What To Wear To A 50th Birthday Party

As you know I'm a big fan of making my wardrobe work hard! Most of my clothes I've owned for a very long time - I add a few key new pieces each season if I feel I need to. This weekend I have a special event in Guernsey so last night I was going through my wardrobe, planning my outfit and I've gone back to an old favourite! 

The outfit I've selected to wear is the same as the outfit I wore to a friends 50th birthday party back in August 2016. The party was held at a local country club and started early with poolside drinks then moved indoors when it became dark, so outfit choice was about looking elegant, yet ready to dance until the early hours.  

I have had this pink Versace jean jacket for 20 years - eek! I know...PINK! A colour I rarely wear. But this pink is styled hard and edgy as a jean jacket and has a lustre so is a silvery pink, not a baby pink and I love it. 

I am always talking about making a feature of the parts of your body you love. One of my top 3 body positives is my shoulders, so a halter neck is a good style for me. I picked up this cream tailored waistcoat from Karen Millen over ten years ago and I have only ever worn it on its own without a shirt or top below. It has seen many a great day into night in Barbados, London, Miami and New York to name just a few destinations that this little cracker has been worn and always turns heads. Waistcoats are not just on-trend for men, there are quite a few waistcoats out there on the High Street so keep your eyes peeled if you are keen on this look. 

My shoes were an instant 'I have to have them' purchase as I knew I had so many outfits they would accentuate. And I wasn't wrong. Fifteen plus years on, when there are so many multi-coloured shoes now available, these little kitten heels are bang on trend once more. 

My trousers are from Massimo Dutti, over five years old and counting. I am a great believer that if your trousers have belt loops you should always finish your outfit with a belt. I had a cream one on as I was ready to leave but the buckle was too bulky at the front under the waistcoat so a quick change into my Gucci metal belt.

You know I'm always harping on about the importance of accessorising your outfit so let me talk you through what I chose to wear with this outfit. Having my arms on display means I like to wear a broad cuff bracelet to draw the eyes to the wrist. Cuff bracelets are a great addition to your wardrobe and there are an abundance of gorgeous ones available to suit your own individual style.  

I often default to wearing hoop earrings - they are like an instant facelift without surgery as take the focus onto the earring not the neck. More finishing touches with a cocktail ring and this one is a cracker from Monique. I bought it when on holiday in California and they will ship to the UK. It comes with different colour stones and metals so you can pick and mix what you would like.

I love my Apple watch, just wish I knew how to use even half the functions on it - but it tells the time, keeps me from getting lost and I love it! What more reason do you need? 

I was also wearing my Bulgari ring  - expensive but a timeless classic and goes with everything. My two favourite necklaces rarely come off and I simply add to them with a 3rd long pendant one when I want. They are definitely part of my signature style. Layering two short necklaces keeps the focus on the jewellery and less on my long and ageing, not too gracefully, neck. But who cares about that once I decorate it with fab accessories! 

My little fun bag has also worked very hard for its money. I call it my 'disco' bag because of the sequin sparkles and like me, it loves to go dancing.  

I just know this outfit will be perfect again for this weekend! I don't care that I've worn it before, in fact, that makes me love my outfit even more!

Writing this and looking at the picture makes me want a glass of fizz again, is it 6 o'clock yet?

Stylish Wishes!