Christmas Dress to Impress

[PartlyDress]

It’s my first Christmas party post-divorce. There has been a bit of flirting with a (single!) colleague and in basic terms I intend to pull him at the party. The first new person for me since 1995, and I am certainly feeling it.

I’m 50, 5’8- 5’9, a size L in H&M/Zara or probably a 10 in M&S. reasonably well toned. Tending to pear shaped.
what can I wear that is sexy but subtle?

FABULOUS! Go you! Wear what makes you feel good.

Of course we will need an update on the dress and the snog!

Good luck to you.. I'd go for a black jumpsuit with some blingy sparkles and lovely perfume..enjoy x

I have no dress suggestions but I'm here for the post party update!!!

^Luckily I will be able to give him a lift home!
I have managed to keep the separation and divorce under-wraps. A little snog with someone equally discreet will be OK.^

Don't drive!! Have a couple of wines to relax you!

Not everyone needs wine to relax. Can’t stand this drinking culture!

I admire you for being in the place your at and the journey you must have been on to get there. I’m not quite there myself and am v anti men haha but I will get to the point where I’m not horrified by the thought. Go for it gal 💪

It sounds like you may have your dress sorted now, but just in case you're still looking, this is stunning:
https://prettykittyfashion.co.uk/products/red-sequin-ruched-crossover-top-pencil-wiggle-dress?utm_content=Facebook_UA&utm_source=facebook&variant=44300287017219&fbclid=IwAR2a4VDzGaKUzGLkc7awnAVmK7THLXliqBYh9ZS_u91LU8x9pcmWxnbGlks_aem_ATgpiLgr2rnhEoHD_Ko-iWbf6bk19hlyKWfUVfDrEJCoCoCM_FsCicS7AugCyrdDrxAu0SN6k2tWiXQAvEcrVITm&utm_medium=paid&campaign_id=6276018368900&ad_id=6276018368700

We're all rooting for you! Please come back and update.

Yes me too, rooting for you crazy kids to get together!! (Also want to see your choice of dress for the night too!

@PartlyDress are you based in Ireland by any chance? (basing this off the euro budget figure)

If so maybe look at this one in Dunnes, I think it ticks the boxes of subtle but sexy
https://www.dunnesstores.com/p/gallery-long-sleeved-feather-hem-dress/2546629

https://meandthee.co.uk/collections/archive/products/in-spite-of

I have this and it’s stunning. https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/crinkle-sleeve-dark-green-satin-midi-dress-359137#selection.color=16

I love this dress! They have it in champagne too which is the one I would get only Petite is out of stock (I’m only 5ft1

https://www.marksandspencer.com/sequin-v-neck-midaxi-cami-dress/p/clp60608726

No suggestions, but good luck, good for you, and go get him!

This is gorgeous! I just had to return it as I'm 5ft 3 and it was too long, but I was gutted.......

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/sophie-bow-dress-black-64039101.html

www.duskfashion.com/tassel-trim-stretch-wrap-dress-14441451

What about this, comes in black as well. I've seen it on someone in RL and it looked amazing

My favourite one is the British Retro velvet, but like PP, I honestly would be wary about "pulling" at a work do.

Gosh, looking at all these options I'm struck how different everyone's style is.

No specific suggestions but my thinking is you want to wear something that shows you're interested but not so aggressive that you terrify him. 🤣 Some of the one shoulder dresses are very fashion-led "in your face", I wonder if that would be off-putting.

Also showing lots of flesh might come over wrong - it depends on the man. Some men might prefer something understated rather than overtly sexy. I mean they will ogle but whether that's the vibe you want to give off?

It's a minefield. I'm probably overthinking it. Also it probably doesn't matter all that much. I don't know of any man who said he likes women for their fashion sense. 🤣 He'll likely not notice what you're wearing. If he likes you he'll be into you no matter what you wear. If he doesn't, he won't change his mind because of a dress.

You know best what suits you so I would say go with whatever you try on and it makes you feel great. Out of ten dresses, we've all had that feeling when one of them just works for our figure, tastes etc.

And good for you - sounds exciting - hope it works out. 😃

https://www.sosandar.com/golden-ombre-sequin-shift-dress?glCountry=GB&glCurrency=GBP&gclid=CjwKCAiAxreqBhAxEiwAfGfndELdsBocvz5JJ8Z7tS3VaqJfxNoU9uQNZEdR-JYBzeY7_x3J89H2yhoC5OYQAvD_BwE#241=242&fo_c=2425&fo_k=cf4408236e22ea040b73effbf6f9cc17&fo_s=gplauk

Don't wear black as most other people will.

Wear something in your best colour (s). You want your face to glow.

Pear shape? Wear the best shape for your body type. A-line ? Avoid straight line dress/skirts. And do not go near anything skinny legged. Or bias cut (clings to the wrong areas).

If you are going to be seated a lot then make what you wear on the top half us the most eye catching. Don't bother wearing sequin trousers/skirts etc if you are sat down a lot as people won't see them.

I am a pear. I would wear wide leg velvet or silk trouser with a beautiful blouse in my best colour. Maybe a silk blouse or something sequinned, metallic/lurex/simmer, or possibly lace . And a little glimpse of flesh can be sexier than a a deep plunging neckline although saying that s beautiful v-neck wrap blouse in a gorgeous fabric can be very sexy.

You must feel comfortable and confident. If you are dithering then don't wear it.

Sounds like you have a lovely figure.

And have fun.

Such sage advice.

And thanks to everyone who has recommended so many beautiful dresses, and offered encouragement. Which by turns makes me laugh, increases my resolve and freaks me out.

what will be, will be. If nothing further happens, that’s actually OK. If he says “look, the situation is…..” I can cope. It’s a laugh as it is.

All the same- I would like to shift him.

OP if I didn't already think you were Irish because of the Euros thing, I know it for certain now. Hope you get the shift off him & it's better than you've daydreamed about.

Thank you. It’s appreciated.

Just a quick update.

I wore the green Lipsy dress, and it went down a bomb. Not just with him, but everyone. I got so many compliments with words and eyes.

But… nothing happened that night. The next day though, an incredible message from him. Simultaneously a ‘look the situation is’ and a lot of compliments including this gem “it was so difficult to keep my hand off your left leg when you were sitting beside me. You were beyond desireable” ( add in an Italian accent!)
I don’t know where things will go from here- we will be working on different projects all of next year, but that dress was a hit. The ego boost from it was fantastic.