Black tie university reunion, what on earth to wear

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I've got a 20 yr university reunion in a few weeks. It's a black tie dinner, I've no idea what to wear. I'm early 40s, size 16/18, 5'6 and pretty round in most directions. In my head everyone else there will still look like they did 20 years ago, fabulously succesful and well dressed, so I'd like to look nice and not my usual middle aged, frumpy mum look that works for the garden and local pub.

I've got a few ideas, but any views/ suggestions are welcome.

middle aged cliche??

maxi dress

bit dull?

quite like this

lady in red

Help!!

2nd one

I like the 2nd 3rd and 4th

I'd probably go with a trousers and smart jacket combo that I'd get more wear out of, but that's just me!

Maxi dress or lady in red

.....or No. 4

No style advice but from going to mine a couple of years ago I can tell you that:

• the skinny ladies will have lots of wrinkles
• the men will have lost their hair

Your good friends will still be your good friends and you will have fun with them. Screw everyone else!

Enjoy.

.......and by the way, having just been to a 30 year(!) reunion I can assure you that the majority will have aged with you

Thanks, I'll see if I can try on the red and the maxi and see how they look.

I'm always a scared of the ones I see on FB with hotshot legal career and vivienne westwood wardrobe.

Of all of them I prefer the maxi (no 2)

What about Virgos Lounge dresses? Some are gorgeous, like this

Number 2.

The red one at a push.

2 is the black tie dress.

The Maxi dress and the red one are fabulous and I'm sure would be flattering on you. I'm 5'7 and size 18 and I'd wear either. the others are all a bit so-so whereas I think 2 and 4 are lovely.

ps - I too had my 20 year reunion and I was a bit apprehensive as I am 4 stone heavier now than I was at uni and am still feeling self-conscious about that, but it was a lovely event when I got there. Yes, I was fat, but I looked rather lovely in my new dress (and not that I was comparing, but others definitely looked a lot older than I do - must be the flab filling in my wrinkles )

Maxi dress or lady in red. The maxi looks flattering and seductive on the model, showing just the right amount of flesh to oooze class, sophistication and sensuality. The red one, well it's red and fitted and you're bound to turn heads.

Have you tried either on yet?

The red or the blue! A bit of colour always helps to make you feel younger at heart :)

the black and gold maxi is gorgeous, definitely that one!

Quick update if anyone is interested, tried on the red dress, no where near as nice in real life as the photo, looked like one of the large matronly ladies from a carry on film, no where seems to have the maxi dress in stock.

Then tried on a few dresses that seem to be inspired by Dorien from Birds of a Feather, the dress seemed to say "I may have got fat, but I've still got boobs"

boobie dress

In this end I went for this, which is quite safe, but does fit nicely. It's not as stylish as I was hoping, so may return it and just wear something I've already got

sensible dress

I do have one trip to London before the dinner so might have a quick scoot round the shops them

The sensible dress is really smart! Is that lace around the collar and sleeves or is it a pattern? It's a thumbs up from me but obviously you'll know how it looks and feels on you. Teamed with a pair of sassy shoes and understated jewellery you'll knock 'em dead!

it's sort of lace with a sequin pattern on that almost looks like a peacock eye. Best heels are coming out of the back of the wardrobe.

By the way, Monsoon seems to have really gone downhill. Haven't been in for ages, popped in as it used to be good for occasion dresses, but it was really run down, clothes not great, dressing rooms really messy, curtains ripped, not impressed

I love the maxi dress!! Can't you do click and collect from your nearest store, try it on in store and if it doesn't fit/look right deal with the return there and then?

If it's actually black tie you have to wear a long dress, that's what black tie is for ladies. You don't want to be the only short dress in a sea of long.

From your original post I liked the maxi dress best as well.

You could order it online

I agree the maxi is great,I like the sensible dress too,but think the maxi is a bit more black tie.Have fun I'm sure you'll look lovely.

As an aside, black tie doesn't mean you have to wear a long dress. Short (but not above knee) cocktail dresses are also appropriate.