What to wear to a fancy restaurant when you are 50!

[shrumps]

My Dh is treating us to a fancy dinner at a Michelin starred restaurant at the end of August for my 50th. I am delighted, but having spent the last 18 months in WFH mode, have absolutely no idea what to wear. Can any of you stylish people advise me on where I can look to buy something to wear that will fit the brief?? I am 5 ft 4, curvy size 12. Budget including shoes up to about £300. TIA.

www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/tropical-print-midi-wrap-dress_xs/?fo_c=3544&fo_k=953700aa0452e52c59787d398167d0ba&fo_s=binggb&msclkid=0042125bbcc0119fafb672b8c0af748e&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=UK%20%7C%20Generic%20%7C%20Women%27s%20%7C%20Clothing%20%7C%20Standard%20Shopping&utm_term=4576511005612887&utm_content=Clothing

www.kaleidoscope.co.uk/products/phase-eight-anais-scuba-dress/_/A-62C013_12?PFM_rsn=browse&PFM_ref=false&PFM_psp=own&PFM_lpn=86

I absolutely would buy the Vivienne Westwood linked upthread for a 50th, its gorgeous. Love the green Hobbs dress as well.

Every single thing suggested on this thread is ugly. It's a special dinner, you want a chance to dress up and wear something memorable.

You’re entitled not to agree with other people suggestions but where are yours . Why not come on and stun us with your own great taste

If your restaurant is anything like the only Michelin starred restaurant I've been to, I think the most important criteria is a elasticated waist. We had a (supposedly) 7 course.(but actually 9 course plus chocolates) tasting menu, which was spectacular, but very, very filling. I hope you have a wonderful time whatever you wear.

Be comfortable but people really don't dress up any more, that Gina Baconni link is too mother of the bride. Have a lovely time

I’m coveting this dress at the moment so think this is what I would go for in your position - www.johnlewis.com/whistles-eucalyptus-print-tea-dress-blue/p5123380

Ooh, OP, here's a thought: I've been watching Engrenages/Spiral on IPlayer lately, and loving Josephine Karlsson's style (not her morals). She rocks fitted dresses and heels, but also looks fierce in cigarette trousers, cropped to just above the ankle, heels (she never wears flats), silky camisoles under great fitted jackets, or slithery silk shirts. You could get a lovely updo and some fabulous earrings. Audrey Fleurot, the actress who plays her, is also blessed with glorious red hair and is not afraid of red lipstick against pale freckled skin - strong make-up looks good.

For myself, I'd go for the narrow trousers and heels, and keep the look quite crisp and edgy. I think some dresses can look a bit mother-of-the-bride, not quite fiercely chic.

Anyway, very much want to get dressed up now, so thanks for sharing your S&B question.

@bonfireheart

Every single thing suggested on this thread is ugly. It's a special dinner, you want a chance to dress up and wear something memorable.

I wonder what constitutes 'memorable' and non-ugly? Show!

Waiting for @bonfireheart to come back and dazzle us with her sartorial genius

Oh people! I need something too!

It’s a for a fancy restaurant lunch - with friends of DH. Plus wives who are all glam, and (yes I know I’m going to sound like a cow) don’t work and spend their days lunching and playing tennis. I feel very fat, old, clapped out and crap in comparison (they are lovely but I just feel like the ugly bug of the group).

Size 10, no redeeming features (fat arms and tum, veiny legs)...

I went to Purnells last week. Wore a midaxi summery dress and flat sandals, as did quite a few other women there. Some more casual in leggings with dressy top. But you can really wear what you want. It was a fabulous meal by the way!

One of the dresses I bought from Whistles is this one it is ridiculously easy to wear, covers arms and tum but still looks glam

That wot and badger dress is lovely.

I have a silk t-shirt dress which is my go-to for similar; maybe something like this? www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-edie-side-tie-silk-dress-pink/p4167455

Pretty 0 the colour is too 'out there' for me... speaking of which... I have found a nice denim dress (its nice, honestly) but is sleeveless. I have also seen a wrap/cardi thing and they have loads of colours but im nor sure what will go well with a mid blue denim. Any ideas (Im a pale red-dead).

How do people go to the loo with jumpsuits?

Very slowly. I have one that I wear to work and its a bugger to squirm out of (definitely not something to wear if you need to go quickly)