Smart 40th Birthday Dress

[GingerKombucha]

I'm going to a smart 40th birthday this weekend - think home counties, big marquee in garden, champagne but also bouncy castle and children's entertainer for the children, all afternoon affair. Only problem is, life has been super hectic and I've not thought about what to wear at all. I need an outfit (probably a dress) and have no idea where to start. I'm feeling pretty rubbish about myself as I've let my weight slide and am now a size 12/14, really self-concious about my tummy. There will be lots of waif like women who are incredibly well dressed there. Budget about £300, maybe a little more for something really beautiful. I want something classy, elegant and easy to wear rather than something fashion-y or hard to pull off. Has anyone seen anything beautiful? Happy to order a few things today and return.

Some options for you OP:

https://www.mytheresa.com/gb/en/women/bananhot-louise-polka-dot-one-shoulder-maxi-dress-black-p01076720

https://www.thereformation.com/products/bryson-dress/1312619.html

https://farmrio.uk/products/red-gathered-midi-dress

https://www.meandem.com/silk-full-length-dress-tie-papaya-orange

https://www.meandem.com/wild-bloom-print-maxi-dress-blue-orange-multi

https://ba-sh.com/uk/p/dress-natalia-violet-3664784896555.html?story-1-full-price=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20760793582&utm_term=&utm_ad_id=&utm_content=generic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20760817126&gbraid=0AAAAADwwYACXqDh1VoGDoUED-pOP3BHw4&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4qHEBhCDARIsALYKFNONiYhkK16NnKuUwCTESne-5jHUFzQWAHdFpzKmE-qZpfeXlY39smQaArHOEALw_wcB

https://www.reiss.com/style/su688901/f97750

https://www.ratandboa.com/products/odessa-dress-green

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/saloni/clothing/gowns/michelle-ruffled-hammered-silk-satin-maxi-dress/1647597351592992

This could be lovely too:

www.selfridges.com/GB/en/product/pretty-lavish-everlee-cowl-neckline-woven-maxi-dress_R04486573/

https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/the-somerset-maxi-dress3

Slightly more but could help conceal tummy area if needed:,

https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/product/malina-beatrice-short-sleeve-woven-maxi-dress_R04462481/

i actually love this dress. Great reduction.

I don’t know your style, but Holland and Cooper have some great dresses at the moment.

I bought this recently, it is gorgeous AND has POCKETS!
It's really nice and loads of lovely comments.

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su439616/at3330#at3330

I saw a video of a woman styling a pink midi skirt from Zara with a white shirt and she looked fantastic. I know it is nowhere near your price range and you can probably find something fancier, but the general look was so stylish, especially after she added all the accessories. It was the intentional thought-through-ness of the outfit that made it look great, and I thought it might work for the event you’re talking about.

This is the video I mean. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ-Yf5bNpbH/?igsh=MXN5bDlnZjR1cGVxZQ==

I don’t actually like the skirt itself, but might be the seed of an idea?

Clearly this is way below your budget but is a great dress and skims the stomach really well! I just got it and love it.

www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/black-rib-racerback-broderie-anglaise-embroidered-midi-dress/p/917259501

The Fold have some dresses (and jumpsuits) which might be worth a look - there is a sale too.

I love this - is it your style?

https://www.jasperconran.com/products/hallie-bardot-a-line-striped-dress?variant=55172865950069

There are some lovely dresses here.

I would search for empire line maxi dress
I also wouldn't spend much if you're planning to lose weight soon

I have this dress, worn once size 16 but I am a 14 .
Selling on Vinted jacstclaire

Looks like a sack on that model. Might look better on OP, but I wouldn't bank on it.

Plus you would look like a milkmade

Is this too dressed down? It's from Reiss.

Sorry, photo didnt attach -

I love the look, maybe a bit casual, it's something I'd love to wear to work.

https://www.mrandmrsstitch.com/woman-c2/dresses-c15/rixo-clarice-dress-navy-polka-dot-p41908
Have a look on this site, all within price range, Rixo, Paul Smith etc.

Have a look at Kitri. They do express delivery

https://kitristudio.com/collections/midi-dresses?page=3&phcursor=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzayI6InBvc2l0aW9uIiwic3YiOjYxLCJkIjoiZiIsInVpZCI6NDk5NjA4MTIwODU2MzMsImwiOjI0LCJvIjowLCJyIjoiQ0RQIiwidiI6MSwicCI6M30.AnwRn2j70UDVRYtACPwlhqfBWndhDu5ttaALPumVVUQ

https://www.essentiel-antwerp.com/uk/p/blue-dress-hanchor?ref=MTI0

I've got 5 dresses from Me&Em and 3 from the outnet arriving today, hopefully something in that.

https://www.eikoai.com/en-gb/products/lotta-kimono-dress

I bought this recently and absolutely love it. It’s one size and easy to adjust. They have other colours too

Report back!

@GingerKombucha Lace and Beads, Reformation, LK Bennett, Ba&sh xx