Help me find a dress for my 50th birthday party

[Thiswayorthatway]

I’m 50 in a few weeks time and we’re having an open house/garden bbq for friends and family. All quite casual and relaxed. I want to wear something special/different, but am struggling to find anything I like. Thinking of a dress or jumpsuit, suitable with flat sandals or adidas gazelles. I like Oliver Bonas and Joanie, happy with bold colours and prints. Not a dedicated follower of trends, but I wear a lot of wide leg styles at the moment. I’m 5’ 7 and 70kg, size 12 but a bit of a tummy. Don’t want to be sleeveless, but I have good legs, though rather white as I’m pale/freckly. Budget perhaps up to £200 for the right thing.

Thank in advance!

Coast jumpsuit

I bought this recently and it’s perfect for what you describe. Sizes are American so make sure you order the right U.K. size.

https://www.thereformation.com/products/lydia-silk-dress/1315806MNL.html?dwvar_1315806MNL_color=MNL&dwvar_1315806MNL_size_clothing=000&quantity=1

You have derailed the thread..and been rude to the person suggesting Shein. Have you ever bought anything or seen any Shein items? I don't buy a lot of clothes but I got a beautiful lined white summer dress from Shein that I have worn lots of times and I feel great in it. Not everyone can afford the kind of clothing suggested on here. I certainly can't and wouldn't feel great about spending £200 on a dress when some people are struggling to pay their bills. Many of the mid price brands are made in the same places as Shein clothes. I find the snobbery about where people buy their clothes from really condescending from people who don't have to worry about money.
OP I hope you have a lovely birthday and that you find an outfit that you feel fabulous in. Sounds a wonderful celebration. To anyone worrying about the stress of having a party then maybe just enjoy a smaller event with close friends or family. It's my 70th next year but I never have big parties on my zero birthdays. I will probably go swimming in the sea or maybe go for a picnic. Best wishes to all.

Love this company. It’s a merino wool blend , and I even sleep in it now (it keeps the hot flushes at bay.)

wooland.com/products/paisley-wrap-jumpsuit-pine?_pos=2&_fid=acb7a30d2&_ss=c

Try neverfullydressed It’s a bit hit and miss but some of their co-ords are really fun and they have amazing prints. I know it’s not quite on brief, but this waistcoat with a nice pair of white jeans and sandals/ contrasting trainer (green?!) and lovely gold jewellery. Could also wear a T underneath for some sleeves https://www.neverfullydressed.com/products/cream-marina-sol-waistcoat

I like this

Some nice things here, I like https://www.featherandstitch.com/essentiel-antwerp/hiced-dress-multicolour/

And this is cute https://www.eluroom.com/products/elama-spritz-camouflage-print-long-sleeve-shirt-dress?variant=43191896408231

I can’t wear anything square neck as it emphasises my broad shoulders, not sure about too strappy for the same reason

OP said she has a budget of up to £200.

And there are plenty of ways to get a more affordable outfit if the budget is tight but buying from Shein is the worst sort of false economy, and pointing that out has nothing to do with snobbery.

i wish you a happy big birthday next year, a picnic and/or swimming sounds like heaven.

I have bought this for mine, 22.99 in H&M and it's cotton, just gorgeous. They have other pretty patterns in the same design too.

That’s stunning. H&M have some gorgeous cotton dresses in this year

Some lovely things in H&M, I am liking this but not sure about the sleeves https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1221613001.html

I bought a nice shirt dress from Biba last week. Can be dressed up or down £46 in the sale. It’s cream with like an animal print but bold colours. Long sleeves and gold buttons. Very flattering and I’m similar size to you.

That is lovely

Sorry too plain and looks a nightmare to keep clean

I like this too. Wonder how you’d style it for summer though?

This is nice if you don't mind a bit of colour...

scampanddude.com/products/pink-zip-detail-denim-dress

My advice is to go slightly dressier than you first think you should, for a nice garden party. You think you want to dress down, but the lovely casualness of the party will naturally do that. So when thinking of what to wear, go slightly up, rather than slightly down, eg a yellow dress, a patterned dress, something with a tiny bit of zing.

I have ordered this to try, the only dress which speaks to me so far! https://www.zara.com/uk/en/geometric-print-satin-dress-p02625188.html

Yes I think that’s good advice, and I am the birthday girl!

I love that Zara dress. My friend has the shirt which is similar and it's beautiful.

I bought this for myself recently - similar size and height to you. https://www.newlook.com/uk/p/925522734?extcam=UK_SOC_APPPDPSHARE

Www.goose-island.co.uk

I've hardly derailed the thread have I let's be honest.

There's a world of difference between Shein dresses at a fiver and something costing £200. Absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with snobbery, all to do with lowest of the low Chinese tat that ends up in landfill within 6 months or polluting African beaches for years to come. No I haven't ever bought anything from Shein or Temu or any of those god awful companies, of course I haven't and never will.