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

[FrenchConnection1]

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!

@FrenchConnection1

Would a jumpsuit appeal to you, OP?

https://www.phase-eight.com/clothing/occasion-jumpsuits/

Just because she covers up now because she has cellulite and wrinkles, makes me wonder who has been negging her throughout her life.

Some lovely options suggested here, hope you find something suitable OP

Mid 40s
Maybe we have different styles but I wear the same stuff as I did then- gothic and alternative influenced. I was never into the tiny clothing.
And my figure is much better than my 20s like a lot of people as I care about my health and fitness more these days than I did then.

I'm younger than OP but I most definitely dress differently now than I did in my twenties.

Comfort and elegance are things I look for in clothing now, much more so than when I was younger, which is most definitely a positive thing.

I love the Me&Em posted shortly after the OP.

If it was a work cocktail party, I'd probably play it safe with some black trousers and a silk shirt or nice lacy one. I think that Jigsaw, Other Stories and Me & Em have some nice silk shirts. Me & Em has lots of nice shirts and blouses.

Also Me &EM has some lovely dresses that would be suitable - look at this one for example.

If it was a non work event, I'd probably wear a shorter dress or a tighter one (but not both...). And I am in my 50s!

Oh did you not know you can't mention age, weight, sex size or anything anymore without someone having a whinge. Basically no descriptive words are allowed!!

Of course age is relevant, what a 20 year old would wear would be a lot different to what a 50 year old would wear or an 80 year old.

@Flora73 those dresses are gorgeous, especially the first one

I know I’m late to the party though 😄

I’m 56 and still too young at heart for a lot of what’s suggested on mumsnet for evening wear. But each to their own

Nobody's been negging me, I have high self-esteem, grew up in a supportive family and have a loving husband who still fancies me. But after years of being slim without trying, in the last two years (as I've gone through menopause) I definitely have some lumps and bumps that weren't there in my late 40s/early 50s. It's life, I don't feel sad about it.

What about this? My 55 yo SIL just bought this to go to a similar function. She looked fab. Also big boobs etc https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-x-a-w-a-k-e-mode-deconstructed-maxi-dress/p112575125?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&sshare=jlappioss_bmV0LndoYXRzYXBwLldoYXRzQXBwLlNoYXJlRXh0ZW5zaW9u

I was at a cocktail party last weekend, and a very stylish lady was wearing this. She looked amazing. www.jjshouse.com/separates-jumpsuit-pantsuit-scoop-ankle-length-chiffon-evening-dress-017264807-g264807?currency=CAD&utm_term=264807&utm_size=06&country=CA&country=CA&currency=CAD&ggntk=x&ggkey=&ggtgt=17&ggplm=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAoJC-BhCSARIsAPhdfShdn21VeMdvcb_fPWtZHqj3Pxw3YGx74iaqpK5E9l61h_T4WYTnhMoaAjo6EALw_wcB#/

Agree Disturbia81.
I never wore tiny clothing, body con stuff at any age. Work clothes, when formal work wear was needed were highly tailored suits and dresses from upper market range/ non high street and non work basically hippy/ Laura Ashley wafting around.

I would refuse to leave the house in the stuff suggested on MN for over 40/ over 50s/ over 60s.

Not heard of that brand.

These skirts are great

A.W.A.K.E
A.W.A.K.E 2

Whereas I’d refuse to leave the house in the bizarre artisan style voluminous creations suggested as occasion wear.

Each to their own

Me too. My body hasn't changed much. I wear a slightly more 'appropriate' version of what I wore in my twenties. I'll be wearing 60's/early 90's style in my eighties :)

Although the purple thing, just no

Surely the country and industry are relevant (their cultural norms), also the climate and season!

I went to a cocktail function last week and wore this. It’s a bit pricey, but I fully expect it will cover most cocktail functions I have for the next few years…

www.meandem.com/int/silk-blend-velvet-maxi-dress-deep-merlot

That I like! How tall was the stylish lady? I am a short-arse so fear I may look swamped by this. Plus it's a 'final' sale and you can't send it back. But I'm quite tempted.

The me and em prices are ridiculous!

This dress is not my style but out of all the insipid navy background gowns posted here (sorry folks, no offence) it stands out...without being 'out there'.
Like the silver section.

Smart black top and trousers with a stunning scarf. Who says you need a little cocktail dress??

@IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle

Oh come on! There's a reason to state your age. This is why some of us look tastefully dressed and others look like mutton. I've followed your fashion suggestions for a laugh for ages, and I think I know what camp you fall in to. 👍

I don't give any credence to the opinion of anyone who uses the word "mutton" unless it's in a recipe for Irish stew.

Although having said that, I'm curious do you think that JJ's house outfit is "tasteful"? It's firmly in the "I'm not leaving the house wearing that" category for me.