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 would be very careful showing off too much skin. A slightly flabby upper arm can absolutely kill the look. a bit of spider vein on the leg, a no no. A sun damaged décolleté a give away. It’s not worth it. And totally no with the toes. Do not show feet, nor knees.

I am so utterly gobsmacked by @MistyBay‘s extraordinary diatribe against middle aged women - I think I’ll be wandering around in a daze, muttering to myself, all day …

This, completely. Loads of women feel awesome in current styles that talk a fashion language to other women, and signal an understanding of what is in vogue. Fair play all day to them.

Some of us would enjoy a chance to turn heads, look hot, or even provoke the odd 'wow' reaction.

I dress in comfortable clothes for ordinary life, but very occasionally I want to have a ton of fun dressing up, whether fashion thinks that's a good idea or not.

Love @MorrisZapp’s post, although would contend that jumpsuits can absolutely look sexy!

Just off the top of my head, remember this one?!

I know @NatashaDancing I was only saying both jumpsuits and the Other Stories dresses may not be right, whoever suggested them. Though I do know heterosexual men into jumpsuits ( DH is one).

Agree about the Lipsy dresses.
I like the Ted Baker one, except it's polyester and may get hot.

I think jumpsuits can look sexy to other women, which is kind of my point. Fleabag didn't pull the priest the night she wore that outfit, did she? In fact you could argue it scared him off until the end of the series (although God probably also played a part).

And I don’t think a dude needs to be ‘into’ jumpsuits to find a woman attractive in one ☺️

What’s important is how they showcase your figure, and the attitude and vibe they project, and imo a jumpsuit could definitely meet OP’s brief of being sexy without ‘looking like you’re trying to be sexy’.

I haven’t suggested one upthread, just think this is down to personal preference rather than some universal truth about jumpsuits.

This is silly, you can see she looks sexy, it doesn’t matter whether she pulled the priest that night or not, it’s fiction ;) Although they obviously fancied each other…. ;)

There's nothing wrong with the size of my hips 😆

It's an interesting discussion. I didn't realise so many women would have such strong opinions.

I agree men don't like jumpsuits. Weirdly I was once (kind of) involved in a discussion of middle aged men saying what an abomination they are, how women seem to think they're sexy and edgy but they're never flattering. Anyway maybe they were expressing very niche views but I haven't been able to wear one since😆 albeit mainly because why would you when they're so difficult?!

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 think my idea of middle aged women and some views here are different. None of those red dresses would make me look "mutton" IMHO I could carry them better than a lot of younger women (who can and should also wear them well, if that's what they want).

You're right, I am getting silly now. I'm off. Best of luck to the op.

Yes but @Trainplan what about your spider veins, eh? 😜

The dresses I don't like: it's not because they will make you look like mutton. I wouldn't like them even on a 20-year-old.. Just personal taste.

Let us know what you decide.

Me too and I’m in my 60’s!

I went to a similar occasion a few years back (aged 46, size 8). I wore a max mara silk top, similar to the photo, but not so low cut. I wore it with fitted shorts, I still have amazing legs, so opted to flaunt them. I spent two months practicing in heels, so I could look and be comfortable and I did one of the princess threads. I felt amazing and was propositioned all night long! It's quality you need not Lipsy. It's all the small things that count, the subtle tan, perfect hair, skin on point, I agree with the PP about looking at every aspect in the next two months. When you feel great it shines through.
I'd love the back story though😂

That's what Sally Hansen Legs is for 😆

Great advice. What were the shorts like?

If I wore a tuxedo my DH would think I was going to a fancy dress party! I'd feel a right pillock in one too and I am pretty confident in most things.

Tailored shorts. not form fitted, it gave a really nice line, made me look more curvy than I am.

Any party dress is going to look good on a 5’7” size 10. I’d go for stretchy and sparkly round neck and sleeveless, mid calf. Or if you want to show legs, long sleeve high neck with shorter length.

But ‘sexy’ is in the details and the attitude, not the dress.

Hair - sexy hair is glossy, healthy, bouncy. I take the Neales Yard frankincense vitamin tablets to give hair a bit extra. Also spray on shine and a good blow dry to give volume.

Eyes - a really good mascara to lengthen lashes or subtle falsies. Practice adding a twinkle to your eye when you smile (think dirty thoughts - it helps).

Mouth - gloss, but not too overdone. Watch his mouth occasionally when he talks to you - it signals you are thinking about kissing. Again, don’t overdo this or it may look like lip reading. Get a scale and polish a couple of days before for extra teeth shine confidence.

Neck / shoulders - stand tall. A good neck is sexy - maybe occasionally touch your neck - again this signals you are thinking about him kissing you there. Usual don’t overdo it warnings!

Hands - touch his arm, shoulder etc. if the opportunity presents itself.

High heels look sexier than flats but if you’re staying at one venue then take both, some heels for dinner and sitting down, some flats for dancing. Some men find Practicality sexy!

Dont wear perfume but try and think of lots of sexy thoughts. Perfume will mask your natural pheromones and should not be worn when on the pull, if you really must do perfume spray it on the palm of your hands so when you shake hands your scent will linger.

Good luck - I hope you have a fabulous evening!

https://www.karenmillen.com/ponte-crew-neck-midaxi-dress/BKK11842.html?color=157

?

I used to love a pair with pleats and pinched out hips in the 00s for the same reason!

I think what women find sexy on other women can be vastly different to what men find sexy.

A woman might notice if something is currently fashionable or too try-hard or (horror!) from Lipsy, a man might be wondering what you look like underneath the outfit but not so much thought about the outfit itself.

What are you actually after then? Something that will make your friends go "wow" or some sort of sexy Jessica Rabbit out looking for a quick pull outfit?

It's very dull, but I suppose it might be a "wow" if close body fitting is your "wow"

I love that about the practical shoes- I remember taking boots out in a bag one winter when I was younger and someone who was trying to chat me up thought it was brilliant- he loved the fact we were able to walk about for a chat while he walked me to a taxi as well.

@Worldgonecrazy the OP is more than half a century old! Do you honestly believe she needs your culled from ‘The Rules’ or some other dated tome instructions on how to conduct herself in mixed company?

Extraordinary …