My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

For beauty and fashion style advice, join in our Style forum chat.

Style & Beauty

You lovely stylish people: please tell me what to wear for an evening'do'

31 replies

scampadoodle · 05/09/2008 19:47

Okaaay... Dh is PR director in London. One of his clients - a major credit card company - is having a do at a fairly posh place in town. I am obliged to attend & be the 'executive wife' .

I haven't a clue what to wear. It's not black tie; DH is going to wear a suit with a nice shirt but no tie. I have things & outfits in my wardrobe which I could wear but they are predominantly black & I'm really bored with them. I used to have a creative job & as an art student in the 80s I dressed very kookily indeed. However, 2 years as a SAHM in jeans & converse have made me really unconfident as to my personal style.

I need something stylish, not too OTT, but which says "I am not just an executive wife!"

I'm 43, fairly tall, size 12 with rubbish-looking legs, but a small waist & good arms & neck. 32DD boobs.

If I could meet Trinny & Tranny I'd ask them, but I know some of you lot are brilliant at this sort of thing...

OP posts:
Report
regularlyoverwhelmed · 05/09/2008 19:52

budget?

Report
maidamess · 05/09/2008 19:54

Ok, I am on the case.

Report
littlelapin · 05/09/2008 19:54

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MadamAnt · 05/09/2008 19:55

top

and skirt?

Report
maidamess · 05/09/2008 19:56

When you say rubbish legs, are we talking chunky, or veiny? Could you wear tights is what I'm thinking.

Report
maidamess · 05/09/2008 20:01

well, I like this

and I think it looks good how they have dressed it here

Report
littlelapin · 05/09/2008 20:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

maidamess · 05/09/2008 20:09

Oh I think any age could wear that! Look at Mary Queen of Scots, she wears stuff like that (Style heroine) Also, if opaquey tights are worn, legs not an issue.

I stand by my choice!

Report
JackieNo · 05/09/2008 20:10

Have to say, if legs are an issue, I'd prefer MAdamAnt's choice, maidamess.

Report
regularlyoverwhelmed · 05/09/2008 20:12

opaque tights don't get over chunky legs or podgey knees (believe me I know!)

noone knows what the problem is with the legs yet, except OP of course, and there probably IS no real problem

Report
littlelapin · 05/09/2008 20:12

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MadamAnt · 05/09/2008 20:32

If you're waaaaaaaay minted, how about www.brownsfashion.com/product/fashion/womens/dresses/92578.htm

OMG, soooooo gorgeous

I would wear with red heels, a red clutch and red lips. And knickers. TMI.

Report
MadamAnt · 05/09/2008 20:34

Like these with accompanying bag

Report
JackieNo · 05/09/2008 20:39

Maybe a bit ott, but I love this. Or this? I rather like this too.

Report
scampadoodle · 05/09/2008 20:45

Wow -I go to have a bath & you guys get to work! Am very impressed...

Haven't looked at your suggestions yet but I thought I'd better clear up the legs issue: They are big, though not deformed or anything, & my ankles are okay (not cankles). After many years of self-flagellation (not literally!) I'm sort of resigned to them & will wear just-below-the-knee lengths with tights. I am happy to wear fishnets, skintone or black or deep-coloured opaques. They look better with heels, obviously. I have some ancient but nice black Prada heels, a bit 1940s-ish with round toes, chunky heels & crossover straps. I also have some metallic pewter round-toes with a strap across the foot. I like vintagey-type things & have a 50s figure. my boobs, though big, need lots of support.

OP posts:
Report
scampadoodle · 05/09/2008 20:46

oh, bugger, budget: I don't want to spend loads as I am rubbish at spending lots on clothes. I'd say Whistles would be my top end, but if I found something great at Asda that would be cool too.

OP posts:
Report
scampadoodle · 05/09/2008 20:52

Oh my god...you lot are fab! Those things are gorgeous! Love the Karen Millen skirt. That gold top is beautiful, but would probably hide my waist & emphasise my thighs.

Colouring: brunette with a hint of tan. Hazel eyes. My hair is long & layered & I'll probably put Carmens in it before I go out.

OP posts:
Report
JackieNo · 05/09/2008 20:57

Maybe this with this skirt and your pewter shoes? Or with this top for a kind of fifties look?

Report
Alambil · 05/09/2008 21:00

this is rather nice £65 skirt

so's this

Report
regularlyoverwhelmed · 05/09/2008 21:09

oooh, I love jackie Nos last suggestions - please get them - and post photos - I want to live that outfir vicariously - with the lovely pewter heels - you'll llook fab

imho that monsoon skirt is way too green in real life - I went to look at it yesterday

now, added nothing of my own there but loved looking

have fun!

Report
Aefondkiss · 05/09/2008 21:10

too pale?

bold but not formal

gold

Report
regularlyoverwhelmed · 05/09/2008 21:14

oooh, sexy

Report

Newsletters you might like

Discover Exclusive Savings!

Sign up to our Money Saver newsletter now and receive exclusive deals and hot tips on where to find the biggest online bargains, tailored just for Mumsnetters.

Log in to update your newsletter preferences.

You've subscribed!

Parent-Approved Gems Await!

Subscribe to our weekly Swears By newsletter and receive handpicked recommendations for parents, by parents, every Sunday.

Log in to update your newsletter preferences.

You've subscribed!

colette · 05/09/2008 21:16

The coast skirt and top are lovely and sound as if they would suit your figure

Report
regularlyoverwhelmed · 05/09/2008 21:24

have you bought the coast top and skirt yet? the wrap blouse...oooooooohhhhhh, to die for...and much more than just corporate wife imo

Report
eviz · 05/09/2008 21:41

Love that sandyseamdress

Jackieno's suggestions also rock

But.. is the colour right if OP is brunette?

Madamants skirt was tres lovely.. maybe a better colour?

Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.