Need something smart / sparkly for work night out...

[RainbowBriteRules]

... that is either a top to wear with trousers or a dress I can wear with tights (horrible legs).

I'm shortish and have gone from a toned size 6-8 to a very untoned size 8-10 over the last few months. People at work will not realise this as we wear baggy uniforms most of the time. I am still slim and actually look much better for putting the weight on but I need to hide my tummy.

Any advice?

Sorry meant to post in Style and Beauty . Will report!

We are moving this thread to Style and Beauty soon.

Thanks Toni.

I'm not very good at nights out because I don't have them often but I'm currently liking coated leggings/skinnies with a plain top which can be quite boxy and tummy hiding (like a silk shirt) big jewellery and high heels.

It's very possible I look like a mum who never goes on nights out though....

I suspect I look exactly like a mum who ever goes out! I have a few coming up but normally never go on proper nights out. Hence the worry .

That sounds like a good idea though taybert, thank you.

I'd avoid sparkly. You don't say how old you are but after a certain age it's a bit predictable to buy 'something sparkly' for a night out if you don't go out often. Reminds me of my mum going to Per Una for 'something a bit jazzy for line dancing'!

The leather (or faux leather) leggings suggestion is a good one. If your arms are OK I'd put it with a sleeveless top, maybe a silk fronted tank top, worn loose, in a contrasting colour, then add jewellery. That's where your sparkle should be, not on the garments!

And heels, obviously. Unless it's snowing (!) I'd recommend high heeled sandals or open toed ankle boots. They always look glam with varnished toenails. Court shoes are hard to get right: they can easily look too worky or clumsily shaped, which detracts from the outfit.

I'm 38 and hardly ever properly go out. So yes, perhaps sparkly is a bit predictable . Arms are fine so a loose sleeveless top sounds like a plan .

And heels, obviously.

Not obviously at all. I'm going to be wearing some flats from Rogue Matilda next time I go out.

I was out last night at quite an important event (important to us personally that is) and I went with leather look leggings, not too tight so looked more like skinnies, a fluted sleeve top and leopard print kitten heels, also statement earrings and ring. I'm almost 50 and struggle a bit with clothes nowadays ditto high heels but a lovely Chinese lady whose English was heavily accented said I looked 'very good' and 'fashion' bless her so that made my night

Also a bright red lip always helps I think

Sounds fab WhatTime.

Which lip whattime?

Ha, sorry I normally hate that type of speak, I'll put it down to being almost 50 and trying to be cooool Thanks Rainbow

I gave up trying to be cool a long time ago.

I've just looked at that website Count and love the shoes, the silver brogues are fab. Will make a note for future ref

Leather leggings don't look good with flat shoes. But turn it into a feminist polemic against heels if you must!