Clothes for 'going out': what would be your top three recommendations?

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I wimped out of going to a friend's birthday at the weekend on the grounds that I have nothing in my wardrobe that falls into the 'going out' category.
I have work clothes, wedding outfits (x3) and 'toddler mother warrior' gear (scruffy jeans, cotton & jersey tops)

If you could buy 3 items to cover meals out at decent restaurants, dinner/cocktail parties & drinks at wine bars what would you chose? Not shoes, I have shoes.

Ideally things that aren't going to date, and could do all seasons (because it's not like they are going to get worn ever weekend!)

a great black dress (I know it is a cliche but that is because it is true)

a pair of beautifully cut trousers (in my case 7/8 length as I have super slim ankles, little feet and fabulous shoes
cowl neck silk tops - they just work on me
a beautiful jacket - tuxedo style works well for me (a la miss moss)

a pair of dark denim jeans in your perfect cut
backless tops - perfect combo for nights in bars

I am so out of the loop with going out, I had forgotten about LBDs!

I love your other ideas. Sadly I am 5'9'' so anything other that floor length trousers just makes me look like I can't find ones that fit!

Deffo a black dress. I have a shift dress I wear with thick black tights and either high heeled boots or shoes. Dress up with jewellery.

A good 'going out' coat. I have a little black swing coat that oes with virtually everything. Nothing worse than putting your gladrags on and then having to out your mumcoat on over the top

great shoes that don't kill your feet after 5 mins. The holy grail!

if you can do dresses I strongly recommend girl meets dress - they are a dress hire company and perfect if you need to wear something different - you can rent herve ledger for less than £100 and dresses start from £39.99 (and they give you a £10 welcome voucher so really you can hire your first dress from £29.99).

at mumcoat

I have a fabulous nearly floor length black wool coat with cowl neck and a 'Downton' cloche hat that don't get to see the light of day

I never wear black-it flatters very few people as is very draining. But dresses, yes. Esp if you wear trews a lot of the time, is nice to swish about in a frock for a change.

Sometimes is nice to be a bit more casual though, in a cashmere knit, tuxedo pants and some flat ballerinas or brogues, with a jewelled necklace and gallons of red lipstick to add glamour.

If you can find a really 'good' blazer/jacket for you, snap it up. Warehouse and Topshop both good.

That website is great mrsmartin thank you.

It's looking like a 4 item shopping list so far: dress, posh trousers, strappy or drapey top & blazer/jacket.

I actually have a black silk 3/4 length sleeve fitted black jacket as part of one of the 'wedding' outfits.