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Does a little black dress become a little too much when the neckline is plunging? How do I move past my fear of velvet?
And as much as I’m drawn to mini dresses, is it time to accept that, at 59, I’m too long in the tooth for short hemlines?
These are the questions that have been troubling me when it came to partywear this Christmas. You see, 2025 was the year that I fell back in love with fashion, splashing out more than £3,000 on new clothes and accessories, many from brands I’d previously been too intimidated to buy from.
I’d always coveted Me+Em dresses. However, when I visited their shop at Battersea Power Station in London last year I felt so out of place and frumpy that I walked straight out again. Today I have two of their bold, statement dresses as well as a silk blouse.
I love my Wyse denim jumpsuit, my Donna Ida flared jeans, my Whistles skinny ones and my Hush wool midi dresses. I’m positively giddy when my new knee-length tan boots zip up over my slim calves with ease and I marvel that there’s even room to spare with a gap at the top of the boot.
The reason for my insufferable body confidence and spending spree? 2025 was also the year I got slim.
Thanks to six months on Mounjaro and careful eating in the six months I’ve been off it I have shed four stone, going from a size 18 to a size 10 (even an 8 in some brands, if I skip lunch and breathe in for all I’m worth). I’ve spent most of my fifties in elastic waists and loose tent-like clothes, the very idea of a pair of boots fitting over my chunky calves being unthinkable.
Newly slender with all my old ‘fat’ clothes sold on Vinted, is it any wonder I’ve been going a bit crazy with the credit card?
Claudia has shed four stone this year, going from a size 18 to a size 8 or 10, thanks to Mounjaro
The last time I was this size was in my 20s. And therein lies the problem. I have to keep reminding myself that as much as I love my new figure – I’m not in my 20s. I’m 59 and my body has changed.
While I loathe the idea of women being told they’re too old for certain styles, I have to accept that I’m attracted to clothes that, on me, stray dangerously into trying-too-hard territory.
I’m fortunate to have brutally honest friends who’ve prevented me from becoming a full-time muttonista. One threatened to disown me if I purchased the electric blue Juicy tracksuit I was drawn to. Another staged an intervention when she saw me pulling a bottle green thigh-skimming leather mini skirt off the rail on a shopping trip.
So, to avoid making expensive mistakes, I turned to the Daily Mail’s brilliant fashion team to point me in the direction of some partywear that’s flattering, non-frumpy and might just help me overcome my velvet prejudice and horror of anything metallic or sequinned.
Velvet suit
I blame owning a velvet sofa for my aversion to velvet clothes. I mean, nobody wants to blend into the furniture. In a gorgeous moss green this Jigsaw suit is beautifully tailored and feminine. The blazer (£279) can be worn with nothing underneath while the trousers (£180) make my legs look longer.
In a gorgeous moss green, this Jigsaw suit (£459) is beautifully tailored and feminine, writes Claudia Connell
Velour Jumpsuit
The shoulder and cuff detail on this burgundy Me+Em jumpsuit (was £225, now £157.50) proves you can combine comfort and glamour.
In it I feel effortlessly relaxed while still making a bold statement. I would definitely team with trainers for a more casual look when party season is over.
The shoulder and cuff detail on this burgundy Me+Em jumpsuit (now £157.50) proves you can combine comfort and glamour
Silver Sequin Dress
It took a lot of persuading for me to even try this on.
A clinging bodycon design in silver – surely I’ll look like a tin foil-covered Christmas turkey? But the tight stretch material has a corseting effect and even brings back some of the curves I lost years ago.
I expected this number by 16 Arlington for M&S (£295) to feel stiff but was surprised at how soft and unrestrictive it is.
A clinging bodycon design in silver – surely I’ll look like a tin foil-covered Christmas turkey? But the tight stretch material has a corseting effect and even brings back some of the curves I lost
Jeans + Metallic Shirt
I could never find flattering jeans when I was a size 18 but now they’ve become a wardrobe staple.
As an apple shape, these River Island high-waisted ones (£52) help flatten my tummy. Teamed with a wonderfully soft and sparkly metallic blouse from Wyse (£125) I look smart but still feel firmly in my comfort zone.
As an apple shape, these River Island high-waisted jeans (£52) help flatten my tummy
Red Mini Dress
The lure of the mini is strong with me because I have long legs that are still toned thanks to years of running.
Nobody’s Child is not a brand I’ve ever worn but this striking scarlet shift dress with dramatic puff sleeves (£85) is chic and modern but doesn’t feel too ‘young‘.
Teaming it with slouchy suede cowboy boots (Nobody’s Child, £179.10) enables me to flash a bit of leg without feeling self-conscious.
This striking scarlet shift dress with dramatic puff sleeves (£85) is chic and modern but doesn’t feel too ‘young’
Classic Black Dress
For a foolproof flattering and feminine party frock you just can’t beat a black cocktail dress.
The deep V-neck and ruched sleeves make this Ghost number (£129) an elegant choice that’s classic but not boring. It will look great at parties or to wear at home for lunch on Christmas Day.
For a foolproof flattering and feminine party frock you just can’t beat a black cocktail dress from Ghost at M&S
Burgundy Combo
I’ve lost weight but I still have E-cup boobs, meaning I’ve always swerved pussy bow blouses, believing they’ll just add more volume to an already rather busy area of my body.
Plus – aren’t they a bit fussy and frumpy? Wrong on both counts! In satin, this NC x Lisou blouse (£69) is funky and fun and looks really striking matched with pleated wide-leg trousers (£65), both Nobody’s Child
In satin, this blouse (£69) is funky and fun and looks really striking matched with pleated wide-leg trousers (£65), both Nobody’s Child
Satin Skirt + Cashmere Jumper
I might be able to easily zip up clothes these days but I can still get on board with the convenience and comfort of an elasticated waist, especially during canape season.
In rich claret this satin midi skirt by Next (£32) looks and feels much more expensive than it is and is cool and on-trend when worn with a cosy Jigsaw cashmere knit (£99).
Dressy but not overdone – just how I like my partywear!
In rich claret this satin midi skirt by Next (£32) looks and feels much more expensive than it is and is cool and on-trend when worn with a cosy Jigsaw cashmere knit (£99)
