Ideas for a flattering 40th birthday dress for dinner and drinks

[Almost401986]

Hi girls! Hoping you can help me with your amazing style and fashion insight!

I'm having a 40th birthday party in October. It's at a restaurant/bar- dinner, drinks, then off out to a few more bars afterwards.

I'm 5ft 2inches, size 10. I guess my best features would be my shoulders and back. I've got a small chest and wouldn't need to wear a bra. My legs are ok until until about mid thigh. Conscious of my lower tummy, hips and tops of my legs.

I've got copper, shoulder length hair and a pale complexion (could get a spray tan). I'm looking for either a mini or midi dress that will make me feel like the birthday girl. Happy to wear heels- block platforms.
Budget for the dress around £100 but could go higher.

Hoping you can help me girls. I'm a tired mum who doesn't get out much and is looking forward to a night celebrating and feeling a bit glam ❤️ Thanks for reading.

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/minty-wrap-maxi-dress-10001960450.html

https://clubllondon.com/products/celosia-sage-asymmetric-neck-midi-dress-with-silver-detailing-cl137863033

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su963828/w99067

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su513665/h52469

I'm a pale redhead and green is my go to https://www.next.co.uk/style/su894618/g09959

Given you're bar hopping I thought you might but want anything too formal

House of CB do some nice dresses but more than your budget so Vinted may be worth a look.

This is nice! The other dresses posted don't meet the brief at all.

I don't know what bars and restaurants some people go to!

I’d go for a slip dress with a jacket if it’s chilli, there’s loads around at the moment. I can also highly recommend Jockey tummy control knickers to smooth things out under a dress…

https://www.marksandspencer.com/satin-cowl-neck-lace-trim-midi-slip-dress/p/clp61229629#intid=pid_pg1pip48g4r6c1%7Cprodflag_Just%20Arrived

https://www.asos.com/new-look-petite/new-look-petite-satin-cowl-neck-midi-dress-in-black/prd/210431866?affid=30864&_EAIaIQobChMI2MT9zPT1lAMVU4hQBh2qDBWDEAQYESABEgKte_D_BwE&channelref=product+search&ppcadref=23592643643%7C%7C&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=23592643643&utm_content=&utm_term=&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23587196583&gbraid=0AAAAADqFjOBWNvvAb122MsMZn9N1qwQVL&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2MT9zPT1lAMVU4hQBh2qDBWDEAQYESABEgKte_D_BwE

https://www.jockey.co.uk/collections/womens-multipacks/products/jockey-womens-smoothin-brief-three-pack?variant=55356410626424

I actually have this one it's yumi , I've realised i tend to go longer sleeve when it's a shorter skirt!

I am coveting several farm Rio dresses at the moment but they are a bit spendy, you might find something on vinted though

Oh I love that one and yes to Farm Rio. Happy to go on Vinted/Preloved
. Thanks so much for your help

Thanks so much @HollyBluIvy @TheGirlattheBack some really lovely options. Love the greens and the burgundy colours. Really impressed with the Next stuff. Hadn't thought to look there but some of the dresses look really lovely and at such a good price point. Thanks so much for taking the time to share those suggestions x

https://prettykittyfashion.co.uk/products/red-tropical-blossom-rose-cap-sleeve-cotton-swing-dress-copy Something bright and fun?

Well, it’s a long time until October!

Frankly, I’d spend the summer browsing the widest possible range of brands and then hire something fabulous come autumn.

https://www.redonline.co.uk/fashion/a37750531/rent-clothes/

I looked at the photos of the dresses posted before I read the thread itself. As soon as I saw that dress (Zimmermann?), I thought it would probably be your recommendation!

As @Tocsin said, it's ages til your birthday. And it might well be a cold wet night, so would you necessarily need a spray tan if you end up wearing tights/boots with your dress? Or will you freeze it out, come what may ...?!

I think pale skin & red hair look great with jewel tones anyway ... From your description of your body shape & colouring, I immediately thought of a slinky satin halterneck dress in green or plum or bronze.

This Reiss one is sold out - but is in your size in petite on eBay for £62.99, down from its original £158 selling price. A bargain!!! But more of a kitten heel than block heel dress, IMO.

https://ebay.io/m/JYecGf

Too crazy?! I feel some ‘pizazz’ is needed!

I like it - it's fun & dramatic. But I think it might overwhelm the OP as she's 6 inches shorter than the model? Plus I personally think that you need to be really flame-haired to carry off such an intense cold blue (I'm a pale coppery blonde myself).

It might also be a bit too out there for the OP - that's assuming she genuinely likes the Next etc dresses posted & isn't just being polite.

Most of the dresses posted I find dated/ageing or wouldn't be what I personally consider "glam" - but the definition of glam will be different for everyone ...??!! Also, dinner then drinks at a few different places could be a restrained affair or a mad night out, with dress codes differing accordingly!

There’s 11 colours in this one, and would really show off your shoulders. You may need to take to a seamstress for a little off the length - https://www.stories.com/en-gb/product/sleeveless-satin-midi-dress-dark-blue-1257049038/

@EleanorMc67 and @rosiebr I love the Reiss one and the Stories one in particular. Thanks so much for all the suggestions everyone. @TellingIt the colour of the dress you shared is amazing but not sure if I'd be brave enough for the style but open to the length. Birthday is early October and it's usually still fairly mild and dry so hopefully the same this year. Bar hopping is almost door to door so won't be outside much. Mostly smaller independent cocktail bars. I'm a planner and want to take my time getting something just right so starting early in the hope I'll find something to feel good in. Knew that asking here would give me some great ideas! Thanks girls!