Need an outfit/styling for a party

[LadySpartan]

I need a bit (a lot!) of help with what to wear for a 50th Birthday party next month. I don't really do dresses as I tend to look like I have been upholstered, especially not flowery or flouncy. Mainly wear black, white,navy or grey. I aspire to Cos but never works because of boobs. This is all fine for work and everyday, but dressing up is hard - I always get it quite wrong and look under or overdressed and in the wrong shoes. I don't seem to be able to pull together and outfit properly.

The party is in London (we live in London), and a fair few media/arts people attendence - so I would just like to look cool/chic for once. It will be smarter than "jeans and nice top" but not cocktail dresses.

I am 5'7" and about a UK size 14/16. E cup and broad shoulders and a bit of a belly. I love cowl or drape neck tops and wrap over tops (but not dresses). More likely to wear boots than heels, leggings rather than tights.

I would like to shop my own wardrobe, so looking more for inspiration than stuff to buy.

I have recently bought a lovely a-line wax print skirt, but stuck for how to dress it up (looks great with a denim jacket or shirt).

Hopeful bump!

Are you able to post a photo of the skirt? Pairing A line skirts with waistcoats is popular at the moment, Fashion People Keep Wearing Waistcoats With Full Skirts | Who What Wear UK

It sounds to me that perhaps your key challenge is actually shoes?! They can make or break an outfit really. I'm also not sure what the skirt is so it's hard to offer advice on that one - length, colour, pattern?

If you usually feel good in a cowl necked top or wrap top, I'd go for that, with a good pair of tailored trousers and perhaps ankle boots or a pair of heels/wedges that work with the trousers.

Then it's also about details like accessories - ear rings, necklace, nankgles etc or a belt/jacket etc.

Can you use the work/everyday version and put together a luxe and accessorised version?

This is the skirt - it has a high stiff waist https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1788371083/nubia-african-printed-mid-calf-skirt-100?ref=shop_home_active_7&pro=1&frs=1&logging_key=a8132dc5fd1f7c6834c4c1a223db88e05892f9ad%3A1788371083

@xmasdealhunter that is a great look, but I can't do the waistcoat thing (again - I still have some of my late 80s and 90s ones!) because boobs distort the line so much and I am not over keen on upper arms.

@semideponent - I think the question for me is how? Shoes, bag, belt and jewellery? Not really sure where to start!

Gorgeous skirt! It's such a statement that you don't really need to go overboard accessorising I don't think. Maybe a black short sleeve fine knit top with black pointy boots/block heels?

@MattCauthon so I have no idea with shoes. I have one pair of heels from a wedding I went to 15 years ago! I live in Dms or birkies, but I realise now I have killed many a passable outfit by wearing them. My shoes for "best" are a pair of navy brogues and a pair of slim leather ankle boots.

I do have a secret hankering for red or blue shoes!

Yup. See? You know what to do.

Love the skirt! Red heeled Mary Janes would work with it Kody Mary Jane Block Heeled Shoes Wide E Fit | JD Williams. I think I'd then put a black cowl neck top (if this is what you're comfortable in), and small hoop earrings

The skirt you got is wonderful.

I wold go with a simple red tshirt which matches the red pattern in the skirt. If you have a larger bust, absolutely avoid the waistcoat!

No belt. The mary Jane's above would work or just a flat mary Jane. Something like this https://www.johnlewis.com/and-or-herve-leather-buckle-mary-jane-studded-ballerina-pumps-gold/p113289357. Maybe you wouldn't want gold but I think they are great!

Ok so the skirt is a hit - so nice to hear. Would a navy top and red shoes be too matchy? Also would it be too awful to wear leggings underneath?

I can feel myself leaning towards cardigans! Argh

I agree with this. I wouldn't do a top or shoes that match a colour in the skirt. It's a standout piece and matching would dilute it.

Do NOT wear leggings underneath it.

What colours of wrap top do you own? I could see that skirt with a crisp white wrap top, for instance, but colour/print could work too, depending on the look you were aiming for (and what you have). You need smartish shoes - the gold flats linked are a great shape but I'm not sure the colour goes with the skirt. Go for something pointy, heel height entirely up to you (but you need to be able to walk in them comfortably because there's nothing less chic than hobbling). What are your existing boots like?

Ok! so slim black top and black boots? I wondered about knee high boots? Also then no one would know about the leggings!

Bear in mind that it's going to be May in London, so I'd probably veer away from wintery choices

@TooExtraImmatureCheddar my posh italian ankle boots are very lovely, soft buttery learther and I have some elegant long brown boots. I have a black cross over top in a heavy jersey that I think will be too hot and a silky black draped neck top which I tried on and doesn't look very special.

I think a white shirt or wrap top will look too day time - it's what I might wear to work in the summer.

Yes, in May in London I'd go bare legs with a skirt that length.

So this is true. Argh.

I think with this skirt you can channel a Carolina Herrera vibe. I know it's not as long, but with the right shoes, you can definitely make that work

Not work-y at all
https://www.theshirtcompany.com/products/isabella-tiered-ruffle-shirt?variant=39860216954940&country=GB&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD3zCdHJrZ6mqy9eqK6URO-cJOM0G&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI85LtkJrajAMV5pNQBh3pujIwEAQYBCABEgJJbPD_BwE

Tops?

1. https://www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-asymmetric-neck-bardot-top/p/clp60730177?color=BLACK#intid=carousel_FUNH_AT_PHOENIX-SIMILAR_END_PDP_16_14:26423eaa-7a79-4aec-bc43-93981e4ad485
2. https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-slim-fit-top/p/clp60654840?color=BLACK#intid=pid_pg1pip43g4r1c1%7Cprodflag_plp_ts_CBS_5
3. https://www.marksandspencer.com/lightweight-scoop-neck-ruched-yoga-t-shirt/p/clp60709934?color=BLACK

@CertainUncertain that is my fave look ever - Sharon Stone wore similar years and years ago to the Oscars or something and I just love it (worse something similar for my wedding), I do suit a shirt but I am not feeling it for this atm, not sure why. Poss the skirt isn't long enough?