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Dress for 40th birthday!

67 replies

Idontlookadayover39 · 29/01/2025 11:53

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!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
13
AndThereSheGoes · 31/01/2025 21:28

Having said that I like small boutique brands. I've being buying Part Two since the 80's - always stocked in market town boutique shops.
This black dress is nice, wearable but with some style

www.parttwo.com/global/memiapw-dress--30309072-194008

HundredPercentUnsure · 01/02/2025 11:57

MsWintertowne · 29/01/2025 16:20

Cheapest:

Zara dress

Simplest:

Stories dress

Dressiest:

Joanie dress

These aren't dresses to me, these would be tunics that require trousers 😂 or is my 40 actually older in style than the average 40 🤭

HundredPercentUnsure · 01/02/2025 11:59

colachive · 29/01/2025 18:47

+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!

Now this is definitely a dress. Love this one!

anon2022anon · 01/02/2025 16:25

Is it just me, or do very few of these dresses scream ITS MY BIRTHDAY! The OP has asked for Fabulous, but lots of these dresses I would wear with tights and DMs or similar.

I'm also turning 40 this year, and I also want a fabulous dress, but by that I mean something that I wouldn't wear to do the school run in or to the local wetherspoons for tea.

I'm off to go have a nosy for you OP, am I right in thinking you prefer something short to show off your legs, maybe a bit floaty on the belly, any colours you like? Sparkles? Prints?

anon2022anon · 01/02/2025 16:59

Quite like the colours on this
But I'm sure we can do better!

Grammarnut · 01/02/2025 21:32

Yikes! The model looks about 15.

Fingeronthebutton · 05/02/2025 17:42

Idontlookadayover39 · 29/01/2025 17:59

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

Thank god for that 🤦🏼‍♀️

GreenCrocodile · 06/02/2025 00:43

Not keen on the huge volume on the dresses

canyouletthedogoutplease · 06/02/2025 08:48

That first Zara one would look great with your black ankle boots, it's not too serious, or dolled up for a pub, I think it's perfect for what you're looking for. Spend the rest on a blow dry, sorted.

Hellyk1985 · 08/02/2025 18:04

this what im wearing for my 40th!

Dress for 40th birthday!
canyouletthedogoutplease · 08/02/2025 20:10

@Batteredcodmushypeasandafalafal that second one? Looks like she'd wandered in from the local panto, what in the mock lace up cardigan is that all about? Horses for courses and all that, but that's stand out for the wrong reason!

Lj8893 · 08/02/2025 20:14

sweetpickle2 · 30/01/2025 16:48

I'm 40 this year and I love that!

Haven't heard 'dollybird' for a while though

I’m only a few years off 40 and I would also wear that dress! I am inclined to agree with the pp who says a lot of these dresses seem quite old.

Lj8893 · 08/02/2025 20:17

Grammarnut · 01/02/2025 21:32

Yikes! The model looks about 15.

Edited

She’s not buying the model 😒

pandapopadance · 08/02/2025 20:47

I don't think you should wear anything floral.

Lj8893 · 08/02/2025 21:33

That 2nd pretty lavish one is gorgeous!