for a good cause! The proceeds from the event benefited Project: Amplify, a local education-focused nonprofit organization that aims to provide the highest caliber of tutoring to the most at-risk students at the most at-need schools in Dallas ISD.

So: great party, great cause… now all you need is a great dress! Here are a few of my favorite picks of this season ‘s black tie dresses:

Evangeline

This $648 BCBGMaxAzria stunner, the Evangeline Paillette Gown, has a sheer mesh front and back, a big zipper down the back, and a bit of a train. Add in the gold sequins and you’re instantly a walking disco ball, AKA the most fun person at the party.

Elise

Am I the only one who thinks that this looks like something Elena from Vampire Diaries wore before? I’m kind of obsessed with it. From BCBGMaxAzria and retailing for $798, the Elise Point D’Esprit Feather-Trimmed Dress features tiered ruching, mesh, ruffles, a sash, and feather details.What more could you want for a fabulous night?

BeadedCap

Ugh, I am in love with this dress. The simple silhouette, the pleated neckline, the red, the beaded cap sleeves… the Badgley Mischka Collection Beaded-Cap-Sleeve Gown ($990) is like a dream come true.

Tulle

This ML Monique Lhullier Strapless Draped-Bodice Tulle Cocktail Dress is perfect. Seriously: it’s perfect. I love a good sweetheart neckline, and this $598 dress definitely delivers.

BeadedBodice

I am completely obsessed with Sue Wong this season. This Beaded-Bodice Illusion-Neck Cocktail Dress ($395), as well as her Beaded Embroidered Cocktail Dress ($495, seen on Classy Girls Wear Pearls), are both absolutely picture perfect for any black tie gala where full-length gowns are not strictly enforced.

So which one is your favorite dress? Are there any galas on your radar this fall?

By 

Featured image via Vogue

austinballdallasgalagown
  • Share on: