Tell me how to do mid-thirties sexy?

[WetGrass]

I've got 'harassed ASDA mum' down to a tee - and occasionally still wheel out 'grungy student' (circa 1992) - but got a child free night away bar-hopping Manchester - and I'd like to try to extend my repertoire.

Save me from ricocheting into pantomime ..... If you don't save me, I'll be pouring my size 14 wobbles curves into leopard skin... Or maybe skin-tight red PVC... That's bound to be sexy - right?

I threaten: www.asos.com/Karen-Millen/Karen-Millen-Jersey-Dress-in-Leopard-Print/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2899507&SearchQuery=Karen%20millen&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Leopardprint But I won't look like she does in it!

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

See, I quite like the intergalactic penal colony look - or I would, if I didn't have norks.

[WetGrass]

Yeah - I actually used to too - in my teens I wore lots of stuff like that, and combats and shirt dresses and the like. I don't think I have the skin or the figure to pull it off anymore.... But I'm conscious that being excessively figure-'strategic'/cautious in your clothing choices is the highway to frump.

Like wrap dresses: genius or cliche?

[LaTrucha]

Very not keen on wrap dresses. I think they can be qute unkind on the post natal (period of numbers of years....) midriff.

The penal colonny description made me laugh.

[WetGrass]

How about sweetheart necklines?

My go-to dressy top for years was a maternity sweetheart neckline black top with forgiving ruching on the belly. I bought it from Isabella Oliver and literally wore it grey pre-post&during natal.

I've been on the hunt for a heaving bosom ever since - but they only seem to appear paired with Kirstie Allsop prom dresses. (Which is about as sexy as a pot of strawberry jam - though I actually think those dresses always appeal from OH pov).

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Not seen sweetheart necklines for years. I used to have an amazing, v clingy, black velvet dress with a sweetheart neckline. Gosh, I loved that dress.

[Belindaearl2]

I've never bought from KM yet, but this year could be first b/w, red, love the new season. I've 2 "panel" "colourblock" dresses which do 30/sexy but couldn't link - they're great, if you can find without ££

[Tweet2tweet]

I think this is gorgeous....

[Belindaearl2]

Bump

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Mmm I'm not sure about those KM ones tbh, especially the second.

[WetGrass]

I think the first KM one wd be super flattering!

[WetGrass]

I went to debenhams in the end. A very nice personal shopper lady brought me every dress in the shop & sparkling water.

I bought this . It was surprisingly wearable & flattering - I hope to recycle it to wow the PTA quiz night come September (!)

[WetGrass]

A bit that it's described as black tie - one of the things that sold it is that it is comfy & wd look good with a denim jacket!

[madmomma]

That's gorgeous wet. Quite fancy that myself but I have arm cellulite