I need an ‘out out’ outfit! Stuck in a rut and need help.

[OogieMcBoogie]

Hi, I need some ideas on an outfit to wear when going out for a posh drink! I am generally a jeans, jumper and Vans girl which simply won’t cut it unless I’m in my local; I do have some dresses but they scream ‘00’s nightclub’ and I feel old in them. I was thinking trousers, top, heels? But have no idea what’s fashionable any more. I’m 40, and a 10/12 - I’d be so happy to get some advice please!

I need advice on this too. I'm a jeans and t-shirt person but want to know what to wear for going out for a meal or posh drink please.

Wide leg trousers that nip you in at the waist would be versatile & flattering. If going wide leg, then a fitted blouse/top tucked in would be fab.

Black jumpsuit with a belt , boots / heels. You can dress it up or down

What if we don't like wide-legged trousers?
I'm not that keen on jumpsuits either although a black dressy one might be nice.
Sorry for hijacking.
Photo of type of shoe and outfit would be good please.

How about some paperbag style trousers with heels and a blousy top?

Wide leg trousers that nip you in at the waist would be versatile & flattering. If going wide leg, then a fitted blouse/top tucked in would be fab.

This but with a bandeau style top tucked in. Leopard or red heels to add a bit of colour?

I went out for the first time in years recently and was genuinely like wtf at the majority outfits. Never felt so old.

So if you’re going for relaxed social cocktails I tend to wear some black fitted jeans with a bold lace / silk top and heels plus a nice short body jacket in a faux leather / suede - as it’s similar to usual day wear and still comfy (similar to these)

www.next.co.uk/gl2328s7#l50330

www.oasis-stores.com/gb/clothing/tops/pie-crust-shell-top/069731.html?dwvar_069731_color=20&position=66&cgid=tops#page=5&productsMoved=12&hideFeatured=false&start=66&categoryID=tops

Slightly more up market venue or occasion is when I break out the dresses and clutch bag. Scroll through oasis, warehouse and next for style ideas and then go on ASOS and look at their own stuff. Monsoon have some nice cocktail outfits in currently too. I’d tend to go with something like this:

www.oasis-stores.com/gb/clothing/dresses/spot-high-neck-midi-dress/069962.html?dwvar_069962_color=67&position=18&cgid=dresses#page=1&hideFeatured=false&start=18&categoryID=dresses

www.oasis-stores.com/gb/clothing/dresses/bird-print-dress/069598.html?dwvar_069598_color=61&position=101&cgid=dresses#page=8&productsMoved=30&hideFeatured=false&start=101&categoryID=dresses

I would personally pick outfits I can dress up and down with accessories and makeup / hair and reserve the full on glamour (sequins/mini) for those ultra special occasions.

Some great ideas, thank you. I feel so out of touch.

Granny some fab stuff there, love the Next and Oasis tops!

Honestly I salivate about some of the nice tops oasis and warehouse do! It’s great as an every day option with normal jeans if you get the thin jumper tops too. I usually scour the sales to make them slightly less over the top price wise - just go in and see which styles suit you

My lazy go-to is skinnies (yes, might be dated but they feel dressier than my daytime straight-leg or wideleg), lacey cami, black blazer, break it up with a couple of delicate necklaces. Boring? Possibly. Generally I feel ‘dressed’. Seems to work for me.