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Aargh! Posh dinner - help needed!

71 replies

Lovecat · 22/11/2021 21:13

My husband's company is throwing a Christmas do for the board and they've invited partners for the first time ever. We're staying over in a very classy hotel, going for lunchtime drinks and then they've hired a private dining room in the Sky Gardens or the evening dinner.

DH helpfully informs me that all the other wives/girlfriends are blonde and "tiny", and are wearing evening dresses. I'm 55, a size 16/18 apple shape, 5'4 with a face shape that was once a heart but is currently fat and round, and am beginning to get noticeable white strands in very dark brown hair that hasn't been cut since last summer. I don’t do grooming, rarely wear makeup and I'm absolutely dreading this.

Went out to Monsoon and bought a posh frock but am having massive doubts about it.

I have booked for a haircut but after 2 years of not thinking about it (and said weight gain) I have no idea what will suit me anymore.

Pic of frock attached. Stupidly wore a rather unsupportive bra in the changingroom, so I'm hoping it won't look quite as "bewbs!" as it does here. I will be wearing heels, so again won't look quite so stumpy.

Is it awful? Should I take it back? I do love the sleeves, fabric and general jujj of it, but am terrified I'm going to look overdressed/frumpy. I normally wear separates because I have a stupidly high waist and can cheat it with longer tops etc. so this is a departure. I'm fine for the daytime drinks bit, it's the posh evening dinner that's bothering me.

Advice gratefully received!

Aargh! Posh dinner - help needed!
Aargh! Posh dinner - help needed!
OP posts:
madisonbridges · 23/11/2021 00:09

Op, you look great. If, like me, you've put on a bit of weight and lost confidence, this is just what you need. We tend to give up a bit but getting your hair sorted and looking at your make up again will give you a boost. Have a great time.

And, @Suprima, I love that dress.

goose1964 · 23/11/2021 13:48

Just remember that although the other women are tiny they'll be envious of your cleavage.

caz198917 · 23/11/2021 13:50

You look fabulous!!

mewkins · 23/11/2021 13:56

You look amazing and completely yourself. I would just get a trim and get them to loosely wave your hair. Make sure your husband knows that he is the lucky one because he is.

Cam22 · 23/11/2021 14:36

You look lovely.

Spodge · 23/11/2021 18:34

The dress looks great and I think it's an ideal choice.

CarpetDiem · 23/11/2021 19:50

You look fab- what about getting a hair up do to make it extra special, I would & pro make up!

mm47 · 24/11/2021 21:16

OP completely understand the lack of confidence generated by lockdown lard. Nonetheless, I think your dress suits you and with your planned support you will look a complete knockout. I think we all forget how sexy flesh is - miles more attractive than social X-ray bodies - even if these sorts of slinky bodies look better in photos. Please remember this, it’s absolutely true!

shinynewapple21 · 24/11/2021 23:07

I think it's a beautiful dress and it really suits you.

The only thing I would question is it looks a bit long on you - are you able to walk confidently without tripping over the hem or catching your heel in it?

OneLifeThreeGuvnors · 25/11/2021 17:55

Gorgeous dress, and great shape for you (I am v tempted to buy it myself!). Have a great time, knowing you look great, and especially enjoy the Sky Garden!

Malibuismysecrethome · 25/11/2021 18:14

Honestly, I don’t like it I think it is more of a kaftan than an evening dress. I’m sorry but I think you could do better with the dress. Have your styled and blow dried, and get made up and dressed up.
Have a lovely time

fedupwithcookingfromscratch · 25/11/2021 19:59

You look fantastic - and unlike the blond twigs you will actually have something to say. Xx

Comedycook · 25/11/2021 20:47

@fedupwithcookingfromscratch

You look fantastic - and unlike the blond twigs you will actually have something to say. Xx
Bit unnecessary. They could have plenty to say.
decadentspendthrift · 25/11/2021 21:09

The dress looks fabulous and from what I can see of it your hair looks glossy and lovely too!

Coldtoday · 25/11/2021 21:17

Fabulous. With hair, makeup and heels, it will be perfect.

doodleygirl · 25/11/2021 21:23

You look fabulous in that dress. Please post a pic of you on the night, have a fabulous night.

Mojoj · 25/11/2021 21:41

Get those boobs hoisted up into a good bra to show them off, put on a pair of heels and you will look fabulous!!

villainousbroodmare · 25/11/2021 21:45

Bloody gorgeous. Grin
You go!

MonsteraMother · 25/11/2021 22:15

You look amazing, such a lovely dress on you! Make an appointment at a make up counter for a couple of hours before and you'll look amazing!

Bluntness100 · 25/11/2021 22:20

I’m also not sure to be honest op, it is kaftan like to me also. And I think you’d have to post a pic with the corset on, as currently it’s quite revealing for what is still a work event.

foodiscomplicated · 25/11/2021 22:53

Looks lovely. Wear a decent bra and a sharewear slip rather than magic knickers. Far more comfy, and slimming with no weird bulges
Something like this

I have been browsing at M&S and found this: https://www.marksandspencer.com/secret-slimming-medium-control-full-slip/p/clp60100013?intid=mobileappppdpshare

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