I have no clothes for a night out -

[BrillianaHarvey]

• does this mean I finally have to fess up to middle age?

I am a 48 year old student and mother of one. I have a fairly well-curated wardrobe of ankle boots, jeans, stripy tops, biker jackets, Hush ruched skirts, etc. etc. But by some freak coincidence of the planets I found myself this weekend with two evenings out, and realised that I had nothing in my wardrobe that was funky-casual-glitzy. Plenty of black tie frocks; plenty of sharply tailored daywear for lunching in a ladylike capacity; but nothing for a relaxed evening where you want to look as though you've made a bit of an effort but not in an uptight way. What is the answer? Should I just buy a waterfall cardigan from The White Company and heave a sigh of relief that most nights I can be in bed by 10? I'm 5 foot 4 and a size 12 with massive norks.

I don't have 'going out' clothes anymore. I just dress up my day clothes with jewlery and lipstick.

I would usually go for a cami (mind are Top shop and Warehouse, mainly) with the skinnies, boots and biker jacket. Yes it's boring.

I also think this sort of occasion is a call for a jumpsuit. But then I'll put on one of my jumpsuits at any given opportunity as I love them.

Jumpsuits look like you've made an effort tho. Plus big toys mot sute. Go to river island. Masses of plain but metallic stuff in there which you can just put on under your jackets biker or otherwise.
Mint velvet do hugely overpriced plain slouch silky t shirts too

www.mintvelvet.co.uk/ink-satin-slouch-tee/tops/mint-v/fcp-product/7577

Jumpsuits look like you've made an effort tho

You see, I don't agree with this. I think (depending on the jumpsuit) they've become a casual staple, but could be dressed up as required with heels/jewellery if needs be. Thereby perfectly fitting the bill for the OP's "made a bit if an effort but not uptight."

On the casual jumpsuit front - during the summer I wore print jumpsuits with sandals to the beach/park/cafes/ wherever.
Now it's a bit cooler I have a dark green one which I'll wear with flats for a casual day out shopping or out with the kids/to the pub/ visiting friends etc. This sort of idea...
m.asos.com/asos/asos-jumpsuit-with-off-shoulder-in-sweat/prd/6766306?iid=6766306&clr=Khaki&cid=20982&pgesize=50&pge=0&totalstyles=389&gridsize=2&gridrow=12&gridcolumn=1

But then I love a jumpsuit, and do have others that are obviously for dressing up too. Sorry, didn't mean to derail thread with jumpsuit talk!

The Mint Velvet top is in the right register but I really don't want to get my arms out.
I ended up in a jumpsuit on Friday as it happens! It was 6 years old though. I am still fond of it - I just don't get that going-out buzz from it any more.
Worry about standing too close to a naked flame in anything from River Island.

Ah ffs. Come on grandma. Take a look!

Thank you that's really helpful. (Gliding gracefully over the grandma comment.) I could really use a shiny/sparkly top or two but am very unconfident buying because my arms are wobbly and I am a 32G.

What is it with this ruched skirt? It's cropping up everywhere. If you've got good basics then look at your accessories or shoes in a non safe colour or print ( silver boots for example). I think if you want sparkle you will find tons of it soon as Christmas nears. I have a lovely pewter sequinned cardi / jacket from Jaeger that I bought in the sale which I like to wear in a non lady way! For contemporary brands have a look at &otherstories and Finery for some inspiration.

I have a lurex jumper that comes in handy for dressed up but casual evenings. Have had it years so can't link anything similar but the general idea might be worth pursuing. similar

the Whistles sparkle knit is ££ but it is amazing

www.whistles.com/women/clothing/knitwear/sparkle-tie-cuff-knit-23694.html?dwvar_sparkle-tie-cuff-knit-23694_color=Black&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=.&utm_campaign=&utm_content=sqZuN5S3f_dc%7Cpcrid%7C%7Cpkw%7C%7Cpmt%7C%7C

i disagree with wearing workwear on a night out unless you re in London

Stop apologising for your body. FUCK EM - wear what you like. I am sure your arms are fine

I never add sparkles to an area I am self conscious about
if you think your tits are not good dont add sparkles to them

That Whistles knit is indeed gorgeous.
Jack I do hear what you're saying, though a harsh critic might find your tone a little rebarbative.

I'll tell you what are absolutely great as a standby 'going out' item. A pair of those 'coated leggings'. They look like leather but are actually some sort of synthetic material. They always look trendy and dressed up, and give a new lease of life to plenty of your old boring tops put over them. And comfy as they are stretchy leggings. They are called 'coated leggings' or 'leather look leggings'. An example here from Next but lots of places may have them.
www.next.co.uk/g532106s6

Agree with Sadie! I have loads of going out clothes, but for an easy outfit its always leather looking leggings, cami from topshop or river Island, barely there heels, statement necklace or earrings. My latest pair are h and m.

Ah fuck it then. Wear something shit

I have some leather leggings but camisoles aren't a good look on me. Yy to statement earrings. Think I will try the Whistles knit.