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Original poster

What am I meant to wear out now I'm late 40s?

24 replies

FortunesFave · 10/06/2021 22:29

I live in Australia by the way. I don't go out a lot...only to casual things at friends homes or for a casual pub style meal.

A mate is having a big party soon though and I have NO idea what to wear!

I've recently lost a bit of weight....gone from a 16 to a 12 and would like to look nice.

I have a pear shape...don't like showing my chest at all...it's a bit aged looking tbg.

Best features are my waist and bum....

Don't like high heels....gah! I don't mind dresses but because I hate heels, I don't know what to wear!

OP posts:
AnnieSnap · 10/06/2021 23:41

I am 62 next month (🤨) and I’m a great believer that great style is great style at any age. I wear what I really like. I think mini skirts, lots of cleavage and tiny shorts are not flattering on anyone over 35 (okay shoot me), but fashion is fabulous at any age. Where what you enjoy!

Pinkchocolate · 10/06/2021 23:45

I’m a similar age, shape and size to you and I would wear a nice jumpsuit with pumps. Or jeans and a dressy top.

Redwinestillfine · 10/06/2021 23:46

Whatever the hell you like, in your 40's you've more than earned the right (spoken as a fellow 40's person). I favour the dress trainer/ flat sandal combo, sacked heels off a good decade ago. Go for a high neck sleeveless maxi dress?

Hop27 · 10/06/2021 23:56

Also in OZ op, where is the party restaurant/bar etc and what will the weather be like?
(I'm also in my 40's)

Original poster
FortunesFave · 11/06/2021 00:14

It's winter here now and the party is in a winery. Nice venue but not too posh. Private function.

I wish I could wear a jumpsuit as Pinkchocolate suggests but I never feel right in them somehow....I tend to suit things with a collar ....like shirt dresses with a waist...but that's not party-wear is it?

I might look around for a nice jumpsuit....what do you mean by 'pumps' Pinkchocolate ?

OP posts:
Hop27 · 11/06/2021 00:32

Evening or daytime ?
Budget?

Namaste6 · 11/06/2021 00:47

A shirt dress sounds lovely! Perfectly fitting for the type of function you have. You can easily dress it up with layered necklaces and/or layered bracelets. A wrap or cardi for extra warmth and perhaps some low heeled ankle boots?

Original poster
FortunesFave · 11/06/2021 00:50

@Hop27

Evening or daytime ? Budget?
No budget really but I'm in Oz so unless you are too, it's hard to give specific shopping ideas. Party is in the evening though.
OP posts:
Namaste6 · 11/06/2021 00:50

Also, I get your nervousness about jumpsuits. I wish I could wear them too, but unless you're blessed with height, wearing a jumpsuit with flat heels can look a little romper suit'ish.

Original poster
FortunesFave · 11/06/2021 00:52

@Namaste6

A shirt dress sounds lovely! Perfectly fitting for the type of function you have. You can easily dress it up with layered necklaces and/or layered bracelets. A wrap or cardi for extra warmth and perhaps some low heeled ankle boots?
Thanks...I don't do necklaces at all...because I usually wear high necks. I don't like my chest out whatsoever. And hate necklaces with high necks...too fussy looking. I just feel that a shirt dress and cardi looks like what I'd wear to work really...
OP posts:
Namaste6 · 11/06/2021 00:58

The Witchery have some gorgeous dresses - more structured with collars, sleeves etc that could easily be dressed up a bit or dressed down with boots etc. Depending on your overall style preference, I would start there.

Hop27 · 11/06/2021 01:28

@FortunesFave
I'm in Oz too ! Will have a look for you SmileI need a distraction from work ....

Bobbi73 · 11/06/2021 02:07

I have a couple of these dresses in different colours and I love them. I wear them with trainers but any flats would work.
www.weirdfish.co.uk/p/women/all-womens/i/tallahassee-organic-cotton-printed-jersey-dress-bottle-green-18425

StarlightLady · 11/06/2021 04:19

As it’s winter, just remember that with jumpsuits you have to almost get naked when you go for a wee. This may be alright in the winery, assuming it’s heated, but can be a pain when you’re out and about on cooler days.

HarebrightCedarmoon · 11/06/2021 04:42

Anything you like.

ShangPie · 11/06/2021 04:49

Re footwear, I’d go with flat comfy shoes that look good, like smart trainers or boots. Wineries tend to have concrete floors (hard, freezing) even in restaurant areas, and you may also want to go out into grassy / vineyard areas that make heels a challenge. Plus agriculture = bugs. Cover your feet to avoid bites!

Could you do a gorgeous Zimmermann silk shirt with jeans or dark trousers? Might be able to get one on ebay / vintage / dress agency if new is too pricey.

beingsunny · 11/06/2021 04:53

Can you go to DJs and ask for a personal shopper? I had one after some weight gain meant I didn't know what to wear and they were brilliant!

Otherwise I'd have a look at sheike, witchery, for something you can dress up or down. Diane von curate burg does fab dresses and the EOFY sales are on now.

Depends where you live...

FierceBarrie · 11/06/2021 05:18

I’m the same age as you and in NZ, so obviously winter here too.

I’m out on Sat night and planning to wear some super wide leg trousers from Trenery with a fitted chiffon-y top. Not too fussed about which shoes, as the trews are so massive, no-one will really see them.

I would love to be a dress person, but I’m just not. I’m 5’9” and a size 10/12, but have tree-trunk legs, so prefer to keep them under wraps.

I am loving the move away from skinny jeans/trousers to lots of other shapes, and am making the most of the availability of lots of different styles.

Providora · 11/06/2021 05:26

www.birdsnest.com.au is brilliant Aussie online fashion store.

You can filter by occasion, size, shape, lots of other things and it will bring you up a heap of outfit suggestions. If you see something that inspires, you could buy the lot, or a piece here and there to adapt with what you already have.

It's not super on trend but not daggy either, probably about right for you. Excellent service too, they ship really quickly.

Nitpickpicnic · 11/06/2021 06:19

How about a longline vest, or faux fur shorter one? Over wide legged pants and whatever (silk?) shirt you like? Dress it up a bit with a fab bag, mules and a statement ring. I think if you don’t like necklaces, a big ring or statement earrings lift the outfit away from ‘everyday’.

Be a bit brave with colour- there are some great ones around Oz winter. Emeralds, lively terracottas, non-neutral animal prints are some I’m seeing.

For inspiration see Trinny’s Closet Confessions videos on YouTube. She does colour well.

SpeckledyHen · 11/06/2021 06:21

@Providora

www.birdsnest.com.au is brilliant Aussie online fashion store.

You can filter by occasion, size, shape, lots of other things and it will bring you up a heap of outfit suggestions. If you see something that inspires, you could buy the lot, or a piece here and there to adapt with what you already have.

It's not super on trend but not daggy either, probably about right for you. Excellent service too, they ship really quickly.

This site looks amazing!
AnnieSnap · 11/06/2021 13:05

@Namaste6

Also, I get your nervousness about jumpsuits. I wish I could wear them too, but unless you're blessed with height, wearing a jumpsuit with flat heels can look a little romper suit'ish.
Some companies actually call them Rompers. I wince every time I see it! I do love jumpsuit though. I find them effortlessly stylish. Boden have some great ones and I think they sell in OZ too. www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-jumpsuits
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