Where do you buying “going out” clothes at 40?

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I’ve come out of a long term relationship, recovered and off out for a date....I’m nearly 40 (can pass for younger) and no idea what to wear. I went for a personal shopping appointment at the weekend and the young lad I was allocated to had no idea what to do with me.....he dressed me like my Mum..

I’m thinking jeans, heels and a top - but wondering where I start looking for a suitable top? No budget restrictions and so far have looked at:
Ted Baker
French Connection
Next
Borden
Whistles

Plus younger high street places like TopShop (that was a mistake)

Am loving ideas the outfits on Pinterest. Who knew it wasn’t just for interior decor (I’ve had a sheltered life for a long long time). Got some many lovely outfits on the way. My nanny is going to be over the moon about the post office runs to return all the ones I don’t want...thanks for all the ideas.

I don’t own heels, so am probably quite a different style, but a going out outfit for me at this time of year would be a midi dress with brogues/trainers, or culottes/top. I’m 45 and shop in Whistles, Stories, Topshop, Zara, Warehouse, occasionally New Look. The jeans/heels/“nice top” thing is something I have never really seen in real life, just read about on MN - I don’t know anyone who wears jeans with heels.

I think you're pigeon holing yourself when there is currently no real need. If you look around there's very little in the way of street / youth style out there at the moment. I think it's making fashion quite dull but the upside is that there are some perfectly wearable clothes in the likes of River Island, Zara, H&M, Topshop and Warehouse.

Or if you want a bit more gravitas - & Other Stories, Cos, Hush, Massimo Dutti, Arkett, Me and Em.

I haven't been on a date since Noah was in short trousers so I won't try and advise. But general 'going out' dressing seems to be pretty low key at the moment. At work I never see people changing in the toilets before going out any more - a spray of perfume and they're ready (may be different on a Saturday I suppose - I'm at home with a take away and a movie). Lots of posh joggers with a silk(y) top instead of jeans.

Oh and I meant to add Oliver Bonas to the bit more gravitas list.

For a first casual date I definitely wouldn’t do high fashion/floral/frills.

Plain well fitting top (even a plain white long sleeved shirt - see Meghan Markle) perfectly fitted jeans tucked into boots (ok not boots if there’s no a/c but some leg lengthening footwear you’re comfortable in)

Concentrate on good hair and good skin. Accessorise well - Id keep the look subtle and classic and you can show your personality when you converse.