A challenge for you stylish ladies

[runningmonkey]

Hello,

First post in this section so a bit nervous.

I have been given the weekend 'off' by my lovely husband so am off to london town to spend the weekend with my best friend. Since having DD 14 months ago have taken a massive battering in the self confidence stakes so am absolutely panicking about what to wear out in the evening - I always feel like such an idiot when out 'in town' as I feel as if I look very unfashionable and frumpy and this is about a million time worse this time around as it is literally my first night out like this since DD was born!

I am short and chubby (size 16-18) and live in jeans and t-shirts and birkenstocks/converse.

The plan for the evening is that we will be meeting some other friends for cocktails and then probably will go dancing some where (indie music based most likely )

So stylish ladies, please tell me what you would wear if you were me. I really have no idea where to start!

Thanks!

Where in London are you going?

How about something like this or this with a leather jacket like this and shoes like this?

All the above is a complete stab in the dark, so tell me what you like/hate

Thanks! I love both of those dresses, especially the Miss Selfridge one. Not so keen on the jacket and I am rubbish with heels.

I am not keen on baring my legs as they are v pasty so do you think a dress leggings combo might work?

I think we're going to be out around Camden so I'm guessing edgy/trendy types (my worst fear!)

Camden- my spiritual home

In that case, I would wear black opaques (not leggings) and tan or nude ballet pumps/loafers/brogues. Something like this or this

Denim jacket or blazer could work- just avoid cardigans

And go to the Dublin Castle and have one for me

Thanks tethersend

The sad thing is I used to love Camden and all things London but it's just so out of my comfort zone now hopefully this weekend will change that!

Gah. I know what you mean. I used to live in Camden and was achingly hip- then I got pg, moved away and when I go there now (rarely) it seems to be full of children

Let me know what you decide to wear- I'm sure you'll have a fab night regardless. I find drinking nine or ten large gin and tonics helps

I think Camden has gone more mainstream recently esp if you're going to somewhere like Gilgamesh for cocktails.

However I think I would try and found out exactly where you'll be off to.
not too edgy!

Thanks Morag - Am thinking shift dress, opaque tights and flats will do me pretty much anywhere we go. Do you think that's ok?

What do you think of this found it last night and can't decided if its hideous or not!

Its raining so I am venturing into town to have a mooch around the shops.

Right back from shops...

I tried on lots of black/nude things and looked really drained (I am quite pale with reddish/brown hair) but was amazed that the short shift shapes looked really good on me - so thanks tethersend for introducing me to a new style!

Sooo I have bought this. Rubbish picture as it seems to be an old line and out of stock on most places and this was the best I could come up with on google. It looks amazing on - I actually look curvy rather than fat I hope I have chosen wisely!

what do I put with it? I have some bright pink flat ballet pump style shoes but is that too matchy matchy? Black tights will work I think. Accessories?

I really like it esp the colours.
I have the feeling it can go either one way or the other depending on what accessories you wear.
I'm thinking thick tights,closed toe T-bars,big glasses, big slouchy open cardi with skinny belt. Librarian chic?

Black tights, definitely. Would go with cream or gold shoes if possible... glad you found something nice

Thanks ladies tried it on with black tights and it looks good. The pink shoes look ok but I might see if I can find something else if I get time on fri

at librarian chic glasses... I can always wear my own! Although I do worry I'll look a bit Amy Lame if I'm not careful!

Thanks again for your help, it's given me such a confidence boost and am starting to look forward to it now.

Have fun

Enjoy, and tell us where you went!

Well I can report back that the dress went down a storm! I got quite a few compliments but most of all felt really good in myself :o

We ended up doing a bit of a bar crawl encompassing one on Camden high st (can't remember the name but lots of pretty indie boy eye candy :)), then worked our way down towards Mornington Cresc. Ended up in town in Borderline dancing to old indie hits until 3am

Thanks again for your advice and help, I had a fantastic weekend!