Help with first date outfit for 40 yr old

[timetochangeagainforever]

Hi everyone
I am going on a first date with someone I went to primary school and youth club with (25 yrs ago). We've been FB friends for a while and he's messaged me so we've been chatting via text and all's good. Anyway. We are going out for lunch on Sunday to a v nice restaurant and I have no clue what to wear as last went on a first date several years ago (been in a LTR until few months ago). What do I wear?? From his FB pics, he's a smart dresser and has to be smart for work. What do I wear? I do have a good selection of clothes both casual and smart and often wear dresses but can't remember what would be appropriate! I' petite and am the same size as I was in my 20s (6/8) so most things suit my figure. I also like to fashionable and stylish. Happy to buy something new (any excuse) Any helpers? Thanks

about your size!

A nice “day” dress?

Is it town or country? Have you been to the restaurant before? I used to scour TripAdvisor for user photos to get an idea of what other diners wore. Have you any idea of the look you’d like to go for - even if it’s on someone of different proportions, we may be able to adapt. For Sunday lunch my first thoughts would be footwear - if it’s olde worlde/country with walk afterwards, for instance, the work upwards.

Thank you. I only mentioned my size as a pointer to what suits me. I can't wear loose bottoms (wish I could wear palazzo pants but I can't) or long skirts due to my size or tunic style dresses - I look like I'm wearing someone's clothes and drowning in them. I've done the tripadviser thing but no customer pics. It's a nice modern restaurant in a pretty and small City. We'll prob do bit of walking / sight seeing after so shoes have also been my concern! Thanks again. Think it would be easier if it was an evening tbh but hey ho - only time we could both do this weekend. Thanks again

You could wear trainers and a nice dress. The trainers will tone down a dress and be comfortable to walk in. That's what I'd wear

I'd say imagine what you'd wear if you were going to that restaurant in the daytime with a friend and wear that. That way you'll feel comfortable and not overly done up. Jeans and a nice top and nice shoes or boots?

Agree wear something similar to your wear to a nice lunch with female friends you want him to get a sense of "you" not "generic-date-woman"

Though the cynic in me thinks you should wear a dress because he won't complain about you getting your legs out

Good luck for your date! I would wear a dress, above the knee with low heeled shoes and a trench coat as (at least in my part of the country) storms are forecasted for Sunday. I’d wear a nice necklace or earrings that suit your taste. Heels would be over the top but if the restaurant is very nice trainers might not be appropriate

Thank you all. I think I'm going to wear a Zara day dress - fitted to the waist with collar and buttons and a more a-line bottom, with wedges that are really comfy. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm excited but nervous.

I also think a nice frock and maybe some ankle boots, a bit smarter than trainers but still 'daytime'.