Friday afternoon style challenge - help me find an outfit for my 40th birthday, please!

[wilbur]

I am toying with two options for my 40th b'day party in 3 weeks time. It is an evening thing, but not mega smart.

Option 1 - nice frock with a bit of sleeve or shrug option

Option 2 - I have a great pair of linen mix dark soft blue/grey trousers that I love and feel fabulous in. I would need a top with some kind of sleeve and killer shoes (not too high and delicate wedges would be good) to go with it.

The bits of myself I am happy to show off - cleavage (helped along by push up bra)
midriff, ie from below boobs to hip line, so something that is fitted in that area would be good.

I am pear shaped so nothing clingy over bum and thighs, but otherwise I am 5'8" and about a size 12. Budget is generous, but not silly.

So, stylish ladies, you are always brilliant at finding ideas, please help!

Am loving these shoes but nervous about wearing a gold top to match. Would I need to match? I am not v good at this kind of outfit putting together.

I saw tons of dresses, same basic idea but lots of colours, in Phase 8 yesterday. they come with bolero cardigan type things.

Like this but lots of other colours.

I like that frock Katisha [are you a G&S fan?] and I do like the headless lady's pink shoes. There is a phase 8 hear me, so will put that on the list of places to try.

Nearly bought this one but in green

YES! I am a misunderstood old harridan from the Mikado and at last someone recognises me!

This sort of shape maybe?

That is pretty, tho I have to be a bit careful with pink as I currently have red hair.

You have nice long legs, and I reckon you should emphasise them .

So trousers and nork-presenting top.

this

Ohh - I love that top

am very tempted!

Sorry, my pink comment was about Katisha's 2nd dress suggestion.

Jackieno - those are v pretty, I haven't tried a kimono shape before. It's a bit more fitted than the smock tops, isn't it? Smocks are great for disguising the big bum, but they also cover my good bits.

Yes, MI I am def leaning towards trousers. If only because I can then spend more ££ on shoes.

Maybe this, but might be a bit more eveningy than you want. Too much volume?

Beetroot - possibly a little fashion-forward for me! Gorgeous skirt to the frock though. And it would show off my pert norks...

the first dress

If the colour works with the trousers?

centre top dress

Oh yes, I can see you in that top, very definitely.

Yes, a bit too much volume and I'm not mad about tie tops - they always come undone (or is that just how I behave at parties?) Like that shade of gold though.

shoes

Oh yes, love the Phase Eight dress beety and the coast top, Will have to find a coast stockist nearby.

Lovely - and not too high, which is good. So many of the pretty shoes are so high at the mo - I can't walk in them and I feel self-conscious being that tall.

I really want that second dress

I am the same height as you W and size and have red hair!