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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
GonnaGetGoingReturns · 03/10/2023 21:14

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.

I’ve got Esska silver (or some metallic colour) shoes, they’re stunning and comfy.

Twilightstarbright · 03/10/2023 21:25

I’ve enjoyed this thread, lots of opinions! If you can OP, I’d order a selection online and have a try on session. Go for what YOU feel fabulous in, not what anyone else says is sexy.

FWIW I love the Reiss Noa dress and it’s perfect for a bar mitzvah I’ve got coming up so thanks to the PP who shared it.

Zooeyzo · 03/10/2023 21:56

So many nice dresses on this thread.
I would go with the one sleeve Karen millen dress another poster suggested.
Jumpsuits aren't va va voom sexy as the OP wants.
If you have a great figure flaunt it while you can OP.

SurprisedWithAHorse · 04/10/2023 08:44

God yes, she is just incredible. I saw her in a magazine a while ago in a floor length, backless silver dress, totally straight. I don't know how she managed it when she's so petite (petite is beautiful, but notoriously difficult to carry off long skirts) but she looked stunning.

Mummyoflittledragon · 04/10/2023 10:26

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.

Edited

Perhaps you could make a wise suggestion about what op could wear.

Mummyofbananas · 05/10/2023 16:09

ClaraBourne · 03/10/2023 22:43

I'd go for a Gillain Anderson vibe, she always looks amazing.
https://www.wmagazine.com/fashion/gillian-anderson-best-red-carpet-fashion

See her trouser suit here in this article, and the black strapless dress (if you want to show any skin )

I agree, she's dresses in a way that woman appreciate and that men find attractive I think. Always very classy.

TheresaBouvey · 07/10/2023 09:35

I hope you get to go to lots of parties this Christmas OP

And that you'll look and feel sexy and have fun

Make sure you wear something that does not require a lot of readjusting/pulling in place or in any way restrictive or makes you self conscious

I once wore a beautiful silk print dress, fitted, to a party and it kept riding up and it drove me mad

So now I only wear dresses that properly "hang", not "sit"

That sort of thing

Janieforever · 07/10/2023 11:38

Mummyofbananas · 05/10/2023 16:09

I agree, she's dresses in a way that woman appreciate and that men find attractive I think. Always very classy.

Show quote history

I also agree, when she was younger she went a lot more out there, tacky, sexed up, wacky, in her clothing choices , but as she’s got older, apart from a couple of stand out red carpet moments, she tends to dress very elegantly, not overtly sexy or attention seeking, but a more paired down, muted look. I usually think she looks great now.

Azaleah · 07/10/2023 17:39

@Trainplan Whatever you decide, let us know by posting a photo. Have a great Christmas party 🎄

Zoommeout · 07/10/2023 17:41

MiddleParking · 03/10/2023 05:49

It’s not her first time out of the house 🤣

Show quote history

It might not be her first time out , but I certainly benefited from this and have taken note.

Coffeepot72 · 07/10/2023 18:03

I’m a similar age to the OP, I don’t fare too well with heels either, but wouldn’t feel sexy a a party without them (unless it’s the summer and I’m in sparkly flip flops!) so I go for a block heel, this makes me feel elegant and I can still walk!

Happy1966 · 07/10/2023 19:09

You sound like you’ve the perfect figure to dress ! I’d get you legs out although one of the pictures I’ll upload is a clinging satin midi halter it sounds like that would look fab too.

BeggyMitchell · 07/10/2023 21:09

Love both of those AnneKipankitoo 😍.

AnneKipankitoo · 08/10/2023 07:55

Thank you @BeggyMitchell

Zooeyzo · 08/10/2023 09:23

@Trainplan I'm so glad you started this thread. I've been in a rut since turning 45 and thought my days of wearing mini dresses or sleevless tops was over even though I'm still slim and work hard to stay toned. Glad to see that other women in their 40s and 50s still wear what they want.
@Happy1966 love that sequin dress

MayIDestroyYou · 08/10/2023 09:45

@Zooeyzo my mother is over 90 and wears (has always worn) exactly what she wants. Where did you receive the idea that any adult woman (in the UK, at least) is not free to choose as she likes from what is available to buy? Surely the only limiting factors are your own tastes and judgement and your ability to pay?

vlo · 08/10/2023 18:13

MayIDestroyYou · 08/10/2023 09:45

@Zooeyzo my mother is over 90 and wears (has always worn) exactly what she wants. Where did you receive the idea that any adult woman (in the UK, at least) is not free to choose as she likes from what is available to buy? Surely the only limiting factors are your own tastes and judgement and your ability to pay?

ugh 🙄

mrsmingleton · 08/10/2023 18:18

@Zooeyzo 45? You need to loosen up in your life and put less restrictions on yourself.

blackrabbitwhiterabbit · 08/10/2023 18:30

Please don't wear leather or lace 😳

Zoommeout · 08/10/2023 19:38

.

Azaleah · 16/10/2023 17:43

This one (from another thread), sexy as hell!

ohelloclothing.com/products/monica-off-the-shoulder-gown-emerald-green?variant=39848223342657