Mid 40s, need a super smart dress for glam drinks party

[Firesidefox]

I have been invited to a very smart drinks party this Christmas at a London restaurant.

I am mid 40s, size 12, 5'6", and my legs are my best feature (tits bit droopy post children). My figure is ok really but I don't have a fabulous cleavage so dresses with deep Vs are out.

I'm thinking knee length dress. Or trouser suit maybe? I don't quite have perky enough tits for tailored trousers plus silk camisole like I saw in the White Company catalogue that arrived yesterday.

Where can I find a beautifully cut cocktail dress? Budget would be up to £250, maybe a bit more if it was incredible and would last me for ages.

I have spent the last two years in running tights so would like to haul myself out of the style doldrums and look nice for this! Any suggestions gratefully received - literally all I buy is fleece lined joggers these days so I have no idea where to start.

Have a look at Wolf and Badger there's loads of beautiful dresses on there.

I hadn't thought of Wolf and Badger, great idea, thank you!

What colours do you prefer, or are you thinking black?

You may not thank me @Firesidefox as the most are a bit more £££.

I've been looking for a cocktail dress or jumpsuit and really struggled. M&S now they have other ranges have some things that could work and aren't as spendy.

Is this any good www.johnlewis.com/hotsquash-sequin-leaf-embroidery-shift-dress-black/p5691858

If it’s a one-off, you could always look at hiring something for the event - you’d be able to get something seriously gorgeous and not have to worry about the cost per wear of actually buying it!

This article suggests a few good places to check if you are interested:

www.theguardian.com/fashion/2021/oct/22/why-thanks-i-rented-it-ultimate-eco-fashion-brag-jess-cartner-morley

Get a really good bra before you think about cleavage. Seriously, it can make a 50 pound dress look better than one costing hundreds, if you have the right underwear. Do that asap, then think about what to wear.

also - is this a younger, trendy event, or more traditional. For a more modern look a jumpsuit would be good, dress for traditional. I think that trouser suits always look like office wear, so avoid that.

I know this isn't very helpful, but could you recommend your fleece-lined joggers please as I've been looking for some!

Oh look …

Only size 12 left.

Yes spend money on underwear. There's no such thing as a bad cleavage these days. If you're in London I can give you a good underwear shop recommendation.

Wyse London - it’s worth a look at the dresses and suits.

This is gorgeous, but in short supply. (Sorry, am on app.) Size 2 is a medium, apparently.

I've been looking for something similar and struggled. Looked from cheap to expensive and everything inbetween. Have ordered this from next but it might not be special enough for what you have in mind. www.next.co.uk/style/ls200667/P60389#P60389

River island have a couple that might work. They do this one in black too www.riverisland.com/p/pink-split-front-gathered-midi-dress-777041

Or you may find something here.

Reformation seems to have plenty. Love all the velvet.

God everyone thank you so much! So many amazing suggestions!

Doing this on my phone so can't name people individually but thank you PP re Wolf and Badger, I have ordered a velvet dress in blue. I can't get the link but will attach a photo. It looks quite nice and I can send it back if it's not right.

And to those who said I needed a good bra, that's a really good point. I literally live in my M&S t shirt bras so if anyone does have any recs of where to go (I am in London) I would be very grateful!

I am going to follow up all these other links now as it's probably better to order a couple to maximise my chances of finding the right one.

And my fleece lined joggers are from Uniqlo - get some, they're SO COSY

I have a friend who just bought this
www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/diane-von-furstenberg/jumpsuits/jumpsuits/rosalyee-one-shoulder-crepe-de-chine-paneled-stretch-jersey-jumpsuit/8378037991492065?gclid=Cj0KCQjwrJOMBhCZARIsAGEd4VE-qveUjuz0O2t-xG1zQR58mZCsIqhTkUJZqWYsJj3WoMpqzPCTn6waAsTqEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

And it looked amazing actually on. (She had it altered a bit at the shoulder band to sit higher.)

I was going to say look at The Outnet, they have loads of designer dresses in your price range, DvF is a good call. For bras, Bravissimo or big department stores - Fenwick's are always excellent. If you want to go really upmarket, Rigby & Peller.

@EdmontinaDancesWithOphelia
You have exquisite taste! That pink satin and those velvet Reformation dresses - wow!
Love the blue dress you have ordered too - gorgeous.

Those Reformation dresses are so beautiful, never heard of that brand, I will be taking my time to browse

OP you have so many to choose from, have a fab night

If you're near Wimbledon or can get there easily, Caroline Randell Lingerie www.carolinerandell.co.uk/ is brilliant for fittings and advice. ££££ though but worth it I reckon if you are spending money. Take the dress with.

www.phase-eight.com/product/shimmer-spot-dress-208142492.html

This! Low stock in size 12 and an absolute bargain!

On the bra issue, I had a similar problem and on a whim went into Rugby and Peller. They only stock £££ bras but took a lot of time to understand what I was looking for and to find the perfect fit. It’s been a revelation, the two bras I bought are super comfortable but also make all my clothes look and fit better.

@MrsFrisbyMouse I have just ordered that jumpsuit from the Outnet - it's fantastic.

Thank you so much!

I haven't shopped for anything so expensive or exciting for absolute years, I have thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Really appreciate all your suggestions, incl the bra shops which I shall hit once I've found the dress.

Thank you!

I second Rigby & Peller - their bras are pricey but they really fit you well and spend lots of time making sure you are comfortable etc. Take the dress with you if you decide to keep it.