I was reading recently that cocktail dress length is the right thing to wear to a black tie dinner. My personal choice would be an understated dress with bling earrings or necklace (from Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Accessorize etc.) and a pretty evening bag and shoes. I just think you would get more use out of a simple dress than one that shouted black tie.

Strapless or covered depends on your arms!! There are loads of little shrugs around which are good cover ups, some places have so much air conditioning that it is really chilly!!

Foxie

p.s. just noticed it is your first post! So a big and warm welcome to the forum!