Smart casual????

[unlucky83]

Going out for a work do - group of women mostly in their 40s. Pub/Restaurant (not too posh) ..
Told it is smart casual??? ....which I don't really do...don't really know what that means (I do scruffy - or if absolutely necessary Smart)
I'm 46, size 16-18, 5ft 6inch tall. Don't (and won't) wear makeup...don't think I could face sparkly or fluffy jumpers - really not me!
Any suggestions?
Don't want to spend a lot (I'm fatter than I've every been and intend to get back down to 14-16 next year).
Was thinking maybe leggings and a long sleeve, long shirt or jumper- but then I might have to buy some boots? (I have really skinny calves - would look odd without bulk around ankles also think I might be too fat for leggings). Don't normally do skirts/dresses... don't mind ethnic stuff
I do have black trouser suit, black court shoes, a black cardigan thing ....just thought I might need to buy a coat too - ahhh
Actually tempted not to go...hate having to dress up to go anywhere...need to buy something tomorrow and hate shopping...(and this is supposed to be fun )

Any suggestions? Even if just shops I could look in...

Aw, don't not go just because you can't decide what to wear. For a non-posh pub/restaurant I reckon smart casual just means don't wear trainers or ripped jeans/tracksuit. Wear whatever you feel comfortable in - jeans and a nice top/blouse?

Not a very S&B answer is it!

I agree, if it's just a not too posh venue - I'd say anything that's not jeans or tracksuit or trainers.

Leggings and long sleeved top would be just fine, maybe a nice necklace or scarf or bag?

Thanks - Normally I wear casual trousers (jean style but not denim), long jumpers and a fleece/waterproof coat....
One of the people I'm going with when questioned about what to wear said 'smart casual' and I said like this - and she said that's too scruffy (and she really wasn't being a bitch -honest!)
Think cos I hate shopping so much everything I have is just a bit worn -even my lace up ankle boots have seen better days (honestly I often buy things in the sale in supermarket or something without trying them on and then wear till it collapses (or at the moment gets too tight!))
Think I'll get a pair of leggings and looking on line I think I need a 'tunic' top - long and baggy... M&S -or BHS???? (avoid river island , new look etc) - wear my suit jacket as a coat???
(I did have a very expensive wool one but it got attacked by carpet beetles)
I would ask my sister but she has no idea - persuaded me to buy a dress from Monsoon for a wedding - it is sort of A shaped -big at the bottom, quite short - to show off my 'good' legs - saw a photo and thought with my the big top half and skinny calves sticking out the bottom was possibly the most unflattering thing I've every worn!

As long as you are presentable (ie not topless or in a swimsuit then you are going to be let in the pub/restaurant. It all depends on how much you want to 'fit in' with what others are likely to be wearing or are happy to be comfortable in what you already own.

I should imagine that most people will be wearing jeans/black trousers and a going out blouse or dress with boots.

Don't panic but anything you're not comfortable with otherwise you'll just feel self conscious. You say you like ethnic stuff. Are there any shops around you that sell that? Could you dress up your usual trousers and top with some ethnic jewellery? Otherwise supermarkets have some great stuff if you wanted a slightly dressy top (I won't steer you towards fluffy/sparkly!) or for other inexpensive stuff try primark or h&m. Don't suppose by any chance you have a next directory account? They're great for ordering stuff and trying on in the comfort of your own home and you don't have to pay up front. You could then try some leggings/tunic etc and see what you think.

Feeling braver now -thanks for your kind words ...bit of a confidence boost off to the shops tomorrow ...
Not worried about me - more about embarrassing the people I'm with...
Have been exploring my wardrobe and found 2 coats I'd forgotten I'd got (all my clothes are in vac bags after the carpet beetles so I forget what I have) and a couple of long (silk) blouses...
So leggings/narrow legged black trousers it is and maybe a new top...if I see anything I like (one of the blouses will do otherwise)...
(Actually was looking at that Monsoon dress and thinking about taking it in at the bottom...make it less a-line...but not sure if I can get that done in time ...really did look like a Christmas tree - or maybe an Alphablock with a head stuck on top !)

Good luck - your work friends want your company, they are not going to care about your clothes. Even if you turned up in ancient jeans and a tshirt I doubt anyone would bat an eyelid, let alone be embarrassed

Get thee to Sainsburys! 25% off clothing this week and they have some nice long tunic-y jumpers that would look fab with some leggings and boots (which they also have).

Just looked at Sainsburys online - saw something I liked only to find our nearest store (10 miles away) doesn't do clothing! - nearest one to do clothing is 20 miles ...so much for that then !
Will brave the town centre......

Bah! Try Dorothy Perkins - they had some nice floral print cotton dresses in the sale (mine was £14-ish). Would look lovely with black leggings and a big chunky cardi and boots (Primark has both). No point blowing the budget if you won't get wear out of it. Good luck, and what ever you decide on, have a blast and enjoy your do!