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.

spend- £50.getting a bra fit(non tape measure //actual fit)
you just discovered perking the impossible and,comfort that promotes a shape you forgot..
so..now am gony look..tit possible inc.i'll be back

timeless,classic,every colour feet bag,fur,shimmy shammy scarfery knee highs..spendy =if £10 per wear you gony use it?(buy a proper bra)
is entry level option.phase 8 cut well,washes bla de bla.hit me if im off track?

I see you’ve ordered a couple of gorgeous options! I’d clicked to suggest you spend your budget on good underwear and having whatever you decide on altered to fit perfectly.

I have this Maje cocktail dress and get so many compliments. It has long sleeves too :-) On sale on BrandAlley...

www.brandalley.co.uk/17107834.html

thank you so much @HandyGirl76 - that dress isn't quite dressy enough for this party but it would be perfect for work so I have ordered it.

Thanks!

ps I ordered the DVF jumpsuit and LOVED it but it was too big so I have very sadly sent it back. Ditto the Wolf & Badger dress, so still on the lookout

How about this
shop.mango.com/gb/women/dresses-and-jumpsuits-midi/velvet-knot-dress_17049080.html

Or this
www.sosandar.com/navy-sequin-square-neck-relaxed-glamour-dress

This one is stunning too
www.tedbaker.com/uk/Womens/Outlet/Clothing/Dresses/SASSKI-Pleated-maxi-dress-Dark-Green/p/245312-DK-GREEN?cmpid=ppc~google~PLA~smart_shopping_uk_en_ww_archive~119214231485~245312-DK-GREEN-3~na~na~UK&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhMOMBhDhARIsAPVml-G27JU2gy_-44iU4k0ZMNQXoyRuFyK4BqoqpdW-10BVO7J_vlwArVUaArDQEALw_wcB

Over budget but maybe?

There is only the size 12 left …

[quote HandyGirl76]I have this Maje cocktail dress and get so many compliments. It has long sleeves too :-) On sale on BrandAlley...

www.brandalley.co.uk/17107834.html[/quote]
I just wanted to say thank you so much for recommending me this dress - it has arrived and is far smarter than it looked so I think I might wear that!

Thank you so much @HandyGirl76 and I'm sorry for slightly dissing it, I didn't realise the design was glittery!

Thank you @ChiefInspectorParker re bras. That is my next mission. I might go tomorrow. Good tip re Chantelle. I have a feeling I had one or two of theirs a few years ago and loved them.

I am sad about that Wolf & Badger dress as it was beautiful.

Just seen this, so glad the dress worked out

@HandyGirl76 the party was cancelled because of omicron so I am now really looking forward to wearing it at the first possible opportunity!