Hit me with the best dress for 40th dinner

[Whattodowithaminute]

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...

@Lovemenorca
Now we're talking - that Reiss is stunning.

Adrianna Pappell

m.hng.io/catalog/product/7/7/777847_BLUESHADE01_2.jpg?io=PDP

@Lovemenorca we’ve the chefs room so private room. The intention is that it will dressier than usual for the restaurant but I’m not 40 every day. We go out a lot in London and I wouldn’t consider this type of dress for any normal dinner-I’m much more likely to be out in jeans and a jacket. Have ordered lots of other options so will give them a go and come back here for another brutal overhaul
I like the reiss one-would prefer a little more coverage over my shoulders but will try it.

Have a great time !

Yes please do post pics so we can all help you choose which suits best!

Exciting.

Ooooh Franke, you've linked to some fabulous dresses

Thanks joker .

It's a miserable day here today ... Franke has given me lots of ideas too, OP have a look at this fabulous number, we are probably quite similar shapes and I think this would be great on you

How about DVF?

uk.dvf.com/valentina-satin-midi-wrap-dress/13113DVF.html?dwvar_13113DVF_color=NNAVY&dwvar_13113DVF_size=XXS&bcid=dresses-cocktail

Think you can get away with a more fitting dress, you have lovely curves. Like this dress (not the neckline but the dress shape)

Fwiw i love the original gold dress! It's glam and perfect as a showstopper dress. I think with a tan it will look great. Maybe peep toes heels if you need more than a thin strap, or low shoe boots? Have a great birthday whatever you wear

I can see why pp have suggested the Bombshell dresses as I think they would really suit your shape. The fitted style of the VW dress suits you, although I think you would look better with a lower neck.

I'm sorry OP but I don't like the gold dress at all and I certainly don't think it looks as if it cost nearly £400. I know you are looking for a 'show stopper ' but I would try to find some thing a little more classy.

I like a couple of the Reiss dresses.

Am I correct that you've returned the first gold dress? I do hope so as it looked like something for a 60th birthday not a 40th. It was also incredibly unflattering since the VW showed what a great figure you have.

Got a bit confused with so many links but I think this one (that you linked yourself) looks perfect. Classy and sassy

www.farfetch.com/uk/shopping/women/parosh-glitter-detail-fitted-dress-item-14296511.aspx?storeid=11828&clickref=1100l6F6ZTmz&utm_source=skimlinks_phg&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=PHUK&utm_term=UKNetwork&pid=performancehorizon_int&c=skimlinks_phg&clickid=1100l6F6ZTmz&af_siteid=305950&af_sub_siteid=1011l271&af_cost_model=CPA&af_channel=affiliate&is_retargeting=true

Sorry but I think that blue glittery one Is as horrible as the original gold one. It looks as if it's escaped from 1977 and ought to return there immediately.

@StCharlotte yes everything so far has gone back (date I say it but there was one which was worse which I didn’t share a picture of )
The far fetched ones arrive on Wednesday so fingers crossed-if that isn’t successful have a Friday shop planned (I’m hoping just to sort shoes but can do dresses as well if needed.

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie I haven’t bought the blue-everyone hates that one!

Good luck with the incoming parcel then @Whattodowithaminute, looking forward to some pics! What shoes have you got available too ? Have a look at Chie Mihara for something a bit different :)

Ooooh @jokerreturns I love those shoes... I will investigate further once I have a dress confirmed!

Any better?!!

Looks very nice on you ... how does it feel?
Red shoes / bag to go with it?

Gorgeous!

It's better but still not brilliant imvho. It looks a bit dated and designed for an older woman than you are.

I liked the idea of the gold one without loving the execution of it (the weird panels at the hips that go in the opposite direction to the rest of the dress gave the illusion of you looking much wider than you are - you're not even remotely wide, you have an amazing figure).

That said, I really don't like the one you've just posted. It manages to look very matronly and dated despite being low cut and quite fitted.

Think you can find a much more special dress OP.

www.flannels.com/vivienne-westwood-anglomania-jersey-dress-651918#colcode=65191808

This? Well under budget so you could use what's left over for new shoes, undies and even a jacket too.

Or would you maybe consider a leather pencil skirt and silk shirt, instead of a dress?

OP I think you have an amazing figure .
The VWestwood navy is lovely but too worky.

That last navy is OK but perhaps not special enough.

I think Remus' suggestion of leather skirt is inspired- it looks to me as if you have a short waist á la duchess Meghan.
So, leather skirt plus va va voom silk shirt might be just the ticket?