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Original poster

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

284 replies

Trainplan · 02/10/2023 16:14

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?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
36
Flyinggeesei234 · 03/10/2023 15:00

VWdieselnightmare · 03/10/2023 13:26

Most of us are highly unlikely to be able to carry this off quite as well as Kate Moss. I would very much look like bar staff if I tried.

Daddylonglegs123 · 03/10/2023 15:01

Absolutely no judgement here. Sorry to hear about your husband.

With your figure and being taller than average you could wear absolutely anything and look fantastic. I am much bigger and taller than so no idea about dresses sorry.

You know what colours you suit so I would go for on of them and aim for something glam in teal, jade, purple or navy. Possibly a classy but subtly sexy velvety midi dress with a shearer part at the top or trousers and a nice top. What about maybe going to a John Lewis personal shopper?

Book a blow dry or up do, treat yourself to
some nice sparkly earrings and a bright lipstick and you will feel fabulously confident and have the lovely night you so well deserve and have some fun.

x

VWdieselnightmare · 03/10/2023 15:05

Kate Moss and the OP are a similar height and size and it sounds as if OP has quite a sharp haircut — so a strong possibility that she could carry it off. Which is presumably why people have suggested it. That look — silk shirt and tux — is so stylish.

Bigmoanbabyg · 03/10/2023 15:12

A heel makes a big difference if glam is the look you are going for. Also if you want to stand out, don't wear black as every woman over 50 wears that so you'll just be yet another one in the room.

Pick a celeb who you think you share a similar physique too them Google their name and dress and you'll get lots of inspiration to filter through until you can find a shape and colour you liked before hitting the high street.

MayIDestroyYou · 03/10/2023 15:32

Hmm … I know I’m sniping but - I’m older than the OP and if I wanted to look extra special I absolutely would not be ‘hitting the High St’. Nor would I be employing the services of John Lewis, as they don’t stock any of the brands I might be interested in. Hell, one in a major city couldn’t even supply me with a strapless bra in the right size a few months ago. The idea that I’d look to them for an important outfit is laughable.

7Worfs · 03/10/2023 15:39

I’m sure someone has suggested that already before page 10 but - floor-length red gown.

Many years ago I wore one to a Christmas party (fitted body and a flowy skirt-part with a thigh length slit), it wasn’t particularly sexy or revealing, but it was beautiful. Years later I still get people mentioning “the red dress”.

SurprisedWithAHorse · 03/10/2023 15:40

Floisme · 03/10/2023 08:18

I wasn't going to get involved. This is not my forte. At all. But I can't stand by and say nothing while there are posters still trying to talk the op into wearing a jumpsuit.

The brief we have been given by the op is 'sexy as hell', not stylish or fashionable or arty or professional or a night out with the girls or meeting your ex after 20 years. And never in my life have I met or heard of a man who had a thing for women in jumpsuits. Of course the odd one will exist but why take that chance? Even if he turned out to be an outlier who could see into the op's authentic soul, she'd probably have to show him how to take it off.

For what it's worth, I'm team tuxedo. They worked in the 90s, which was the last time I pulled.

This post made me laugh so much.

NatashaDancing · 03/10/2023 16:09

Trainplan · 03/10/2023 13:53

That picture 5 years old, she was 10 years younger than me and with the best will in the world, even Kate Moss is going to look ridiculous at a suburban dinner dance with her breasts actually out. The same look, slightly more modest, doesn't work in the same way, at all.

Show quote history

I thought she looked fairly ridiculous in that photo.

StarlightLady · 03/10/2023 16:12

OP, you rock whatever you choose and for what ever reason you choose!

You owe no explanations. Go sexy as hell and enjoy!

uncertainalice · 03/10/2023 16:27

isn't it funny that lots of posters are worrying about who or what you want to feel sexy for, when of course, it's for yourself!

the common theme in many of the recommendations seems to be the tactile fabrics, something that feels slinky but won't slide about and annoy you all evening, a wrap or something strokeable that'll keep you warm, and all of it well cut enough that it's stunning but still comfortable.

As you don't want heels (I wouldn't either), how about some velvet or satin ballet flats, or some obviously expensive leather boots?

Then statement jewellery to dress up or down as required, some beautiful scent...and you will be the belle of the ball.

Do you have anything that feels right already, so you have an idea of what you might treat yourself to? Nothing is as sexy as self-confidence, draped in a little understated something...

Boomboom22 · 03/10/2023 16:46

BarnacleBeasley · 03/10/2023 15:56

I quite like this one. I couldn't wear it myself because I am too short:

That is quite possibly the most unflattering dress, posture and shoes yet, def not in any way sexy. Or sit up and notice.
Red tight long or short with some sort of heel, def not like this pick though, preferably closed or peep toe if you must.

vlo · 03/10/2023 17:00

NatashaDancing · 03/10/2023 14:18

Actually the OP said nothing like that. Posters have assumed she's after a specific man. This is what OP said.

This is a do with people I know well and love very much. They know I can do sensible and stylish, they know I can do a trouser suit, I'm just planning to have some fun by showing them something completely different.

I don't really want to attract any man

Show quote history

Cor blimey, talk about homing in on the one detail you can quibble over while missing the point entirely.

The OP fancies looking sexy, it’s the brief she’s given in the post, that’s all we need to know 🤷🏻 Why pick it apart and argue? I don’t understand why you think the OP needs to justify anything.

Treetops09 · 03/10/2023 17:40

I love the first Lipsy one and think you’d look great with your figure

NatashaDancing · 03/10/2023 17:49

vlo · 03/10/2023 17:00

Cor blimey, talk about homing in on the one detail you can quibble over while missing the point entirely.

The OP fancies looking sexy, it’s the brief she’s given in the post, that’s all we need to know 🤷🏻 Why pick it apart and argue? I don’t understand why you think the OP needs to justify anything.

Show quote history

Nowhere on this has the OP said she wanted to attract a man. That's a figment of your imagination and was never "in the brief" as you put it.

It's quite sad that you can't understand that the OP can't just want to look good for herself.

grass67 · 03/10/2023 17:51

Did you read the thread? vlo? ` op was quite specific in the original post, plus a few messages down she was laughing AT HER FRaudian slip about A MAN.

Honestly, it's best to just be honest from the start! The best threads on Mumsnet, the most supported, open and honest are from the heart. OP was not that.

vlo · 03/10/2023 18:22

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vlo · 03/10/2023 18:34

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SurprisedWithAHorse · 03/10/2023 18:43

grass67 · 03/10/2023 17:51

Did you read the thread? vlo? ` op was quite specific in the original post, plus a few messages down she was laughing AT HER FRaudian slip about A MAN.

Honestly, it's best to just be honest from the start! The best threads on Mumsnet, the most supported, open and honest are from the heart. OP was not that.

The best threads on Mumsnet, the most supported, open and honest are from the heart. OP was not that.

It was a post about Christmas party wear.

Hibernatalie · 03/10/2023 18:55

Trainplan · 02/10/2023 17:02

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?

These are all really nice

BernardBlacksMolluscs · 03/10/2023 19:59

I am enjoying all the different ideas of what's 'sexy' (stiff and scratchy nylon pyjama-esque suit? really?)

just goes to show we all have our own style!

Ophy83 · 03/10/2023 20:02

My dh must be unusual as he loves a jumpsuit!

However - the brief is a dress, sleeveless to avoid overheating, not black and not short.

How about one of these?

https://www.allsaints.com/women/dresses/hadley-sequin-midi-slip-dress/WD167Z-4090.html

https://www.reiss.com/style/su100484/C52401#C52401

https://www.reiss.com/style/st790398/941898#941898

And also if you fancy trying some heels give Esska a try. Dawn O'Porter recommended them on her podcast and I wore some to a wedding - danced all night without pain.

Hadley Sequin Midi Slip Dress Gunmetal Grey | ALLSAINTS

Shop the Hadley Sequin Midi Slip Dress in Gunmetal Grey at ALLSAINTS from our collection of Dresses. Free UK shipping & returns.

https://www.allsaints.com/women/dresses/hadley-sequin-midi-slip-dress/WD167Z-4090.html

Pigtailsandall · 03/10/2023 20:15

@Ophy83 I love all of those. If the all saints one was more of a copper one I'd get it straight away!

Ophy83 · 03/10/2023 20:55

Pigtailsandall · 03/10/2023 20:15

@Ophy83 I love all of those. If the all saints one was more of a copper one I'd get it straight away!

Ooh copper would be amazing

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