Looking for "going out" tops for a shopping newbie....

[stoopstofolly]

I've recently lost weight (40lbs!) and need a whole new wardrobe. I've done quite well getting smart formal work clothes, and casual weekend clothes but I recently had a meal out with some friends and realised I had nothing to wear!

I think I need:

1. Fun/ sparkly tops to wear with smart jeans or black trousers
2. Perhaps a nice dress that isn't too cocktail or too casual

I don't go out a lot so I just need few things to get me through a low key christmas party season and some nights out with friends. When I was bigger I lived in monsoon tunic tops with jewelled necklines, but now I'm thinner I'd like to branch out a bit more but don't know where to start. I've no idea what's fashionable now and what I could get away with. I'm 43, 5'4", size 10 top, size 12 bottom, quite good boobs but bad upper arms and chunky legs. And I feel the cold so I'd like them to be warmish, especially as MIL's house is freezing at christmas!

Anybody seen anything recently that might suit me? Please be gentle- the last time I seriously thought about clothes was 2003, and apparently no one wears boot cut jeans any more.....

Pinterest can be good, although of course it's a complete time sink.

I like a wander in John Lewis, although any department store should be good. Loads of concessions for stores you wouldn't necessarily cross the threshold of. I've picked up a few things from Phase Eight which seem good for being aged 40s (e.g. fitted rather than showing loads of flesh, or spaghetti straps etc.) Tube skirts always seem popular here.

Have you changed your hair since the transformation?

Oh and apparently boot cut jeans are ok, as long as they're just a bit boot cut rather than heading toward being flared. But try loads of shapes and styles of dark coloured jeans.

lovely sleeves but maybe not fun enough?

Mipmop- exciting news about boot cut! I can't wear skinnies with my thunderous thighs, and I do miss their slimming properties. I will investigate immediately! John Lewis might be an idea- if I'm honest, my problem is that I'm so pushed for time that I do everything online- FT job and 2 small children who go to lots of different clubs at weekends make shopping a rare luxury. I am on first name terms with most of the local delivery drivers though!

Behoove- I like that very much! Hides upper arms, flashes a bit of cleavage, will look ok with jeans and black trousers and very reasonable!

Coast has a good sale on at the moment. Lots of nice dresses around the £50 mark which would suit a low key christmas do. Congrats on your weight loss - very impressive!

For going out tops try mango, dorothy Perkins, river island and oasis. I've just ordered a couple but cut and past is playing up bloody ios8

I get my going out tops from Coast, oasis, the odd thing from phase eight and white company. Or browse john lewis online then collect and return to your nearest waitrose!