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Dress to impress…

24 replies

SteveMcqueensJeans · 13/07/2026 21:33

I have been invited to a very close friends 50th birthday party next month. The dress code is ‘dress to impress’. I’m similar age, 5’7” and 70kg. size 14 on top (boobs), size 12 waist and 12/14 across the abdomen and hips with the most excellent to style c section belly overhang/apron.
my colours tend to be red, burgundy, greens, purple and navy. i look terrible in pastels and black.
i can wear a low ish heel, hair is ling and will be professionally put ‘up’. i’m ok with shapewear as long as we are not in full heatwave again.
should add i want to wear a bra with steps so nothing strapless, don’t feel the need to hide my arms and my legs are probably my best feature as well as my décolletage which is miraculously wrinkle free.
i am looking for something long with a split (i think). budget is up to £200 but happier at £100. chatgpt keeps dressing me like a boring mother of the bride or someone in their 90’s.
do i look at bridesmaid type dresses?
would anyone stylish fancy helping me out? i’d be very grateful!
oh last thing, venue is a very posh country hotel.

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EleanorMc67 · 14/07/2026 03:37

Either red, or floral red & pink - I love the ruffles, it's silk, & looks designer.

https://www.boden.com/products/women-ruffle-silk-midi-dress-pink-bloom-scatter-mono-d1678flr

Dress to impress…
Dress to impress…
EleanorMc67 · 14/07/2026 03:56

Back to a long dress, in case I can't persuade you towards short!

Navy or pink lace? It's more of a rosy pink than a pastel one, so it may suit.

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/marchesa-notte/dresses/gowns/satin-trimmed-guipure-lace-and-tulle-gown/1647597351580796

Dress to impress…
Overtheatlantic · 14/07/2026 04:09

I adore the olive green mini from Reiss.

EleanorMc67 · 14/07/2026 04:27

Overtheatlantic · 14/07/2026 04:09

I adore the olive green mini from Reiss.

Yes, to me it's got a slight late 70s Studio 54 vibe ...

SteveMcqueensJeans · 14/07/2026 19:27

the lavish alice one is amazing but not sure it suits for a summer event. have book marked it to maybe get as a ‘just in case’ invitation later in the year. i am strangely drawn to the boden floral one which is so unlike something i’d usually choose

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Hnjk67 · 14/07/2026 21:06

yes, that is a very beautiful dress

NorWouldTilly · 15/07/2026 01:28

If you like the Boden printed silk but would prefer more focus on you, it might be worth browsing Realisation Par. (And they have a site wide sale right now.) This sort of meets your brief - also in a navy polka dot print. Dresses are pure silk.

https://uk.realisationpar.com/the-ellery-vivian/

NorWouldTilly · 15/07/2026 08:02

Or this!

https://uk.realisationpar.com/the-claudia-super-dot/

SteveMcqueensJeans · 15/07/2026 10:31

love the coast bridesmaid one. never thought to look at that style. that one might be it!

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kortneyxzgilda · 16/07/2026 07:17

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

NorWouldTilly · 16/07/2026 07:24

<Sighs>

EleanorMc67 · 16/07/2026 22:41

NorWouldTilly · 16/07/2026 07:24

<Sighs>

Is that a sigh of disappointment ...?!
Funny, but I get you 😁!!

I do love that Claudia dress you linked. I don't generally wear polka dots (& I am, frankly, sick of looking at them of late!), but that dress is a thing of joy!

Jazzicatz · 17/07/2026 20:57

I would go for an 80s style gold jumpsuit. You are slim so can wear anything.

SteveMcqueensJeans · 19/07/2026 19:01

NorWouldTilly · 16/07/2026 07:24

<Sighs>

you’ve lost me. care to elaborate?

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SteveMcqueensJeans · 19/07/2026 19:03

Jazzicatz · 17/07/2026 20:57

I would go for an 80s style gold jumpsuit. You are slim so can wear anything.

that’s very kind of you but i’d look totally ridiculous in a gold
jumpsuit. definitely a look that only a select few could pull off without looking ironic

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