Does a little black gown develop into a little an excessive amount of when the neckline is plunging? How do I transfer previous my concern of velvet?
And as a lot as I’m drawn to mini attire, is it time to settle for that, at 59, I’m too lengthy within the tooth for brief hemlines?
These are the questions which have been troubling me when it got here to partywear this Christmas. You see, 2025 was the 12 months that I fell again in love with trend, forking out greater than £3,000 on new garments and equipment, many from manufacturers I’d beforehand been too intimidated to purchase from.
I’d at all times coveted Me+Em attire. However, when I visited their store at Battersea Power Station in (*59*) final 12 months I felt so misplaced and frumpy that I walked straight out once more. Today I have two of their daring, assertion attire as properly as a silk shirt.
I love my Wyse denim jumpsuit, my Donna Ida flared denims, my Whistles skinny ones and my Hush wool midi attire. I’m positively giddy when my new knee-size tan boots zip up over my slim calves with ease and I marvel that there’s even room to spare with a hole at the top of the boot.
The motive for my unbearable physique confidence and spending spree? 2025 was additionally the 12 months I bought slim.
Thanks to six months on Mounjaro and cautious consuming within the six months I’ve been off it I have shed 4 stone, going from a size 18 to a size 10 (even an 8 in some manufacturers, if I skip lunch and breathe in for all I’m value). I’ve spent most of my fifties in elastic waists and unfastened tent-like garments, the very concept of a pair of trainers becoming over my chunky calves being unthinkable.
Newly slender with all my previous ‘fat’ garments offered on Vinted, is it any marvel I’ve been going a bit loopy with the bank card?
(*18*)Claudia has shed 4 stone this 12 months, going from a size 18 to a size 8 or 10, thanks to Mounjaro
The final time I was this size was in my 20s. And therein lies the issue. I have to hold reminding myself that as a lot as I love my new determine – I’m not in my 20s. I’m 59 and my physique has modified.
While I detest the thought of girls being informed they’re too previous for sure kinds, I have to settle for that I’m attracted to garments that, on me, stray dangerously into making an attempt-too-arduous territory.
I’m lucky to have brutally sincere associates who’ve prevented me from changing into a full-time muttonista. One threatened to disown me if I bought the electrical blue Juicy tracksuit I was drawn to. Another staged an intervention when she noticed me pulling a bottle inexperienced thigh-skimming leather-based mini skirt off the rail on a buying journey.
So, to keep away from making costly errors, I turned to the Daily Mail’s sensible trend crew to level me within the route of some partywear that’s flattering, non-frumpy and would possibly simply assist me overcome my velvet prejudice and horror of something metallic or sequinned.
Velvet go well with
I blame proudly owning a velvet couch for my aversion to velvet garments. I imply, no one desires to mix into the furnishings. In a beautiful moss inexperienced this Jigsaw go well with is superbly tailor-made and female. The blazer (£279) may be worn with nothing beneath whereas the trousers (£180) make my legs look longer.
(*18*)In a beautiful moss inexperienced, this Jigsaw go well with (£459) is superbly tailor-made and female, writes Claudia Connell
Velour Jumpsuit
The shoulder and cuff element on this burgundy Me+Em jumpsuit (was £225, now £157.50) proves you’ll be able to mix consolation and glamour.
In it I really feel effortlessly relaxed whereas nonetheless making a daring assertion. I would undoubtedly crew with trainers for a extra informal look when social gathering season is over.
(*18*)The shoulder and cuff element on this burgundy Me+Em jumpsuit (now £157.50) proves you’ll be able to mix consolation and glamour
Silver Sequin Dress
It took a lot of persuading for me to even attempt this on.
A clinging bodycon design in silver – certainly I’ll look like a tin foil-coated Christmas turkey? But the tight stretch materials has a corseting impact and even brings again a number of the curves I lost years in the past.
I anticipated this quantity by 16 Arlington for M&S (£295) to really feel stiff but was stunned at how comfortable and unrestrictive it’s.
(*18*)A clinging bodycon design in silver – certainly I’ll look like a tin foil-coated Christmas turkey? But the tight stretch materials has a corseting impact and even brings again a number of the curves I lost
Jeans + Metallic Shirt
I may by no means discover flattering denims when I was a size 18 but now they’ve develop into a wardrobe staple.
As an apple form, these River Island excessive-waisted ones (£52) assist flatten my tummy. Teamed with a splendidly comfortable and sparkly metallic shirt from Wyse (£125) I look sensible but nonetheless really feel firmly in my consolation zone.
(*18*)As an apple form, these River Island excessive-waisted denims (£52) assist flatten my tummy
Red Mini Dress
The lure of the mini is powerful with me as a result of I have lengthy legs that are nonetheless toned thanks to years of operating.
Nobody’s Child isn’t a model I’ve ever worn but this hanging scarlet shift gown with dramatic puff sleeves (£85) is stylish and fashionable but doesn’t really feel too ‘younger’.
Teaming it with slouchy suede cowboy boots (Nobody’s Child, £179.10) allows me to flash a little bit of leg with out feeling self-acutely aware.
(*18*)This hanging scarlet shift gown with dramatic puff sleeves (£85) is stylish and fashionable but doesn’t really feel too ‘younger’
Classic Black Dress
For a foolproof flattering and female social gathering frock you simply can’t beat a black cocktail gown.
The deep V-neck and ruched sleeves make this Ghost quantity (£129) an elegant selection that’s basic but not boring. It will look nice at events or to put on at residence for lunch on Christmas Day.
(*18*)For a foolproof flattering and female social gathering frock you simply can’t beat a black cocktail gown from Ghost at M&S
Burgundy Combo
I’ve lost weight but I nonetheless have E-cup boobs, which means I’ve at all times swerved pussy bow blouses, believing they’ll simply add extra quantity to an already slightly busy space of my physique.
Plus – aren’t they a bit fussy and frumpy? Wrong on each counts! In satin, this NC x Lisou shirt (£69) is funky and enjoyable and seems actually hanging matched with pleated broad-leg trousers (£65), each Nobody’s Child
(*18*)In satin, this shirt (£69) is funky and enjoyable and seems actually hanging matched with pleated broad-leg trousers (£65), each Nobody’s Child
Satin Skirt + Cashmere Jumper
I would possibly have the option to simply zip up garments nowadays but I can nonetheless get on board with the comfort and consolation of an elasticated waist, particularly throughout canape season.
In wealthy claret this satin midi skirt by Next (£32) seems and feels way more costly than it’s and is cool and on-trend when worn with a cosy Jigsaw cashmere knit (£99).
Dressy but not overdone – simply how I like my partywear!
(*18*)In wealthy claret this satin midi skirt by Next (£32) seems and feels way more costly than it’s and is cool and on-trend when worn with a cosy Jigsaw cashmere knit (£99)