What type of dress would you wear abroad in January for a 50th? (mine)

[ThursFriHappy]

I've bought and sent back loads of dresses in Debenhams as I'm not sure about what type of dress to wear.

I now have one dress left and need to make a decision. Its a Red Herring one, paisley pattern dark green.

We're going to Mexico for my 50th in January, yay, but do I dress up for the occasion, or would I look like a Xmas/NY afterthought?

I have a few sundresses already, but feel I should wear something a bit nicer on the birthday evening meal.

There is only 2 of us, not a big group or anything and we like to relax, but not too much IYSWIM? .

I'm stuck. HELP. What do other women wear?

Any ideas very greatly appreciated :)

[EmilyPunkhurst]

To be honest neither paisley nor dark green is saying Mexican 50th birthday to me - although it's hard without seeing the dress. And also knowing what sort of restaurant you'll be in. Laid back? Smart?

I'm 50. I get lots from The Outnet and I also like Vivienne Westwood (Red Label more than Anglomania, as I find the fabric better).

Need to know your budget though, and what you like/don't like about your body. I hate my arms, for example, and won't go with less than an elbow length sleeve.

Do you want something that's "occasion" or something quirky, or something ultro-wearable? How important is comfort?

Questions, questions...

[EmilyPunkhurst]

*ultra.

[ThursFriHappy]

Hmmmm, think that's another dress to go back.
So hard, really, we are generally laid back, yet it's a big birthday.
Since our summer holiday, I have lost nearly a stone and feel great, and wanted to find something to look good but again, it's a holiday not NYE!

[FrancesOldhamKelsey]

Honestly it's your birthday, somewhere nobody you'll ever meet again will see you. Wear whatever dress you really like that you really fancy wearing and will make you feel great - as long as it's not ludicrously inappropriate for the weather or indecently exposing. And if you can't find anything new that makes you feel great, then don't stress, just wear whatever dress you like from your current wardrobe and buy some new shoes/lipstick/perfume.

[ThursFriHappy]

It's all inclusive so one of the restaurants on the complex. Nothing booked until I get there.

Might just wear a sundress, but wanted 1 night to be different.

I'll look at the website you mentioned, thanks.
I like shift dresses but maybe I need a not too in - your - face occasion dress.

[ThursFriHappy]

Thanks Emily
Frances,.I think you have a point.
I hate big do's and stuff, maybe I should relax and go with the flow :)

[EmilyPunkhurst]

So it sounds like you do want something special and just for that night.

This is where the bonkers fact that we'll have spring clothes in the shops any second now(!) is going to be good for you. And lots of online sites sell all seasons all year round too.

I agree with Frances - a colour that you love and a shape that makes you feel good will add up to something that you love wearing.

is this the dress you have? It's lovely - much nicer than in my head! And not at all NY Eve!

[EmilyPunkhurst]

I'm the queen of the cross-post....

[MelanieCheeks]

Have you got a current favourite dress?could you buy a gorgeous jacket or stole to go with it, or a piece of jewellery to make it special?

[polyhymnia]

What Frances said.

[ThursFriHappy]

Well, I've sent back the dark green paisley one because on reflection although it's lovely, I agree it's not right for the occasion I bought it for.
Back.to the drawing board...

When does the Spring collection start? Hope it's before 7th Jan lol :)

[EmilyPunkhurst]

The so-called "pre spring/summer" is coming online round about now. And the hideously named "cruise collections" are around now too.

What sorts of colours do you love wearing?

[EmilyPunkhurst]

Also, meant to say, clearance warehouses (where I mainly hang out because I love 70% off) have all seasons in at once.

Have a look at:
Flannels
Blueberries
Cruise
Jaeger

First filter I always apply is "sort from low to high" because otherwise the top end prices will put you off finding the bargains.

[ThursFriHappy]

Thanks Emily,

Purples greens burnt oranges navy vivid blue are my colours.

Thanks for the info, very helpful, will have a look :)