Please help - hopeless case! "Dress to impress" invite

[LadyFanny]

I've been invited to a 50th party. The invite says "Dress to impress". I literally always get these things wrong and end up feeling self-conscious.

I'm 5'2", size 12, overhanging stomach that bloats. I prefer my upper arms covered. Most importantly, I can't walk in heels. Shoes are the main problem actually. I prefer wearing flats but I don't feel dressy in them plus I feel a bit stumpy. I can wear low wedges though. Oh and I hate kitten heels.

I'm the sort of woman who lives in running and hiking and dog-walking gear. Please help me dress to impress for once!

www.monsoon.co.uk/keira-satin-print-midi-dress-black-24294701.html
www.jigsaw-online.com/collections/all-sale-womens/products/hammered-satin-midi-dress-blue?queryID=8148a06850101207f4ea3fe9ce726842
www.mywardrobehq.com/dolce-and-gabbana/long-sleeve-monochrome-lace-dress/P3092
www.mywardrobehq.com/temperley-london/night-midi-dress/P4222
www.mywardrobehq.com/victoria-beckham/dolman-sleeve-midi-dress/P13027

I would go for black 7/8 trousers or slightly cropped with a black top and a sequinned jacket like this. And flats or white trainers!

jacket

[quote blitzen]www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/esska-fink-mule-heels?inventoryCountry=GB&countryCode=GB&currency=GBP&utm_content=Smart%20-%20Accessories&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_kxconfid=vx65edeg7&gclid=CjwKCAiAz--OBhBIEiwAG1rIOi8QPG8ar2wTRGC-2dKOzdiPTpFNj1-hdJZ0KFg4on3J-I22mdv5NxoCRTkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&color=070&type=REGULAR&quantity=1[/quote]
Sorry, but I think these are truly revolting! Horses/courses.

What sort of venue is it, OP? And are you happier with tights or bare legs?

Dresses with shiny/sparkly trainers is definitely a thing, even for quite formal events now. The comedian Lou Sanders is always in trainers. I’ve seen pictures of her at red carpet events and celeb weddings in dresses with metallic/glittery trainers. That’s what I imagine when a PP talks about silver trainers with a dress. She always looks great to me.

www.mywardrobehq.com/iro/mexi-jumpsuit/P6423

[quote Theblacksheepandme]TrophyWinner
I'm picturing Miriam Margolyes.

images.app.goo.gl/saMj584aR1HsyuJ67[/quote]
Was lucky enough to meet her a few times, box of frogs and fabulous!

I'm happy with bare legs. My legs are fabulous

Silver Dress

Just a bit out of budget

I really like some of the stuff on Wolf and Badger, always elegant but quirky things within your budget.

Purple Ruffle Dress

Or this. Now I've really blown the budget.

@FreeWinona

Purple Ruffle Dress

Or this. Now I've really blown the budget.

That's gorgeous!

That's very beautiful

Go short! This is rather wonderful! Or this

Have you got any heeled ankle boots? They're sometimes easier to wear than heeled shoes.

I can’t do the link but this is a Whistles jumpsuit from Selfridges. It’s over your budget but I’m sure something similar will be cheaper.

Creepypastard
I love her. My husband tells me that my bluntness is similar to hers. She was on This Morning phone in recently and she was giving great advice.

A plain dark jewel-toned wrap dress would look fabulous. Pair that with striking jewellery (borrow it from friends if you don't have anything suitable). I really dislike heels and always wear ballet flats or a great pair of very low heeled kneehigh boots with dresses.

I was intending to wear wide legged sequin black trousers with converse (silver leather), a satin cami and oversized jacket. Sadly Covid cancelled but still love my outfit!

I'd hate that dress code. I'd feel I'd be setting myself up for a fall! Not saying you will, but bloody hell I have enough problem "impressing" at work without trying to do it in my free time!

@user1471519931

Honestly book a free style consult in John Lewis, tell them the occasion

Oh yes, I'd second this. I did this at JL at the weekend just gone and they were fab! I was looking for a wedding invite. I am also short and fat and aging! Lol! And they managed to find me something that is actually quite fabulous! And I don't look horrendous or like a whale in it!

Would definitely recommend. It's free. They were not pushy at all.

Outfit, not invite!!

Ignore the dress code and just think it means wear something nice, a little bit dressy and that you feel comfortable in.

At the catered meal in a lovely weekend cottage break I was invited to for a 50th birthday with the same dress code. Most women wore nice dresses but not over the top and two or three wore nice jumpsuits and a young niece ignored the dress code completely and wore a short denim pinafore and T-shirt.
I stressed about the invite and dress code but when we got there we all had a lovely time and I was glad I’d made an effort.

Maybe look at booking an appointment with a John Lewis personal shopper for ideas. But if the first selection of choices aren’t right for you say so honestly and they will bring you some more relevant appropriate choices.

Could you get a fantastic corset with something over your shoulders/upper arms, and then a long, flowy skirt long enough to cover your feet? Then you could wear anything you like on your feet. And if the corset were really amazing, you'd definitely be dressed to impress. Plus it would pull you in in all the right places.

We really need to know more about the venue. Dressing to impress at a disco in a local pub will be very different to dressing to impress at the sort of event a corset and floor length skirt might be appropriate!

This is the perfect jumpsuit for me and I’m 5’3”.. It’s a heavy silky jersey one with a Bardot neckline so it’s really easy to get on and off for a wee. It’s VERY flattering and can be dressed up or down with wedges or platforms. I sometimes wear it with chunky loafers or trainers. All you need is some jewellery and you’re good to go.

www.roman.co.uk/cowl-neck-bardot-jumpsuit-14111508?istCompanyId=2c7d42bf-c86e-4126-852a-34976c2accf2&istFeedId=2671bd7b-958a-4180-b178-22e89d93d179&istItemId=ilrlptapx&istBid=t&gclid=Cj0KCQiA8vSOBhCkARIsAGdp6RQXttsMitLqCNkbpOnRBurXZCNW3RFdEQviZWxu-NV9_aUNGT9PRhkaAr-QEALw_wcB

Though if you REALLY want dress to impress wear a Wonder Woman costume.