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Original poster

Statement outfit for a 45 year old

75 replies

Bigbirthdaycomingup · 30/10/2023 10:00

Hi All,

I've a big birthday coming up. Well it's my 45th but for various reasons I haven't had a bash for five years and looking forward to a celebration. I'm looking for a showstopper if that's possible.

Ideally I would like red as it suits me; I'm sallow skinned and brunette. However blue, gold or cream would be fine too. I don't like patterned fabric. Definitely not black, grey or pastels.

I don't like midi so mini (but not obscene) or long with a thigh slit. I don't like satin, sparkly or shiny material.

I'm busty but due to cancer treatment a few years ago low cleavage tops don't look good. One shoulder is ok or racer shoulders. I can't do backless as I need bra support.

I am not slim but I workout out religiously so my proportions are good. I'm 5 ft 7 and a size 12-14. Form fitting but not clingy suits me best, I look ridiculous in smock style or anything oversized.

I'm thinking a dress or jumpsuit. I mainly wear flat shoes. I like to go quite neutral on clothes and bigger on hair, makeup and accessories.

Budget up to 300 but preferably much less.

I have long thick dark hair that I usually wear down. The party is on in a private section of a fairly upmarket restaurant that does great cocktails and is quite dressy. It will be drinks, finger food and dancing.

Any suggestions?

OP posts:
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16
IdealisticCynic · 31/10/2023 11:07

Have you tried Reiss? They have some lovely things, including in the sale at the moment.

Also, I haven’t bought anything from there yet, but recently stumbled across a brand called Closet London and have an eye on a few items there which look fab and would fit the bill.

fevertotell · 31/10/2023 11:19

Love and roses have some stunning dresses. You can get them from Next online. Not pricey either.

RubyBoozeDay · 31/10/2023 11:38

The red dress you posted is lovely - if you have the confidence to wear it, then go for it. You said you're not as tall as the model wearing it, so it'll be a bit longer on you. You will definitely be a showstopper!

Pinkdelight3 · 31/10/2023 14:41

Oh yes, that Lipsy dress is more spesh, with the wrap and longer (but not too long) more interesting hemline. I really like that, and the previous jumpsuit. Some good options here OP, hope one works for you and you have a ball!

guildingthelily · 31/10/2023 14:45

I've just been to London and perused a few shops. Anthropologie had some lovely stuff. But out of my budget at the moment. However they have some gorgeous funky pieces around £200 mark. I would definitely go there if I was me in your position. Good luck.

FKATondelayo · 31/10/2023 20:37

Bigbirthdaycomingup · 30/10/2023 14:50

I really like this but it's very short. I'm at least two inches shorter than that model but I don't know if that's enough. I am toned but I'm not lithe if that makes sense. Is it too young for me?

I love this, I'd wear this and I'm nearly 50.

That said no-one would be surprised if I wore it (to a big do) as it's in keeping with what I've been wearing all my life (not to Tesco or walk the dog, but to appropriate events). So if it's in keeping with your style, go for it.

Original poster
Bigbirthdaycomingup · 01/11/2023 08:45

Sebsaloysius · 31/10/2023 13:37

My friend wore this to my recent 'big' birthday bash and she looked drop dead....everyone commented on her lovely dress! She's a size 14 with a lovely hourglass figure and toned arms and shoulders, it couldn't have suited her better.
https://www.next.co.uk/style/LS218771/P49914?dp=a&dndl=1&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwy4KqBhD0ARIsAEbCt6gF7ZEGAtVdInAJ6vjV--PWsMmfigZhln4-kAbOeD9RxtcqLQy2enwaAieLEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#P49914

This is exactly what I was looking for, thank you so much!

OP posts:
Original poster
Bigbirthdaycomingup · 01/11/2023 08:55

FKATondelayo · 31/10/2023 20:37

I love this, I'd wear this and I'm nearly 50.

That said no-one would be surprised if I wore it (to a big do) as it's in keeping with what I've been wearing all my life (not to Tesco or walk the dog, but to appropriate events). So if it's in keeping with your style, go for it.

Show quote history

You are so right with your attitude and you've reminded me that nobody would bat an eyelid at me either. My indecision is that I retreated from social gatherings when I was sick and not sure how to return. So silly! I'm still me.

OP posts:
Workawayxx · 01/11/2023 12:39

I think the club london dress is lovely and could look great! It just depends on what the fabric is like really and how you feel with it on so you could order and see?

A few options going down the jumpsuit route...

Slightly satiny fabric but not super sheeny - https://www.reiss.com/style/ST401803/D56078?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7oeqBhBwEiwALyHLM8Fn_yJYG7y4E2klDQ63aqHFHwTTWaNJZyywP50X7yzbXdUBEJ1r3BoCMfgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-one-shoulder-wide-leg-jumpsuit/red/p110431785?size=10&s_ppc=2dx92700078342469900_brand_mixed_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7oeqBhBwEiwALyHLM8WWGfy7uZAKmaSQuDG_52bQeiP954i-jVjkPGKMgR-_LOld4NkBhBoC9WgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Cream jumpsuit: https://www.tedbaker.com/uk/p/Womens/Clothing/Jumpsuits-and-Playsuits/ORLIIE-One-Shoulder-Jumpsuit-With-Giant-Bow-Detail-Ivory/271268-IVORY

this is nice and a bargain but only available in 16 and 18. One review says it comes up small though: https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-janey-knot-front-jumpsuit/coral/p4851740?size=16&s_ppc=2dx92700078342469900_brand_mixed_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7oeqBhBwEiwALyHLM3AyMjGjTZtpRcTyDni9EdLWGSRnlt-ua0GFfEiUf3ohgHeVoH22VhoCtSwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Reiss Eliza Off-The-Shoulder Jumpsuit - REISS

Shop for Reiss Eliza Off-The-Shoulder Jumpsuit online at REISS

https://www.reiss.com/style/ST401803/D56078?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7oeqBhBwEiwALyHLM8Fn_yJYG7y4E2klDQ63aqHFHwTTWaNJZyywP50X7yzbXdUBEJ1r3BoCMfgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

redcess · 01/11/2023 12:55

Bigbirthdaycomingup · 30/10/2023 14:50

I really like this but it's very short. I'm at least two inches shorter than that model but I don't know if that's enough. I am toned but I'm not lithe if that makes sense. Is it too young for me?

I absolutely love this dress. If you've got the legs for the short length then go for it!
It's a really nice brand, simple but beautifully cut designs

bluejelly · 01/11/2023 13:59

Sebsaloysius · 31/10/2023 13:37

My friend wore this to my recent 'big' birthday bash and she looked drop dead....everyone commented on her lovely dress! She's a size 14 with a lovely hourglass figure and toned arms and shoulders, it couldn't have suited her better.
https://www.next.co.uk/style/LS218771/P49914?dp=a&dndl=1&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwy4KqBhD0ARIsAEbCt6gF7ZEGAtVdInAJ6vjV--PWsMmfigZhln4-kAbOeD9RxtcqLQy2enwaAieLEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#P49914

This is stunning!

jammysmol · 01/11/2023 15:59

@mrssmiling That's a nice outfit, the sort of thing my sister in law would wear and she is a very stylish 43 year old!

PointlessAddiction · 01/11/2023 17:52

I love the red dress you posted. Im a little older than you and I’d wear it.

Flossypantsmummy · 02/11/2023 12:56

Lovely! Go and rock that frock!

Lollzi86 · 02/11/2023 13:13

Club L London have some stunning red jumpsuits in range from 55 to 150 in price so within budget

Onethingatatime23 · 02/11/2023 14:45

How about this, OP? Quite classic but it sounds like it might be stunning on you, if it isn't too low at the front.

https://www.johnlewis.com/gina-bacconi-zoe-velvet-wrap-dress/navy/p111093195

Or this, slightly longer than the one you posted.

https://www.johnlewis.com/gina-bacconi-jane-beaded-dress/red/p110392647

Statement outfit for a 45 year old
Statement outfit for a 45 year old
DiamandaTheGreat · 02/11/2023 15:00

@Middleagedmeangirls I'm not usually that inspired by Joanie but that jumpsuit in green is lovely! How is the fit around the bust? I have pretty big boobs and that kind of seamed fit is not usually very flattering on me.

Violetparis · 02/11/2023 15:11

The red dress you shared is lovely. Go for it !

Middleagedmeangirls · 02/11/2023 15:12

@DiamandaTheGreat
I'm small framed but also big boobed (30FF) so V necks are a mine field for me too. I often have to wear a camisole or sew the v up a bit but this is fine on me. It's well cut and the velvet is very soft so it drapes neatly round the breasts so it reveals a hint of boob but a not a plunging cleavage.

Statement outfit for a 45 year old
Jenasaurus · 02/11/2023 15:20

You say red suits you and you like jumpsuits, what about this one

Red bandeau jumpsuit | River Island

Discointhekitchen · 02/11/2023 17:08

Bigbirthdaycomingup · 30/10/2023 14:50

I really like this but it's very short. I'm at least two inches shorter than that model but I don't know if that's enough. I am toned but I'm not lithe if that makes sense. Is it too young for me?

Looks amazing! I’m your age and think it’s perfect.

some great boots that would look great with that in the shops atm too!