40th birthday party dress

[bilbohaggins]

Looking for a dress for a friend’s 40th. Evening dinner at their house. Need something summery and stylish, as they have quite stylish house/other friends, but not too try hard - anything that is too weddingy is too much, plus want to be able to wear it again. Would pay up to £250 if really nice and can wear again. I’m 5”6 and a size 8 in most things, small frame but relatively muscular - I’m open minded on style.

If you could stretch your budget a bit it would be a good opportunity to get something from

Alemais

Also probably available in the sale on other sites like Net-a-Porter, etc.

Oh gosh, that is a rather lovely site. I probably shouldn’t spend that much at the moment, but it is tempting!

I should also say that I’m fair but not super fair (freckles but I do tan with little and often exposure), brunette with red undertones

😅 Here’s their own site:

https://alemais.com/

(I spend unconscionable amounts of time there …)

Would you wear a mini dress, OP? I think this is rather nice - not too formal/stuffy, & would be great with your colouring?

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/saloni/dresses/mini-dresses/marcie-ruffled-cotton-mini-dress/46376663163013829

If you like one-shouldered dresses, this one is on the more casual side.

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/farm-rio/dresses/midi-dresses/one-shoulder-pleated-linen-blend-midi-dress/46376663162913040

I love silk twill, & this is a very versatile dress. I like the red best, especially for your colouring.

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/loulou-studio/dresses/midi-dresses/knotted-silk-twill-midi-dress/46376663163064891

Look at Rixo - they have beautiful dresses.