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.

I’m putting a version of this look together. It can be dressed up with some pretty earrings or a cuff and some killer https://www.massimodutti.com/gb/cotton-blend-knit-cape-l05757557?pelement=59151317&colorId=700&style=0

Though there are many bargains on Vinted etc. Such as these kitten heel sandals by Vanessa Wu.

I'm guessing you're not much of a heel wearer in daily life, OP? But do you want a bit of a heel (for height if you're feeling insecure?!), plus comfort? Will you be walking there? Best to make sure you're fine in kitten heels/slingbacks/mules/whatever first!

I would also consider mules, & like these mules on Otrium. Just giving some examples, as I don't know your shoe size.

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/8193323140-vanessa-wu-black-kitten-heel-sandals-uk-size-4

https://www.otrium.co.uk/product/harriet-mule-black

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su519446/au0824

There are also some fab vintage mules out there (but there are similar new ones - these are genuine 60s ones), or these satin mules from Next. Which would be great if you go for a plainer dress/outfit.

These?

It depends on what the rest of your outfit ends up looking like? Taupe/nude suede slingbacks sound more daytime & (sorry! Possibly a bit dull?). What I liked about the black Clarks ones was that they have a little bit extra to them, while still going with lots.

Are these the M&S ones? If so, I think the cut looks a bit clunky & inelegant compared to the Clarks ones. Plus they're £50 but the Clarks ones are now down to £30?!

As I have no real idea of what your going-out style is (or might be, I suppose?!!), I'm going to throw lots of things your way - starting with dresses as you say you feel comfy in them & they're your default. All Vinted/eBay. All under budget & mostly will allow for your footwear/jacket too (hopefully!!🤞).

Some of these are dressy. Some are plainer & could be worn dressed up/down. All depends on what you look at & think "yes, I could feel good in this"!!!

This LK Bennett one is at the dressier end, & is a bargain at £48 (definitely worth a lower offer!!). It's pure silk & isn't like their slightly dowdier wedding-type ones - I think it's a great dress. The lacey sleeve trim is very current. Colours would also be great with your auburn hair. All it needs is a pair of heels & a little black jacket (do you want a bag too?).

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/7729784336-lk-bennett-floral-print-silk-dress

@EleanorMc67i LOVE that dress and its exactly the sort of thing I'd be drawn to, thank you!

Re heels...don't think I've worn any since covid! But used to be proficient...i think I'd manage kitten heels and i think they are something that will make me feel more sophisticated??

M&s shoes were similar but def only £30...i will order the clarks since I can send them back if no good!

A Sezanne Pippa dress in green - striking colour, but simple flattering twist jersey shape. Easy to wear with a leather jacket or blazer, big earrings & mules. £65 - so you might need to haggle so that you can buy shoes & a jacket too, though!

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/8866649367-sezane-long-dress

Oh good! I thought, she doesn't like patterns but it's soooo nice I'll give it a go anyway!! And will be good with kitten heels or mules.

I'm the same re pre-Covid proficiency in heels - & now I'm having to re-learn how to walk in the damn things!! Though I've abandoned anything high (unless a platform style with padded sole!!). Low heels or elegant flats - but I am tall so am happy in flats.

I did look for other silk LK Bennett ones but they're all rather prim/wedding-y/staid looking (which is why I was surprised at finding this one as it's so nice!). There's one more on Vinted - for £200!!! So that is definitely a bargain ...!!!

Nobody has to wear heels! If anything they look very dated.

No-one has to wear heels - but sometimes they choose to. And the OP has been looking at kitten heels anyway - so she might want to ...?!! There are lots of very wearable LOW heels around right now (& I don't think she's planning on lurching about on 6 inch skyscrapers?)

How about a good quality jumpsuit?

I love the LK Bennet dress OP, I think it will look amazing with your shape and colouring. I thought kitten heels were back now and flats out? All the celebs I see are in kitten heels ceetainly.

@Avemariamacchesney it's beautiful isn't it? And I thought the same re kitten heels
Altho the one thing we have probably established is that I have no clue!

@EleanorMc67you have my style/ taste spot on, I love that green one too!

Here's a dress from JL that's a bit like the Sezane one, OP - but in khaki. £59 new. I would say that, like the Sezane one, it's quite a good day/evening dress. For a 50th I personally would want to wear great dramatic earrings & sandals with it, as it is on the understated side.

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-twist-jersey-cap-sleeve-midi-dress-black/khaki/p115167255

I'd also consider, with anything asymmetric like that, emphasising the asymmetry with a brooch (or three!). Very in right now (though they've never left my wardrobe!).

You could also do the same at the shoulder of this dress, OP. It's down to £50 in the Jigsaw sale, but also on Vinted in a Small for £28.

https://www.jigsaw-online.com/products/crinkle-jersey-flowy-dress-red
https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/8878067570-jigsaw-draped-shoulder-jersey-dress

You didn't sound sure about sleeveless - but just in case you are ok with it ...!!! And this is £29 ...

This is from a collab that Ganni did with Net-a-Porter aeons ago. It's still a very pretty slip dress (probably counts as vintage by now!) & will look a bit different next to the plain satin/lace ones that are quite common right now. Ignore the 2017 styling in the photos - they're just to show the shape more.

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/8871594157-ganni-floral-satin-summer-dress-size-34

I also have always loved this dress from M&S Autograph, from several years ago. Great colours for you, & it moves well. £15!

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/8757591861-autograph-animal-print-drop-waist-dress

Another rather nice AllSaints slip dress option for £32.

Also rather like this ARKET one for £26. it's a bit more A-line. I like white & cream with pale Celtic colouring - especially when lace is involved. Very Victorian!

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/8826953081-arket-cream-and-black-lace-slip-midi-dress-size-10

I love this

@eewwdavid I hope it's you that purchased the LK Bennett dress you loved on Vinted, as it's just popped up as sold ...

@EleanorMc67guilty!😁

You have beautiful taste I'm so impressed. Do you work with fashion or just a keen hobbyist?!

@Ophiri love that too...i like it with the blazer and boots but sadly own neither

Oh good! I hope it works out ...

I will send a few more links to things on Vinted that might work (for future dates/dinners etc ...!!! Or if the dress isn't quite right). After that I'll need to stop searching & saving size 8-10 clothes on Vinted as a) it's buggering up my algorithms & b) I like so many of them myself - but I'm a size 16 😬!!!

And thank you, but no, more of a keen hobbyist. I did train (as a landscape architect) alongside fashion & jewellery & other applied arts students, many of whom were friends & flatmates. And have loved clothes, & having fun with them, all my life. I now work purely as a garden designer, & don't see it as that different really - it's still working with colour & form & texture etc!

So, hopefully you have a dress. And shoes. What about a jacket? Bag??!!!