First night out in decades - save me from the frump. Please?

[SierraFerrara]

I've already been told off on here for wanting to dress like Mary Berry apparently. 😂 So please help!

I have a night out in a few weeks with people almost half my age (uni age/early 20s). We're just going around some bars I think. I've literally not been out drinking in about 10 years so I've no idea what people do on a night out!

Or, more importantly what they wear. I'm really struggling with clothes anyway so please don't tell me to just wear a nice top. I'm completely stuck with everything. 😔

I have to shop online.
I'm 5'3" and a size 12. Short legs, big bum but OK, waist, tummy and boobs.

I want a dress which comes to below my knees and has at least elbow length sleeves. Any colour but black or see through! I like jewel colours. Slightly fitted is best I think bècause the straight up and down ones tend to make me look saggy.

Jeans/trousers are out.

I had a look in the very few shops near me and I was definately being drawn to the frump side.

And sequins. I was being drawn to sparkly stuff which doesn't help with the granny tendancies!

Same problem here so nothing helpful to add but waiting to see what advice you get.

Go online. Like next or ASOS and order a few things to try on. Then send what you don’t like back. You’re a different shape to me so hard to advice. Here’s a couple of ideas from next.

I bought this recently and it is really nice on. I'm mid 40s though so can't guarantee it is the height of fashion

m.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/green-lace-overlay-fit-and-flare-dress-7130467

I find Closet very flattering.

Perhaps something like this:
www.closetlondon.com/blu-teal-cross-over-tie-3-4-sleeve-dress-6.html

A dress with long sleeves could keep your search in the frumpy zone. The only non frumpy ones I see are jumper dresses.
If you can cope with a shorter sleeve you could searc asos for wiggle dress midi length. Sounds what you're looking for.

I’m 21 and most girls my age shop at missguided, pretty little thing, in the style or oh polly for dresses. Some of the styles might look intimidating but you can try something like:
www.ohpolly.com/dresses/bare-enough-off-shoulder-knee-length-dress-in-copper.html

I’m sure you’ll find something as those websites have massive collections!

Or you can buy a body suit and have a pretty skirt with it?

Topshop for sparkly dresses!

If money isn’t an issue, house of cb/mistress rocks do have fab flattering bandage dresses:
www.houseofcb.com/calliope-rust-weave-detail-bandage-dress.html

Hard to search for a specific dress for you but hopefully you’ll find one you like

As for the night out, it will just entail going out for cocktails/pre drinks, going to the bar and dancing, getting a drink, going somewhere else, taking photos, nothing to worry about

www.missguided.co.uk/pink-asymmetric-blazer-dress-10071928

www.missguided.co.uk/nude-sequin-long-sleeve-bodycon-min-10072751

www.missguided.co.uk/red-high-neck-longlseeve-lace-midi-dress-10066755

www.missguided.co.uk/navy-wrap-front-shirt-dress-10064488

www.missguided.co.uk/yellow-plunge-flare-sleeve-skater-10074153

www.missguided.co.uk/plunge-flare-sleeve-skater-10074151

Sorry for the spam but wanted to show you a range of options that aren’t necessarily frumpy :) as you’re 5’3 some of the dresses may fit longer too

You don't say how old you are but if you aren't 21 don't feel you have to dress like you are.

If it were me I'd go for a black or navy v neck wrap style dress, and go for an amazing bag that will get complimented.

Thank you everyone.

Dancinggoat - I like that floral one and it's not too evening-y that I can't wear it to work. I'm near a Next I think this weekend so will take a look.
Asos hurts my head because there is just so much stuff on it.

Purplerunner - that's pretty. I love the colour.

Diana - unfortunately I do need to cover my arms. I think you're right about potential frumpiness though.

Kungfueric - a statement bag would help avoid frump and allow me to indulge in sparkles!

Hattiehighbury - thank you for the reassurance about the night out and thank you for posting those links. I don't think me or my thighs could manage them though! Haha! I can do some fitted dresses but the fabric needs to be quite thick.

Labellesausage - how can I not know about Closet? It looks fab. What is the fitting and service like?

I like the dress you posted but I wonder if the tie at the front will add too many curves?

I LOVE this skirt: www.closetlondon.com/closet-bow-detail-asymmetric-skirt.html
But assuming the bow doesn't look stupid on what would you wear it with?
This with a few buttons undone? m.asos.com/asos/asos-blouse/prd/5889479?clr=navy&SearchQuery=&cid=4169&pgesize=50&pge=1&totalstyles=971&gridsize=2&gridrow=25&gridcolumn=1

I like these:
www.closetlondon.com/pink-kimono-wrap-dress.html but I wonder if the length will be odd on me?

www.closetlondon.com/closet-gold-wrap-with-pleats.html but again, will the tie just add bulk?

www.closetlondon.com/closet-v-neck-flared-sleeve-dress.html But a bit nondescript?

www.closetlondon.com/teal-kimono-wrap-over-dress.html frumpy?

Ooh I like the green velvet one!

So you're late 30s and an hourglass (or pear?). What's your budget? And are these workmayes/students of yours/friends from a hobby? That might make a difference to how you dress.

FWIW I wouldn't go bodycon for drinks with a bunch of youngsters, they might be wearing tight dresses but I don't think it's a particularly fashionable look. I like the Closet kimono dresses you've linked to.

I do think ASOS is worth a look but only if you make extensive use of the search options. Do you wear petite stuff? I like this navy dress although you'd need a cami under it, in nude or navy and not the random white the model is wearing. This lace and velvet dress might be a bit too dressy? Or what about this velvet khaki dress?

You could also wear a skirt and top, I'd wear a sequined mini (with opaques and flat ankle boots) and logo t-shirt or slouchy jumper for drinks out. I don't really do 'glam' though.

I love the green velvet and I am survey hourglass too. But it's quite dressy, is the crowd your going with dressy types? Or more likely to be in jeans and heels?
The sequin skirt, opaque and slouchy top is a good look no is dark skinny jeans, camisol and blazer is a good casual dressy look too.

It’s very good for hourglass types and I own a couple of the kimono dresses - just wasn’t sure you’d be happy with shorter sleeves but I adore them. The tulip ones are also amazing but a bit shorter on the leg

They tend to stock a few in larger Dorothy Perkins if you want to actually try some on.