what to wear for my 50th?

[lilolilmanchester]

at risk of outing myself.... am 5'4"; size 14 (possibly 12 by the time it comes but most likely somewhere in-between)... want to look good but not like mutton dressed as lamb......... winter do, disco, not too posh, but not too casual.

What should I wear?

[Almostfifty]

I love that fifties look. Swishy skirts with taffeta.

[lilolilmanchester]

that is lovely almost50. I do prefer a lower neckline - not so that I'm showing loads of cleavage but lower than that. Would try it on though justto be sure, it's gorgeous.

[Almostfifty]

What about this one: www.phase-eight.co.uk/fcp/product/phase-eight/Dresses/Rosamund-Dress/201823652

[FauxFox]

I have never found/seen a jumpsuit that is flattering from all angles - there is either camel-toe or bum cling or shapeless and the length has to be perfect - so hard unless you get it tailored and it's hardly worth it!

Hope something you order works for you

[lilolilmanchester]

thank you fauxfox, and gosh you're good at this! I wonder if you actually know me, as these are very much my style!
First one is gorgeous - but I'd get too hot in sleeves (should have said that upfront) although being lace might not be so bad; and I don't like the cowl necked draped one - but the rest are lovely and a bit special- definitely worth ordering and trying on.
Although I don't like the cowl necked one style-wise,I like the colours both teal and purple - I was wondering about being a bit braver on colour than my usual black, and these are in my "palette" (had my colours done years ago - am Autumn)

thank you so much for helping out, I just need ideas and to narrow down what I'm looking at - I actually think you are right about not trousers, although I was wondering about jumpsuit as a compromise. This jumpsuit caught my eye, could dress up with chunky gold jewellery, but DH thinks I'm too short and not slim enough for something like that - would have to try it on to be sure, but I suspect he's right.

[FauxFox]

or this or this they come in loads of colours and i've got a dress from that site and the quality is good.

[FauxFox]

lace sleeves
chiffon
drapey bronze
sequin shoulder
purple or teal draped
silk print
bandage
anything there getting close? i think a dress would be more special to wear than trousers - it's your party! you should wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident

[lilolilmanchester]

anyone feel like helping? I am not seeing anything I like and would really appreciate some ideas

[lilolilmanchester]

.. and still struggling whether dress (if so, long or medium length); or dressy trousers/jump suit..... or jeans and a top. ANY help at all appreciated please

[lilolilmanchester]

haven't really got a budget - my current "dressy things" range from £30 from TKMaxx through to £150 from John Lewis - so very happy to find a bargain, but a special occasion so prepared to splash out for the right outfit

[FauxFox]

What's your budget?

[lilolilmanchester]

anyone?

[lilolilmanchester]

resurrecting this thread as it's getting closer, no weight lost.... have been trawling websites, seeing nothing, saw a brown jumpsuit I thought might be ok in Phase Eight and 'D'H said I was too short and perhaps not slim enough for it (looking at the picture, not at me in it). I can't even decide what "look" to go for. Would prefer glam rock chick I think. Any ideas? There were some lovely suggestions before, but I didn't want to buy anything back then as I'd hoped to lose weight but somehow didn't get round to it!

[lilolilmanchester]

I don't wear dresses like that all the time, honestly, but go to lots of events where dresses like that would be worn. And am not going to say any more as too easy to out myself otherwise....

That Vivien Westwood dress is more like it, gosh that is lovely. I am not buying anything yet, live in hope of losing a stone+ over the summer, just looking for ideas, but that is definitely along the right lines.

Just thinking, should have said, prefer autumnal shades (purple ok, just about, as long as a darker purple)

[c4rnsi1lk]

this?

[c4rnsi1lk]

wow - I wonder what your job is if you wear dresses like that to work!

[lilolilmanchester]

oh wow, that is fab... only thing I don't like about that is I don't suit those high necks. Don't get me wrong, I don't like showing a lot of boob or cleavage, but I just don't suit those higher necks. That said, would be prepared to get something like that altered if it ticked every other box (which that one does)

[irregularegular]

Vivienne Westwood?

www.net-a-porter.com/product/196682

Very appropriate for a 50 yr old rock chick, I think

[lilolilmanchester]

that is absolutely gorgeous too c4rnsi1lk , just a bit much like going to work for me (not that I wear dresses like that for work all the time but often enough not to want to wear it for my 50th.. but will add this to "special occasion work dresses to buy" list)

[c4rnsi1lk]

here

[c4rnsi1lk]

what about an anglomania dress?

[lilolilmanchester]

the LKB Davina dress is divine... honestly... just not right for me for this particular event.

[poppedoutforapintofmilk]

Absolutely. I got the LK Bennet Davina dres 2 weeks ago to wear to a wedding at the end of Sept. At that flipping price I absolutely CANNOT put any weight on beforehand. As you say, that in itself is a good motivator.

[lilolilmanchester]

thanks poppedout - that's what I thought. At least I can decide on style/whether to go trousers or dress etc. And if I should find THE outfit, could always have it taken in if I ever get round to losing weight, plus would motivate me not to put on any more.

[poppedoutforapintofmilk]

I don't think it's daft at all to be looking around now lilo. This way you can get lots of ideas and try loads of stuff on without having to buy something because you've only got a few days left till the night and you're desperate. It's far more enjoyable to be able to be leisurely about it all. Would def try Coast and LK Bennet and Mint Velvet. Would also recommend trying things you wouldn't normally go for just to compare and contrast styles/shapes. Good luck on your mission.