What to wear for menopause for a party

Choose a comfortable base for your party outfit

The key to a great night out? Comfort. For us, it’s not the opposite of glam, in fact, it’s the basic building block. We all know that terrible feeling of pinched toes orwaists, a zip that cuts in or a skirt that keeps rucking up because it just doesn’t quite fit.  Hard to look or feel your best when your clothes are putting you through slow torture.

But how do you dress for menopause for a party?

Start with a dress, skirt, or pair of trousers that feels comfortable now. Try the whole outfit on before you go, including your shoes. Sit down, stretch, and move around to check that waistbands, seams, and straps don’t dig in.

If you get hot flushes, try a lightweight top with a jacket or wrap you can easily remove. Then add the accessories that make it feel like a party outfit.

 Wear a neckline and shape you feel good in

Choose a neckline, sleeve length, or hemline you enjoy wearing. An open neckline, a sleeveless top, or a skirt with a slit can give a familiar outfit a different feel. Try a few combinations and see what feels right for you.

We love the ‘cold shoulder’ look: try a silky, wide-necked top that slips casually off your shoulder. Lovely long neck? Show it off by refreshing a favourite v neck jumper or top, turning it back to front, with your hair up in a twist. Great legs? Try a long skirt with a generous slit, long boots and bare legs so just a sliver of thigh is flashed.Less is more, just a glimpse can give immediate glamour with little effort or cost.

 Dress up familiar outfits with accessories

Bring out a statement accessory you love, whether that’s a metallic bag, colourful shoes, or oversized earrings. Charity shops can be a good place to find costume jewellery without spending much.

Whether a sequin beret, your favourite party shoes, or some fabulous oversize costume jewellery pieces, choose a few key pieces that can elevate your existing wardrobe without fuss. How about taking a t shirt and a favourite pair of jeans and transforming them by rolling them up to reveal the aforementioned silver boots, and accessorising with some oversize drop rhinestone earrings?  Instant party energy! Or use a simple pullover dress as a base and raise the bar with a slim metallic belt and an oversize starry wrap to set it off.

For a relaxed evening look, try pyjama-style separates with comfortable flats and a few favourite rings.

 Finish your party look with a little sparkle

Don’t be scared to give yourself some Christmas glow. You can choose to go subtle or go large, shine around the eyes and cheeks can both shout or whisper ‘party time’.  Simple to ramp up or down, we love toning our glitter with our outfit, think khaki with gold, winter white with silver, burgundy sparkles with crimson. With a plethora of make-up palettes out there, there is one to suit every mood and pocketbook.

For a quick finishing touch, try a gloss over your usual lipstick. If you’d like help choosing a shade or finish, ask a beauty counter about its make-up services.

Great hair is the the perfect addition to any part outfit and someone who knows all about that is Davina McCall. Steal her secrets.

Looking for everyday outfit ideas? Read Eileen’s style tips for dressing for menopause, with advice on fit, shape, and choosing clothes you feel good in.