I need a smart casual look for a dinner out with friends - where to start?

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I don't go out often (apart from to work) so my wardrobe is seriously depleted. But I'm having a bit of a reunion soon with old friends (to a restaurant - nothing too fancy) and want to look the stylish person I used to be (about 20 years ago!). I'm late thirties now.

Any outfit ideas please ???

Hiya, I think it's best to go for a stylish look that doent look like you've tried too hard. Maybe start with some skinny jeans , m&s do some great jeggings at the moment that are also really comfy too! Heals are a must. On top go for a light weight material that you can either tuck in with a belt and blouse over a bit or you can wear it loose. Finish it off with a blazer for that extra stylish look. I got one from Zara last year and I've got so much wear out of it and lots of compliments too. Have a look at this link Zara blazer
Good luck and hope you find something!
Xx

Thanks - I have a jersey blazer and some skinny jeans. So maybe I need a nice blouse and some heels to go with them. Cheers!

I totally agree with rj4 - would only add if the blouse is plain to jazz it up a bit with a long necklace or something.

I wouldn't wear jeans to a restaurant for a reunion with old friends - I think that looks boring and either as if you aren't trying or have lost your imagination!

How about a short skirt and flat knee high boots? Always pretty, always feminine, always comfortable?

Hi, have you tried looking on ebay for maternity clothes? As now and again you can find a real bargain - cheap, but good quality nearly new items!

I had a good pair of jeans, trousers and long shorts for the office a few tops (both casual and pretty) and a dress- again for office or looked great with leggins underneath for weekend/evening wear!

My suggestion for a catch up with friends: Jeans, low heals and a pretty top should do the trick!

"Hi, have you tried looking on ebay for maternity clothes?"

Er, no, I'm not pregnant or recently pregnant :)

LOL at maternity!

What size are you? Colouring? Budget?

What sort of style are you?

Zara

with coloured tights and long black high boots

cute skirt

Would describe my style as 'attempts to be classy but probably looks boring!' I'm a size 10, approx 5'7.

Something from the Great Plains sale? They have a lot of smart casual dresses, something from there may take yr fancy?

Dark skinny or straight jeans, a silk shirt or cami, a blazer and killer heels sounds fine. I wouldn't wear flat knee high boots to a restaurant (if in the evening) - too day time / too horsey.

Or a mini dress, blazer, opaques and heeled ankle boots maybe.

I'm liking the idea of the jeans/blazer combo as I have these already. Now need to find a nice blouse/shirt. Is it cheeky to ask for suggestions?

www.johnlewis.com/292931/Product.aspx

What are the verdicts on the above blouse?

I am heading out after work today for a similar event - am wearing jeans ( they re fantastic cut and fit so well ) they re dark navy wash , I have a top from massimo dutti - 3/4 sleeved navy with pretty detailing on it - cant do link but check their site i find they have nice tops for this kibd of occasion, suede ankle boots with a mid heel slightly dressy, debated blazer but have nice new coat as it s wintery here today- HTH !

What colour are the jeans / blazer? If they are both dark I think you need a light top. Maybe something like this

I'm not keen on the jl blouse but then I don't really like high necklines or anything too fussy near my face. the colour is nice though.

Am liking the DP top as my jeans are dark and my blazer is black - that would coordinate nicely me thinks.

Drat, it's out of stock in my size

Love the colour of the Mint Velvet blouse but it would be a v difficult neckline to wear, unless you are almost flat-chested.

The DP's one is pretty but polyester, so likely to be not as nice irl as it appears in the pic.

Ted Baker often have nice silk tops - hang on, will have a look...

Wrap top

gorgeous if your colouring can take it