Party dress, mid forties, help!

[CrispyTofu]

So it's a long time since I've been to a party that didn't involve pass the parcel, bouncy castles and jelly & ice cream.

However, the time has come and I've been invited to a 'proper' party. It's in a Hall, disco/band, it's a joint, adults significant birthday party. There will be a range of ages there but lots of young trendy people in the mix. I am not young and I'm definitely not trendy - although I was in my day

It's the same old story, I've lost my style, no idea what is trendy and what people even wear to a party? I'm 5'5, size 8, big boobs, and a rounded tum which I'd rather not accentuate.

What do people wear to parties these days, everything I can see online is either super casual or black tie/wedding quest attire. Help me fashionable mumsnetters..........

[buddy79]

I really like the block orange, very chic! Of your choices I prefer the first Reiss one or the Ralph Lauren but they are all nice so whatever you feel best in. That ted baker dress should be lovely, I like the fabric, but I think it’s a bit unflattering in the boob somehow.. might look better on a fuller bust than the model though! I think the cape dress is fine (not ott) personally as it’s otherwise lovely and simple.

[LeeMiller]

I think a maxi dress can be glamorous in summer, maybe something in silk or a bold print from somewhere like Rixo or Ba&sh. The Outnet is always worth a look for party wear too.

[oobedobe]

those dress don't look like they would flatter big boobs to me. I think the cape dress is a little OTT for a birthday party.

what about this style?
www.reiss.com/g644858s1/t74460#t74460
or
www.allsaints.com/women/dresses/allsaints-laura-dorada-dress/?colour=3836&category=22
or
www.allsaints.com/women/dresses/allsaints-antheia-dorada-dress/?colour=4193&category=22
or with sleeves
www.nextdirect.com/ca/en/style/ls163319/p59164#p59164

www.monsoonlondon.com/ca/alijaz-print-satin-short-dress-red-34342309.html

[CrispyTofu]

Or

https://www.johnlewis.com/lauren-ralph-lauren-petra-cocktail-dress-hyannis-port-orange/p6108405?sku=240656282&size=10&sppc=2dx92700070509707762&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1ztQu1zMuSqYYrQTKBtAHD6E&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1ztQu1zMuSqYrQTKBtAHD6E&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqPGUBhDwARIsANNwjV6e7Iy8Abp5ezWZtMIXltY2gveHkNqI-tY30AvKEuirnFZr1ZoHzwwaAl9nEALwwwcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

[CrispyTofu]

Party is fast approaching, please give me your thoughts on these

www.reiss.com/g642294s1/u29410#u29410

www.reiss.com/g284922s1/t76214#t76214

www.tedbaker.com/uk/p/Womens/Clothing/Dresses/TULIPI-Panelled-Midi-Tea-Dress-Dark-Orange/255073-DK-ORANGE

[Fruitteatime]

Roman or Phase Eight had some nice dresses, although I was looking at wedding wear. Also you might get lucky at tk maxx!

[buddy79]

I was going to say Rixo too.

I have also been lusting after this from hope & ivy but it might be too “wedding guest” and depends on your style.

hopeandivy.co.uk/collections/new-season/products/the-chloe

something of this ilk? Though this is pricey:

www.freepeople.com/shop/gio-metallic-dress/?category=party-dresses&color=080&type=REGULAR&quantity=1


all saints? This looks quite wearable to me?

www.allsaints.com/women/dresses/allsaints-hera-leppo-2-in-1-dress/?colour=5&category=22

[Rainallnight]

Look at Me and Em

[CrispyTofu]

@zurala that's a fab dress!

[CrispyTofu]

@Shinyandnew1

Post children I mostly wear the mum stables

Mum stables probably wasn’t the look you were going for!

brilliant typo! At least I know where I've been going wrong

[Concestor]

I'm size 12, not tall, and have a tummy. I felt fabulous in this and it was very flattering.

[Concestor]

I went to a party at the beginning of the year, and I wore this. I'm 47.

[CrispyTofu]

@DarlingCoffee I'll have a look, thank you

[CrispyTofu]

@waltzingparrot really? I've always felt that LBD's are a little ageing? Or perhaps it's just the way I wear then!

[Purplehonesty2]

I like it too! I’m 41 and would defo wear it. Sleeves? Meh denim jacket in case it’s cold?!

[CrispyTofu]

@Purplehonesty2 that dress is lovely, I like the style but wonder if I need something with sleeves? TBH I used to wear quite a lot of Ted Baker when I was younger and thought it was a bit young for me now, but after seeing that dress - maybe it's not

[mutinyonthebunty]

I'm early forties and I like dancingleaopard.co.uk, girl in mind and silkfred for evening wear if that helps!

[Oblomov22]

I'm looking for a dress for a wedding atm.

[DialSquare]

If you used to like skater dresses, would something like this work?

www.asos.com/prd/201646848?acquisitionsource=pasteboard

[Shinyandnew1]

Post children I mostly wear the mum stables

Mum stables probably wasn’t the look you were going for!

[PollyIndia]

Oh sorry that link doesn't seem to work. Does this one? www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/farm-rio/clothing/mini-dresses/tiered-printed-cotton-voile-mini-dress/38063312420578444
If not, just search for
FARM RIO
Tiered printed cotton-voile mini dress

[PollyIndia]

I'm 46, and I love to go out dancing.
Tonight I'm wearing combats, platforms and a black bustier with a blazer. I also love wearing dresses. I'll defo go out for the may bank hol, and I want to wear a colourful dress and heels, so am on the hunt for that.

I also spotted this on net a porter which is a great party dress with heels I think - doesn't feel too dressy but it's fun www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/farm-rio/clothing/mini-dresses/tiered-printed-cotton-voile-mini-dress/38063312420578444. I think might be a bit long for me as am only 5'2 but it would hide the tum and I think sounds like might suit you.

I love farm rio, been looking at some dresses on their main site, but a bit much to ship from Brazil.

[Summerhillsquare]

Get yourself a John Lewis stylist free appointment, they'll find you something..

[CrispyTofu]

@Aria999 I don't think I've ever owned a pair of black trousers, I'm usually a bit more colourful

[CrispyTofu]

@Vohgue I don't mind if it's a dress or separates, I usually go for a dress as it's easier than putting 2 pieces together but I'm open to both. My bum isn't the best, so trousers can be tricky to make luck good.