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50th birthday party - what do you wear?

10 replies

stringbean · 31/08/2018 07:57

Been invited to 50th party this weekend - garden party type evening event - but no idea what to wear. Realised I don't have a suitable 'going out' dress (or shoes for that matter) - mine are either too work-y or very casual holiday-type - and I'm long-waisted so find dresses difficult anyway and generally don't feel confident in them as they seldom fit properly. I have bought a jumpsuit but almost feel that's a bit glamorous (wide-legged which is a first for me!) - and I have no idea what shoes to wear with it. It's sleeveless so might be a bit cold (do I wear a jacket?) and does up at the back so not practical for going to loo. Am I over-thinking this?

My default is jeans and nice top but is that too casual? Can i wear white jeans? I'm 5'8 size 12 - but generally have a very limited social life, so always feel that I never have the right clothes for this type of event and I always get it wrong. Help!!

OP posts:
stringbean · 31/08/2018 11:37

Bump - anyone?

OP posts:
DontCallMeCharlotte · 31/08/2018 13:13

Well, last one of those I went to, I wore white linen trousers and a mustard yellow cotton broderie anglaise shell top with a statement necklace. So I think white jeans and a nice top would be fine. I tend to take an oversized scarf with me if I think it's going to get chilly.

If there's going to be walking on grass involved, I'd wear wedges if you have them, or flats.

Your jumpsuit sounds perfect actually but if there's no one to help unzip you...

Fresta · 31/08/2018 16:41

I would wear either wide-legged trousers or a pleated midi skirt with a tucked in camisole/shell top and a cardigan if chilly. Your jumpsuit might be fine if it's a printed casual one. I would avoid jeans for a garden party personally, but there's no real reason you couldn't were the white ones with a pretty blouse and blazer. I hope the weather's nice!

stringbean · 31/08/2018 18:08

Thanks for your replies. Last 50th I went to, everyone was in a dress and I was in black jeans, hence my post. I never feel I get it right Sad. The jumpsuit is plain navy but I may go with the white jeans depending on the weather.

OP posts:
Sadik · 31/08/2018 20:11

For an evening do I'd definitely be more dressy. I would have thought the jumpsuit would be perfect, especially if you have a jacket / something else warm to put over it if you're cold.

I'm late 40s so have been to various 50th birthdays lately, they've varied from meal in a restaurant to band/DJ in a hall, but a jumpsuit would have been good at any of them I think.

Sadik · 31/08/2018 20:11

should say, a dressy jumpsuit

Nettletheelf · 31/08/2018 21:21

Are you going to be boozing? If so, do not wear the jumpsuit. If it’s difficult to do up when sober...

I’d swerve the white jeans. They are not garden party compatible.

If you are 5’8” and size 12 you probably have good legs. Can you get those out in a short-ish skirt or shorts, combined with a glam top? Avoids the dress/long waisted problem. Also looks good with jackets and scarves, etc.

thedevilinablackdress · 01/09/2018 09:05

Try to focus more on what you land feel good in than what other people will be wearing. Go as 'awesome you' not 'generic party guest's. I bet you looked great in your black jeans at the other do.

Nettletheelf · 01/09/2018 12:12

The OP probably does look great in black jeans, at 5’8” and size 12 it would be difficult to look otherwise, but she wants to look a bit more dressed up.

If you’ll need to wear something to keep warm in the evening, which is inevitable at this time of year, it’s nice to dress so that you still look a bit glam, if you follow me. You could wear a lovely scarf and earrings, or show off your legs, or wear a fabulous jacket and glittery flat shoes?

thedevilinablackdress · 01/09/2018 13:05

Don't disagree @nettletheelf
Was suggesting the OP focus on what she likes and feels good in than on what others might be wearing.
Your suggestions are good - would work with the white jeans OP mentions

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