Help!! Xmas work 'do' - what to wear?

[stringbean]

I'm going out in December with a load of work colleagues to a restaurant for our Christmas outing (it's an evening do). I'm fairly new to the company, so haven't been on a social outing before. Trouble is, I don't really have 'going out' clothes. I have work clothes and mum-style jeans/casual stuff, and that's about it. Dh and I don't go out often, and it's usually somewhere I can wear jeans anyway. Is this acceptable? Or should I wear smarter trousers, and if so, what? If I can wear jeans, please ccan I have some advice on tops? I'm pretty clueless.

I'm 5'8 and size 10/12 and tend to dress in a mixture of Gap/Hobbs/Levis/M&S, a lot of which is rather ancient as I don't go shopping too often. If anyone can help, I'd be very grateful!!

[bobsyouruncle]

Well, every year I buy something dressy for my work christmas do and never wear it again! So this year I've bought a pair of black jeans, boot cut and (I think) look smartish. They are soft material and not denim looking/feeling iykwim. Anyway, plan is to wear with heels and a dressy top out at christmas then can wear with boots and jumpers afterwards. Haven't looked for a top yet though... Or shoes...

[bobsyouruncle]

at 5'8 and 10/12

[JackieNo]

Stringbean - what bits would you feel comfortable showing? shoulders? arms? Do you need to wear a bra? What sorts of colours do you like/wear?

[JackieNo]

If you don't have enormous norks, you could wear something like this with smart dark jeans/trousers and heels, imo. As it's dinner, once you're sitting down, all they'll see is your top half anyway. Though if it's a really posh restaurant, you'd be better going for trousers rather than jeans, imo.

[MingMingtheWonderPet]

New Look often has some good stuff which is pretty reasonably priced

[MingMingtheWonderPet]

Some good tops here from New Look

[stringbean]

Thanks for all your suggestions. I did think black trousers/jeans might be the way to go (the restaurant is smart but not posh); I can't see the point of buying a special dressy outfit as, like bobs, I'll never wear it again. I liked the Principles top JackieNo, and someone else has since suggested I try looking there, so feel a shopping trip coming on!