Dress for 40th birthday!

[Idontlookadayover39]

Never posted on S&B before 😁 it's my 40th birthday in April, I'm having a party to celebrate and I need some help finding an outfit!

The party is in a nice local pub, the vibe is going to be pretty chilled but I still want to look FABULOUS! I'm a size 10-12 (although working on being a mid size 10 by the party), I have long legs, a slight mum tum and slightly larger upper arms than I'd like (but again, working on this at the gym!) and a large(ish) chest so being able to wear a bra is a must.

I will 100% spend most of the night dancing, and I don't do well in heels. I have a pair of black ankle boots with a small chunky heel that are my go-to if I'm out, so something I can pair with these would be ideal, but I might get something new if I think I'll last in them and the outfit warrants them.

Budget wise, I don't have loads to spend. Probably max £75ish on a nice dress, especially if I need new shoes! But for the PERFECT dress or outfit I might be able to find a bit more..

People of S&B, please inspire me!

Cheapest:

Zara dress

Simplest:

Stories dress

Dressiest:

Joanie dress

The AOS one isn't for me at all but I quite like the Zara and Joanie dresses! Zara clothes don't always sit on me well so I never even think to look, but there is a store in the next town over so I could potentially go and try on. Thank you @MsWintertowne 😁

Oh fluff! The Joanie one is out of stock in both the 10 and the 12 🤦‍♀️

Never mind! Having seen the shape you prefer, how about one of these:

Sister Jane dresses

I set the filter for up to £100 but you may have to re-set. They are all more obviously fabulous - but, as you’ve missed the sale, mostly a bit above your budget limit.

Hmm they're not quite 'me', but thank you for the suggestion!

If you want a bargain then this is available in a 10 and they're usually quite generous
www.monsoon.co.uk/zahra-velvet-tea-dress-red-6407420040.html

+1 to Monsoon. This is lovely for the pub and would look great dressed up with some bangles https://www.monsoon.co.uk/orielle-print-jersey-midi-dress-black-10017310001.html

im the same size/shape as you OP and anything that nips in under the boob (instead of turning them into a ski slope) is super flattering!

Something like this? https://www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/dresses/day-dresses/girl-in-mind/tanya-black-and-gold-foil-linned-asymmetric-midi-dress

I like Silk Fred though and find their clothes reasonably priced!

Few options here OP all under budget

All these dresses are so "old" how about this style
www.asos.com/miss-selfridge/miss-selfridge-scuba-crepe-contrast-bow-dropped-waist-mini-dress/prd/208138934#colourWayId-208138935

how many 40 year olds do you know who want to look like a 60's dollybird?

This dress would work with your boots

https://www.whistles.com/product/giraffe-print-trapeze-dress-32858.html#navAjax=true&is=true&cgid=Sale_WW&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=category0&prefv1=Dresses&pid=giraffe-print-trapeze-dress-32858&pos=37

OP I'm the same age as you and a similar shape / size by the sounds of it (although I don't have long legs!).

If you can stretch your budget at all I would look at Wolf and Badger. I have a few dresses from there and they're all fab, really flattering and amazing quality.

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/category/women/clothing/dresses/

There are quite a few under £100!

Zara also have a load of nice dresses under £50 like this one which you can dress up with belts and jewellery...

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/satin-midi-dress-p02330896.html?v1=424639918&v2=2420896

My absolute favourite place for dresses is Rixo which is pricey but you could have a look on Vinted or similar for a second hand one? I sold a Rixo dress that I'd only worn once for a wedding - someone got an absolute bargain!

https://rixolondon.com/products/suzanne-zebra-black

https://rixolondon.com/products/lara-ivory-sequin

https://rixolondon.com/products/clementina-cece-floral-black

I'm 40 this year and I love that!

Haven't heard 'dollybird' for a while though

The OUTNET is your friend, have a good browse and get something special. Love this although a bit over budget https://www.theoutnet.com/shop/product/stine-goya/dresses/mini-dresses/jasmine-crinkled-floral-print-satin-crepe-mini-dress/1647597339102920

OP! Your figure sounds like mine and I've just bought (and love) this dress. A bit over budget but works with boots, nd you can wear a bra and just pin one strap down. Can be ruched up or down a bit too to play with the length. Super comfy, great for dancing and v flattering!

https://ba-sh.com/uk/p/dress-dahlia-noir-3664784785989.html

Oooh I love the Zara one!!! I love it, gives me Sienna Miller vibes, it’s really lovely! Could totally dress it right up or down to suit! 😍

How about renting? You could get something amazing for £100. John Lewis offer it

Nothing wrong with the 60s dollybird look at all! (not in scuba fabric at that price point tho)

I agree. Most of them look like something I'd wear to work.

Gorgeous.

What's your taste/vibe? Sorry if that sounds wanky but it helps to know the sort of flavour you normally exude.

I just bought a cracking dress from Maison Hotel for a night out coming up. I like a boho look. It's a wee bit pricey but it's to add to my nice dress collection of so far, three. 😆 They are all beautiful dresses that can be worn again and again.
I'm a quality over quantity poor person so I choose very carefully.

www.maisonh.com/collections/dresses-aw24-complete/products/flame-dye-billy-dress-night-blue

You look amazing in that dress and not a day over 39 😁

What colours do you like?

Which famous person would you like to chanel looks wise?

No point giving you Kim Kardashian if you want to look cool and bohemian.

Yeah we need more info on you.

• IYHO who’s the coolest person who ever lived (style-wise, if you say ‘Marie Curie’ it’s going to be one step forward two steps back 😜)
• who would play you in the film of your life
• what do your trusty ankle boots look like
• would you you consider one shoulder/ backless or do you mean you will need to be sporting a proper two straps no messing sorta bra.