Dinner with dh's boss: need to look effortlessly stylish!

[lainiekazan]

Dinner in v fancy London place with dh's boss and wife.

As per title I need to look stylish and also as if I've made only a smidgeon of effort and that I don't only go to London once a year and then get confused about the (confounded new) Oyster card system.

Problem is I look a bit of a wreck and dress from the Fat Face sale page.

I am 50, 5'3, blonde and size 8. But not a good size 8 - a lumpy one with gruesome arms and legs.

Please help!

navy
biba
episode
biba black
coast
phase 8

or if you don't like dresses this kimono with slim black trousers and a black vest would be nice?

I've posted this elsewhere but I think you could go masses of places in this stuff from next
You'd look cool and not ridiculously overdone....which I often see

Just wanted to agree with importance of not looking overdone. Not suggesting you wear jeans but for London restaurants the look should definitely be understated elegance, not anything OTT, sparkly, very cleavage-y, etc.

I personally also feel a fringed kimono wouldn't be all that easy to carry off, though some people could I guess.

Which place/ type if place is it btw?

Londony friend always goes for very slim dark trousers and heels, plain decent jkt and nice but simple top underneath then nice hair, nails, bracelet. Never dresses.

Thanks v much.

I don't do shifts: I have grim arms and legs but a v small waist, so a shift accentuates my worst bits and hides my best.

The kimono... er, it could be a disaster.

You know, that Next stuff doesn't look at all bad. Not too, too, erm, downmarket .

Yes, I'd like to know what other people wear to an of-the-moment restaurant so I don't look a complete provincial idiot.

You didn't specify the restaurant so it's a bit hard to guess the vibe but when you say 'of the moment' do you mean trendy rather that a well established one ( eg wouldn't call The Ivy or the Wolseley 'of the moment').

'Than' not 'that'!

I agree that London isn't generally all that dressy. The Next stuff looks surprisingly good. Or how about this top I just bought it and it feels really nice. Kind of understated but quite chic. The skirt it's shown with is lovely. Or you could wear with slim trousers.

Or I also have this top which you will have to trust me looks a lot better irl than it does in that picture. (I also have a slim waist) Very good with skinny trousers and heels.

this
effortless stylish..

Quick hijack - Ronald: have you seen the Next stuff irl? I normally hate the place but I think I am in love.

OP - do you have a fixed budget? Colour preferences? Norkage issues?

Really liking the Next stuff too. Might have to investigate those plum baroque trousers - great for autumn.

Remus

I have the cream embellished top and the jacquard trousers in L as I wanted them to be short enough
I also have the top you like in plum

They look like Whistles

Next top is lovely but sold out in virtually all sizes :(

Agree definitely not a dress. I don't know what your budget is but I'm thinking of Zara-esque slim fit trousers, killer heels, cami (maybe) and a sharp leather (or other smart but not work like) jacket, and nbook in for manicure and blow dry

Agree blow dry and manicure essentials.

I have never had a manicure! Have fairly decent nails nonetheless.

Prob bust bestish area and waist.

It seems the more expensive the clothes the more they seem to drown me - sleeves for gibbons, Dynasty shoulders and way too long. Petite clothes are always so frumpy.

btw the restaurant says "sophisticated dining"

Is the sophisticated dining referring to the food or the dress code?

If you normally dress very casual then you don't want to go in anything too 'done' otherwise you'll feel uncomfortable and constricted.

Personally, I usually go for slim/straight leg cropped trousers. Gap usually fit me well but I'm a couple of inches taller than you with a top/blouse like the ones that have already been linked. If you don't do heels then ballet flats or pointed flats can look stylish. Next has some lovely silver pointed sling backs.

Then think about the little details. Nice nails ( doesn't have to be painted but filed/clean), subtle makeup and nice hair. Do you wear jewellery? It doesn't have to be anything big, sometimes just little delicate pieces can look better. A clutch bag could then complete the outfit.

Above all wear with a smile and confidence and enjoy.

Have you met the boss's wife? What is her style like?

Don't know boss's wife - but they are rich (old money).

Another one having an OMFG! moment after seeing that Next link from you Ronald. I have avoided the place for YEARS because the quality was atrocious and the designs screamed 'low-end estate agent' or '40 but still wants to look 20 - and fails spectacularly' (River Island and Dorothy Perkins I'm looking at you too).

You say they look like Whistles.... What is the fabric quality and stitching finish like? I am also lusting over the baroque jacquard capri pants frankie.....

Apologies for the hijack OP . As a Londoner who has dined out in many a fine eatery, I have to echo what others have said and go with understated elegance. Attention to grooming hair/nails/makeup with smart black/navy trousers and a simple top, perhaps a statement necklace or earrings and a good bag and heels will do the job nicely. Tourists and day-trippers can be spotted a mile off by their tendency to over-dress.

If echo Queencadbury's advice. Low key, not overdressed but smart enough not to look not to look too casual.

Going against the flow, I would wear a dress - much simpler and easier as well as smart.

With your small waist a wrap dress like the coast one linked upthread would work well - nice necklace, heels and nails.