What the fuck can I wear?? André Rieu concert

[Mudflaps]

Found out tonight that my lovely husband has booked us a few days away as a surprise, I thought maybe it'd be Amsterdam and had lovely ideas of strolling around, museums etc basically being totally relaxed but turns out its to Maastricht with tickets to see André Rieu (apparently I commented on one of his concerts on telly at some stage). Problem is I have absolutely no idea what I can wear, I'm 55, 5'1" tall and a size 14 with bug breasts, I have been trying to find any kind of decent (not plastic) clothing for months and have failed completely, I hate how I look right now, the biggest I've ever been,chronic illness since age 12 has ramped up over the last 18 months leaving me totally exhausted and struggling so being told tonight about the concert did the opposite of what my poor husband intended. It hadn't occurred to him that I'd need to dress up, might have had my hair done etc. To be fair he seems to think I'm pretty no matter how shit I look. I'm so worn out I'm almost in tears at the idea of trying to look good for the concert instead of the relaxing weekend I thought he'd planned. He's the best husband and step dad so I know I'm going to have to try to enjoy it for him but back to my original question, what the fuck do I wear? Can't order online, won't have time, I'm in Ireland and the high street shops cater for much younger slimmer women, I've a decent budget which I've been trying to spend but am sick of clothes made from plastic, I'm also sick of the poor quality thats available compared to mens clothing. I have been looking for a few classic basics and a pair of block heel knee high leather boots over the last few months, I've bought one cardigan/hoodie in the Blarney woolen Mills because its warm, comfy, looks decent and is 100% wool, that's it after months of looking and now I have two days to find suitable clothes for the weekend. Sorry for the long long post, I'm too tired to edit.

Honestly, people rarely get massively dressed up for classical concerts these days. I’d probably wear a pair of tailored trousers with a fine knit v neck to something like that, with some chunky jewellery and a tailored jacket.
Have a lovely time, and stop fretting 😊

OP, maybe you'd enjoy buying something in Maastricht on the day? I don't know what your budget is, but it has some fabulous stylish shops, including this chain https://pauw.com/en-eu/collections/sale-women . They make very flattering short shawl-collared jackets which frame the face and look particularly good with a round-necked t shirt or silk vest, and maybe a necklace too. Good proportions on someone who isn't tall. Could go with plain trousers or a skirt as the jacket can do the job of looking stylish. And they're excellent quality so perhaps you could justify the price as it would last for years.

this kind of thing, if you'd like glittery. Or simpler. https://pauw.com/en-eu/products/korte-blazer-1820130265pm919?_pos=37&_sid=502340f01&_ss=r

the audience at Rieu concerts aren't as dressed-up as the performers. I hope you have a wonderful time.

That is gorgeous

If the rumours are true André Rieu is very fond of the flapper girl style with featherd headpiece. Why don't you combine that with a long cigarette holder and really make a statement

When I went to classical concerts I just wore...whatever I was wearing at the time, probably jeans or black trousers, a t shirt and a jacket.

The dressing up is for them, not you.

Why would you dress up? Just wear what’s comfortable and presentable! It looks like it’s being held in an events centre so my advice is even more so (Ex Royal Opera house/Royal Albert Hall goer here). Hair done? No! Jeans and a jacket is fine! Wear what’s comfortable you want and relax.

Well that’s lovely but from what I can seethe concert is in a huge draughty events centre so the OP would look severely out of place in that get up.

Jeans, jacket, trainers. You don't need a new outfit for a gig. Only opera really needs proper going out clothes.

You say you are in Ireland, can you have a personal shopper at BT? Sure Avoca has gorgeous things. Or my go to for any size is COS, lots of natural fibres.

I’m not sure whereabouts you are, in Ireland, but I think what you should do is shop like our mum’s generation. A lot of the towns have a “big shop” where they cater really well to older women, mother of the bride, etc. Ideally you need a place that does alterations as well because that is the secret to looking well in clothes. But if they don’t do that I store find an independent one. Trust me it will be a revelation.

I hear you on the bloody plastic clothes. I’m the exact same, but you might need to compromise on that just this once.

This year I've been to concerts at the Albert Hall, the Queen Elizabeth Hall, the Barbican, the Royal Festival Hall and Cadogan hall here in London, as well as the O2. Only a very few people dressed up. Most wore everyday clothes, jeans, t-shirts, jumpers, fleeces etc. You'll be fine in whatever you wear

I attended one of his concerts in Zurich. Held in an indoor arena. Same place for pop concerts/Ricky Gervais etc. Large and draughty. Just wear clothes for a normal night out. I wore black jeans and a black velvet blazer with a thin cashmere jumper underneath.

I go to about 20 classical concerts a year. You don’t need to dress up!

Agree on the jeans/black trousers - bottoms you already have but you could find a nice new top maybe to make yourself feel special - easier to get a top to fit than a whole outfit and you’ll be sitting down all night anyway so that’s all anyone will see! Plus a fabulous pashmina given you might be cold - then you can wear anything comfy and just drape yourself in gorgeous cosy/ sparkly/ colourful/patterned/whatever you love fabric.

Have a look at the André Rieu concerts online. The overwhelming majority of the women in the audience are wearing ordinary clothes…smart trousers and tops. The events centre where the winter concert is held will be draughty. Dress for an evening at someone’s home….comfortable smart trousers and a nice top. Top it off with a nice festive wrap or pashmina that you can wear again.

The other thing I’d say is it’s lovely that your husband sees your true beauty, it’s there, you just don’t feel at your best. I get that, been there, but my DH, like yours, always wants me to feel beautiful and know how I look to him. Try and relax in the glow of the love and admiration of your lovely man.

Watch his shows on TV. As long as you aren't in the Orchestra you can wear what you want. His shows can be outdoors. Looks a good night.

I'm going to see him next September, it never even crossed my mind to dress up.

I'll be there in my usual jeans, trainers, a nice top and a cardigan.

I'm too old to be worrying about what to wear, comfort over style for me nowadays.

have a fabulous time though OP, whatever you decide to wear!

@Mudflaps i’d suggest looking at ‘Never fully dressed’ as a starting point?. Their brand dresses women from a size 6 to a 22. They’re available from M&S Ireland. Have a look at this dress as a starting point. I’ve got one and I’ve got big boobs ;-). It has a shirred waist so tummy issues disappear. Wear with black tights and throw over a black jacket?. It’s a dress you’ll wear again rather than an item for one night only. I’d also look at their lovely vegan leather wrap skirt which might also suit you. It comes in a lovely burgundy or teal.

If you’re not feeling in love with your look right now, I’d treat yourself to a good blow dry on the day or day before and if you’re stuck in a makeup rut maybe take a trip into Dublin before you go to a new makeup counter for some fresh ideas. The right products will make you feel a million times better. Not sure of your budget, but if it is a ‘throw money at the problem’ sized I’d highly recommend the new Victoria Beckham foundation range. Not cheap but it is excellent. Brown Thomas stock it and their counter advisors are lovely.

Hope you have a fab time!

https://www.marksandspencer.com/ie/leopard-print-tie-neck-mini-waisted-dress/p/clp23039265#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r5c1%7Cprodflag_Online%20Only

Honestly? Don’t other think it. The days of dressing up for a concert are no more. I would be more worried about looking overdressed if anything.

Also regarding the weight- Mounjaro is incredible and a miracle.

I saw him in Barcelona & London a couple of years ago, people wore their everyday clothes, enjoy the concert

Not even opera. I went to the ROH this summer in the linen trousers and top I’d been wearing out all day.
Jeans/trousers, a nice top and cosy jacket in case it needs to stay on OP. Maastricht is lovely. Enjoy!

Surely you could order something online from M and S ? Free returns - they actually collect them from outside your front door !

I've been to see him in Masstricht Op and I promise you're overthinking it. no one cares what you wear. the atmosphere is very happy and inclusive. yes you could go full gown and tiara but equally you could go comfortable in a nice pair of trousers and top / shirt and top. I can't even remember what I wore or anyone else.

M&S - nice bootcut / wide leg jeans, merino wool/cashmere jumper, good bra, and boots.

Have a wonderful time!

if it's in Masstricht surely it's in the square, so outside?