What suits me now? Evening out and no idea what to wear!

[PorridgeAgainAbney]

First 'proper' night out since having DS 4 years ago and I really don't want to back out just because I can't work out what to wear but the only evening items I have are from before pregnancy and look hideous now. I'd really appreciate some ideas:

I'm 45, 5ft 5, size 12 but separated tummy muscles mean anything fitted makes me look 4 months pregnant: my bust is 34" but my waist is also 34", hips are 38". The only shape that seems to suit me is a boxy top with slim trousers but if the top is too short you see the line of the tummy sticking out, if it's too long (below the widest part of the hip) then I become a shapeless blob. It's so hard to find something that looks ok.

My legs are kind of ok in slim, not too skinny trousers but I have big calves so the fit has to be right to make sure the fabric doesn't ride up (get stuck) eg, after i've sat down.

I love vintagey stuff and am happy to look individual rather than wanting to hide in black but feeling very frumpy, blobby and clueless. Can anyone help me get my aging fashion student mojo back?

[PorridgeAgainAbney]

I thought this might be nice? I'd have to try it first as it might be a bit short: www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0536901001.html H&M pink top.

Budget is teeny by the way so I can't be looking at tops with weird shapes that will mean I have to buy a strapless bra as well .

So no challenge then - how to dress a middle aged pot-bellied fashion lover with no money and a week to get ready .

[PorridgeAgainAbney]

oh, messed up the link as well. gggrrrr.

[PorridgeAgainAbney]

Or this? Miss Selfridge green beaded top

I just have no idea what constitutes an evening outfit now .

[Daria32]

I love that too! Would look lovely with black skinnies/ cigarette pants and a nice heel. When I don’t want to flash my mum tum I always layer it with a fitted long black vest underneath - you can get them cheaply in H and M or Matalan. Gives you a much slimmer silhouette and saves any embarrassing midriff flashes!

[goodbeans]

What about a shift dress to skim over everything from the boobs down? If your legs are still a strong point then you could show them off? Something like this? www.hush-uk.com/m/womenswear/daywear/dresses_skirts/felix_dress.htm

[Myreputation]

The green top is gorgeous. It would be slightly too short on me to be flattering but try it as pp said with a vest black top underneath.

[SparkleDink]

I would go for trousers, vest top (slinky not stretchy fabric) and a kimono over with some very funky statement jewellery.

The H&M top is definitely not going to work and I personally love tulle, ruffles, pink vintage look so it should be right up my street but the shape is and will be completely unflattering. I do like the colour though. Maybe find a pink vest top with a black kimono and some coated jeans/jeggings? (Like leather look but more flattering than pu leather-look as coated jeans/jeggings are less shiny whilst still suggesting a bit of rock-chick insouciance)

[CountFosco]

Agre if you've got good legs a shift dress with opaques and ankle boots are the way to go. You're not big at all so what about

[CountFosco]

this or this or even this?

[PorridgeAgainAbney]

Ooh thanks for the suggestions. Before I opened the link to the Hush dress I assumed I'd hate it as I have never found a dress that would look ok but I like that and the black Asos one. When I say my legs look ok I mean in comparison to my torso but they aren't goid enough for me to flash above the knee I'm afraid .

I like the idea of the green top with some black trousers, maybe in a satiny fabric, or I've seen velvet on a lot of sites which might be nice, and I'll look for a new black vest that's a bit 'stiffer' than my current one so hopefully that will hold things in a little too.

I hate shopping so much but need to get out in the morning and refuse to give up until I find something I like .

[PorridgeAgainAbney]

Hmm reread and actually I have a black printed kimono top: it was actually from a maternity range but isn't any longer at the front so wouldn't hang weirdly on a non-pregnant body so maybe I'll dig that out for a look as well.