Hot date next month and I want to knock him dead. Help me, please?!

[MrsDesperado]

Hello lovely MNetters

I have an important date next month and want to look my best. The plan is to meet for a drink or two in central London, then go to a restaurant for a romantic dinner, and then, all being well, go back to my hotel

I'm naturally scruffy, but want to look polished. I'm not very good at doing formal as I feel uncomfortable, that it's 'not me', so struggle with what's appropriate.I think I look ok in a dress though I often feel over dressed.

I'm a size 10, not a great waist and 32E boobs, and lack confidence.

Can anyone suggest me an outift to wear, please?

Is there anything else I can do in the next month to make myself look tip top? I'm a bit tired and washed out with kids so a big priority will be to limit alcohol and sleep more. Is there anything else effective I could do? What about eyelash extensions? Drinking loads of water a day??

Sorry this is so long and thanks in advance!

What would you wear on a date Ninon?

I'll check out the Reiss dress in real life. Not sure if the colours will suit me though.

That monsoon dress is very pretty wild but maybe a bit weddingy? Not keen on the sleeves on the other one, sorry.

Definitely suit navy over black, also coral and bright greens but probably not for a dinner date! Definitely can't wear dark green, purple, browns etc...

A bit of a wildcard but the colour and fabric of this is nice: m.asos.com/closet-london/closet-london-premium-allover-velvet-wrap-dress-with-kimono-sleeve/prd/8932608?clr=emeraldgreen&SearchQuery=Closet%20london&pgesize=50&pge=0&totalstyles=213&gridsize=2&gridrow=1&gridcolumn=1
Flattering:
m.asos.com/ted-baker/ted-baker-mesh-panelled-scallop-dress/prd/8583633?clr=black&SearchQuery=ted%20baker%20dress&pgesize=50&pge=0&totalstyles=78&gridsize=2&gridrow=16&gridcolumn=1

Sorry cross posted as those are green and black.

Sorry XP Ninon. Not keen on high neck like that one, sorry.
Usually wear fit and flare/skater styles but wanted something a bit more classy.

Although I'm fairly slim I am wide from the front and slim from the side, sort of 2-dimensional

This made me laugh out loud! I’m the opposite - slim at the front and wide at the side

How tall are you (sorry if you’ve already said)? Helps with picking dress lengths. Planning on heels?

Don't know where you're going for the drink and for dinner but a lot if these look too cocktail partyish and try hard for the vast majotof London restaurants IMO.

Majority!

I would go with black jeans a nice top. Silk shirt or cami with a nice jacket

I agree with you about the neck actually, there wasn't much choice on Outnet.

Skater style is awfully provincial now.

I'd probably wear skinnies/cigarette pants, silk top and a jacket.

Have you met your date before?

I'd go more low ley than most of these suggestion. Yes to a manicure/pedicure if you'd normally get one and yes to eyebrows being tidyed up (but no slugs) and possibly a blowdry if you have a hairdresser you trust to do it. But I'd feel very self conscious in a fake tan and loads of makeup since that's not an image I'd normally present and since you are dressing for a man remember a lot of men don't like heavy makeup.

Most of these dresses look really fancy and suitable for a Christmas party or weddingy event, I'd go much more casual for a date. What about kimono sleeve with a contrasting belt or gathered dress, either worn with ankle boots and a biker? COS model their dresses atrociously but with boobs and hips those dresses could look great.

Wow Bloomed I love that velvet ASOS wrap dress

OP, hersheons on Oxford st do a great blow dry, you choose from a menu and it’s v quick and not towie at all (unless y request it). Get some KNOCKOUT undies

Exfoliate and moisturise your skin every day!

Wooooooo enjoy, I’m excited for you !!

I'm 5'5" and provincial

Can take or leave heels

Really wanted to wear a dress

I have a couple of Cos dresses already but I tend to wear them to work...

No it's not a first date and I've known him for years! But it's a special occasion.

Are you slim, narrow hip, wide shoulder not a lot of waist body type op? Definitely I’d go for v or scoop neck. I have a similar bust usually and have to be particular about the neck. Two pieces might work, with a really nice skirt, plain on top. Navy and coral is a nice combination...

Wear heels if you’re wearing a skirt or dress.

A nice jumpsuit can be very sexy, but in a less "dressy" way. A couple of navy ones here and here

Yes littlechous. It's very slinky.
How about this. It's navy and delicate.
m.asos.com/yas/yas-cap-sleeve-lace-dress/prd/7742633?clr=nightsky&SearchQuery=Mini%20dress%20navy&pgesize=50&pge=0&totalstyles=516&gridsize=2&gridrow=17&gridcolumn=2

Or this which is lined so you could wear it with a (strapless) bra
m.asos.com/little-mistress-petite/little-mistress-petite-premium-lace-pleated-mini-dress/prd/8564390?clr=navy&SearchQuery=Mini%20dress%20navy&pgesize=100&pge=1&totalstyles=516&gridsize=2&gridrow=28&gridcolumn=2

Sorry op, just saw your last post specified you really want a dress! I suppose I'm throwing the jumpsuit as an option in between dressy-dress and casual jeans-and-top

I'm not saying don't wear a dress - just less dressy otherwise you'll feel like a berk.

That's why I suggested bodycon it's more low key.

This dress is super flattering on and you can get it in just the right size to accommodate your boobs/waist:
www.bravissimo.com/products/leila-dress-navy-pd673nvy/

Many women on here like vintage stuff, do you?

Top Vintage has a big selection. They have some skater shapes.

Definitely don't want to look like a berk Ninon! Is bodycon low key??!

Love that Reiss jumpsuit but I don't think it would suit me!

My boobs can look too big in high necked tops.

I wouldn't say I was narrow hip/wider shoulder...I'm pretty balanced... my hips are 36" and in proportion to my shoulders... I just have a tendency to look wide in some things

Patterns can help as does v neck.

Sorry im finding this hard to describe!

How about something a bit more casual? These are nice and although mini on the model would be a couple of inches above your knees:
www.stories.com/gb/Ready-to-wear/Dresses/Frill_Wrap_Dress/582938-0577741002.2
Or www.stories.com/gb/Ready-to-wear/Dresses/Prairie_Blossom_Dress/582938-0474332002.2

Wrap dresses might also be good, &otherstories have loads but they all seemed to be velvet, which seems a bit too dressy.

It depends on the dress. I often wear stretchy cotton/wool bodycon dresses for everyday - they're quite casual. Th plus side for a date is that they're tight...