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Outfit for 40th birthday party

25 replies

PumpkinSly · 03/01/2024 20:55

I'm going to a 40th birthday party in a few weeks. It's a silent disco that includes families with young kids. It isn't going to be a very formal or dressy occasion but I would still like to look good. I've recently lost a lot of weight. I've gone from a size 20 to a 14 and for once I would like to feel fabulous, but I'm finding it hard to find an outfit at the right level for this occasion. I wouldn't say no to a dress but it can't be too short, or sleeveless, or to tight around the lower stomach area. I think separate skirt/trousers might be better? I have a nice waist, and my boobs look good with the right bra. I don't mind low cut but not so my boobs are hanging out. I would really like something that is off one shoulder with long sleeves as I like how this looks on me.

I don't want to feel over done, but I don't want to wear jeans and a top either. What would you wear? The party is from late afternoon to early evening. I expect I'll be home taking my face off by 9.

I'm 39, 5 foot 6, size 14 and need the help of a good strapless bra, and spanx. I'm very conscious of my upper arms, and don't want anything above the knee. I struggle with wearing heels so most nice outfits are ruined by my awful feet! I have a pear shape/hourglass figure. Any suggestions will be gratefully received.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
7
IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle · 03/01/2024 22:57

What is your budget?

These a what I would wear as off the shoulder (whether one or both) isn't a look I like. These are Bardot rather than one shoulder.

The ASOS dress is off one shoulder dresses but I think it's OTT for the event.

Nobody's Child 1
Nobody's Child 2
Nobody's Child 3
Nobody's Child 4
ASOS dress

Black Long Sleeve Bardot Amanda Midi Dress | Nobody's Child

Black Long Sleeve Bardot Amanda Midi Dress

https://www.nobodyschild.com/black-long-sleeve-bardot-amanda-midi-dress.html

IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle · 03/01/2024 23:03

These aren't what I would wear....

Bearpawk · 03/01/2024 23:14

If it's not too formal I'd get a jumpsuit from monki - they're very flattering on mid size bodies.

MissAtomicBomb1 · 03/01/2024 23:17

From how you've described your shape I think a v neck jumpsuit or wrap dress would be more flattering than off the shoulder - sounds as though you've got a decent bust, don't hide it!

oneflewoverthe · 03/01/2024 23:30

Definitely agree on the wrap dress. I have a similar figure and they are very flattering. I
Always have my upper arms covered too

Kwam31 · 04/01/2024 09:05

fhwt.app.link/FlbhKPo64Fb
Something like this?

oneflewoverthe · 04/01/2024 09:20

Kwam31 · 04/01/2024 09:05

fhwt.app.link/FlbhKPo64Fb
Something like this?

Do you have a web link or screenshot? It takes you straight to the app or asks you to download it

Kwam31 · 04/01/2024 09:27

here we are

Outfit for 40th birthday party
MissAtomicBomb1 · 04/01/2024 09:33

I bought this top before Xmas and it's really flattering with just the right amount of cleavage on show. Looks really nice on compared to the picture. I dressed it up with a sequin mini but it could easily be worn with jeans or wide legged trousers.

https://www.next.co.uk/style/LS262820/L83206?dp=a&dndl=1&gadsource=1&gbraid=0AAAAADmm5UWyb3s4AmaiHF-d8HaXZceQ&gclid=Cj0KCQiAy9msBhD0ARIsANbk0A9FfvP5PTu7KmRUU5oYOOUhxuA1sZy5MuK3D3NspKC-OyAnO2nPI8aAtQXEALww_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#L83206

bananaboats · 04/01/2024 10:23

I went to a similar event recently & wore a dress similar to this with tights & chunky loafers

Outfit for 40th birthday party
RomeoRivers · 04/01/2024 11:21

This with sucky-in tights, boots and nice jewellery.

Outfit for 40th birthday party
sleepysleepytired · 04/01/2024 11:33

RomeoRivers · 04/01/2024 11:21

This with sucky-in tights, boots and nice jewellery.

Yes this is the type of dress I wear and I have a similar build to the op. Not keen on the sleeveless baggier options myself on my body, really unflattering.

NewYear24 · 04/01/2024 17:19

How about one of the Next tops that have been linked with a comfortable and flattering pair of trousers?

saturnspinkhoop · 04/01/2024 19:23

Another vote for jumpsuit from me. I tried one recently and was convinced it would look awful, but it actually suited me. I’m also a pear shape and had no problems with it fitting nicely and it seemed to even out my figure quite well.

CWigtownshire · 04/01/2024 19:33

Nobody's Child No2 looks lovely. Nos 1,3 and 4 are a definite "NO" - shirred top makes boobs look huge (imo, I have big boobs), and knitted dresses only look good on those lucky people with very taut bodies, otherwise they show every lump and bump...

PumpkinSly · 04/01/2024 21:07

Thanks so much for all the suggestions! Some brilliant suggestions here. I've been rushed off my feet today and only just reading all your replies now. I think I'll have a look at a jumpsuit or that wrap dress. I'll need to get some shoes too. I cannot wear heels due to previous foot injuries. Do you guys have any suggestions for footwear that would look good with a jumpsuit, or wrap dress?

OP posts:
FreezyFord · 04/01/2024 21:14

I wore these with thick tights,high top trainers and a v top to a do recently and it worked really well. I’m in my fifties 😊

FreezyFord · 04/01/2024 21:14

Oh! I wore a kimono top from 100 stars with them that day

DiamandaTheGreat · 04/01/2024 21:19

@JoyeuxNarwhal I like the look of that! Sort of Dawn O'Porter/Esska vibes.

@Girlattheback I have a Ro&Zo black linen jumpsuit and I love it, would recommend.

VisiblyNot25 · 04/01/2024 21:22

I’d probably go with nice (flat) ankle boots. I don’t know what your budget is, but Esska have some lovely dressy but low heeled boots - https://esskashoes.com/collections

Hope you find an outfit you feel fabulous in!

Collections – Esska

We create stylish, comfortable, colourful and fun footwear.

https://esskashoes.com/collections

LivelyBlake · 04/01/2024 21:25

This is a bargain! https://www.zara.com/uk/en/asymmetric-crepe-dress-p02712450.html?v1=301364380 wear with a nice loose belt and ankle boots?

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