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Help with top or dress for depressingly low key Xmas do

41 replies

ChristmasHug · 01/12/2025 00:12

We used to have fabulously glitzy work Christmas dos, everyone made an effort, I loved it. Team expanded rapidly over covid with mainly young men, the winning vote for Xmas would be a pub crawl but mercifully we have to do something 'inclusive'.

We will work in the morning, go to some activity in the afternoon (bowling, crazy golf, etc), then a meal at a cheaper restaurant (pizza express level) and then a pub for drinks for anyone staying out.

There is no expectation to dress nicely, most of the men won't bother at all. Us 4 women usually make a tiny effort of the jeans and a nice top variety.

Im not sure the back story was needed but now I have your sympathy can you help?

I am 49, 5'6, very much an hourglass, size 10-14 depending on fit and need something fitted between boobs and waist to avoid looking pregnant. Either a top to go with dark jeans and flat boots or a long sleeved midi to wear with tights and ankle or knee boots.

I'd love something a bit christmassy, velvet or with a bit of sparkle. I suit Christmas colours, burgundy, red, teal, deep green, look awful on black.

Have you seen anything? I'm not a fashionable shape and not catered for, and my do is on Friday!

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WhatWouldTheDoctorDo · 02/12/2025 21:55

Hope you’ve found something @ChristmasHug We still go out for a very nice lunch for Christmas (all paid for, plenty of food and drink), but whereas pre-covid everyone made the effort to get really dressed up and it was fun and boozy, ot’s now much more casual and a bit dull. Partly because a lot of us are similar age and getting older and more sensible though. I miss the fun Christmas party days!

Woodenwonder · 03/12/2025 09:22

If you're going bowling you're going to be bending over so what about a nice comfy but sparkly jumpsuit?

Woodenwonder · 03/12/2025 09:23

Something like this? Velvet Long Fluted Sleeve Jumpsuit | Women | George at ASDA

BustPipes · 03/12/2025 21:35

Not fitted, not sparkly, not midi, but I have one in black, and it works really well on an hourglass figure (size down).

Understated - but could be festived-up with jewellery and/or shoes.

Short, so possibly not suitable for bowling. Think you could get away with it if it's mini golf

https://www.roman.co.uk/knitted-jumper-dress-14312928

Hope you wring every last ounce of fun out of the afternoon/evening!

Dark Green Knitted Jumper Dress | Roman UK

Shop for Dark Green Knitted Jumper Dress at Roman.co.uk. Part of our Knitted Dresses collection.

https://www.roman.co.uk/knitted-jumper-dress-14312928

MsOtisReflects · 04/12/2025 14:43

Those flappy cropped trouser legs are annoying me even on a screen!

Pusstachio · 05/12/2025 21:09

We went out for drinks last night and a lady wore a super sparkly shimmery midi skirt in sort of pearlescent colours with a lovely chunky beige roll neck. It’s literally smart casual and looked so fun and warm! She had boots under I think.

PBJsandwich123 · 06/12/2025 01:03

MsOtisReflects · 02/12/2025 05:55

@LucyLoo1972 - have you see the shaping and stitching of the bodice? And the fact it’s 100% cotton? And completely Made in England (so no economies of labour)?

If anything, I think it’s underpriced. Greedier brands might double the price.

This is what ethical/quality fashion costs although i think a lot of people's budgets don't stretch to that. If I bought it I would be getting it as a family heirloom basically

MsOtisReflects · 06/12/2025 04:39

Well, that’s no bad thing …

I spend far too much time on the Justine Tabak site, admiring the craft and quality of frocks that are the very opposite of anything that actually suits me - so I like to think other people are wearing and enjoying them.

justasking111 · 09/12/2025 10:38

At 49. A casual do like that I'd be catching a lurgy and staying home.

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