I wasn't got going to the Christmassy work do..............

[notacooldad]

Mild colleague pressure and my boss has swopped things around so I can go to the works night out. All year I have said I wouldn't go.
The big problem is I haven't got a clue what to wear!
I work with a young crowd, we are going to a cocktail bar. I am 50s,5ft 5 and now a size 14/16. My hips have gone wide!!
Any ideas on how I can look at least slightly stylish. I want to fit without looking ridiculous!

S and B posters usually come up trumps!

No ideas?🙅‍♀️

Maybe a nice top/blouse with a bit of sparkle and plain trousers, if you can wear heels then dressy shoes seem to be the way lots of people dress up an outfit. Where do you normally shop?

Where do you normally shop?
Hmm, that's my problem! I dont! Maybe Go Outdoors and Whalley warm and dry! 🤣
I havent bought going out clothes in ages, not even last Christmas.
I bsometimes buy work stuff from FatFace, H and M, Zara, primark, House of Fraser. John Lewis but I normally wear Jean's and Nike trainers to work and if I'm going to meetings or we have a case to present at court m. Black trousers and decent top..

I used to love fashion but all my spare money goes on travelling!

Have a look at primark, or even your local charity shops, they seem to have a lot of jumpers etc which would pass as 'going out christmassy'

christmassy was a typo.
I didnt notice it until I came back this morning to se if I had any replies.

I was looking for something a bit more adventurous than Primark and charity shops tbh.

I'm not sure I'd go with a jumper for a cocktail bar...

Are you pear shaped op? Just as you said about hips.

There are loads of lovely dresses around at the moment.

How about something like this?

www.johnlewis.com/ie/l-k-bennett-irenie-belted-silk-shirt-dress/p4247806

I'd go for black jeans, smart boots and a black blazer - a nice silky top underneath in a bright colour and chunky jewellery

What's this rubbish advice about blouses and charity shops for sweaters?

What colours do you suit, OP, and are you willing to wear heels?

Hi OP

I am similar in age, height and size to you (but with a 'rounded' belly - ahem). I was looking for something for our Christmas party which is in a Speakeasy-style bar in a hotel. I've got this top/trousers combo from H & M which I would never have normally gone for, but actually looks really good on with some heels and nice jewellery/clutch. The Young Things in my office approved greatly, which made me feel a bit better! I went for the L in the top and size 16 in the bottoms if it helps.

www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0796210004.html

www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0798791003.html

Lots of midi dresses around this year, they are generally kind to those of use whose hips have 'gone wide'
They can be dressed up or down so you might even get wear out of it after the night out

Dorothy Perkins have some really nice sparkly Christmas stuff in at the minute, loose sequin tops and dresses etc which could be nice. Same with Wallis. Saw a lot yesterday whilst wandering around Debenhams, definitely worth a look at lots on sale at the minute for Black Friday!!!

A midi knife pleated skirt in any co!our of your choice - metallic maybe? A neutral silk cami, a longline boyfriend slouchy blazer but with puffed shoulders and ankle boots - high or low depending on you. Maybe in a snakeprint or leopard print? Then a statement cuff or earings.
Do not under any circumstances, wear a jazzy xmas top or jumper!

Hi OP I am a pear shape 14-16, I also have really chunky legs so I can't wear anything above the knee, I am actually not comfortable in dresses as I live in trousers. We went on a cruise last year and I decided to wear black trousers with different tops for dinner each evening, I bought several chiffon layered tops which I felt really nice in, similar to this
www.wallis.co.uk/en/wluk/product/clothing-265973/tops-265992/black-floral-print-overlay-top-9353947

Not sure about how you feel about the colour, as I don't know what your colours are and I know tie waists can be a bit hit and miss, but maybe with a go?

www.johnlewis.com/ie/hobbs-silk-lainey-shirt-dress-deep-orchid/p4495089

Lovely wrap dress or midi length dress. All the shops are full of them. Next. new look, monki, H&M

Wallis has some nice sequin bits in (dresses, tops) & have 25% off

Take a look at the Midlifechic blog she just did a Christmas clothes shopping event with John Lewis...some ideas on there x

I'm your age, height and size. If I'm out socialising with arty clients I either wear a midi dress, cut 70s style so close fitting under the bust and loose around the hips with vintage style lace up heeled boots and a velvet coat or if I'm with more conventional clients, I wear a long, loose silk blouse with black trousers or dark jeans and heeled ankle boots.

I saw a woman who was about size 18-20 at a party this weekend in this top. I swear it looked loads better on her than on this model. It flowed and hung well - not as clingy as the photo.
Also, this is lovely. Asos has quite a few long line, long sleeved velvet tops at the moment, in all colours.

I’d recommend a nice wrap dress with a glitzy necklace and heels. There’s some nice “Jewel” colours around at the moment like deep greens, reds and purples. You will likely get more wear out of it as you can dress it up or down to suit the occasion.

Phase Eight

Thanks for the suggestions.
We are going starting at Dsisy's in Manchester so I want to glam it up a bit.

I think I need to do a few more HIIT training classes over the next few weeks!!🤣
I dont mind wearing heels on a night out!
The colours that work best for me are punks and pale blues and silvers. Mustard washes me out, black is ok as long as it's not close to my face.
I like the top from ASOS and the Hobbs dress! The Lk benett dress is nice but I have some similar from Reiss that i wear when we go out to lunch

Have you considered a jumpsuit? They are very flattering and a good option if you usually wear trousers.

The Hobbs is my favourite too op and agree, the LK Bennett is a bit working lunch...

The reason I suggested those is because they are silk. Natural fibres always look a lot classier imo.

There are so many beautiful looking, floaty dresses in the shops this season, but, as usual, they are nearly all polyester on the high street! Even the high end stuff .

Actually a jump suit is a good call, my mum has a really nice black one I think from Hobbs. She wears with heals & big necklace and it looks great

@newdeer
You have gorgeous style.