Have AN HOUR at lunchtime now to buy something for stylish girls night out on Friday!

[SerendipityAlways]

Only have this lunchtime today to trawl thought the shops to find something to wear for tmrw night out - girls (in their 40s!) get together in local wine bar, they are always a very stylish bunch. Any suggestions - always get pre night out nerves as to what the heck to wear! Hate this type of last minute pressure and looking to you for some general steers..want to look like I've tried, but not too hard ifyswim. Size 10 average height (but no maxi dresses please!)

BUMP - time is ticking, anyone????

what shops you got nearby?

oasis warehouse monsoon Dorothy perkins - next river island benetton sisley coast tk maxx

oooh ok, so decent selection... are you wanting a dress or would you prefer trousers and top? Budget?

I'm currently very in to my tunic and 7/8 trousers combo for nights out...

Hi - Just back from a fruitless shopping trip - not a tunic person as v small on top and waist to tend to look swamped. Love love dresses though..

I've been out to local shopping centre to try and find something for a wedding I don't want to go to on Saturday. All I found was the stench of polyester and death. I'm going to come down with a mystery bug, I think, and stay home.

Having just done the same, I know exactly what you mean! It was all maxi dresses, horrible polyester shapeless tunic thingys and blingy jewelled items you would never wear.

I did see one nice shift dress in Warehouse
www.warehouse.co.uk/pleat-shoulder-shift-dress/Dresses/warehouse/fcp-product/305425 - but maybe toooooo dressy

That is too dressy for round these parts certainly.

I don't know what colours you suit, but what about this from Monsoon?
Monsoon Capri dress

Would make the most of your small waist and neat bust (that sounds so old fashioned but you know what I mean!) and it's a bit funky without trying too hard.

Florence - I love your MN name!! That Monsoon dress is really nice, and it looks comfortable too! Might try and nip into local monsoon tmrw and see if its in stock there. Last thing I want is to be overdressed!!

While out on my fruitless shopping trip earlier on I did invest in a pair of white jeans, which are really good on and fit very well. Maybe I should go that route??

sorry for duff tips there Serendipity.. I'm your polar opposite. Tall and large busted.. I have no idea how to shop for someone with a neat shape (love that phrase, wish I were neat )

Headfairy - Thanks for your helpful advice anyway! I think at this stage I will have to dig deep into the recesses of my wardrobe and see what I can drag out.

Heard a funny phrase once which I now know to be true - That we women dont dress for ourselves, we dont dress for men, we dress for other women!

Oh god yes.... most men couldn't tell if you've even put on make up let alone got a new outfit (unless they're gay that is).

With that in mind, attitude makes a heck of a difference... have a couple of drinks before you go out, dance around the house to your favourite music and go out with a smile on your face. It doesn't really matter what you're wearing then (to an extent :o)

I like the Monsoon one, the wharehouse one is too dressy, I think.

coast

oasis

oasis again love the cut. Perfect with black heels and no accessories. Would look effortlessly stylish

this is horrific. shocking dress

first oasis link is wrong

French connection have a great sale on at the moment, some really nice dressy tops that would look lovely with skinnies and heels?

totally missed the black / cream version of second oasis link. Prefer the colour in the first link TBH.

I have no idea which dress was supposed to be the first link.

Thanks for all the links - Hetty, I LOVE the Oasis kimono dress but did not see it in our local shop yesterday where I tried on every dress in my size! Its one of those shops within a shop if you know what I mean, and the range is pretty limited. I love a dress with a bit of wriggle room in it and that would fit the bill.

I think HeadFairy made a good point when she said a lot of its about your attitude. I will definitely have a glass of wine before hand, with my favourite '80s music on in the background. On a down side have 2 playdates in my house this pm (baaaaaad scheduling) until about 630pm so it will have to be a rush job trying to get out the door..

Oh, that's a shame. It's a real stunner.

Attitude is indeed 90% of the work - wine and dancing beforehand is an excellent plan.

Have you decided what to wear BTW?

Hetty - Yes, between thoughts of the wine and the 80s music, I've nearly forgotten the whole point of the conversation! I have a colourblock dress I bought last Summer which I like, its empire line and fitted, and with a bit of tan on the legs and some nice heels should look ok. I would have loved something new but theres no point in buying soemthing for the sake of it...

Sounds perfect, hope you have an excellent night.

Order the kimono for next time, go on, it's fab. You know you want too

glad you got it sorted... argh about the scheduling of playdates, but hey the thought of a fun grown up ngiht out will keep you sane when surrounded by lego/barbies/cars/teddybears/assorted crap that hurts when you accidentally stand on it barefoot :o

Ladies - thanks to all again! All kids fed, dishwasher filled, all quiet downstairs, nail varnish on! Pouring rain outside! Have ordered the kimono dress Hetty - like I needed to be persuaded! Glass of chillled wine and lots of attitude on the ready!! and

have a good evening... have a few drinks for me, I'm working until 10.30 tonight :(