80th Birthday dress help - YouLookFab Forum

Hello,
My mother's 80th Birthday is in February and I started thinking about what to wear.
She lives in northern Germany, so most likely it'll be cold and possibly wet.
The party is at a restaurant, in the evening.
I would like to wear a dress and because it'll be winter, I'm trending towards a dress with sleeves.
I already own a handful of dresses with sleeves:
1. A few Diane von Furstenberg print wrap dresses, like the blue leopard print and some other prints
2. patterned knit dress from Peruvian Connection
3. James Perse black ruched jersey dress
I'm not sure if any of these would work, or if they are all too casual.

4. If I am buying a dress, I like the dvf lace overlay dress, but am not sure if that's not too formal.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

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8 years ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Oh I think pic 2 dress would be lovely, not too casual with the right shoes and bag and jewellery. The DVF dress is stunning and not too formal if you want a new one. I feel 80th birthdays call for dressing up to show respect and gratitude for the person making it to that age. Lots of people die before that, as we know, sadly.

DonnaF

Given the challenging time of year, #2 looks like you could wear it with boots or booties.

Stagiaire Fash

I also vote for #2. It is beautiful and slightly unusual. The last two have such low necklines that I think they could be quite chilly. Also, I think 2 would be best of them to wear with boots, of any height. Those would likely be much more useful for the rest of your trip than a dressy pair of shoes taken along for just the birthday.

madeline

I love #2. Great print. Could be dressed up or down.

Katerina

I am probably not going to be of much help - I really like them all.
No 1 and 2 are cute dresses, which could be dressed up with accessories and make up. No 3 is simple and classic, the perfect base for dramatic jewelry, shoes and bag, perhaps a festive wrap. I like no 4 very much. Personally do not think it is too formal, but it of course depends on the setting of the party and what your mother is like and how you would feel wearing it.

Anonymous

The Peruvian Connection dress looks like the best choice to me and it could be refreshing to seem some green in February.

Staysfit

I like the 1st dress. DVF silk wrap dresses can go anywhere and are always appropriate. That pattern is a timeless classic. I would wear it with some tall sleek black boots if you have them. I would add a black or navy cropped cardigan with some sparkly beaded detail and nice earrings and it would be perfect.

Minnie

Active Member

Thank you all for your replies, I appreciate the input.

Jenni, I agree that an 80th birthday is special and my mother has Alzheimer's so that this will most likely be the last birthday where she is aware of her surroundings. She is very much looking forward to it and I would like to dress up at least a bit.

Katerina, I like the idea of a festive wrap for the black dress.

I will try the Peruvian Connection dress with different shoes and boots/booties and accessories and then do the same with the black dress.
I do not run cold, so the lower neck line of the black James Perse should be fine even though it's winter.

I really like the lace overlay dress, but when I looked it over more carefully I started having doubts about the neckline
I am busty and am not sure it would cover me adequately.
Then there is the issue of wearing a bra. I don't like strapless bras so the bra-straps would show.
Here is another photo of the lace dress that shows the low neckline better.

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Staysfit, I have knee-high stretch leather boots with a slim heel and a pointed toe, I will try your suggestion too. thank you
Plus the wrap dress is the most forgiving when eating a lot

Sal

I think 1-3 are all perfect for the occasion so would choose the one that you like the best or suits accessories. I think 4 is gorgeous but more of an evening dress-for a 40th party or fancy dinner party. I hope it is a lovely day!!

unfrumped

I love # 2. I would wear with dark tights and boots or booties for warmth, or tights and block- heeled loafer- pump , but wear some lighter or sparkly accessories.

Violettt

How lovely, in Germany? Splendid~ Instantly, I thought, without reading any of the replies yet, you should dress in something sophisticated, a LBD, little black dress, and pumps, with a fur jacket, and a simple beautiful necklace, and Voila~

Suz

(website)

The wrap dress is gorgeous. It would be great.

Bijou

Is there a dress that you know your Mum will like the most? I know my Mum always loved it when I was dressed up. All of these dresses are lovely and versatile, so I think you will look wonderful in whichever you chose.

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