If you were a middle aged woman and wanted to look sexy as hell for a Christman party...

[Trainplan]

Without looking ridiculous, what steps would you be taking now?

Don't panic, it's not work related!

I'm mid 50s, 5'"7, size 10, sometimes an 8 if it's not too fitted on the hips, well toned.

Blonde crop, a summer colour palate.

Don't get on very well with heels, don't usually wear much makeup. I usually aim for attractively understated. I'd quite like to make for of an impact at this one, but aware that could backfire. Middle aged sexy could translate as aging prostitute, so we'll try not to do that 😆

I suppose a dress is the place to start, where from?

It’s depressing that you think ‘middle-aged sexy’ could translate to ‘ageing prostitute’. What do you think of when you think of ‘sexy’? What kind of clothes do you usually wear? And what is this for — is there someone you want to attract? In which case I think it’s as much attitude as anything.

Black fitted tuxedo jacket with a lace body underneath. Jacket buttoned so the lace only just shoes. Very well cut cigarette trousers. Very high heels. Great blow dry, either smoky eyes or strong lip colour.

Christman Party!? Freudian-slip there OP?

I know 😆

Love this !!! minus the high heels because I can't wear them.

Well, I suppose that answered my question about what the sexy was for…

I'm here for this. 52 years old, not tall like you, average height.

I want to look sexy af at the Christmas do without looking as if I'm trying to look sexy af.

I like heels up to a point, I don't feel dressed up in flats but I can't do the pointy killers of my youth. Maybe boots would work best.

I got a great midi dress with sleeves from Marks and Spencer last year but I want something new. Think I'm always going to go for a dress, it's a big tasty lunch and I can't face bloating in fitted waistband trousers 😊

I would wear a leather skirt - being made of leather will make it sexy enough without it needing to be short or tight.

Elegant sexy, like the suggestion above, not short skirt/low cut/clinging sexy

How are you for showing off your legs OP?

What about either of these, with a pair of black ankle boots (heel doesn't have to be too high).

https://mintvelvet.com/en-ie/products/green-embellished-mini-dress

https://mintvelvet.com/en-ie/products/black-lace-ruffle-mini-dress

Any good suggestions for a leather skirt around? I’d like something midi and not black.

@MorrisZapp, just accessorise with your usual cigar, glass of bourbon and the Zapp stare?

My legs are pretty good but I prefer sleeveless for an evening outfit,otherwise I get too hot dancing and I always think it's either legs or upper body, not both?

@HernesEgg mine are all vintage, I'm afraid - though I do have a lovely brown leather pencil skirt. Think Whistles and Hobbs have some that aren't short or black at the moment.

Bombshell? eg. https://www.bombshellhq.com/products/new-confident-dress-in-scarlet-red

I would go for a midi dress or midi leather pencil skirt, not a mini dress. Not sure what your budget is but hurr is amazing for renting something special & worth having a look at. Otherwise Reiss has great occasion wear, might find something from Rixo. Whistles might be worth a look too, Sandro. Maybe have a look at some influencers, I like Emmarosestyle. I find a red lipstick always helps too.

Do you like any of these?

https://www.next.co.uk/style/LS218771/P49914#P49914

https://www.next.co.uk/style/ls358742/p63773#p63773

https://www.next.co.uk/style/ls386501/k65500#k65500

The long one is probably too much for the occasion, dinner dance in a nice hotel, but better over than under dressed?

Isn't that a bit mumsy? Nothing wrong with mumsy if that's what you like, but not what I'm aiming for on this occasion 😆

Thank you!

You can rent this one from hurr and it's backless with a tie to cover the bra.

I like the first lipsy one out of the ones you sent across.

Leather skirt = established member of SLT.

Wrap dress = Nigella or Samantha Brick/everybody in Femail going on about their diet.

Blazer with as little clothing underneath as possible = remembers this being sexy in the 1980s.

You are enough. You don't need to add 'is quite possibly up for it if given enough wine' to your look.

This dress but at 5ft 7in, size 10 and well toned, you'd probably look good in anything!

SLT?

The leather skirt I’m searching for will be worn with jumpers and boots for work. So not exactly ‘come hither’ unless for a niche ‘Grumpy-looking middle-aged academic with messy hair’ type.

I agree with the OP not needing to completely reinvent herself, especially not via vavavoom dresses or Sexy Blazers.

SLT - like Assistant Headteacher. So probably not that far removed from middleaged academic!

Oh it's ages since I've been clocked! Yip I might try to rock a safari suit but in all honesty I'll be craving a full zip hooded dressing gown all day, you know why 😊