Need an outfit for a hen night, please help!

[twotiredwithtwo]

Hi all,

First time posting in this section but I feel so out of my depth! My best friend is getting married soon and wants us all to do the classic us in black, her in white for her hen party.

I'm 29 and a size 10/12. I've just had my second child and haven't been on a night out since pre wedding (5 years ago!)

I have no idea what sort of dress to wear, I want to look classy but I also am scared of looking 'mumsy', I'm the only one of our friendship group with children so I already feel ancient compared to them! I also don't really know how to style my post-partum body. When dressed I look relatively slim however I do have a bit of a pouch which I feel self-conscious about. I want to look, dare I say it- a bit sexy while still looking classy and appropriate.

Budget wise, ideally £50 or below.

I feel I've set some impossible guidelines but any advice or help would be appreciated.

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think? www.johnlewis.com/hush-phoenix-floral-print-midi-dress-scatter-floral-black/p109369059?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5Lk1lc3NhZ2U=

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think? www.johnlewis.com/finery-abel-velvet-dress/black/p109678776?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5Lk1lc3NhZ2U=

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think? www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-plain-bodycon-sweetheart-neckline-jersey-dress-black/p109884976?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5Lk1lc3NhZ2U= Jazz it up with accessories and shoes.

A little over budget but you can’t go wrong with a LBD I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think? www.johnlewis.com/french-connection-buntie-shift-mini-dress/paradise-blue/p109085966?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5Lk1lc3NhZ2U=

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think? www.johnlewis.com/mango-open-back-disco-dress-black/p109700699?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5Lk1lc3NhZ2U=

Thank you so much @Niftythrifter, I hadn't realised anyone had responded! These dresses look great and they're in the sale! Double points haha. I hadn't even thought to look on John Lewis. Really appreciate your help xx

@twotiredwithtwo I am all for getting a batgain!

Where are you going? What are you doing? Dinner? Dancing? Club? Pub? Posh restaurant? Karaoke?

I had my hen night 2 years ago in July. I'm 41 and was 40 then with one child 8 then. I ordered loads of dresses from next all different brands abs settled on one from Roman, size 14 halterneck

Sorry I didn't read your post properly 😂🤦🏻‍♀️. I still stand by Roman though and lots of other good brands on the next website.

This is quite nice but might fall into the 'mumsey' category - I don't think so but I am old! 🤣

Zara?

Bit over budget River Island!

I googled "little black dress under £50" The Boohoo dress in navy featured on at least 3 wedding threads last year. Boohoo have a nice selection.

www.boohoo.com/womens/dresses/little-black-dresses

www.boohoo.com/boutique-full-skirted-prom-midi-dress/AZZ03564.html?color=105

www.littleblackdress.co.uk/root/dresses/black-dresses/

Little Black Dress Company - wide range of styles and prices

www.next.co.uk/shop/gender-women-category-dresses/colour-black?p=1#0

Next's offering.

ASOS have a huge selection as well.

You're 29 , slim and a size 10 the world is your oyster !

What are the areas you want to accentuate? I’m a size 10 but have rubbish small boobs and a bit of a c section overhang. I look fabulous in a dress that covers my boobs, nips in my waist and skims my belly. But you might have a fabulous cleavage that deserves to be seen!

Have you tried on any playsuits or jumpsuits? I was amazed at how flattering they can be.

Try Club L London the material is great and I find flattering

I’m in exactly the same boat!! Same age, dress size and my best friends hen do next week. I’ve not long had a baby so still not looking by best and can’t shift the pouch 😂 I’ve gone for a pair of black skinny jeans with black leather croc effect knee high boots, a black cami top and a belt with a gold buckle. Then I found the most stunning crimson blazer to wear on top. Going to pair with some chunky gold jewellery.

Ive bought at least 8 different outfits over the last month but felt crap in them all. So back to the trusty jeans and a nice top combo it is!

My go to is black leather trousers and a blazer and heels 👌🏼

I'm struggling to get over the fact that you haven't had a night out since you were 24!

Something like this ?

Go on asos, filter by colour, size and price, and then scroll through them all… I’m sure you’ll find something.

Have you though about shoes?

I'm old too and I think that's gorgeous! Smart and a little sexy and covers all the danger points. What's not to love?

I recently wore this to a party -

www.riverisland.com/p/black-satin-wrap-midi-dress-762348

I'm conscious of my tummy but because of the wrap ruching the fabric it's super flattering but still sexy.

Not mumsy at all (I'm 30 and not a mum).

Lady! You need to follow the.confidentmama on Instagram!! She is life altering! Loads of lovely clothes and very good for boosting your confidence.

I regularly scroll through her stuff for inspiration!

a Skater style dress may work? Fitted at the top and then not so fitted at the bottom so it doesn’t highlight your ‘pouch’. Enjoy 😊