Confidence crisis - never feel good on nights out

[secondhoneymoon]

Got a few parties to go to before we even get to Christmas. I can 'do' casual and black tie - but can never find anything to wear to inbetween nights, e.g. Birthday and Christmas parties/meals out. I am 5'3", late 40s, size 14-16 and not slim. Prefer autumnal colours Happy with tops & trousers or dresses. Any help appreciated - links to specific items would be particularly welcome as even when I have an idea what I might like i can't find anything I like in the shops!

No help here but I feel exactly the same. Jeans and nice top look too casual now we are older or I end up mumsy.
My friend who is way larger than both us us looks amazing most days ( and nights). She seems to wear simple but dressy dresses. Karen Millen and the like. Good strong colours.
I can't bring myself to buy one yet but I know it's possibly time to lose the crazy clothes and look a bit classy.

Actually do have one suggestion. How about a black jumpsuit. There's a nice one on SilkFred. They look elegant but not too try hard. You can add drama with jewellery or nice jacket or not.
Will see if I can link.

www.silkfred.com/boutiques/john-zack/clothing/sleeveless-black-cowl-neck-tie-jumpsuit

Ooh I like that, thanks revealall. I might look a bit squat and dumpy in a jumpsuit but maybe worth a try

What about the Oasis Shimmer Popcorn Shift dress? I've not tried it on but you could team it with thick black tights, a glitzy handbag and black shoes or ankle boots. If you look on the close up pictures it's really pretty. A size M is a 12 but if it's stretchy I'd say a big 12 small 14 and a L is a 14 to 16.

Thanks Buster, I like it and will try it on. Neckline is probably a bit high for me (not that I like showing a lot of cleavage) but always worth trying it on

It always is, I'm a 14 but my boobs are huge so if there's no stretch I struggle. In Oasis I can be a M or a L depending on stretchiness! I'm really keen on the popcorn dress, also when looking at clothes on line I'm obsessed with people's reviews! The popcorn dress is so nice as it can really be dressed up or not and I've got the feeling it will be a 'feel good' dress which looks good on fab days as well as drab days!

Also OP a bright lip always makes me feel great!