What to wear on a night out - need a style intervention!

[Violetcharlotte]

I've got a hen do to go to in a couple of weeks and the evening part is cocktails and a meal. It's nowhere posh, but I want to look nice and stylish without looking overdressed.

The problem I have is I don't go out much and have no idea what to wear! When I normally meet up with friends we go to someone's house so it's casual, jeans, jumper pyjamas, etc.

I'm 40, size 14 and go to the gym a lot so I'm in quite good shape. I don't like wearing anything that reveals cleavage, stomach or legs or v high heels.

What sort of thing should I wear to avoid looking like a middle aged frump or (worse!) mutton dressed as lamb?!

I need some help to avoid not looking like a

[Montparnasse]

Watching with interest as I have this problem too - it's as if all my clothes are corporate or casual, nothing in between

[missmoz]

What about a shirt dress tights and heeled ankle boots?

Or a short(ish) skirt, a black top, tights and block heels?

Cropped black jeans and a patterned top?

Mango, Finery, COS, are all good places if you're looking for something new.

Wear a nice coat or leather/suede jacket and you'll always look good.

[missmoz]

Sorry if you don't like your legs a wrap mid skirt would look just as good

[Asahai]

I had similar problem last summer for a hen & a jumpsuit & blazer was the answer here.
I just got a plain black bardot one thats quite comfortable but can be dressed up.
I just went with wedges & flats later in the night - I don't do heels at all these days!
Solved the covering tummy, legs & cleavage for me but bit of a pita going to the loo!

[Violetcharlotte]

Montparnesse exactly!

I quite like the idea of a jumpsuit. I need to go and have a look round I think, I've been looking online but end up just ordering stuff and sending it back again

[Violetcharlotte]

Missmoz what's a wrap mid skirt? I'm so clueless!