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!

I wore leather joggers and a cashmere jumper - I thought they were joking about the cocktail wear! I wasn't the only one who thought it was a joke.😳

I agree with this! I never wear dresses anymore!

If I have to go to a formal cocktail event nowadays then I wear some very dressy flared trousers with a small block or wedge heel (which is mainly covered by trouser hem) and an evening blouse (often with built in camisole and dramatic collar and sleeves) and pile on the costume jewellery, bright lip and dewy make up, and an evening clutch bag.

It's basically a repeat of what I wear ordinarily but in different dressy fabrics.

It depends where the party is abroad but it won't necessarily be massively " formal as Brits understand the term, and it is still a work event.

The mistake people make with evening wear imho is to depart dramatically from what suits them every day.

Would a long skirt work in your case op? With maybe a sleeveless top if your arms are good?

I think Phase Eight and Zara are good places to start for evening wear, just to see what is out there.

And focus on good hair and nails as well. Maybe have a professional manicure leading up to it and get a blow dry on the day. Good grooming always helps.

Good luck!

Smart black trousers, black ballet shoes, and a sparkly, dressy top, nice earrings and a good lipstick.

Velvet top which I wear with velvet cigarette pants or plisse palazzo trousers or wide legged cords. I own both colourways and love them.

Of course her age is relevant. Would you suggest the same things for a 25yo and a 70yo?

There are many brands usually the more interesting, where yes. Issey Miyake, Cos, CFCL, the late lamented Reay, Baum und Pferdgarten to name but a few.

Do you actually believe this to be true or are you just so tethered to your point of view that your brain cannot allow any flexiblity on this issue? It is bonkers quite frankly to advocate that age has no bearing on clothes choices.

Of course they do! Have you seen the age of the girls modelling for Top Shop compared to the women modelling for Wallis/Marks and Spencer? Similar price range - but the defining differential between them is the demographic characteristics of their target audience, a key factor being their age.

Im your age and always wear a scarf whether day wear outside or an evening dress with a smart scarf/shawl/pashmina. Makes me feel more confident. I'd go with a dress you feel comfortable with and a pashmina. A low heel too

I'm not normally secretive about my age but I wouldn't state it if I were asking for outfit suggestions, because I know that, as soon as I said I was 68, assumptions would be made. I'd rather filter out any ideas I don't like myself.

If it were me I'd wear something vintage which isn't very helpful because I grab those kinds of outfits as and when I see them rather than buy for a specific occasion. But probably a dress that I've had for over 30 years that's still appropriate although I'm not sure if I've still got shoes that would work with it - I don't wear heels either op. Hope you find something and have a good time.

Yes I do believe that. As Flo says, I wouldn't give my age either. I'd filter out the stuff I don't like.

I don't shop at the brands you mentioned. I take it you didn't look at the brands I mentioned?

Sparkly top similar to this with a kimono like this perhaps

I'm 53 and I own a more subtle gold plisse top (ancient Zara) which I pair with a black satin/gold kimono coverup (ancient Primark) and wide plisse trousers.

Another sequin sale kimono

Don't be ridiculous. Very few people dress the same in their 20s as they do in their 50s.

There's nothing on either of these sites which couldn't be worn by an adult women of any age. These are just 2 of many, many examples.

There is a whole world of clothes which isn't Top Shop and JJ's House
Cos
Issey Miyake

I’d go for a classy blazer, a crisp shirt, tailored trousers, and polished shoes effortlessly stylish and age-perfect!

I saw some nice 100 stars short kimonos in a shop in the Cotswolds recently and I think one of those would be lovely to wear.
I'd only seen them online before but I thought they were rather pretty and would go with palazzo pants. dress or jumpsuit.
Good luck and enjoy your event!

She’s going to a cocktail party, not captaining a yacht

Of course age is relavant, just like clothing size is.
What looks nice on a 25 is unlikely to suit/look nice on someone twice that age. Just like a dress that looks lovely in a size 12 probably resembles a sack in a size 18. The reverse in both circumstances is also relavant.

My body now isn't very different from age 27, 30 yrs ago.

I'm more slender & fitter now than when I was age 17, 40 yrs ago

I,m 59, body much the same as in 20s, so we dont all change why not try vinted for a simple classy designer dress, ie julien macdonald, he does great evening wear jumpsuits too, thats where all my formal,wedding outfits come from, a fiver a time x

A dress that looks too dressy for daytime or a sparkly top and smart trousers.

I am 52 but sadly never get invited to cocktail parties.

A swishy wide legged jumpsuit. Or a tux look iwith a silky cami with long pearls or similar.

I agree, I'm in this camp too.

Everyone is different, be unique, be yourself x

Has a well tailored wide leg pants suit been suggested @FrenchConnection1 something that drapes well over the parts of the body you'd like to hide? I love a good pants suit, something I can then wear separately and get tonnes of use out of. Good luck with your search, the responses have been fantastic 🌺