Inspiration for 40th bday party

[Sleepyfergus]

I have a 40th bday party to attend in mid Feb. It's a house party (as opposed to swanky restaurant or club etc) so I want to strike the right tone.

I've recent lost weight since having dd2. I'm 5ft 6 with dark hair, approximately size 12 (but have surprised myself with the odd size 10 which I haven't worn for years!). I've got good proportions, average sized bust, slim legs, skinny ankles and wrists

After having 2 babies in the last 3.5 years I feel a bit out of touch with fashion and have a tendency to impluse buy. I've started looking at blogs such as 'does my bum look 40 in this' to get some ideas but any pointers gratefully received.

I'd quite like to make a bit of an impact - not in a 'steal tbe limelight' sort if a way, but make people look at me and think 'wow, sleepyfergus looks great, isn't that nice'.

Hope that doesn't sound granny, it's more a pat on the back for me losing the weight and improving my self confidence.

TIA

Granny = grabby.

My "go to" outfit when i want to look on trend but understated is a pair of killer heals, jeans or cigarette pants, some kind of nice vest top of blouse (depending on the weather) and a blazer and wear a long necklace with it.

As you say you have slim legs and wrists you should probably go with a slightly cropped pair of skinnies with some really good heals and make sure you wear the sleeves on the blazer at 3/4 length and wear a nice bracelet.

Thanks sweetheart, I was thinking of some slim leg trousers myself....think I need to go shoe shopping though. Haven't done proper heels for a good while. And I like the sound of a blazer too...

I'm just a bit nervous as when I make an effort, I never quite get it right. The wife of the bday boy dresses brilliantly, in a casual 'thrown together' but looks effortlessly fantastic which I've always admired. But it got to the point where I liked everything she wore, that I couldn't keep asking where x or y was from as it sounded a bit 'single white female'!! When we've all been away together, I'm sometimes sneaked a look in her wardrobe (!!) to see where she shops from, and it's often Top Shop or similar. She just has a good eye for what works with what.

I usually find that you can wear something quite plain and it's often accessories that can make an outfit. I buy lots of costume jewellary because it's cheaper than clothing and can really change the look of an outfit. I'm also a bit fan of scalfs, maybe that would be a good place for you to start?!

I'm not someone that is very pulled together and always gets it right (sometimes I get it VERY wrong!!!!) that's why I have this fail safe "go to" outfit that I know I can pull out the bag when I need to.

Zara is pretty good for blazers by the way.

What do you think of this sort of outfit?

this reminds me of Julia Roberts in Notting Hill when she goes to dinner at Hugh Grants friends house

do you think you could get away with leather or coated bottoms like this? Uber sexy!!!

Sweetheart - thanks for all your help. I actually typed a lengthy response to you today but got caught up with the baby and when I tried to post it, it wouldn't. Grrr!

Anyway, living your suggestions. Think the skinny trews and spiky heels are a must, and really like the blazer option. Think a trip to Zara us defo required without the kids so I can properly browse and try in lots and lots of clothes!

I also love scarves, and it's a bit if a trademark for me. I'm keen to not wear one to the party as it wood be 'expected'.....then again, if I wear something daring or very 'new' and 'different' for me, a scarf may be a safety net so I don't feel so too conspicuous iykwim!

And totally agreed with the Julia Roberts in Notting Hill outfit, I would have said the same.

Glad o have helped. Why don't you wear a scalf to arrive (because its cold) and then once comfy you can wip it off to reveal a lovely necklace