Outfit for my own 40th birthday. Must make me look 30, a size 10 and super cool.

[Sazquatch]

It’s my 40th in a couple of weeks and DH has organised a big party. I so want to look fabulous but really don’t feel it at the moment.
I’m 5ft6 and 12 stone, generally wear 14 or a 12. My worst bits are my stomach and my upper arms.
So, what do I wear that will make me look like I’m actually 30 and two stone lighter?

what about a jumpsuit? a quick google...

www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/clothing-203535/playsuits-jumpsuits-2689989/billie-blossom-tall-black-glitter-jumpsuit-8167984?geoip=noredirect&cmpid=ppc_pla_UK_ip&utm_medium=cpc&istCompanyId=e0b51aa7-96c9-4550-a6f3-56b61a0b5995&istItemId=-atlwtiaap&istBid=tztx&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8aKMysrm3wIVT77tCh3wGQAzEAQYBCABEgIe5_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

www.johnlewis.com/boden-isla-wraparound-jumpsuit-black/p3697540?sku=237641822&s_kwcid=2dx92700036801791140&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8aKMysrm3wIVT77tCh3wGQAzEAQYBSABEgICD_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0710368001.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8aKMysrm3wIVT77tCh3wGQAzEAQYAyABEgIWFfD_BwE&ef_id=EAIaIQobChMI8aKMysrm3wIVT77tCh3wGQAzEAQYAyABEgIWFfD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!850!3!316451588855!!!g!611865754444!

I don’t think I’ve ever even tried on a jumpsuit. Maybe I need to widen my thinking!

I forgot to add, I do have good legs, they are the only bit of me is maybe want to highlight.

Tailored tux jacket and shorts with black opaques and heels

bingo

www.riverisland.com/p/black-lace-diamante-button-shorts-725795

www.lkbennett.com/product/CJERESPOLYESTERMIXBlackBlack%7eEres-Jacket-Black?istCompanyId=337c91ab-deea-4ab6-998e-03ece089da1f&istItemId=-aamwmxirq&istBid=t&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIr_6Z1szm3wIVRrvtCh19Dgx_EAQYBiABEgKe8fD_BwE

something like these with a fancy cami

www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/dresses/mini-dresses/product.velvet-blazer-dress-black.0684442001.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiqmY_Mzm3wIVx-eaCh0dRwT1EAQYAiABEgIEPfD_BwE

shall i go away now?

Noooo, don’t go away, you’re good at this.

Oh come on! You're a grown up now. 40 years old and you base your self worth on the belief that you should be ashamed of still being alive?

Have you stopped to think about why on Earth you want to look 30? What's wrong with looking 40 and utterly fantastic? How are you going to enjoy the rest of your life creeping about feeling there's something wrong with being the age you are?

What's your budget?

Anything but those tacky shorts and blazer! My eyes!

Having been to a lot of 40th parties in the last year, lots of great jumpsuits worn with great heels, a nice clutch or small cross body bag. Some nice ones in Other Stories.
Also saw some nice midi/maxi dresses in Topshop that would look great with heeled boots or strappy sandals? Have fun.

No avoid shorts
I know you mentioned disliking your upper arms but this style dress could be very flattering - I always find a light spray tan makes my arms appear less white and wobbly
www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-clarissa-drape-detail-dress-raspberry/p3871699

www.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-short-sleeve-beaded-floral-dress-blue/p3859437
www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-kyra-sequin-dress-jade/p3847072
Embellished/sequin dresses are often heavier and skim the body rather than cling
Or a slight wrap detail can distract from the Tummy area
John Lewis have loads of options

I love that beaded floral dress above.

Oh no to lotties choices my mum would wear those!

PLEASE don't wear shorts, tights and high heels- this will not make you look thirty or stylish

It's difficult without knowing your style/budget, but here are a couple of ideas. I tend to go for darker colours as I think they look more chic and polished and think lace or velvet add an interesting touch

Jumpsuits:
www.zara.com/uk/en/contrast-lace-jumpsuit-p02065733.html?v1=8007063&v2=1180427

www.coast-stores.com/p/evie-lace-bodice-jumpsuit/2039580

Little Black Dresses:
www.johnlewis.com/coast-ashby-lace-dress-black/p3883218

www.reiss.com/p/velvet-mini-dress-womens-bianca-in-black/
?category_id=12693&pf%5Bsize%5D%5B0%5D=s28&pf%5Bsize%5D%5B1%5D=s18&pf%5Bsize%5D%5B2%5D=s186&pf%5Bsize%5D%5B3%5D=s185/&gaEeList=WOMENS%20SALE

www.reiss.com/p/wrap-front-slim-fit-dress-womens-rebecca-in-black/?category_id=12693&pf%5Bsize%5D%5B0%5D=s28&pf%5Bsize%5D%5B1%5D=s18&pf%5Bsize%5D%5B2%5D=s186&pf%5Bsize%5D%5B3%5D=s185/&gaEeList=WOMENS%20SALE

And this berry dress that I just love the cut of:
www.johnlewis.com/reiss-elsa-velvet-draped-dress-berry/p3847348?size=12

Think classic and chic! Some dark jeans, a chiffon top and heels with a blazer or jacket and some statement jewellery. A classic LBD is always a winner, too - and easy to style to how you want.

Chrisy don't wear that drape dress or the beaded one, I'm older than you op and I wouldn't be seen dead in them and neither would my mum! Yes to a jumpsuit!!

Isn't shorts with tights a bit, um, ten years ago?

I also vote one of those jumpsuits, or a really sharply cut short black dress. I like the Coast Evie jumpsuit the best.

Don't slag each others suggestions off! S&B is all about the love, find a nicer way of saying you don't agree! Or else.
OP, I agree you need to embrace your age, not try to rewind time. Also, if I am not happy with my weight, I find losing even a couple of pounds before an event boost my confidence big time.
And definitely try on things you don't usually try on.

Would you prefer a dress or trousers generally?

I love the slim fit trousers, good top and a blazer combo with heels. Would you try something like that?

It's my 40th party tonight!😬 and I've bought this to wear, it's the most flattering dress I've tried on. Hides any belly bulges, bingo wings and back fat!
Happy Birthday and have a great party!🎉🥳

https://www.very.co.uk/v-by-very-peplum-v-neck-occasion-dress-black/1600274457.prd?sku=sku20949879&cmmmc=google---PLA+-+Generic--Women+-+Dresses---PRODUCTGROUPPp33748763646&utmmcampaign=GenericWomen+-+Dresses&utmmmedium=cpc&utmsource=google&utmmterm=PRODUCTGROUP&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqs2sxvbn3wIVAwzTCh3drQbxEAQYASABEgILcvDD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Following as mine is in April

I am intrigued as to how you can be 5'6'' and 12 stone and still get into a size 12/14. I am 5'7'' and 11 stone and take a 16.

I’m 5’7.5” (to be exact!) and at 11stone would be a 12-14.
I’m 12st 7lbs at the min and a 14.

Is that a 16 top and bottom Mishappening?

Happy birthday and have a good night MrsPitt, you will look fab!