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Original poster

Posh restaurant - please help me find something to wear!

50 replies

Pigletpoglet · 26/07/2020 11:19

So DH and I are booked into a posh, modern, 'edgy' restaurant in a couple of weeks (staycation treat), but I am none of those things.
I have jeans and hoodies for home and boring knee length skirts and fine knit jumpers for work, with the occasional pair of coloured tights.
What on earth should I wear?!
I'm mid-forties, 5'7'', big size 12 (long legs, big bum, small waist, medium boobs, but not a flat tummy). Fitted stuff suits me better - I think my shoulders must be quite big as anything floaty makes me look enormous. No heels - absolute flats are a must.
I lean towards more hippie-ish stuff than smart and elegant or 50s bombshell stuff. Never wear makeup.
I don't even have a clue where to start - any ideas?! Help!!

OP posts:
XingMing · 26/07/2020 12:18

A jumpsuit might be a good choice, in a simple cut and a decent fabric? And very useful for all sorts of dressy occasions from casual weddings, to work, to the pub or for a barbecue.

thirstyformore · 26/07/2020 12:39

What's your budget?

I've just "invested" in a few midi/long dresses. Two from whistles, one from mint velvet, one from H&M. All look good with sandles wedges.

Original poster
Pigletpoglet · 26/07/2020 15:02

XingMing - I've tried on a jumpsuit in the past, but they always seem to make my arse look enormous. I think the difference between waist and bum is too big IYKWIM? And my boobs aren't big enough/are somehow the wrong shape for a wrap style - they always gap.
Thirsty - budget of up to £100 for a dress? Ish? Any suggestions for dresses? I will go and peruse the shops you suggested...

OP posts:
MoltonSilver · 26/07/2020 15:33

Fitted and hippie are hard to find in the one dress. You might be better off with 2 pieces - fitted on top and either a more flowing skirt or palazzo pants on the bottom.

PersonaNonGarter · 26/07/2020 15:35

You need a jumpsuit, but one that you feel comfortable in.

Heels and jewellery and you are done.

Original poster
Pigletpoglet · 26/07/2020 15:41

Squiz - That dress is lovely, but it would make my arse look enormous...
Molton - I really like the idea of a flowy skirt or palazzo pants - any suggestions? I found these: www.mintvelvet.co.uk/product/Black-Belted-Wide-Leg-Trouser/28651 ...

OP posts:
MoltonSilver · 26/07/2020 16:15

They're lovely. I think the wide legs are actually nicer with flats than with heels.

Squiz81 · 26/07/2020 18:07

@Pigletpoglet

Squiz - That dress is lovely, but it would make my arse look enormous... Molton - I really like the idea of a flowy skirt or palazzo pants - any suggestions? I found these: www.mintvelvet.co.uk/product/Black-Belted-Wide-Leg-Trouser/28651 ...
Love those trousers. I reckon you will get lots of wear out of them too
BoxAndKnife · 26/07/2020 18:32

Lots of modern, 'edgy' places wouldn't expect you to dress up or make a particular effort tbh. You might well end up feeling overdressed!

If you name the restaurant someone here is bound to know it and be able to give you a bit of a steer towards the general 'dress code' - or lack thereof.

Lilybet1980 · 26/07/2020 19:30

Floaty midi skirt in a good print with a good quality fitted plain t shirt or tank (black, white or navy depending on the skirt print). Casual pumps or ballet flats. Statement necklace.

TeaAndHobnob · 26/07/2020 19:34

I really wouldn't go overboard with the clothes OP.

You can get away with relatively casual clothes in restaurants I find, no matter how posh they are. You could definitely wear a nice pair of jeans and not be out of place.

XingMing · 26/07/2020 20:05

Whatever you choose to wear, wear it confidently and no one will judge.. you are the customer.

Original poster
Pigletpoglet · 26/07/2020 20:41

I'd be happy in a nice pair of jeans, but I haven't found any for ages!
I think I'm going to get the wide leg trousers, and treat myself to a pair of yellow Birkenstocks
Maybe with a black ribbed tshirt? www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/women-ribbed-crew-neck-short-sleeved-t-shirt-428476.html
Too dressy?

OP posts:
KurriKawari · 26/07/2020 20:45

Too dressy - nope!
Although I wouldn't fancy buying a new outfit just to wear to a restaurant unless it was a special birthday of mine.

user1471464702 · 26/07/2020 20:49

People who eat out a lot are generally casual smart so wear what you feel comfortable in to blend in - light tan base for skin tinted lashes eyebrows or mascara and light blush so no make up look - goes far and doesn’t look to ott - maybe puma converse trainers wide trousers round neck plain tee and belt as smaller waist with denim or crop jacket Minimal jewellery so you feel cosie

JoJoSM2 · 26/07/2020 22:00

Dress for the occasion and not the venue. What would you normally wear on a date night?

SkyMoo1 · 26/07/2020 22:06

This is probably of no help as it's over budget but I bet you'd like Toast clothes, OP. I have a similar body shape and veer slightly towards hippy too and find their stuff brilliant. Great quality, very understated but good on pear shape. Summer sale is just over but maybe one to check out in Jan sales - their sales are brilliant. As I said, not much help

Original poster
Pigletpoglet · 26/07/2020 22:34

Kurri - there's a definite lack of anything I can wear 'out' in my wardrobe, so I'm hoping I'll get something I can wear again...
User - sounds good. Not sure what jacket I'll wear...
JoJo - not sure if we've had a date night in 16 years!! DH has always wanted to eat in an adventurous Michelin restaurant, so I guess I'm dress for the fact that we are pushing the boat out, and I want it to feel special.
Sky - thanks, I'll go and check out Toast!

Last question - I'm REALLY pale. Ochre sandals or metallic ice blue?

OP posts:
goose1964 · 26/07/2020 22:47

I've treated myself to this dress, it's so versatile, heels and jewellery for posh or bangles and flat sandals for a less formal occasion www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/dresses/midi-dresses/product.plunging-cupro-midi-dress-black.0899102001.html

Chochito · 26/07/2020 22:59

Wear a swankier version of your usual clothes. Look for a beautiful knee length skirt, a luxurious fine knit top (I'm presuming where you are it'll be too warm for a jumper in a fortnight's time), and a chic pair of flat shoes. You will feel more comfortable and get more future wear out of nicer versions of what you know suits you than if you try to dress up as someone else. Enjoy!

BookSkark · 26/07/2020 23:09

Jeans yes, definitely. Personally I think the T shirt you linked is a bit too casual - I'd go for a more fitted top, or a shirt. But I also quite like to dress up for a meal like this - there's always such a mix with these things, I'd say just go with something that makes you feel comfortable in a smart way (if that makes any sense!).

MoltonSilver · 26/07/2020 23:34

I'm not convinced on the ribbed tee shirt and the birkenstocks for a restaurant tbh. I dont think they're going to fill the 'going out' gap in your wardrobe. The plain top is a good idea but the ribbed one looks even more casual and a plain tee.

Would you consider a dressier pair of shoes? Would something like this be way out of your comfort zone? I know they dont meet the hippie vibe you mentioned.

Zhampagne · 27/07/2020 09:15

Not Birkenstocks. With wide leg floaty trousers they will look beachy.

How about a floaty kimono jacket? Nancy Mac are beautiful but quite expensive.

TapertandEdkins · 27/07/2020 15:57

What about a fitted dress like this one from ASOS?

I hope you have a wonderful night!