Help - dinner dance coming up. I bought my first ever dress, but I don't know what to wear with it now that I've bought it.

[MrsMuddle]

Ladies, you know you're approaching middle age when you get invited to dinner dances!

This one is connected to DH's work, so I want to make a good impression, but I haven't worn a dress since my wedding 20 years ago.

I'm an odd shape - 5ft, 34E and size 12-14 but with a BIG flabby stomach, so buying a dress was a nightmare, but I think I got one that was OK. www.phase-eight.co.uk/florida.htm It's like this, but black.

Now, what do I do about jewellery, tights / no tights, shoes etc.

I have a pair of high peep-toe Loubatain-like shoes (from New Look) - can I wear them with tights? Black? Grey? Fishnets?

Help!!

I'm rushing out now, but I'll catch up with the replies later. Thanks very much.

PS - very pale skin - should I fake tan or is that tacky now?

I personally find no tights/flesh (or natural tan) coloured look better than darker ones, if I have quite a bit of exposed flesh on top half (as in the case of your sleeveless dress - which looks fab btw).

If you want to wear tights for comfort/warmth/tan, you could get sandal-toe ones, which don't have a seam across the toes.

HTH

yes fake tan from somewhere good - don't go too dark tho'. Get a pedicure and have your nails done and get strappy shoes. if you're worried about your tummy have a body wrap on the day. How exciting!

Agree - peep toe shoes and tights is a no-no - so either go bare legged, or (and these are also a bit ) get the toeless ones. Or, of course, use the opportunity to buy some new shoes (my favourite option!).

Personally, I wouldn't worry about fake tan if you don't want to - just make sure your skin is in good condition (exfoliate every time you shower/bath, and moisturise well every time too, between now and the event), and maybe get some sort of subtle shimmer lotion or powder to put on.

Lovely dress!

Opaque tights are flattering and very "now". Whether or not you can wear tights with peep toes will depend on the size of the hole i.e. how much "tight" is seen.

Oh, thank you all. I thought tights and peep-hole tights were a no-no, but I keep seeing that combo in magazines. However, I guess there is one rule for models and one rule for others.

Thanks for the shimmer lotion suggestion, Jackie. That's what I'll do. And I'll buy these big ugly pants to hold my tummy in, too.