Within the space of a week, That's Not My Age has been to both a 50th and a 40th birthday party and so let me tell you what I know about grown-up-dressing-up:
1. Wear something you always feel right in
Having a fail-safe item of clothing to turn to is more comforting than knowing you've got a lift home and a lie-in. That's Not My Age prefers low-key, casual glamour to getting dressed up to the nines, as architect, John Pawson says, 'The state of minimum is not one of austerity nor deprivation, it is clarity of space.' Hence, I opted for simplicity, and an Isabel Marant-inspired ensemble, the trousers are old cropped Capri pants from Gap. And yes, I wore this outfit to both parties, if you must know.
2. Allow yourself plenty of time to get ready.
Throwing something on and immediately looking fabulous is inversely proportionate to age. Easy enough when you're a dewy-skinned teenager, less likely when you're closer to retirement than graduation. A last-minute rush is not the best way to start the evening and can lead to sartorial mishaps. Pushed for time, me and Mr That's Not My Age had to stop off for a bag of chips en route to the 50th party, whilst enjoying our grown-up supper the Blog Widower asked if my nail varnish was supposed to have fluffy bits on it.
3. Plan ahead
The sophisticated up-do I had planned to compliment my wannabe French outfit looked more like a powdered wig than an elegant chignon. I can't remember it being such a faff 20 years ago when I last tried it, but I had more patience then and a lot less grey hair. To avoid a last-minute tonsorial crisis and a painful comb-out, either practise the hairstyle before the big night out, leave it to a professional or end up with a fuck-up-do, like me.
And one to avoid:
Staying till the end
One thing you realise after 30 years of partying is that whilst it is considered acceptable to arrive fashionably late, it's never acceptable to stay too late. Make sure you're tucked up in bed when your contemporaries are dancing to The Final Countdown, devouring what's left of the buffet or waiting in vain for the next taxi home.
Inspired by model/designer/rock aristo, Suzie Bick, who I spotted at an after-show party looking frabjous (new favourite word, people) in double velvet and sequins, here are some of my favourite party pieces:
What are your party tips?
Photos
Isabel Marant catwalk: style.com. Vivienne Westwood Red Label jacket, Matches. Sequin jacket, Lurex sweatshirt and trousers, Jaeger. Kitten heels, LK Bennett