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Original poster

If you were 52 and invited to a cocktail party what would you wear?

221 replies

FrenchConnection1 · 01/03/2025 17:07

I have to go abroad for some work thing and at the end is a cocktail party hosted by the people who own the company

I am 52 and don't like wearing dresses that expose my neck/chest as it's all a bit wrinkly unless it's a dress that I can wear a scarf with

I also live in trainers or smart loafers and there is not a chance my feet can handle heels anymore.

I'm a size 12 but have a tummy - thinnish arms but big legs. I tend to wear long dresses that create a waist rather than having one of my own 😂. 34D boobs.

Any suggestions? In my normal life I don't go to things like this at all. I'm a drink in the pub person not a post event person so a bit clueless as to where to start!

OP posts:
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Original poster
FrenchConnection1 · 01/03/2025 17:10

I'm v fair skinned and freckly with blue eyes if the colouring is helpful!

OP posts:
Laiste · 01/03/2025 18:42

How about a high necked sleeveless knee length slim line dress?

https://www.yumi.co.uk/products/yumi-black-metallic-fitted-high-neck-midi-dress

BellyPork · 01/03/2025 18:43

What has your age got to do with it?

MissyB1 · 01/03/2025 18:46

BellyPork · 01/03/2025 18:43

What has your age got to do with it?

Well I'm.in my 50s and definitely don't dress like I'm still 20.

MadameBethune · 01/03/2025 18:48

This covers the neck area but it does perhaps have a touch of the gothic bride:

www.hobbs.com/product/aylesbury-lace-dress/0224-5480-9083L00-BLACK.html#cgid=sale-clothing-dresses&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=0224-5480-9083L00-BLACK&pos=47

Lifestooshort71 · 01/03/2025 18:48

BellyPork · 01/03/2025 18:43

What has your age got to do with it?

To explain why her neck and chest are a bit wrinkly? Because she doesn't want to go in some polyester sheath from Shein that would look ok on a teenager? Who knows but it helps paint the picture.

IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle · 01/03/2025 19:14

MissyB1 · 01/03/2025 18:46

Well I'm.in my 50s and definitely don't dress like I'm still 20.

Show quote history

I have to go abroad for some work thing and at the end is a cocktail party hosted by the people who own the company

This is relevant , not your age.

IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle · 01/03/2025 19:24

There's lots of possibilities here.

Max Mara dresses

healthybychristmas · 01/03/2025 19:28

It's a bit silly to suggest age doesn't have anything to do with it. No one of us dress like we did decades ago. Our bodies are completely different now.

IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle · 01/03/2025 23:26

healthybychristmas · 01/03/2025 19:28

It's a bit silly to suggest age doesn't have anything to do with it. No one of us dress like we did decades ago. Our bodies are completely different now.

I have to go abroad for some work thing and at the end is a cocktail party hosted by the people who own the company

In the context of this, there's virtually no reason to distinguish between say a 25 year old and someone of any age who's still breathing.

burnoutbabe · 01/03/2025 23:39

I would wear some nice trousers -in a fancy material and a sparkly top. Being told "you must wear a dress" is very old fashioned.

WorkingItOutAsIGo · 01/03/2025 23:43

Partly depends on where abroad and what the weather will be: but if it's a work event the men will likely be in suits and I suspect you won't want much more than a normal day dress with red lipstick, or trousers with a nice silk or satin shirt. Understated luxe for a work event, not sparkles and cleavage. Have fun!

Original poster
FrenchConnection1 · 02/03/2025 07:56

Thanks everyone - I have a Hobbs near work so can go and try some of these on. I really like the Finery one too. I might order a few and see what fits me best!

I wasn't invited last year but know someone who was so I will try and find out what the general vibe was. It should be warmish weather but it will be indoors anyway.

OP posts:
Cheeseandpickleisthebestsandwich · 02/03/2025 08:35

Palazzo pants and a silky or slightly sparkly top.

Perfectlystill · 02/03/2025 08:37

BellyPork · 01/03/2025 18:43

What has your age got to do with it?

I wear different clothes to what I wore 30 years ago.

Don't most people?

StarlightLady · 02/03/2025 09:38

I tend to live in V neck dresses and rarely wear trousers so l am probably not a leading light for you. I do think some of the high neck dresses suggested would work for you though.

One other thing l suggest you take into account, you are clearly going to have to pack it and bring it in your luggage. Choose something that will not scrunch up, even if your accommodation has an iron available.

madaboutpurple · 02/03/2025 09:46

Scarlett &Jo do lovely dresses and they have a clearance section on their website ,also Roman originals do dresses that you could consider.

ForAzureSeal · 02/03/2025 09:52

Cheeseandpickleisthebestsandwich · 02/03/2025 08:35

Palazzo pants and a silky or slightly sparkly top.

This. No need to wear a dress if you don't usually. Id go wide leg trousers of some kind, flat shoes and a top. Means you have far more control over cut, fabric etc. keep the materials/textures/pallete luxe.

Ophy83 · 02/03/2025 10:28

Lots of lovely dress suggestions. Once you've chosen the dress I would look for some sandals with a low block heel, either neutral or metallic. I find that style really comfy and like you live in flats most of the time. Hobbs, jigsaw, oliver bonas all have some nice ones

ICanTellYouMissMe · 02/03/2025 10:30

Eminybob · 01/03/2025 18:47

Oh that's fabulous!!