Summer evening 40th birthday party outfit - help please, I'm clueless.

[Crikeyblimey]

Hi. It's my friend's 40th in July and she is having a marquee party in the beer garden of the village pub.

I haven't been out in ages and need a new look.

I'm 46, 5ft 5, 10 stone (size 12 ish). I have long dark straight hair (but might go for some curls for the evening). I have a fairly slim waist (but a bit of a tummy) and fairly small boobs (34B).

I want to look glam but not ott.

I have a hankering for something vintage but not sure if a tea dress would suit am evening party. Also - what shoes should I go for with this type of thing.

I've heard you ladies on this board are a bit fantastic at this sort of thing - so please inspire me.

Ta.

There was a thread about this Gap dress yesterday, which I think would work perfectly. I have seen it IRL and the fabric hangs beautifully.

Waht sort of budget?

Ooh - nice gap dress. I wasn't thinking long but could try something.

Budget wise - the "more reasonable" the better but I think upto £100 isn't too outside my budget (especially if it is something I could get a lot of wear out of). I have my bil's 60th coming up in August too).

I do like to wear heels if that helps your suggestions.

another thrread going about this dress, has a vintage feel to it.

50s style LBD?
again, wiggle
beautiful but over budget
again, halter neck
more 40's
wiggle halter neck

Or do you fancy colour?

Oh, forgot my last link - wrap top wiggle

i htink dress too OTT for a beer garden

NOT NOT NOT the phase eight bridesmaid one

The phase8 is indeed gopping.

WhAT would you suggest?

I love the 20th Century Foxy one.. well worth the extra few pound.. stunning.

Yes, that's a real beauty. Very flattering on too.

Thanks guys. I really like the red halter neck and the wiggle halter neck.

I'll keep looking on these sites but am grateful for any more suggestions.

Ooh - then there's just the small matter of shoes :)

I like the look of the GAP one in the blue colourway especially as you say in the beer garden - you could really dress it up too with statement cuff/bangle & shoes including fab pedicure it also looks casual too if everyone else is going casual IYSWIM - if it fits you well could feel great on too