Help me find a dress for my 40th birthday

[Minicooper]

Just that really. I'd like something fairly classic - possibly little black dress. It's just for a dinner party at home, but I'd like to feel good. I'm 5'3 and a size 12/14 depending on where I shop. Bit of a tummy after dc.... Help!

I just tried this
www.thewhitecompany.com/clothing/dresses-and-tunics/ruched-waist-jersey-dress--black/

and this
www.thewhitecompany.com/clothing/dresses-and-tunics/drape-jersey-dress--black/

and they looked sooooo terrible - made my biggish boobs look like nothing and my post dc belly look huge....

Lower neckline for boobs and more structure not draping is the answer...
short sleeve
half sleeve
bandage
lace panel
jaegar
tux dress

I also love this and think it would suit your shape and give the relaxed-but-wow that I think you're after?

They are both very, how can I say this, very 'everyday', really boring, for a 40th, surely.

Nothing wrong with a little back dress. They can look beyond fantastic. Simple but amazing.

But really. Are you sure you want to go for something quite so drab, for your 40th?

I posted a very seminal thread , just over a year ago ,and MN was FAB at finding me the best POSSIBLE dresses.

Hope we- will-- find one that suits you perfectly.

Tell is a bit more about your shape. Big boobs, ok. Do you like your waist emphasised? How are your legs? What are your best bits? Which bits do you want to hide the most?

Sorry, had to take dd1 to dentists... Back to more important things! Thank you, Faux Fox - lots to look at there - I like the last one, but might be stretching the budget. The hourglass ones would probably suit my shape well - fifties style works well for me.

Oblomov - I agree - they were boring and unflattering. Figure wise - a lower neck works better for me - emphasising my boobs which are probably one of my better features. I don't like my tummy, but have a decent hourglass waist. My legs are fine below the knee, but lose it pretty swiftly above the knee. And upper arms not great.

I like the look of the Pretty Dress Company, but haven't bought from them before. Any thoughts on sizing? Or any other suggestions? TIA.

Sizing is true and quality is good - I have a dress from there and it's great, only problem was delivery was a bit longer than expected so order with time to spare or stress importance of delivery date.

Not surpised you didn't like the dresses. They're awful. Shapeless.
Why not try ebay if you have an account I've got some lovely dresses of there.
My Favorite shop is simply be. I'm like a walking advert for them. They start from size 12-32 expensive but worth the money. I have dress I brought from there 2 years ago and there's not a break in it. New look is also quite nice

Phase Eight is good for dresses to suit your shape (which is also my shape!)

this would be very flattering it's wonderful in the red

I need to go shopping don't I? Internet is fine, but these really need to be tried on. Birthday is beginning Sept and dd2 doesn't start school til the day after. Shopping with children in tow is just no fun.....

I am a similar size and shape to you. I know you like black, but this is super flattering and quite simple in style. Looks lovely with a silver clutch and classic jewellery.

a black size 12 here

Thanks, gojiberries, I've just ordered it in black - a really good price too. Only available in a size 12, so I'm hoping it'll fit. Do you know if their sizes are true? I'm a 12 in dresses from places like Boden and Monsoon, but probably a 14 if they're a bit less generous...

They are very true to size, but it can vary for different dresses. I have a 14 but I'm probably bigger than you. Great price though - hope it fits!

It's your 40th. You need a full day out with a girlfriend or two and a bottle of champagne or several just to shop for it.

Do not go to Phase 8 - it's where everyone who wants a dress for their 40th goes, and I always want to say, "But you're not old enough for Phase 8!"

My sister got her 40th dress from All Saints. It was covered in sequins and undeniably a special dress, but it also hid a bra and mum tum and she looked amazing with my bullying disguised as help.

Why not try a bit of colour. This is a bargain at the moment.
Coast

I think the size should be ok if you are 12 going into 14 when sizes less generous. I tried on a Coast dress in that fabric a while ago and the 14 was fine on me, a bit big in places. Whereas I am a 14, going into 16 when sizes are less generous. It looks really nice, I hope you like it, put it with some jewellery, and feel good for your party.

Even if you don't wear the Coast dress, it's a great wardrobe staple for that price. I agree with you thesaurusgirl that you should go all out for your 40th. Don't stick with black.

OP did say she wanted something quite classic, maybe an LTB LBD. A simple black dress can be accessorised to look amazing - ok it is at home so no bag etc, but shoes and great jewellery, hair done..

OP, are you definitely preferring black? If not what other colours do you like?

Good point, gojiberries, will definitely get worn - as long as it fits! And yes, I agree, thesaurusgirl, a day out shopping with girlfriends sounds like a plan - champagne even more so! Jimmybim, that's a bargain, but not sure if its too purple for me - would need to try it on I think!

A shopping day sounds great fun!

Doesn't have to be black, temporary, but thought that would be a good way of setting off the jewellery dh is getting me I like navy for dressing up, but in real life wear lots of colour - pinks, blues - anything really, but not generally too bright. I might wear a pop of colour with a dark dress or vice versa IYSWIM.

I've bought a few nice dresses recently from Closet - I've linked to their website but I think you can get a lot of them from places like John Lewis online too, so you can get them delivered for free to try on.

I got this lbd for a recent wedding it and it was amazing, really flattering around the tummy (post-baby tummy here too), and a good v-neck for jewellery

But it has loads of other nice dresses too - this and this jumped out from the first page.

I do think a well-fitting, flattering lbd can make you feel better than almost any other dress.

Thanks, Thurlow, I don't know closet. Will now peruse their website!

Thurlow, re the LBD you linked to...I have been looking at things on Closet but wondered if they'd be too short. I'm 5'4, do you think that black one you wore would be above the knees - the measurements on the website make me think it would. I like it though, so I'm hoping you're going to say it is longer!

I'm going out for my 40th on Friday, and I'm wearing this

Now I'm not saying you should wear a leopard print number, but I am in favour of a bit of va va voom!

If you want to stick to black, the Dolores doll dresses come with either pencil or flared skirts, and are great for good sized knockers. Not that I have those. But anyway...maybe?