So out of touch - in need of help

[breezybutton]

My sister is 60 in July and she's having an evening party with close friends and family at a local restaurant. I haven't seen her for 3 years due to location.

I'm really looking forward to celebrating with her. However, it's been years since I've been to an evening do and don't have a clue what to wear. I want to look good and feel comfortable. I know I don't suit flouncy, frilly frocks. I'm a plain dresser tbh. Usually jeans and a t shirt or smart trousers and Boden type shirt for work. I'm having my hair done on the day of the party but other than that, I have no idea what I'm doing. I keep searching online and then get into a panic that time is running out!

I'm 56, 5'5", size 12/14 pear shape. Horrible short legs and the tops of my arms are awful. I like classic clothes but on this occasion I'd like to add a bit of glamour without being over the top.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Do you want trousers or dress.

For pears, avoid v-necklines. And go for more fancy/ patterned/brighter tops, and plain, dark bottoms/skirts.

I’m in my 50’s and never quite sure what I like or suits me anymore 😄 but I’ve enjoyed following this thread, some good styles and ideas.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/5071316-60-plus-show-me-what-youve-bought-clothes-for-this-summer

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su243802/m07863#m07863

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su305570/B01158#B01158

https://www.next.co.uk/style/LS352985/K45367#K45367

Jumpsuit?

https://www.next.co.uk/style/ls422398/k88628#k88628

I'd prefer trousers as that's my comfortable way to dress. Thanks for the tip about pears and v-necklines. I had no idea.

I find ‘high-rise’ trousers fit better than mid or low rise.

How about a silk shirt? What colouring are you? If it’s a restaurant you only really to think about your top half…. So jewellery too. What bits do you like about yourself?

A silk shirt sounds good; plain or patterned? Again, I have no idea. I have dark hair and blue eyes but pale skin. Not sure which colour would suit me. I plan to wear a silver chain. Good tip about top half. I like my eyes - a great shade of blue thanks to my Dad.

I follow a woman on YouTube she's a pear like you. No affiliation to her. Just like her style and have got a lot of inspiration from her! She's just done a big marks and Spencer haul. She goes for a silk shirt and trousers for special occasions. Her name is HelenMaryJo she should come up if you search. The other pear I follow is Rosie Henshaw . She's younger but finds some good stuff!

is your colouring like Monica in friends? Sounds like you’re cool toned. What colours do you like to wear?

These colours? https://dream-wardrobe.com/cool-true-winter-color-palette-and-wardrobe-guide/

This is me! Dark hair, blue eyes, pale skin. Thanks for the link. Really interesting.

Cobalt blue is usually a safe bet, and can look stunning.

This is pretty https://www.sezane.com/en/product/minara-blouse/navy#size-6

I’d definitely go with plain trousers & a silk shirt in a shade of blue that you like, anything from navy to powder blue. With a necklace, something eye catching as it’s your top half that matters sitting at table. If you’re set on a plain silver chain what about an unusual pendant to put on it in silver or a blue semi precious stone.
https://www.bonanza.com/listings/Faceted-Blue-Topaz-925-Sterling-Silver-Pendant-Three-Stone-Shapes-New/599517795

https://silverbubble.co.uk/amazonite-bronze-alambres-silver-pendant

https://silverbubble.co.uk/turquoise-squiggle-silver-pendant

Of course you could wear trousers and a silk shirt - but I suspect this dress would be wonderful on you. The wide shoulders / sleeves would balance a pear shape, no one would be observing your probably perfectly fine legs and all the detailing at the top would flatter you around a dining table. Not expensive either.

https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/dresses/midi-dresses/product.pleated-midi-dress-blue.1162601007.html

Since it's in July, can you do white jeans, blue drapey blouse with neutral block heel shoe? Add a chunky bangle or cuff bracelet and with your silver necklace it will look sharp.
Sort of this idea. This isn't me... it's from the internet "A well Styled Life'

This https://www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/tops/product.printed-silk-shirt-blue.1163689002.html

@KomproMatilda thats gorgeous. Tempted myself!

https://www.theoutnet.com/shop/product/sandro/tops/boho/printed-linen-blend-gauze-wrap-blouse/1647597336653143