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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:
Thread gallery
16
Astridscat · 28/05/2023 18:19

Bias cut leopard print skirt and a t-shirt

Angharad78 · 28/05/2023 18:21

I have similar measurements (and a love of Breton / converse) to you OP and I bought this in navy and liked it so much, I also bought in sky blue. Depending on your colouring, both could really work for a party with the right accessories. Not mega spendy either.

https://www.peacocks.co.uk/4404699-bluelight-plain.html

Womens Pale Blue Utility Jumpsuit | Peacocks

This lovely jumpsuit will make a stylish addition to your new season wardrobe. In pale blue with a lapel collar neckline, short sleeves and a flattering wais...

https://www.peacocks.co.uk/4404699-bluelight-plain.html

Mirabai · 28/05/2023 18:49

I’m a big Rixo fan. Avail Harvey Nicks, Netaporter, Liberty etc

https://www.harveynichols.com/brand/rixo/womens/

London party outfit
HermioneWeasley · 28/05/2023 18:53

I am a northerner and very scruffy by northern standards - always the only woman wearing flats who hasn’t their nails professionally done. In London I am ALWAYS over dressed. Always.

Mirabai · 28/05/2023 19:02

HermioneWeasley · 28/05/2023 18:53

I am a northerner and very scruffy by northern standards - always the only woman wearing flats who hasn’t their nails professionally done. In London I am ALWAYS over dressed. Always.

London style is quite relaxed - out of towners tend to wear cocktail dresses to restaurants.

HermioneWeasley · 28/05/2023 19:16

Exactly @Mirabai - you need to be stylish and funky but not “dressed up” in any way.

Notjustabrunette · 28/05/2023 19:41

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.

I was going to say the same. Jumpsuits and trainers are definitely more of a London trendy bar look than a floaty dress.

Notjustabrunette · 28/05/2023 19:55

https://www.johnlewis.com/ro-zo-flutter-sleeve-wide-leg-jumpsuit-black/p110078789

I would go with something like this either with trainers or a chunky heel sandal.

LondonLovie · 28/05/2023 19:57

Zara has some nice dresses at the moment. Really nice selection.

Original poster
mamaduckbone · 28/05/2023 20:19

Thank you so much for all these suggestions...I've been out this afternoon but will look at them tomorrow.
Jumpsuit/wide leg trousers, funky top and trainers is definitely more my thing than a floaty dress, so it's good to hear that might be along the right lines.
I have some leopard print slip on vans and white Stan smiths...hoping maybe either of those might as footwear as I can't really justify new shoes as well.

OP posts:
Original poster
mamaduckbone · 28/05/2023 20:22

Notjustabrunette · 28/05/2023 19:55

https://www.johnlewis.com/ro-zo-flutter-sleeve-wide-leg-jumpsuit-black/p110078789

I would go with something like this either with trainers or a chunky heel sandal.

Bloody love this!

OP posts:
Original poster
mamaduckbone · 28/05/2023 20:24

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.

Just as well fillers / heels / platinum hair / nails is very much not me!

OP posts:
Original poster
mamaduckbone · 28/05/2023 20:25

Tigofigo · 28/05/2023 15:22

That's gorgeous - out of stock which is just as well as it's way over budget

OP posts:
pennypingletonpenny · 28/05/2023 20:30

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.

Absolutely this.

I went to a party with trendy London types recently and I felt SO overdressed (and I’m not a glam type at all!) I think I was the only one there who wasn’t wearing trainers.

Original poster
mamaduckbone · 28/05/2023 20:30

Angharad78 · 28/05/2023 18:21

I have similar measurements (and a love of Breton / converse) to you OP and I bought this in navy and liked it so much, I also bought in sky blue. Depending on your colouring, both could really work for a party with the right accessories. Not mega spendy either.

https://www.peacocks.co.uk/4404699-bluelight-plain.html

That's absurdly nice for Peacocks!

OP posts:
Original poster
mamaduckbone · 28/05/2023 20:33

@PaperBlinds the orange top and wide leg trousers outfit is fabulous - I would feel comfortable in that

OP posts:
Original poster
mamaduckbone · 28/05/2023 20:34

Sorry, that's a lot of replies 🤪

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PaperBlinds · 28/05/2023 21:03

@mamaduckbone isn't it? I maaaaay have to order one! It's not too obviously Cos either, and I thought the striped one might work for you too though as a posh version of breton and jeans! Would look equally good with converse or leather flat mules, or gladiator sandals or ugly trainers.

Zhougzhoug · 28/05/2023 21:07

A boxy cut jumpsuit, the stan smiths, a bright lip is absolutely dandy.

You will also see a lot of people in a rolled-up hem barrell-leg trouser, gore-tex trainers and a crew neck t-shirt.

NoWayRose · 28/05/2023 21:17

Nancy Mac, Me + Em and Donna Ida also have some lovely jumpsuits - lots on Vinted.