What to wear to dh's 40th bday party.. In an east London bar

[Spink]

...I want to look relaxed & not too try hard, but also want the outfit to be 'special enough'.
I'm 5'9 & a size 14, legs prob my best feature, not so good belly or arm tops. Help please!

[Spink]

BUMP!!!

[MasterOfTheYoniverse]

Sexy lingerie and killer heels?
Very helpful?

[casacastille]

To a bar I'd probably wear some smart skinny jeans (coated perhaps, black or dark blue). I love this top but maybe not special enough?

[Spink]

casacastille that's funny, I had shortlisted that very top but in that colour it isn't in stock in my size. I wondered whether I could carry out the chartreuse version...
and MofYoniverse oh yes will have those for the hotel afterwards! It is the looking ok in public that I need help with...

[casacastille]

I think it's lovely. That chartreuse colour would look terrible on me but if you have the right skin tone it'll look fab.

[rootypig]

Ooh which bar

[Spink]

ha, I am completely rubbish at knowing what will look good on me so might just order it and see...
rootypig it's the Book Club

[Spink]

what about this oneblack peplum

[CursiveLetters]

Some variety of black skinny jeans with an oversized sparkly top like this www.polyvore.com/nwt_208_womens_white_silver/thing?id=66511535 or this dtpmhvbsmffsz.cloudfront.net/posts/2013/05/12/51904c6920b85f79db031ccb/s_51904c6f20b85f79db031cde.jpg

For shoes you could wear really any kind of black heel or boot

[Spink]

Thanks cursive though sequinned tops have never really been my friend - I am fairly broad shouldered & somehow they tend to magnify that & make me look really... wide. Never a good thing.

[rootypig]

ooh I love that place, a friend had her 30th there.

I would say jumpsuit (but that is my answer to everything)

[Spink]

I've never in my adult life worn a jumpsuit. But I am intrigued... so tell me, why are they your answer to everything? And is any of the stuff up thread bookclub type clothing?

[rootypig]

They are my answer to everything because they are as simple as a dress for getting dressed, iyswim - just one piece - but I prefer the more masculine feel. I have a Reiss black silk one that is about five years old - among others - and I looooove it. When my dad first saw it he like like - 'where is your plane!' He thought I looked like a mechanic

But I digress. The point is, I think, because in some sense you just throw it on, and the lack of girliness leaves space for stronger makeup, killer heels - you can go to town on your look but it's less likely you will look or feel overdone.

What is your budget? I will hunt some suggestions for you

[rootypig]

Ooh this one is good

[29chapel]

Agree with Rootypig - Got a great one from Topshop recently - plain black. Looks fabulous with heels and a big necklace.

[Spink]

Ok, (getting a bit excited) I like the sound of that- I am drawn to dresses for their ease but often feel too twee girly in them, not in a good way. I thought you had to be super slim to pull off a jumpsuit tho?
I reckon I could go up to £100, cos I'd spend that on a separate top & trousers- so the Topshop one could work.

[UnexpectedFrightInShaggingArea]

If you have good legs you need to show them off. I am only 5'2" so am at your height.

Also, it's your DH's birthday, you have permission to look like you have made an effort

What about something like this?

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Izabel+London+Wide+collar+stripe+knit+tunic+dress/188546073,default,pd.html

[UnexpectedFrightInShaggingArea]

Or a short play suit?

www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Playsuit-with-Chiffon-Sleeves/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2945645&cid=7618&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=204&sort=-1&clr=Black

[bigbrick]

Jaeger have some great dresses - this would be nice if you like black www.johnlewis.com/jaeger-raglan-sleeve-jersey-dress-black/p643374 You could wear with sheer (more dressy)or opaque tights and suede wedges to give it a casual look.

[29chapel]

Spink - there is a huge range of jumpsuits on asos too, have a look. Shit i'm now eyeing up new ones for myself dammit!

[Laska42]

Jump suits are fine but you have to get undressed in the loo.. (once wore one to a pub in the winter and then found the loo was 'outside' and unheated . A right to the bod as I stripped off...Never wore it again ....

[hettie]

I just wore this top and some skinny coated black jeans and killer heels for a 40th... I know it has a bit of sparkle on, but it's very flattering around the waist (and a bargain)... saw some burgundy coated skinnies in M&S the other day...

[rootypig]

Ha Laska the naked loo visit is definitely rather disconcerting!

Spink if I had that Toppers one (which will be fab for upper arms and the wrap flattering for stomach) and great legs I would cuff or shove up the legs and wear spiky heels.

Then go to town on either giant cuffs or necklace, nice red mouth, hair pulled back. Voila

[Spink]

I think I'm going to try the topshop jumpsuit on.
The dress & top are all lovely but nothing jumps out at me. Short playsuits could be worth trying but might be a step too far out of my comfort zone!
So now suggestions for accessories please :)

[29chapel]

TS have some cool necklaces - reasonably priced too. Asos could be another place to look. If you've plenty of cashola, look at Marni