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Original poster

So I'm 40, and attending a grad ball full of Millennials...what do I wear?!

71 replies

Nenuco · 18/04/2019 14:01

I retrained and am now in a graduate role. I know you might think I'm delusional, but most people in my cohort don't think I'm 40. (I'm also Asian, so that helps)

Now we have a grad ball, and I really don't know what to wear. What do people wear to balls these days? What colour? It's going to be a winter ball. I don't want to stick out like a sore thumb.

I'm cool-toned, top-heavy, 5'8", size 14, with a round face, chubby cheeks, fair skin, and typical Asian features.

Suggestions please?

I actually like what she's wearing -- is this black tie appropriate? Maybe in a different colour- will black be too heavy?

www.notdressedaslamb.com/2016/05/dressed-like-fairy-princess-in-sparkly-crop-top-maxi-tulle-skirt.html

HELP!!!

OP posts:
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18
Original poster
Nenuco · 22/04/2019 07:11

I also have this dress, but it’s not long.

So I'm 40, and attending a grad ball full of Millennials...what do I wear?!
OP posts:
TitianaTitsling · 22/04/2019 07:26

What about something 'fishtail-y'?

So I'm 40, and attending a grad ball full of Millennials...what do I wear?!
Original poster
Nenuco · 22/04/2019 07:28

'fishtail-y'?

Totally wrong for my shape.

OP posts:
stucknoue · 22/04/2019 08:05

If it's a formal ball with full length dress (mines from bravissimo) or formal national dress eg a sari is appropriate

itbemay1 · 22/04/2019 08:12

s this (in black) a bad idea?

That would look perfect, very classy with some great jewellery and maybe a sparkly hair pin/clip?

GreenTulips · 22/04/2019 08:17

Hi do you have FB?

There are loads of ‘sell my prom dress’ type sites

Most are with a two piece which look very Indian influenced with lots of sparkle - the others are very much like the second dress you posted (cream one) which are beautiful and on trend!!

Go with something you feel amazing in!

Original poster
Nenuco · 22/04/2019 08:19

assume it's dark hair and eyes

Yes, dark hair, dark eyes, fair skin, I look (and am mistaken all the time for) Chinese more than my actual ethnicity.

OP posts:
Original poster
Nenuco · 22/04/2019 08:19

Green Tulips

Yes I have FB. I'm not Indian though.

OP posts:
GreenTulips · 22/04/2019 08:24

Honestly have a look - you’ll see what I mean about the two pieces! I meant in their design.

Original poster
Nenuco · 22/04/2019 08:35

Green Tulips

Will do thanks. Actually, I really like the two piece dress. Just afraid it might be too much.

OP posts:
BabyItsAWildWorld · 22/04/2019 08:47

I LOVE the tulle skirt and crop top you linked to first.

Are confident enough to carry off the crop top? I think the top keeps the tulle skirt fresh. It's dressy and fun, funky, but not too young.

I love it.
I'm 49 and if going to a ball would wear that.

MrsMozartMkII · 22/04/2019 08:52

I like all your suggestions OP apart from the what looks like a wedding dress.

Original poster
Nenuco · 22/04/2019 08:56

Are confident enough to carry off the crop top?

I'd look for one that doesn't show the tummy so much :D Like it will give the illusion of a crop top but doesn't show anything really unless I reach for something?

I actually have this top...thinking of just buying a long skirt like maybe this?

So I'm 40, and attending a grad ball full of Millennials...what do I wear?!
OP posts:
GreenTulips · 22/04/2019 09:04

Some of the two pieces have attachments so they hold together

BabyItsAWildWorld · 22/04/2019 09:09

I think that top with a black long skirt could look too dour? Would need some good 'styling ' to lift it.

Maybe all black with bollywood style earrings and necklace, and killer heels would work?

BabyItsAWildWorld · 22/04/2019 09:14

i.pinimg.com/736x/bb/2b/32/bb2b32c4881f15c57badc2affe5eced5.jpg

I love this. The high neck with long sleeves and the dark with pattern.

Original poster
Nenuco · 22/04/2019 09:17

How about that black top with a long cobalt or fuchsia/hot pink skirt?

OP posts:
BabyItsAWildWorld · 22/04/2019 09:26

I think maybe black top with coloured or pattern skirt or other way around look fab. Eg:

i.pinimg.com/736x/b9/98/1c/b9981ca7b2ce401ab74b4119d65d75de.jpg

www.dhresource.com/0x0s/f2-albu-g1-M01-C7-EB-rBVaGVZZQmaAQLz6AAHS5k6OC48453.jpg/high-waist-celebrity-skirt-for-women-floor.jpg

BabyItsAWildWorld · 22/04/2019 09:27

Yes!
Crossed posted!

UnaOfStormhold · 22/04/2019 09:49

@stucknoue you have opened up a new world for me by leading me to Bravissimo's clothing range... have just spent a ridiculous amount of money online and am ridiculously excited at the hope of finally finding clothes that fit my shape!

sashh · 22/04/2019 09:57

A Sari?I've been to balls where the best dress was a 40+ woman in a Sari.

Original poster
Nenuco · 22/04/2019 10:15

A Sari

I'm not South Asian. :)

OP posts:
sashh · 22/04/2019 10:25

oops

I made a huge assumption there, sorry.

Floisme · 22/04/2019 10:40

I think everything you've linked is lovely op. You clearly have great taste and nothing to fear.

If you force me to choose, I'll go for the tulle skirt. Yes your have more sophisticated options but come on, this is a ball. You have the rest of your life to wear cocktail dresses and tuxedos but most of us don't get to a ball very often.

Original poster
Nenuco · 23/04/2019 08:26

You have the rest of your life to wear cocktail dresses and tuxedos but most of us don't get to a ball very often.

So much love for this post.

OP posts: