Help. What to wear to go out to dinner

[Shh2012]

at an Italian restaurant (so I'm assuming casual rather than fine dining) and meeting partner's 2 closest friends and their partners?
I want to look nice but not overdone IYSWIM.

When's the dinner? What's your shape and size and age, and what do you normally like to wear?

It's at the end of October. Shape size and age - none of them are good ......Am late 40s, hourglass figure, size 18/20. And stumpy short.

They all know each other and I only know my partner and I'm nervous about it already. Feel like a 14 year old!

Oh yes the meeting of friends is always terrifying, at any age! I'm going to bump this for you in the hope that somebody with better age-appropriate advice will come along. You're 20 years older than me and I'd feel very silly telling you how to dress and where to shop :)

In general though, I think dressing for casual dining can be very enjoyable - you don't have to feel like you can't move in a formal outfit, but you can look smart and chic and cool! Personally, I find little details like dark-painted nails or the perfect lipstick can make all the difference.

Thanks Curtsey! I'll probably do the boring but dependable wrap dress and boots thing but will be interested to hear if anyone else comes up with alternatives.

Bump for Shh2012!

Dress and boots sound good. maybe a nice long necklace? Def dark nail polish!

I think you should wear an old favourite, if you haven't met them you don't need to worry about having worn it 100s of times before and you will feel comfortable. Dress and boots sounds perfect.

Another vote for the dress and boots look here. Eyecatching necklace or statement earrings. Instead of new clothes, why not spend the money on a professional blow dry and a manicure? Always feel my best after these treats.

There was a really good thread last week or so, someone going to school reunion, lots of good outfit tips on there, will try to remember what it was called and bump it up.

Yeah I second the blow dry thing. Whenever I have a blow dry for an occasion I feel a million dollars!
Good luck. I'm sure you'll knock em dead :)

Definitely blow dry, brilliant idea.

I like jeans (dark)/heels and fancy top (patterned/sparkly etc)for this sort of thing - you don't look like you have tried too hard (as wearing jeans) and fancy top is all that will be seen when you are sitting at the table which will prob be most of the time
Blow dry, lipstick, nails