Help please with party outfit

[Carrie76]

My close friend is having a party in her house for her 50th. I really want to look well so am happy to buy a new outfit. I’m 5’6” and a size 8/10 so should be easy enough to make myself look presentable but I never look good.

I’m a sports coach and spend 90% of my time in athletics gear. I always feel I dress like a student when I go out rather than a middle aged woman. I’m not great at big social events so would love to look good as it might give me some more confidence. Any suggestions as to what to wear?

I’m 53 and find cos really good at the going out dresses that are a bit edgy but not over the top or too exposing (my preference), worth a look.

Three dresses, as introductions to three websites. It doesn’t sound as if you buy many clothes so I’m assuming you can treat yourself to one good thing that’s easy to wear and could be brought out on any occasion.

Eat Dust Clothing

Kindred of Ireland for photos but this colour

Pollyanna of Barnsley

(I won’t lecture you on how middle aged women are allowed to buy clothes they actually like …)

Well at 5’6” and a size 8-10 you’re going to look fab I’d say!

What colours/prints do you like? Any preference towards a dress or trousers? Any part of your body you’d like to accentuate? (Great arms for example) For the actual event, I’d suggest getting a manicure/eyebrows professionally done in the week leading up to the party and on the day get a great blow dry and maybe professional make up (or go to a makeup counter and have it done) as it’s a special occasion. Looking groomed will definitely improve your self confidence.

Only getting to check back now thanks for the replies. I’ll check out Cos. @NorWouldTilly thank you for the links but they’re out of my budget.
@Netaporter I’m more comfortable in trousers and colour wise I prefer darker colours to brights. I’ve made an appointment to get my eyebrows done and will probably book a blowdry too. I don’t really wear make up other than mascara so I might look into that too. Thanks for the pointers

Hope you find something you like!

If you want more responses here it might be wise to give a specific budget.

@Carrie76 why not consider a jumpsuit. You’re tall and a pair of plain heels. A couple of these you can pull out for lots of occasions. If you use next, you can order a few styles without having to pay for everything upfront which might help you get a sense of your style. The styles @NorWouldTilly has suggested although lovely quality I’m sure I don’t think are partyish enough tbh and you’ve a great figure to dress so don’t drown it in fabric. I like Cos but it can be a very specific style sort of shop which also has styles which have a lot of fabric in their pieces - again that might not suit you.

A couple of choices here, but look at Nobody’s child, Club L for a definite party vibe, and Sosander. Also don’t forget Reiss and Hobbs for more classic looks.

https://www.sosandar.com/black-white-contrast-trim-jumpsuit?glCountry=GB&glCurrency=GBP&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22044610027&gbraid=0AAAAADQU86C-8b7za18c1wf7tDQ6NEE7s&gclid=CjwKCAjwyYPOBhBxEiwAgpT8P9RoQ6XNPuerM10zl8tBJdDv8xeTZisWIpW0QyTQnhPtJFMRji-amRoCTgYQAvD_BwE#241=242&716=463&fo_c=2425&fo_k=e95c2c0d8c1e59ed5d2e6112f09eea84&fo_s=gplauk

https://www.hobbs.com/product/luisa-velvet-jumpsuit/0223-5995-9845L00-BLACK.html?utm_source=google&utm_source_platform=google_ads&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NEST_Hobbs_UK_EN_BoF_PerformanceMax_Winners&utm_id=20413593267&utm_content=agid_-ad_&network=x&device=m&utm_tpl=live&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20418479495&gbraid=0AAAAADC5o-IBut0B_XZ6gCz1XGoBCDExi&gclid=CjwKCAjwyYPOBhBxEiwAgpT8PzYyU_1GTeBrLee-arCu3MdF34hixOL-6QjMaK9BhOnwuxJkk2pWXRoC8ggQAvD_BwE

https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-kylie-tuxedo-jumpsuit-black/p109377297?size=20&s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20151164127&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1wqZjIsokjHMu4SXsvMxLR1H&gclid=CjwKCAjwyYPOBhBxEiwAgpT8PwtUYprYH6Ay37GAV84yv03kQ7F4esxCG5b6NpOeg17dZhZH2B1XzRoC_DQQAvD_BwE

https://clubllondon.com/products/emeria-black-high-neck-jumpsuit-with-long-mesh-sleeves-cl138035001?variant=56703240536437&currency=GBP&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google%2Bshopping&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23148500531&gbraid=0AAAAADCHewJLKgxyxJk9Eq4Fk7INHh3bA&gclid=CjwKCAjwyYPOBhBxEiwAgpT8P9alT47ffDzk7POJvtclccqh-cL42aCrycC63p7nq1zY54_t6YcStBoC1EkQAvD_BwE

@Netaporter thank you for those links. Jumpsuits are a good idea, I’ll order a few and try on at home.
@NorWouldTilly budget would be around £300