What to wear to a cocktail bar and not look like mutton dressed as lamb?

[Balthazaria]

I'm almost 50 and meeting a bunch of friends at a cocktail bar - what do I wear?

Pubs, restaurants I can do but a proper cocktail bar I am out of practise. I want to look elegant with a glamorous edge but without looking dated or gaudy.

I'm 5'6", size 12.

Would high heels, wide leg black trousers, some sort of evening top and statement earrings work?

I quite like the sound of your outfit. I am a similar age ( though sadly a 14 not a 12) , and aim for an elegant dignified sort of glamour, which wide leg pants can give.
I wouldn’t go glittery or revealing on the evening top though. What did you have in mind? I like a wrap top or well cut linen.

What about a wide leg jumpsuit with the heels and earrings?

I've got a really nice one from lipsy, it has a kind of lacy top.

How about wearing clothes you feel comfortable in? As long as not too scruffy I really wouldn’t worry!

@Amnotamug

How about wearing clothes you feel comfortable in? As long as not too scruffy I really wouldn’t worry!

You're right Amnotamug. Part of that for me is not looking out of place. Albeit, a few years ago I would be trying to stand out.

I have a knit top I could wear, but maybe that's a bit boring. I like the play suit idea, I've never worn one. I hope it's forgiving hiding lumps and bumps.

Maybe not go dressed as a sheep? . Sorry, just hate ‘mutton dressed as lamb’ - as though age is shameful and dressing as though you like clothes is doubly shameful past some mythical cut-off date. I have fashion/style dislikes but would dislike them on anyone and it’s all very subjective; I dislike synthetic fibres, the full highlighted face with false eyelashes look in daytime, and talon-like acrylic nails. I also know people who look knockout in all of the above. Go with what makes you feel happy!