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Original poster

Turning 40- girls night out to celebrate

29 replies

DakotaFanny · 30/10/2015 22:17

Heading out soon to celebrate my 40th with a group of girlfriends. I don't know where we are going, but it is likely to be bar/restaurant based, no clubbing or anything, but probably nicer bars. what shall I wear???

I am a size 14-16, pear shaped.....just want to feel lovely but not ridiculously overdressed. My usual style is jeans, top, simple shoes, but actually can't even find anything I like that fits that description, and quite fancy something a bit spesh.

Wise women of Mumsnet, can you help??

Thanks!

OP posts:
BrendaandEddie · 30/10/2015 22:18

girls? women?

Original poster
DakotaFanny · 30/10/2015 22:23

Women, all of a similar age, or slightly younger.

OP posts:
BrendaandEddie · 30/10/2015 22:24

whats your best outfit

Original poster
DakotaFanny · 30/10/2015 22:27

My favourite current go to for this kind of night would be smart jeans, a (probably black) slightly floaty top, black heels. I think I am a bit boring, I don't know how to dress and I have some confidence issues feeling not quite as gorgeous as everyone else...i don't want to feel like that on this night! Equally, don't want to feel uncomfortably not like me. Hope that makes sense!

I am blonde, by the way, mid sized boobs, reasonable waist, bigger thighs.

OP posts:
BrendaandEddie · 30/10/2015 22:30

havent you got a blunt friend to approach?

Original poster
DakotaFanny · 30/10/2015 22:32

Yeah, I have friends I could ask, but was kind of hoping there'd be people here who have "that's an amazing top" on hand! I have searched all my usual websites- Oasis, Asos, Next - but haven't spotted anything that jumped out at me.

OP posts:
BrendaandEddie · 31/10/2015 11:39

Ive bought two reently - the next drape top and a mint velvet sequin sleeve one

sound promising

WilburIsSomePig · 31/10/2015 12:38

What's your budget OP?

mewkins · 31/10/2015 13:25

A lovely black dress, heels or ankle boots and hair professionally blow dried?

Original poster
DakotaFanny · 31/10/2015 16:39

Yes brendandeddie- where was the mint one from?

Budget is flexible- less than £100??

Black dress is a possibility- find them a bit tricky to judge online though, and am unlikely to get into town in the next fortnight.....

OP posts:
Original poster
DakotaFanny · 31/10/2015 16:44

Oh, mint velvet is a shop!!! Sorry. Looked it up- it's gorgeous. Will have a proper peruse! Thanks

OP posts:
BrendaandEddie · 31/10/2015 16:48

i think to look great without being over done and feel self conscious need a great hair do and some fab make up - have you a good foundation/blush? Get advice if not. then plainish clothes but with something noticeable

I also got some fab shoes that you coudl stand up in all night from JL www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-blake-occasion-closed-court-shoes-silver/p1997698 Look low but are fabulous in RL

My other GO TO is a plain silk shirt slightly tucked into coated skinnies ( see that thread) and maybe shoes like this . My best coated skinnies are NEw look and I got a silk shirt from zara last year

Original poster
DakotaFanny · 31/10/2015 17:00

Love those shoes, love mint velvet (really like the stone top covered in sequins)....loving your style BandE

Re:coated skinnies- what are they coated with?!? Is it to make them look leathery? Are they comfy? And am I too fat for skinnies?!?

OP posts:
BrendaandEddie · 31/10/2015 17:09

make sure you buy the right size. Have a slight sheen to them kinda waxy like a barbour www.newlook.com/shop/womens/jeans/black-coated-super-skinny-jeans-_310550301?productFind=search
the other thing that is good is the Uniqlo jersey blazer - its soft but size WAY WAY up www.uniqlo.com/uk/store/goods/146373 but god dont wear it like this.
I also have something like this www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Zara-Black-Zipped-Blazer-Jacket-Size-M-Sold-Out-/252140169276?hash=item3ab4b9a83c:g:qIQAAOSwl9BWK-JP

Tanaqui · 31/10/2015 18:27

LOVE the look b and e is doing but it looks so bad on me- think needs height and/ or angular shoulders.
Can you do skinnies or does it make you feel like a parsnip? Would a slightly a line mini work?

BrendaandEddie · 31/10/2015 18:36

Are you shorter T?

Tanaqui · 31/10/2015 18:43

I'm 5'4 and a (modern!) size 10-12, so not an odd size, but I'm v solid, muscly ish to be kind! And I just can't wear tops that need to hang. Tbh, skinnies don't look good on me either- but I keep trying! What do you think it is that makes the blazer/ skinnies look work?!

BrendaandEddie · 31/10/2015 19:22

legs I think, like you said.
Right Lets think about you then!

BrendaandEddie · 31/10/2015 19:26

if you have a small top half then why not try something like those loose flowing trews? In petite

BrendaandEddie · 31/10/2015 19:30

or peg ones with a fitted top on your tiny top half
www.newlook.com/shop/womens/trousers/black-peg-leg-trousers-_346612301?productFind=search

Tanaqui · 31/10/2015 20:13

Sorry got distracted by strictly! I am built like a brick so no tiny top half here, but I reckon they might work well on the op if she doesn't suit skinnies- I like a mini with opaque or cable knit tights but that's not a cool evening look for a 40th!

Op, do you like the slightly 50s retro/ nigella type look? That works well on a pear shape aometimes? Needs to be your "thing" though I think.

Tanaqui · 31/10/2015 20:15

I think mint velvet is good for people with clothes hanger shoulders!

Original poster
DakotaFanny · 31/10/2015 20:28

I don't have the boobs (or the pout) to carry off Nigella's look.

Am now sad that I am not rich enough to buy all the clothes I have looked at, and loved, today!!

OP posts:
BrendaandEddie · 31/10/2015 21:27

ebay is your friend