What does a 50 year old frump wear to a swanky nightclub?

[rhubarbcrumbleplease]

We've just received an invitation to a birthday party at club; cocktails, dinner & dancing.
Am I right in thinking my usual cotton Boden shift won't be right? I haven't been to a club for years & haven't a clue.
What do the cool metropolitan set wear? Please don't make me mutton

[polyhymnia]

Which club is it? That's relevant because they vary a lot .

[Walnut8]

I would never wear a dress/skirt to a club unless it's one of those awful ones where the shorter and tighter your dress, the more likely you are to get in (and I dont go to those anymore anyway ). Skinnies (leather or waxed) and an edgy top... plus killer heels.

[rhubarbcrumbleplease]

I'm trying to find out what other people are wearing, but yes, of course.
I am more comfortable in a dress but trying to find one not too weddingy, young or provincial-goes-to-town is proving a challenge.
There's a lovely Issa one but it's too bright.

Thanks so all of you for your help.

[Drywhiteplease]

OP will you come back and tell us what you wore?

[SinglePringle]

Nice outfit Nerf and I have many combinations of it! But not in this weather!

[Nerf]

I'd wear black leather trousers/skinny jeans and a spaghetti strap top in silver. Plus heels.
I'm 41.

[Drywhiteplease]

Absolutely. Think accessories can make something simple look incredible.and they don't need to be expensive

[SinglePringle]

That's nice DryWhite. I'd put a very striking / big necklace or cuff with it and a pair of fuck off heels.

[Drywhiteplease]

I'd wear something like this

[SinglePringle]

The Next dress is not something I would wear to a club. Not edgy enough.

But yes, as I said up thread - depends on the club. Sugar Hut? Then a bandage dress is bang on.

A small club in Soho? Then sharper, more individually stylish and edgy.

[polyhymnia]

Sorry - wretched phone.

[polyhymnia]

I agree with an earlier poster - does really depend on which club it is ( assume it's in London).

Otherwise, think MrsLettuce's post puts the whole issue very well.

[Greengardenpixie]

I really like it in the red in the video with the black wedge sandals.

[polyhymnia]

I agree with an earlier poster - does really depend on which club it is ( assume it's in London).

Otherwise, think MrsLettuce's post puts the whole issue very well.

[Greengardenpixie]

I dont like that cos dress at all...it looks like a draw string bag! Im 46 and would wear a simple dress with wedges. What about something like this but maybe in black? I think the dress you have is too formal.

www.next.co.uk/x545068s1#671165x54

[Drywhiteplease]

MrsLettuce the grey Marlene B Outnet dress is fab. Less of the "provincial" generalisations please

[Drywhiteplease]

OP if there are other guests your age going, and I'm sure there will be, they're probably having the same dilemma. I'd wear the LBD as others and not worry about it. Whenever I stress about what to wear I always get there and wonder why I was so worried. I'm sure, after a cocktail or 3, you'll totally forget about your outfit anyway.

[Brillenbar]

Mrs lettuce well said. I would go with the cos dress or the grey Marlene birger IMHO. You need to be slightly edgy if wearing a dress for something like that, or it can end up a bit mother of the bride. Have done it many a time myself

[SinglePringle]

Sorry for typos...

[SinglePringle]

Do you know which club you are going to? Might help?

In the meantime, what about Vivienne Westwood Anglomania? It's classic, flattering and can be found relatively inexpensively. this is an example. May not be to your tast colourwise but gives an idea of the style.

Westwood says 'I've had this years, I threw it on because I don't need to try too hard and I like classic but edgy styling'. Timeless. I'm 44 and have about 5 of her dresses plus jackets and skirts.

But yes yes to hitting, say, Zara and Top Shop and buying whatever you think might work. Take it all home. Put an outfit together in soft lighting and accompanied by a glass of wine. Play with your accessories. Return clothes that don't work.

[peasandlove]

Oops sorry about that folks. This posting from your phone is hazardous

[MrsLettuce]

There's nothing mutton about wearing something with a slightly edgy cut, if it flatters and you feel good in it. Age is irrelevant, unlike height, shape, size and grooming.

To me mutton is too tight where loser would be more flattering, too short where longer would be flattering, bright and brash where muted would work better, badly judged shades of make up. That sort of thing. Frumage is almost the exact opposite. Following the rules of what a british woman in her 50's should wear, do or feel about how she looks is a recipe for auto-frumpage.

A good dose of quirk does wonders for the (FFS) 'older lady' in the style stakes, IMHO.

[SwedishEdith]

Why not try a personal shopper at JL? Or look at images of a fairly normal celeb of similar age (Davina?) and see if that gives you any ideas?

[cromwell44]

I'm slightly older then you so I probably know nothing but for my two pen'orth I'd say go with separates and avoid dresses which look too 'mum on a night out'. What do you prefer - trousers or skirts. Wear something you feel great in. 7/8 trousers, heels and a great top.

[MrsLettuce]

That's very nice, possibly a bit weddingish still. Depends. What's the average age of the attendees likely to be?