Bath, as nice as it is to have a new outfit, if you really would rather spend the $$ elsewhere just go with last year's. I go (or used to!) quite a few black tie functions each year with the Law Institute and HAD to have a new dress for each. But now the novelty has worn off (I have been on the Council for 6 years) I realised that no one remembers what you wore from year to year. Sad but true.