What sort of 'going out' dresses are the stylish wearing these days?

[permaquandry]

Sat night couples dinner, drinks after.

I love a dress, hourglass, mid thirties, suit plain fabrics and shell-type top half.

What's the current style? Skater/body con in or out? Is black a no-no?

I have no idea. SIGH. I used to be a stylish young thing but not so much opportunity to go out now. I'd look on ASOS and then see what M&S/Next have that fits with the general themes (but is a bit less teenagery iyswim). As long as you wear something that fits well you'll be grand. Oh and have a drink for me!

Skater is good and suits an hourglass. They also tend to be in plain colours so that is good if you don't suit print. Black is not a no-no but very bright and ice-cream colours are 'in' at the moment. Black maybe with some current accessories?

I think seperates are more popular than dresses this season. But in dresses, skaters still seem to be everywhere.

I don't agree that they suit an hourglass - feel like they make my boobs and hips look bigger and the belt round the waist doesn't help.

What about a pencil skirt and top, or fitted trousers and blazer?

I agree skaters better on pear shapes.

I like mint velvet and great plains for dresses.

I like Great Plains and Mint Velvet too! Also some Phase Eight.

Thanks everybody, tbh, I'm struggling with my age, I'm mid-late thirties and whilst that's not old at all, I've always dressed rather 'youthfully'.

I am fortunate enough to have a better figure than before kids and ok legs, so I've always worn body con, sharp, sexy dresses. I'm feeling too past it for all that, tho I feel best in such items. Thinking lambs and older lambs!

I'm at a crossroads and I can't get my head around 'busy' outfits; skirts, tops/layering, jewellery too etc.

I might go for nice top, skinnies, heels and a blazer.

You're defo not too old. Wear the tightest, skimpiest most glamorous clothes you can, whilst you still can cos trust me, fast forward a couple of years and you'll defo feel too old!!

The LBD remains a good friend to women of a certain age who are uncertain what to wear.

A well-fitting shift or sheath dress will always be in style, especially if your figure is good.

I find dresses easier in that they are a full outfit and you don't have to worry too much about co-ordinating as you do with separates. I find sleeveless quite a tough gig and try to get outfits with some form of sleeves.

Banana Republic
baukjen for bodycon dresses
LK Bennett

I got a lovely classic fully lined 50s style dress in mint green from Warehouse, it has a shell type top and full knee length skirt with a cut out detail on the upper back. I will wear it with a chunky necklace and heels. It's not fussy at all. I think Warehouse does good dresses whereas Oasis dresses tend to be a bit short.
If you have the figure (I don 't alas) then a knee length or even mid length pencil skirt would look very classy.