inspiration needed for party dress 50 yr old pear size 12

[cottonwoolmum]

Any suggestions? So long since I bought one I have no idea what would suit me, except that it probably should have sleeves of some sort as 50 year old arms are not as pretty as they once were. Absolutely has to be on the knee or longer as my legs are my worst feature.

Fair skin, blonde hair.

Best features 32C and got a waist but that's it!

I don't even know which shops to look in.

Hi cottonwoolwoman

Definitely not an expert and sorry, no specific advice, although I'll be fifty this year definitely not a size 12 though ..but here's a few suggestions as to where to look.

Even if you don't buy from here it's a good place to start your search, to sort out what would suit and what would not ...there are some with sleeves ... (and shrugs/jackets available too)

Quite a good choice here too although possibly a bit ubiquitous ...

Hobbs are good for longer lengths here

Other suggestions for our age group:

Jigsaw here

LK Bennett www.lkbennett.com/Clothing/Dresses/c/clothing-dresses

And, my personal favourite, Jaegar here

And good old John Lewis here

Sorry - that's all probably very staid isn't it? I am sure others will come on here and post much more stylish suggestions!

Good luck though!

cabbage thank you! There are loads of ideas here. I'll have a proper look through them. I think I'm dreaming of the impossible - a dress that makes me feel young again without looking like mutton.

I'm very fond of Damsel in a Dress and Pretty Dress Company, but I know they've had mixed reactions on here.

.... Would be great if you could suggest a budget.

And what is the occasion? A formal event or something "messier"?

And do you want to stand out in cutting edge style or ... not?

(Fwiw I'm totally ancient. I don't wear any of the labels generally offered here and would rather eat my own arm that step into an "age-appropriate" shop. And I try to avoid the High Street.)

Are there any online shops that you've used successfully in the past?

Hi

Thanks for the replies.

Zero Budget is ideally £100 or under. It's a daytime event - sort of garden party thing.

Cutting edge sounds exciting (but expensive?) Very happy to look at cutting edge stuff as long as it goes in at the waist, isn't tight over the hips and ends on the knee or below.

Not really bought stuff online before except basics. Don't really dress up that much but would love a new dress for this event.

Dido I'll have a look at both those. Thanks for the tip.

teal also comes in black or red but teal is prob nicest for daytime.

Annoyingly sold out in the more summery colour..

This is maybe a bit plain, but it's the type of thing I like and flattering

www.wallis.co.uk/en/wluk/product/dresses-265974/view-all-dresses-266009/black-petite-polka-dot-dress-2627649?bi=1&ps=200

Faux - I love that dress but I'd look really dumpy in it as it wouldn't hide my hips.
Zero - that's so stylish but I can't get away with no bra. I imagine that looking good on a woman with razor cheekbones and very long legs.
Little - I like that too, but it's Petite and I'm just a fraction too tall for that range.

Thanks so much for looking. Think a style that might work is called fit and flare. Seen some lovely ones, but mostly either a bit too expensive or in salmon pink, which really does tell the world I'm middle aged!

"Take me to the party!"

Oh ok. Fit and flare... Will have a look....

Zero your taste is great. It's just I don't have the body to go with good taste. I have to go for what will fit, which is a bit more limited. And dowdy! Thanks so much for looking!

Last try I promise!

The glam option - would probably be longer on you? + a jacket?

The easier option? Shouldn't be hard to find the right underpinnings.

Love the glam option. And the price. If it's long enough. Going to try that one. Thanks so much!

I might have missed the boat, but I love Phase Eight too and would also recommend Karen Millen dresses. they're usually just under £100 and go in at the waist, plus are very flattering over the hips. Pick a low V neckline as you've got a good bust. I sometimes need to go a size larger as they can come up a bit on the small side.

I know you said a dress so feel free to ignore me but what about a fuller style midi length skirt with a top? I've seen Michelle Obama wear them a few times (although annoyingly, I can't find a photo).

Here are a couple in different colours:www.coast-stores.com/dionysus-skirt/skirts/coast/fcp-product/12222
Or: www.oasis-stores.com/shangtung-full-midi-skirt/skirts/oasis/fcp-product/5490005448

With something simple on top e.g. www.hobbs.co.uk/product/display?productID=0114-9071-1196K00&productvarid=0114-9071-1196K00-IVORY-XL&refpage=knitwear/cardigans

It's below the knee, your arms would be covered and it would show off your waist.