We found a quiet spot so I didn’t scare too many people!
I wore the pearl necklace that you have seen a few times before. I often use it to stop the colour being drained from my face when I’m wearing black.
I’d love to go on and regale you with stories of a glittering evening but they wouldn’t be true. It was a business ‘dinner and dance’ so it involved a lot of polite conversation with some very nice people but I can’t pretend that it was the highlight of my year. I was very pleased that I didn’t feel overdressed though, in fact I’m wondering if the cocktail dress has had its day. I’ll tell you soon when I’ve done some more research.
Before we move away from pearls, it was my sister’s birthday last week, a big one, she’s twenty years older than me so I’ll let you work it out. I wanted to give her something special but really struggled to decide what it would be. In the end I decided on pearls – or rather a pearl, along with her birthstone and she seemed really pleased. I just thought I’d show you in case you find yourself struggling for a classic gift at any point.
October opal and pearl pendant
Other statement skirts to buy right now
Partywear is just starting to appear in stores and there is a definite ‘statement skirt’ moment going on. I saw this one when I was in London last week and it’s stunning. The satin is really heavy and it feels as though it should be twice the price. You could wear it with teal, gold or a dusty pink top.
Statement bird skirt (US link)
It has these Cinderella sandals to go with it, on trend velvet but comfortable too.
Stiletto bow sandal (also available in navy) US link
This skirt isn’t quite as spectacular but, like the one I’m wearing above, you would be able to dress it down with a polo neck by day. It is much richer in real life than it looks in this picture, the gold really gleams.
If a pencil skirt is more your style, I saw this at the Press Day and was really impressed with the quality. It’s bronze rather than gold which makes it slightly subdued.
Or you could go for a gentle ballerina effect with this tulle. I have a tulle skirt that I bought for our weekend in Paris but didn’t end up wearing. I need another party to go to so I can show you.
Here’s a different monochrome skirt
More monochrome and I’m scaling up the budget but this skirt is stunning.
Even though it is listed as a midi, this skirt looks more knee-length to me but it dips down at the back so it could be a good option for petites. I don’t think it would have a proper midi effect on anybody over 5ft 5″
This skirt is reduced and currently has all sizes available
A new Black Tie range from Kin at John Lewis
Whilst I was in the process of investigating a slightly less traditional take on Black Tie for women over 40, I came across the range that John Lewis have launched for Kin this week. I thought I’d show it to you now because it seems to be a limited edition so it won’t be around for long. Kin have been working with fashion graduates at Norwich University who specialise in pattern cutting. The pieces focus on silhouette which clearly fits with the whole pared down Kin aesthetic. The students say they were influenced by ‘Brutalist architecture.’
This pleated dress is classic from the front but you can see the architectural influence. The high waist obeys the rule of thirds and the skirt falls to a great midi length. The drama is focused on the back which is cut in a deep low square.
Kin Limited Edition Pleat Backless Dress
This is a great take on the column dress, perfect for women with a straight figure. If I was still at Selfridges and using high end fashion speak, I would be pointing out the vertical switch of texture from what appears to be crepe to a softly draping satin making a statement about the two sides of a woman (you see, I’ve still got it)!
Kin Limited Edition Ruched Neck Dress
Getting into my stride now (and no I haven’t swallowed a press release, writing like this used to be my day job)…
.. I would say that this simple dress echoes a Roman palla (similar to a toga) but the students have created dissonance by presenting it in unexpected black. I love the way they’ve styled the strap of the bag around the wrist which is reminiscent of Roman leather jewellery, you might struggle to wear it like that for a whole evening though!
The final style in black is this one, it isn’t my personal favourite but I know women who would look great in it – it would be a simple desk to dinner option if you added statement earrings and an architectural bangle from somewhere like Cos.
There is also a small collection of dresses with pattern. As you know I never wear pattern but I can appreciate the artistry behind the colour blocking on these, especially when it is combined with pleating on the right.
You can find these along with a few separates here.
So, I hope that’s got you thinking in preparation for party season. I really like this move away from the party dressing that we’ve all been doing for the past few years. I’m a bit tired of lace. There is still a definite party mood to come but it is focusing more on texture with lots of sumptuous velvet and brocade in deep rich colours. An age of elegance is dawning which is great for all women over 40 because we can pull it off so well. There’s a lot to look forward to, I promise.
International Delivery
I’m so sorry – I completely forgot to add this to my last post. I’ve added links for products that can be bought overseas above. International delivery details for John Lewis are here; Finery is here and Eternal Collection is here.
Disclaimer: thank you to Bombshell for the jersey top that I wore in this ‘Black Tie for Women over 40’ post
Recent AW posts you may have missed
Handbags and jewellery that will update your look
Who makes the best affordable cashmere on the high street?
Finery – for something a little different
A review of Boden’s latest collection
Inès de la Fressange at Uniqlo
M&S – must buys and an outfit for less than £200
Hope Fashion – for women with curves, the new season
