What should I wear? Please help!

[ImFree2doasiwant]

Bit of background. I'm 43. I haven't been out for years, for various reasons. I live near a shall town so any going "out" is going to be food/drinks with friends, nothing too glam!

I have no idea where to start. This is not helped by me having put on weight in recent years. I'm 5ft 7, size 14/16. I have a good figure when lighter but feel pretty crap about myself at the moment.
All my clothes are casual, skinny jeans, joules tops, typical school run mum.

Can anyone give me ideas for a couple of outfits/styles to go for? I don't have a huge budget. Thank you.

Anyone at all?

What sort of place are you going to? Which areas of your body are you happy with?

Depends what you feel comfortable in? A nice mid length floaty dress with biker boots and leather jacket or jeans, smart top and a blazer maybe?

A bit pricey but an example of some looks

www.mintvelvet.co.uk/product/Reagan-Print-Smock-Mini-Dress/30847

www.mintvelvet.co.uk/product/Black-Shawl-Collar-Blazer/30070

Areas of my body I'm happy with. Tough one. At the moment, it's my middle sectiion/bum that's holding the weight. I've lost just over a stone and it's gone from below my boobs area so I've rediscovered my ribs.

I saw someone earlier wearing a midi length dress, little leather jacket and boots . She looked really nice, (I wasn't keen on the long, flat boots with the outfit but that said, not sure what I'd have worn as an alternative!) Also, 10 years younger than me

That dress is nowhere near what I would normally go for, but I actually quite like it. I've been stuck going forvthonas I'd have worn as a size 10/12 Then being (obviously) disappointed with how they look on me at a 14/16.

I am a similar age and height to you. I recently ordered a load of things I liked but wouldn’t normally choose (to pick one thing and send the rest back btw!)

I was pleasantly surprised about how nice they looked. I think I was stuck in a rut so just gave something different a go! No barking trying stuff, you can always send it back.

Instead of buying loads of cheaper things I tend to go for one off more expensive things too and I feel good in them. It’s easier these days since we are mostly at home!

@Penny31 and what sort of thing did you like?

I like the jeans/top/blazer idea, but have disproportionately large biceps.

I went down the floaty dress route. I’m normally Jeans and blazer type. Sill love my jeans, don’t get me wrong but the dress and boots thing was a revelation. I felt dressy but comfortable

I got mine in the Reiss sale might be worth a look

Thanks, I'm definitely veering in that direction.