Sparkles for someone distinctly unsparkly

[Whenwillglorioussummercome]

I've got a work black tie event with the theme 'sparkle'.

I have put on quite a lot of weight recently (could be menopause, probably chips) and am currently size 16/18. I easily look pregnant as my stomach is bigger than my boobs. I'm 5'5". Many of my colleagues are young, beautiful things. I have never felt less sparkly.

Please offer me some ideas. I've drifted round John Lewis and Selfridges and seen nothing that called to me. Nothing clingy, empire line sees me asked when I'm due, doesn't have to have sleeves if I can add a cover up thing but no weird stuff happening at the top that means I can't add a cape/shawl/cardigan as I do NOT want my wings on show.

Thank you.

I would just get a fabulous pair of conversation starting big sparkly costume earrings and get something really flattering, sexy and simple to wear that will do lots of duty at other events.

Maybe something in black or grey or whatever base colour suits you, that allows for a wee bit of cleavage and mesh sleeves. Put a bit of subtlety sparkling highlighter on said cleavage and between that and the sparkling chandelier earrings you are covered.

Buy Spanx, get your hair (up do to show off the earrings) and make up done so you feel good.

Major sparkles should be limited to Christmas I think. They don’t really flatter most people - even the slim tend look like a Turkey ready to be cooked - if it’s not going to make you feel good don’t do it.

I would revisit John Lewis, Selfridges, Mango, Wallis, Studio 8, monsoon, oasis, Anna Sui, coast, Scarlett and Jo and even m ans s with simplicity in mind. Actually having poured cold water - monsoon is a place that does sparkles rather well - less baking foil, more appealingly mystic, so you could look there.

OP, I’m not the best to ask for fashion advice, but I’m sorry to hear you feel you’ve lost your sparkle.

Your posts have made me chuckle several times, though, so if you end up looking even half as sparkling as your wit, you’ll be grand.

I’m a big fan of sparkly shoe clips, so if you have a comfy pair of black evening shoes, you can whack a pair on and at least sparkle around your toe region 🤣.

Here are the Amazon ones as a starting point…

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=diamante+shoe+clips+uk&adgrpid=129610830232&hvadid=606074067738&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1006717&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=17902580570106457354&hvtargid=kwd-362962192559&hydadcr=28525_2402010&tag=googhydr-21&ref=pd_sl_4qhx6st1aw_e