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?

I’d suggest avoiding red - I was at a party a couple of years ago and the four of us over 45 were all in red and the young ones all in black. I loved my dress but noticing that really made me feel middle-aged 😡

I'm not wearing black, it doesn't suit me and nearly everyone will be middleaged 😆

I quite like navy or a deep jade/teal for an evening dress.

I've been looking at sequin skirts from law and company (on line) and they look fab

What about something like this, very chic, very classic, showing flesh in a tasteful way https://www.fiftiesstore.com/billion-dollar-baby-dress-navy.html
I personally feel that both leather and lace can be ageing. I would go for a well fitted dress in one colour with a nice pendant necklace and a sexy touch like those stockings with a line up the back.

It is all very well saying 'you are enough' - but this is a Style and Beauty board where the OP has asked for help to look like a sex bomb. Your post is no help at all!

OP - I would go down the tuxedo route personally, because I like a bit of androgyny and it works well on the slim and toned. You aren't showing acres of flesh but the slightly masculine twist does look sexy and grown up

The first dress you linked looks like it would be fabulous on your figure. Red is classic!

Last year I got a metallic pleated v neck sort of knitted dress from Next which I wore with silver glitter heels (you could wear anything though). There are a few options here:-

https://www.next.co.uk/shop/gender-women-category-dresses/brand-next-use-occasionwear-use-partywear?p=8#699.75

Oliver Bonas also do some nice party wear too:-

https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/party-wear

I got some nice pewter ankle western boots from Oliver Bonas but saw Next are doing gold ones similar.

I would swap "middle aged woman" for "woman in her prime" and work from that as my base. Look for the things that make you feel great!

They may well have something in Phase Eight or Oasis. I am a similar build to you. Sometimes it's worth searching 'body con' dresses because they're not all ridiculously figure hugging.

If you like Cos:-

https://www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/partywear.htm

Another person who would like to see links for midi/pencil leather skirts please! I've seen the Sosander ones, but a) they are quite spendy if I don't like them b) I am not sure about that "window pane" effect on the skirt...

https://www.sosandar.com/tan-leather-buckle-detail-pencil-skirt link in case it helps OP

Not a Mumsnet brand to suggest but me and my friends get loads from Quiz

Good sizing, tons of flatterinf styles. Lots of lush satin dress/ jacket styles and things with gold in. I always always get something here that is commented on. Could list what Ive bought but take a look. Quiz clothing, have branches - all looks better on. Avoid prom/ club stuff ..!

A leather skirt has a place, but surely not at a glitzy Christmas parry?

There is a gorgeous backless navy blue self portrait dress at the moment. My friend wore it to her wedding anniversary big party and looked amazing. https://www.matchesfashion.com/products/1549744?utmsource=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=MF+%7C+GB+%7C+ENG+%7C+PMAX+%7C+Conversion+%7C+Female+%7C+ASP&utm_content=1549744000010&utm_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1OmoBhDXARIsAAAYGSEWJ29FovQ2rXCXik0hxsXaPCtT1san0Wm_4lXd6rFxinzbD5e7mRAaAsezEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

She also has a blonde crop.

I’ve just experimentally ordered a vegan leather skirt from Never Fully Dressed. Have never bought from them before, but worth a pop.

Sorry, OP, am derailing. No, it’s going to be everyday workwear for me.

I don’t have a sense of the kind of thing you normally wear, OP, other than ‘understated’.

I’m not a fan of glitzy evening dresses at all I find them a bit cruise ship glamour, personally I would wear a well tailored trouser suit and I’m sorry but if you want to knock ‘em dead you do need killer heels, no doubt posters will leap on this saying brouges are fine but they really do not scream sex appeal if that’s your goal. Kate and Meghan have worn some fabulous trouser suits they both look understated sexy to me.

A jumpsuit? - dark green or purple are good Christmas party colours - could be velvet or something sparkly - lots come out when the party season stuff is in the shops or online. I don't have any links but & Other Stories do some nice stuff (I'm 51). I follow Nicki Chapman on IG and she always gets it right when she's in party wear - so have a look at some of her posts for inspiration.

This is going to be one of those threads where everyone slags off other people's definitions of "sexy."

I like androgynous trouser suits myself. Or a very well cut velvet blazer with a silk shirt underneath, buttoned low.

Long length trousers with a bit of a split up the front so you can flash your high heel strappy sandals .
Sleeveless cami top and then oversized blazer worn on the shoulders.

I am nearly your age, and there is nothing worse than desperately trying to be ‘sexy’ it is so off putting and embarrassing. At this point your confidence and natural authority should do the talking.

The dresses you have listed are try hard. A black lace trimmed silk top and fitted trousers and amazing shoes will be more than enough. Be cool, know your worth. That’s more sexy than a lipsy dress.

I never wear black. Teal and navy are lovely for Christmas. I also like red or forrest green or maybe plum? Are you more comfortable in a dress or a pair of trousers?

I have a green dress like this, which I love. A big split is sexy imo www.fatface.com/women/clothing/dresses/haldon-velvet-midi-dress/981680.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw1OmoBhDXARIsAAAYGSEUPqy_OVEZzCcPiK4mtR7uMJzfIwKFShCLdZLM3t8NRb_ipipNqmkaAoazEALw_wcB

Sezanne has some very nice tops at the moment, like this one:
https://www.sezane.com/en/product/eglantine-blouse/navy-blue#size-6

There's also a great white one
https://www.sezane.com/us/product/chlo-shirt/ecru-guipure-lace#size-0

Wear with a plain camisole underneath so that it teases but doesn't scream 'look at me'. Team it with some narrow cigarette pants ending just above the ankle and an elegant shoe with as much of a heel as you can bear or flowing wide trousers cut well over the bum. Jacket to match the trousers. Diamond earrings, bracelets, nothing at the neck. Classy, different, sexy but without trying hard. Don't be obvious.

I came on to say this! I've seen this outfit in the flesh and looks amazing.

Its very easy to slip into mutton territory in a dress.