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Original poster

Hit me with the best dress for 40th dinner

208 replies

Whattodowithaminute · 21/10/2019 08:16

My 40th birthday next month-dinner with friends in very naice London restaurant. Want to look amazing (better than my size 14/16 body-busty with too much of a mum run) diet in progress but half a stone is probably all I will manage...
Hit me with your amazing dress options. Happy with up to £500 for a killer dress.
Planning on going shopping for said dress and will provide live updates but will have restricted time so want to narrow down which shops I should hit first...

OP posts:
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Veterinari · 24/10/2019 18:39

Really not keen on that dress - it’s not flattering.
Bombshell dresses are great as a PP said

MarshaBradyo · 24/10/2019 18:40

Also agree Vivienne Westwood is a good call.

Original poster
Whattodowithaminute · 24/10/2019 18:51

Do the bombshell ones less ‘old’ IRL-my mum is 68 and I sent the website to her this week Blush don’t want to cause offence-i see that they have a shop. Muswell Hill would be a real trek but I could do it...
thisenglishlife thanks for those links. The Ralph one is a bit plain. Will look at ghost. ASOS one not for me.

OP posts:
Original poster
Whattodowithaminute · 24/10/2019 19:35

Have tried on my old Vivienne Westwood one-I see what you mean about the shape, I think I don’t feel really comfortable to show this many curves and liked the ability to hide under the mass (and swishy shininess) of the first one... ahh will go and try lots on...

Hit me with the best dress for 40th dinner
OP posts:
Veterinari · 24/10/2019 19:47

The neckline on the Vivienne Westwood does you no favours something v necked would be better
www.bombshellhq.com/collections/moss-crepe-dresses/products/bright-blue-confident-bombshell-cap-sleeve-dress

nowlook · 24/10/2019 19:48

@Whattodowithaminute

The Rixo (if I'm not getting confused) looks much better than the old Vivienne Westwood. You could do with a size smaller on the bottom half though.

I tried to spend all the cash last year on a dress for my 40th lunch and ended up with this (but in navy)

www.reiss.com/p/off-the-shoulder-metallic-bodycon-dress-womens-vera-in-chocolate-brown-metallic/?category_id=1121&gaEeList=W%20-%20Dresses

Apileofballyhoo · 24/10/2019 19:51

I much prefer the second dress on you OP. The gold one seems shapeless on you and doesn't wow me at all.

Jellybean100 · 24/10/2019 20:17

I love the shape on this. Not sure if it’s to yourctaste or not www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/1149199/alice___olivia/darva-wrap-effect-lame-dress

Zampa · 24/10/2019 20:19

I was also going to suggest Rixo. Really good value statement dresses.

Hit me with the best dress for 40th dinner
kenandbarbie · 24/10/2019 20:20

I love the gold one on you op! I think it is really flattering, it's a lovely shape. I love the length and neckline too. You do need strappy shoes though.

The Vivienne Westwood one is a bit 'worky'. And not as up to date as the gold one.

Original poster
Whattodowithaminute · 24/10/2019 20:25

This is helpful thank you. I don’t think I’m a fan of high neck ones but will try a couple to see. I like the first and last maje ones linked above and the Reiss one, dvf tends to fit well on me. Some of these brands are new to me so great to get recommendations. I don’t think I’ve properly shopped for clothes for 9 years...

OP posts:
AskMeHow · 24/10/2019 20:26

The gold dress doesn't suit you I'm afraid. It looks like you've wrapped yourself in crinkly foil like a quality street wrapper Confused

The shape of the second dress is much better but I agree it's too office-y.

Original poster
Whattodowithaminute · 24/10/2019 20:30

This is the gold with a pull in on the back.

Seems people are inevitably a bit divided. What I like about this one is the length, split skirt and deep v neck.
I’m not sold on the colour-but this might be worse due to the lighting I’m having to put on to get a picture. Also not sure about whether it is too big.

I don’t think I’m a fan of florals got evenings-fine for a wedding etc but don’t think it’s right for this occasion.

Hit me with the best dress for 40th dinner
OP posts:
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 24/10/2019 20:37

Sorry, but I really don't like that gold one. I can't think of any place I've ever been that such a dress would be an appropriate outfit.

The Westwood looks a bit drab, but that might be because of the shoes you've styled it with. With the right jacket and some heeled ankle boots, it could look good. I'm a big fan of Viv generally. Is there anything else of hers you like? It seems to be getting harder to find though.

Apolloanddaphne · 24/10/2019 20:39

Ooh that Iris one is stunning.

MistyMinge2 · 24/10/2019 20:43

I meant to say that I love the gold dress on you. You look fab. It suits your figure. It's a big birthday, go for it! Get your hair, nails and make up done. You'll feel a million dollars!!

I've got my 40th next year and very similar size/shape. I feel inpsired.

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