Sexy in middle age

[gingertoast]

Twice a year I get to frock up properly. OH's big corporate do. I enjoy it but do somewhat stress about what to wear

I'm 44, petite size 8 but with 30ff bust (bra not required as boobs were purchased!)

Also I clearly have fat fingers!

Where can I buy a dress that makes me feel amazing? So many of my trusted brands now feel a bit too young. I'm not ready for the traditional mid age brands as they make me feel a bit of a frump. Am I missing any brilliant brands?

OH is footing the bill so cost (within reason) isn't an issue

If I didn't have to wear a bra I'd go for something with a scooped or low back.

Zara?

I love zara and much of my wardrobe is from there. In fact I wore zara to the last do in summer. I just fancy something a bit more special/indulgent for the next

Ghost have just brought out a slip style dress (only in black at the moment)

I'm not sure about it - it does look a bit like just a slip

Whistles. Other stories. Anthropologie. Reiss. Never fully dressed. Suzanne. Sézane. Petit haut.
id have a look round selfridges. Enjoy. X

I love this one although quite a bit more £££

That ghost one will make you look like you have forgotten to get dressed, not a good look.

Reiss

I'm obviously in a line green sort of mood today. And day dreaming about the sort of backless dresses I used to wear in the days before bras.

Yes I agree about the Ghost one. It's somehow not quite a dress and just a slip. Not sure how they got that wrong

What's the dress code for the event?

What sort of industry does OH work in. Some dresses might be a bit OTT for a very staid accountancy firm but positively prudish in a creative / media environment.

Have you looked on Matches, or the Outnet? Some fabulous dresses on there… I got an amazing Norma Kamali dress from Matches which gets loads of compliments at events! I also like some of the Adrianna Papell dresses from John Lewis (though some are definitely middle aged!) xx

No dress code as such - DH is partner in law firm so it's the one time of year I get to ditch my nhs office appropriate look and play dress up

What about Vivienne Westwood or Self Portrait?

www.viviennewestwood.com/en/women/clothing/dresses/long-liz-jersey-dress-winetasting-11020006J002SI401.html
www.self-portrait.com/products/black-ribbed-knit-crossover-bust-midi-dress

These are midi and fitted, which would suit my shape (similar petite size 8 but not such great boobs) but there are other shapes.

@cathyandclare westwood is a good idea. Self portrait I find to be designed for tiny boobs. Even pre-op with deflated post-bf breasts I would spill out. Their day dresses are slightly more forgiving I find

@RTHJ14 Norma Kamali looks gorgeous- like a tasteful grownup version of House of CB. I shall research further - thank you!

44 is NOT middle age 😂

I think 44 is middle age, although Google suggests it starts at 45 - which is pretty close to 44.

what have you worn previously?

It really is

44 is clearly middle aged. Starts at 40.

This was last year (sadly not me in pic)

I was going to suggest a norma kamali dress but it's probably a bit close to last year.

I bought a lovely slip dress from Raey recently, I love it but may not be your style.