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Original poster

London party outfit

209 replies

mamaduckbone · 27/05/2023 23:07

I've been invited to a party in July - it's a joint 50th birthday bash for 4 of dh's old
Uni friends. They were all very Hoxton and trendy when we lived down in London, but I never was really part of that set and we've lived elsewhere for 20 odd years now so am completely out of touch.

Although we're now all middle aged with kids I know the London lot will still be super stylish. Please help, oh wise mumsnet stylistas - I don't want to look like a small town primary school teacher (even though that's what I am!)
Size 10-12, 5'5", most comfortable in a stripy t-shirt, jeans and converse.

OP posts:
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MetaDaughter · 27/05/2023 23:25

Depends …

Where’s the party being held - at someone’s home or …? Any indication of level of formality? Presumably not black tie, or you’d know. Are they all billionaire retirees, or artists or maybe primary school teachers?

In short, who do want to impress and how much do you want to spend?

Original poster
mamaduckbone · 28/05/2023 11:09

MetaDaughter · 27/05/2023 23:25

Depends …

Where’s the party being held - at someone’s home or …? Any indication of level of formality? Presumably not black tie, or you’d know. Are they all billionaire retirees, or artists or maybe primary school teachers?

In short, who do want to impress and how much do you want to spend?

All very valid questions!
It's at a 'venue' and more DJ/nightclubby vibe, definitely not black tie, artists/media types (and yes, probably some primary school teachers!) so not megabucks money people.

No desire to impress, just don't want to look frumpy. Happy to blend in!

I also don't have a massive budget, as we have a very expensive couple of months with a lot of birthdays - dh's 50th, ds1's 18th - and already need to pay for a hotel for this weekend.

OP posts:
MetaDaughter · 28/05/2023 11:11

Sorry to say, but for someone who was around when Ghost was established in the 80s - that would be an immensely boring thing to wear! It’s relatively cheap and in a fabric that has no real connection to the original designs. It’s also a bit - droopy. Perfectly ‘nice’ but more a hosting at home than a going out dress. But I’m not the OP so it hardly matters what I think. Grin

MetaDaughter · 28/05/2023 11:12

Crossed you, @mamaduckbone!

Rina66 · 28/05/2023 11:14

I like a lot of the Nobody's Child dresses...

www.nobodyschild.com/dresses/occasionwear/evening-dresses.html

Original poster
mamaduckbone · 28/05/2023 13:52

Thanks for the suggestion @Irisheyesareshining but that's not really me. I'm very much not a shiny satin kinda girl!

OP posts:
Original poster
mamaduckbone · 28/05/2023 13:54

Looks interesting @Rina66 - never come across that site. I'll have a proper look later when I've got time.

OP posts:
Westfacing · 28/05/2023 13:57

I think the slanted bodice of the blue satin Ghost dress makes the breasts look very droopy!

AHugeTinyMistake · 28/05/2023 14:02

Does it have to be a dress?

There's a lot of trouser suits in shops right now, which are perfect for summer.

You could wear a sparkly cami underneath & heels or t shirt/converse if it's more of a party do

Bearpawk · 28/05/2023 14:09

My friends are that type and I've been to a lot of late 40s/50th parties lately. I've seen a LOT of jumpsuits (usually with trainers such as Nike air force 1) but you could dress up with sandals.
Lots of Arket, cos, whistles, ganni.
More casual shapes or styles but with red lipstick and some nice jewellery.

MinxieMax · 28/05/2023 14:39

OP think of what you would feel comfortable and stylish wearing to say your sister's 50th or another close friend's, and wear that. Don't agonise over it just because you feel the need to look "trendy". When you think about it, feeling right brings confidence to carry any outfit off. It's when you try too hard that you feel meh about it and might be constantly pulling and tugging and not feel right.

Go get a nice dress in a style you like, that fits you well, is comfortable to wear and looks good on YOU (not some model on a website) and you're good to go.

Most people will not care about what you are wearing, believe me.... they are too busy looking at themselves! Hope you have a great time and you will rock.

NinetyNineRedBalloonsGoBy · 28/05/2023 14:44

My friends are these types of people and I would say that the key is to not look like you have made too much of an effort!

Absolutely NO fake tan / fillers / platinum hair / high heels / skin tight dresses. Instead go loose and floaty in natural fabrics. Keep patterns to a minimum but accessorise with statement jewellery.

LivelyBlake · 28/05/2023 17:08

I'd wear a black top and wide leg trousers with Esska type heeled sandals, nice clutch /micro bag and earrings
https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/pilcro-smocked-sleeveless-top?category=tops-detailed-dressy&color=001&type=REGULAR&quantity=1

justawee · 28/05/2023 18:02

H and M
Red lipstick
Can't link as on the app

London party outfit
London party outfit
London party outfit
GarlicGrace · 28/05/2023 18:04

Assuming we're looking at a constrained budget and something you might not wear that often, I went to Asos.

The dress is cotton and, I think, a heck of a bargain at £38.
https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-cotton-dropped-corset-waist-midi-skater-dress-in-patchwork-print/prd/204197757

I couldn't find the top I had in mind to wear over it (if you want) but these could work. All synthetics, I'm afraid! The light blue one has sparkles.

Ditsy: https://www.asos.com/pieces/pieces-tie-front-cardigan-in-white-ditsy/prd/204576510

Crochet shrug: https://www.asos.com/collusion/collusion-plus-knitted-crochet-cardigan-in-true-white/prd/204318579

Crochet tie front: https://www.asos.com/topshop/topshop-knitted-tie-front-crochet-stitch-cardigan-in-ivory/prd/204572597

Blue mesh, sparkles: https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-knitted-shirt-in-sequin-yarn-in-blue-co-ord/prd/204226684