Statement outfit for a 45 year old

[Bigbirthdaycomingup]

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?

Throwing this out there....its not launched yet, but its definitely a statement dress!

scampanddude.com/products/green-sequin-short-dress-with-puff-sleeves-and-v-shaped-back

OP this is out of your budget but I had to tempt you as I feel it fits the brief otherwise (I am a similar age to you and am also drooling over it from afar). I do agree with you about current fashion being dress like a (very confident) teenager in super skimpy clothing or basically almost wear a burka… very annoying! It’s by far one of the more expensive dresses on this site so you might find something else on here?

https://rixolondon.com/products/niva-dress-chevron-red?nosto_source=cmp&nosto=1244994600&variant=41676503482413

Wow thank you ladies

There are some stunning jumpsuits in Reiss atm

OP you can get really nice quality for much less on Vinted. Here is a Ted Baker jumpsuit new with tags for £50 and I bet you can also make offer and get it reduced https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/3679666399-red-ted-baker-halterneck-jumpsuit-brand-new-with-tags?referrer=catalog

Here is another one in linen https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/3700737917-whistles-linen-red-jumpsuit?referrer=catalog

https://shop.mango.com/ch/damen/kleider-und-jumpsuits-kleider/kleid-mit-maxi-blumen-und-cut-out_57061178.html

this is from mango. And amazing on.

https://www.next.co.uk/style/LS396786/P86718?dp=a&dndl=1&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADm_5UVFZ-Afd1zo-2xfZqMC8dhL_&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtJKqBhCaARIsAN_yS_mZyzj_FaASYlUQPctc-TnPCqXxr94LB_6VHu7jh0hP_cJk91zBrlYaAg2-EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#P86718

I’m about to order this and I’m your age with long dark hair.

For £300 you should be able to get a seamstress to run one up for you - adapting the skirt of this pattern https://jaycotts.co.uk/products/vogue-sewing-pattern-1883 will produce an almost identical dress, and they can make the skirt as long or short as you want, then…

Bargain statement unworn, dress.

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/3703288915-rainbow-sequin-disc-dress

Go for on the knee or slightly below with a pair of heels - you’d look great

I love this jumpsuit with a cape https://www.riverisland.com/p/red-cape-wide-leg-jumpsuit-901434

I think this is very elegant and beautiful and a statement. As well as a bargain!
https://www.marksandspencer.com/belted-long-sleeve-wide-leg-jumpsuit/p/clp22563058?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

https://joanieclothing.com/the-edit/dawn-oporter-x-joanie.html

Love this line, price and style.

Marks and spencers have some fabulous sequin pieces! Sequin trousers look lovely and a real statement worn with a simple black top.

Sequin Elasticated Waist Wide Leg Trousers | M&S Collection | M&S (marksandspencer.com)

oos online but I saw them in store.

They also so other sequin pieces like a dress, skirt etc.

Sequin V-Neck Midaxi Cami Dress | M&S Collection | M&S (marksandspencer.com)

This is stunning imo

Sheer Sequin Mini Shift Dress | HOBBS | M&S (marksandspencer.com)

Buy Black Premium Sequin Embroidered Midi Dress from the Next UK online shop

Would this dress work for you?

https://www.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-crepe-tailored-dress/red/p109248731

Dig around on wolf and badger. Every price range! https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/begonia-midaxi-dress-in-rumba-red/

Have a look at Roman (used to be called Roman Originals) they sell really lovely dresses for all occasions and are very reasonably priced.
When I need a dress for something specific, I try dresses from loads of places and almost always send them back and always end up at Roman!

Nancymac dresses are good definitely

If it’s not too late, check out Nadine Merabi. Lovely well made v high quality fabrics and underlays, with a very high resale value on vinted, eBay or Depop. If you pay £300 a once worn outfit can go easily for £200. Or keep it in the closet for special occasions!