Outfit for new partner's 50th

[eewwdavid]

I am having a panic attack just typing this....i jest..but I am crapping myself.
Big meal booked for significant other's birthday...first time meeting a lot of his friends. I am slightly older than him, and therefore than them. Especially so the "wives" who are a bit younger than his friends. They are quite stylish, i am not. DP is lovely and thinks I look lovely...i am in a state of abject fear.
What can I wear?!
Early 50s, slim 8/10ish zero cleavage. Not as toned as I used to be so would like to keep arms under wraps. Meal is in city restaurant will be hipster rather than formal i fear. I am clueless and would appreciate any suggestions.

Slouchy / off shoulder / Bardot top and some dark wide leg jeans would be my go to at a similar size and age. Covers the upper arms and lack of cleavage, but shows off shoulders and collarbone area (ie my remaining good bits!). Nice trainers or sandals. If it’s a posh do, wide leg trousers, open neck shirt, heeled boots.

Thank you! I was looking at slouchy neck dresses there and wondering if my shoulders were fit for purpose! I think jeans may be too informal...but I'm just not sure

Lack of cleavage doesn't necessarily mean you can go bra-less though? Unless you feel comfortable doing so, OP!! I'm not sure I'd go for something totally off-the-shoulder (& bra-less!) when meeting a big group of people for the first time?

I know Bardot tops are quite "in", but feeling relaxed & confident in my outfit would be my first aim.

Are there any particular colours or shapes you like, OP? Are you a dress or separates person? What's your budget, & where do you usually shop for clothes? What's your height & colouring?

Thanks!
Hadn't considered the bra less factor, I probably wouldn't feel that comfortable no! I'm only around 5ft 3, very fair colouring. I veer towards dresses mainly as I feel quite stumpy in trousers and top but I'm not against it. I like a long skirt too. I think I'm reasonably up to date, I wear a reasonably young style. My budget is not huge but I would go up to £100 for this as I'm so worried!

I am usually a vinted shopper just for budget but like H&M, uniqlo, maybe a bit of Zara, M&S. I like &other stories but cant normally afford

If dresses are usually your go to I’d stick with a dress.
I’ve not bought one, but I’ve been eyeing up dresses from https://www.naborhi.com/collections/african-print-dresses for a wedding I’m going to.

If they live up to expectations they will be stunning!

Oh they are gorgeous but definitely not for me!

What do you like? Fabrics, shapes, colours, styles? I'd think about that rather than what other people might be wearing or look like. At the same age as you, I can't deny I don't think about what other people might make of how I look, but then I have a word with myself and dress for me.
Do you have anything in your wardrobe now that you feel good in, that you might accessorize differently?

I've no idea what to suggest as you've not given an indication of, as PP said fabrics, shapes, colours, styles.

I would suggest less negativity about yourself. You're in your 50s and a size 8/10 yet everything you've said about yourself is negative..

"Zero cleavage ' I've had that most of my life. I've never wanted cleavage and always been happy that way. It makes clothes easier to fit, especially given how many posts I see on here from large boobed complaining they have difficulty getting clothes that fit. I'm 5'3" - too. I'm not "only" 5' 3"

Why don't you have a look for any influencers you like on instagram for styling - carolinestylehacks and emma rose thatcher are quite good, Debbie lea grainger.

My go to outfit at moment is bias cut midi skirt, white tshirt and blazer. I'm mid 50's size 12 and find that combination works in most situations! Best of luck and don't forget to enjoy yourself!

Sorry forgot to add a picture ( it's not me!!)

I agree the determined negativity about your age and body is deeply depressing to read (because you really don’t need to be feeling any of it).

Disappointed to learn that strapless bras are such an obscure secret!

It’s not easy to suggest anything because you don’t suggest any styles or brands you enjoy wearing. Anyway, cool, contemporary looks (above budget so for inspiration only) here:

https://eu.thefrankieshop.com/

But obviously if you prefer a more restrained, classic look you could do that instead.

Thank you all! Negativity not intended, I was just trying to give an idea of body shape.
I like the styling on that frankie website thank you @Sesquipedahlia, way above budget as you say but they look lovely. I just need that to translate into something affordable!
@AnSionnachGlici really like that look! I think the reason I tend towards dresses is because that only means buying 1 item whereas that's 3...but I could try to hunt them down cheaply.
@Janblues28thank you i am not very good with Instagram I will investigate!

Also those asking what I enjoy wearing...I don't particularly enjoy wearing many of my clothes as they are not what I'd choose if budget was different! I follow wearsmymoney and like what she posts, if that is any help.

Colours..i don't like patterns/ prints but I don't mind bold colours...altho I do tend to go towards green, khaki, blue a lot

What about this

Ok - so to emulate that very sharp, graphic Frankie Shop look - try & Other Stories, TK Maxx, Topshop (at ASOS), and, if you’re lucky, The Outnet.

See if there’s anything here that might upgrade something you already own. Link is to ‘Just In’ - you may need to re-sort for prices in ascending order:

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/just-in?orderBy=8&pageNumber=1

@Grghftthat's a lovely shape...what would you wear on legs / feet with that?

@Sesquipedahliasadly I was outpriced by about the 6th item on that link! I'll look on tk maxx tho thank you!

Do you have a good pair of dark denim jeans or wide leg trousers you love? A great staple to build on and two new pieces in your wardrobe would help as opposed to another dress.

As PP suggested, I'd build an outfit around something you already own that you feel good in. E.g. a favourite pair of trousers or smarter jeans? I can wear the same pair of trousers to work or on a night out, depending on what I wear them with...

i would maybe stay away from a dress because this presumably wont be the last time you meet his friends and you can't be buying new every time where seperates can be changed to look different. Honestly though i dont really think that people are that judgy and you should not try and change your style for people you have not even met yet. I went out with friends last week and if you offered me your £100 budget as a prize i honestly could not tell you what any of the women had on (some 10 years older and some 10 years younger) Give yourself time to blow dry your hair and put nice makeup on - ask SO what he loves on you maybe and buy some new earings or something (just a little confidence boost for you. I would be more likely to notice that. You dont want to end up with an expensive dress you dont feel quite right in hanging in your wardrobe xx Have a lovely time.

https://www.whistles.com/product/velvet-flare-sleeve-dress-40718.html

How about this dress?

Whistles have a sale on some of their dresses at the moment so might be worth a look.

Id wear it with white boots but im known for creating dodgy combos so maybe get someone else's opinion 😆
I just think its a pretty yet also interesting shape that looks like you've made a bit of effort but not too much. And a good colour if youre fair