If your 40 something what do you wear for smart weekend lunches or afternoon teas ?

[willowisp]

Feel a bit gormless asking () . Always super casual in jeans all week or dressing up for evening meals out, I'm at a loss for something 'nice' to wear at the weekends.

In the winter I would probably wear nice too/jumper/above knee skirt, tights & boots...what/how does this translate into for smartish spring ?

I'm mid 40's, fairly slim, brunette if it helps with the solution ?

If you'll be sitting at a table, then you need to focus on your top half. So maybe a plain-ish skirt/trousers, plus a gorgeous jacket? Or a plain top with an eye-catching necklace or silk scarf? Would that work for you?

Heels!

Despite being tall, I find that heels and some great accessories - statement necklace, well tied scarf - dress up my every day clothes just fine. Shiny hair and good make up helps too although that might just be on me because it's not an everyday occurrence

I'd wear a tea dress and cropped cardi or fitted linen/cotton trousers with a silk tunic and long almost sheer cardi and heels or wedges.

40 something?! You make me sound like a maiden aunt.

well at 42 me and my friends tend to wear a mix of stuff. pretty dresses for out to lunch, trousers if we don't like dresses/skirts.

Thanks, some good straying points for my shopping trip !

Where are you buying your nice tops & pretty dresses ?

At the moment I have Boden Weekend Casual dress (too casual ? More pub lunch than white table cloths ?) with gold wedge (clarks circa 2008) sandals

Uniqlo camel wool mix 3/4 trousers (7/8's is there a difference ?) but no top. Any suggestions ? Could wear ^^ sandals ?

I like the sound of the linen trousers - mine are ancient & a bit thin...where are good places to buy & should they be straight leg rather than wide ? Will the gold sandals cut it ?

My clothes are either cold weather or hot weather....or very old !

dresses? I like Oasis for dresses but for naice lunches and afternoon teas try anywhere from Phase Eight for dresses. Haven't seen any lately that I love but also Whistles for nice tops and Zara for nice tops, skirts, dresses. Oasis has some very pretty tops that could do lunches. buggering Oasis won't do links properly...

This Monsoon top (and others like it) vair pretty:-

uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_1,mon_1.4/5232254612

these 2 Monsoon dresses (and others similar) very pretty too:-

uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_1,mon_1.2/5531740808

uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_1,mon_1.2/5532810808

Err yes the Boden one is too casual, in my opinion.

Someone else will come along and say they've seen nicer dresses.

gold sandals - good idea.

consider tan or pretty other sandals too.

The Boden Ravello tops are great, silky fabric and smart with a statement necklace and heels. Likewise these type of tops from mango. www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Mango+Crepe+blouse/199332089,default,pd.html

The Boden bistro crops or Chelsea turn ups are my go to trousers for smartish occasions

I'd suggest a little blazer or biker style jacket in jersey or boucle fabric

As always, the right accessories make an outfit. Nice bag, jewellery etc

" Uniqlo trousers but no top " - errr, yes, that'll certainly make a statement

Thanks...I've ordered a few, dare I say it...pieces...from Wallis.

Ordered leopard print dress, green dress (prob more for hols) , blue daisy print tea/skater ish dress, a black jumpsuit (yes, I wore them in the 80's!)
...& a red bikini.

leopard

hols

sweet but not entirely sure colour is good for me

Now going to look at Monsoon & ravello tops

Sent from my iPad

shorts, little top and jacket
pj bottoms, vest or formal tight workwear looking shirt -->do this a lot now
boyfriends, silky cami, or slash neck, heels

easiest is fitted cigarette pants a tight shirt and some great heels. You can wear literally anywhere to anything

I'd keep weekend lunches very casual, over dressing can look a bit try hard, like you never get out. Even dining out at the best restaurants in London, in the evening, the vibe is incredibly casual, it's an anything goes unless there is a dress code. Afternoon tea is probably a bit more dressy - I'd do tube midi skirt/, shell top and pumps. Or maybe some flowery tapered trousers with flat strappy sandals and a t shirt.

Have you seen my pj bottoms ? They're barely fit for the bedroom
Although like the laid back vibe, not right for my occasion.

Liking the sound of the taped trousers & fitted top. I look ridiculous in loose, flow-y tops. V or cowl necks good, can get away with the odd high neck...fairly good arms balance this I think. I dislike polyester tops though & seems lots of Phase 8 are made of this ? Also...I think I'm a bit young for Phase 8....

No Boden Ravello tops in my size, but get the picture with 'look'.

Shopping tomorrow, so any more suggestions of style or places to look would be great, thanks !

fitted trousers and shirt combo