Help me dress for a nice night out please!

[SandunesAndRainclouds]

DD’s birthday is coming up and we are going to a very nice restaurant. I always manage to dress myself a LOT older than I actually am - more like my MIL!! I clearly need help...

I am 41, shoulder length hair, 5’4 (awkward height - petite too short and standard lengths often too long) and slight build.

I am eternally cold so I’ll need layers or something warm. I quite liked the idea of wide, heavy fabric trousers and a mid length coat but can’t find anything... and MIL tends to wear wider trousers so I don’t want to be in the same style as her (again).

Wise style gurus, please help!

What about a midi dress? If you feel the cold there are lots of people wearing long sleeve ones with nice polo necks underneath and could wear long boots or tights and ankle boots?

Or alternatively there are some nice culottes around and some pretty blouses or sparkly tops if it’s nearer Xmas?

What about a velvet dress, nice and cosy.

My day off will be spent looking for both, thank you! Housework will wait

I am 5 ft 4 and these were a nice fit on me although longer than they look on the model
www.massimodutti.com/gb/women/collection/trousers/view-all/knit-culotte-fit-trousers-c911198p8641021.html?colorId=801&categoryId=911198
This is nice irl
www.hobbs.com/product/melissa-knitted-dress/0219-5085-1185L00-PLUM.html#navAjax=true&cgid=clothing-dresses&sz=60&start=0&prefn1=refinementColor&prefv1=Purple|Red&pid=0219-5085-1185L00-PLUM&pos=3
This is much nicer irl , and falls just above the knee. It’s loose so a smaller size is better and looks good with black opaque
www.hush-uk.com/clothing/dresses/harmony-bell-sleeve-dress-night-jungle.htm

When I was young and slim I had a dress like the hobbs one. I never failed to pull when I wore it so I think it's worth trying.