if you are 5'6 ish, size 14-16

[bringonyourwreckingball]

and not in the first flush of youth (I am 38), what do you wear on a night out? I have some social occasions coming up and have not the first idea what to wear.
Event 1: work party - probably need a dress, not super posh but cocktaily
Event 2: girls' big night out, bar and restaurant, likely to be some clubbing (wibble)
Event 3: girls' night out, probably food and booze but no dancing.
I need help! I am seriously considering cancelling all 3 just so I don't have to feel like the fat frump I so obviously am.

I am your size and 41. I don't go out much these days but have a standard girls night out outfit (drinks, meal etc) of jersey jacket from Next in grey, a longline bright pink vest top, indigo skinnies and ankle boots with a heel. I would swap the boots for wedge sandals in summer. A nice oversize clutch would bring up to date. I'm not sure about a dress I'm afraid

I'm the same size and height as you, and 34. What shape are you? I'm an apple, I rarely go out but have some very dark skinny jeans and some looser tops from river island, I also have a navy lace top. I have a black silky feel blazer from river island, and would quite like a biker leather jacket. I rarely wear heels so either wear ballet pumps,have a black pair with jewel detail from next or boots with a mid heel, I do have a pair of tan wedges for the summer but they are a bit too high. Oversized clutch bag too. I do have a couple of dresses from monsoon, find them not too short from there.

I think I'm sort of a pear shape, large-ish boobs, tummy issues, not great upper thighs but otherwise reasonable legs. I feel a bit self-conscious in skinnies but I like the idea of a jacket over the top. I just don't like the idea that everyone's looking at me and thinking 'ooh I wouldn't wear those with her arse' so if I can cover said arse all the better. I don't go out much either hence why I tend to panic when there's something coming up, buy something completely unsuitable and spend the evening hating myself.

I can assure you that nobody is looking at you, they are too busy thinking about themselves. Why should you miss the chance to go out cos you are worried that the perceived size of your arse offends some random sod?

So, this random sod is nagging you to go and try various combinations of outfits cos there will be something that clicks.

You might be this sort of shape?

More here

Have just found this, might be some guidance to be had here

Good luck!

Wow that's probably just the kick up the (rather large) arse I need, thanks SirToffee. I probably need to figure out exactly what body shape I am, clear out my wardrobe and buy some stuff that actually suits me.

As long as you don't go to places that are literally full of teenagers or students you will find people of all shapes and sizes out! You have prob built it up a bit as you haven't been out for awhile, just enjoy it

Well, as your year younger shape twin who is a wee bit ahead of you in the chucking out enormous flowy boho tunics to cover every body part stage in an abject apology to the world for taking up so much space in it, I say go for it

I'm a busty size 14, 5'5". I love a good wrap dress or well tailored dress. Good shoes and accessories. Invest in some good underwear, not to reduce inches but to smooth out your silhouette so your clothes hang better. If your hair is groomed and makeup done nicely you will feel good and then you will look good, regardless of your shape or size.

I'm your height and size and a bit older than you. I have a lot of work events in the evenings and tend to opt for the dreaded prom-style dress, knee length and not too low at the front. I find monsoon a good source for these - reasonable quality for the price.

For going out I aspire to dressing a bit more edgily, often fail! For jeans I like MiH Marrakech with heels-pricey but oh so flattering.

Single colour dress with dark tights and ballet pumps
Or long top with black skinny jeans and boots (heel does wonders for legs and bum)
Hair up
Big earrings
Lipstick
Nails done at salon (always makes me feel super confident and feminine)
Have fun :)