30-somethings, what do you wear "out out"?

[Velvettrees]

Really flipping struggling to find inspiration online and in the shops. I'm early 30's so too old for this sort of 90's revival look that all the younger ones are wearing these days with the bared midriffs and see-through 90's cardigans, but equally I just find the whole idea of "skinny jeans with a tee and biker jacket" which is so often touted as the only alternative on MN leaves me completely cold!

I have a gig next month and want to look a little bit sexy and edgy but without looking like I've tried too hard. Hard black doesn't really suit me, needs to be lighter colours to help lift my skin...

Such a minefield. Dressing for work is so easy, but when it comes to going out I feel like there's this "uniform" for people in their 30's and not much else..

Help!!! Any ideas? Anyone found some great online retailers they'd like to recommend?

I'm 5ft6, size 8, liking flared trousers at the moment but no idea what kind of top to wear with them...

I am the same size and an inch taller and I love going out!! I avoid the latest fad because I find it too clumsy unless you have killer abs.

My latest fav is a classic Karen Millen dress that tucks in at the waist with a pair of simple classic heels. Small clutch bag and maybe a bad ass coat/leather jacket/suit jacket/velvet jacket for warmth. Hang loosely over the shoulder rather than wearing it. Works for any event after 6pm.

I see quite a lot of tailoring is in at the moment, so a two piece suit in a bright colour, or just a blazer and jeans.

If I go out in the evenings I tend to wear dresses with flowy silhouettes and nip in at the waist. I wear these out to dinner / drinks. Generally don't wear trousers when going out, but if I do it's wither wide leg or flares now with a tighter fitting top so it doesn't offset the balance of the trousers.

Whatever I want. I don’t subscribe to there being age limits on what you can wear. I wear high waisted mom jeans a lot, recently I’ve worn them with a T-shirt and vintage snakeskin blazer and doc martens, or a tucked in blouse and ankle boots. It sounds cliche but I would build an outfit around something you feel comfortable in and that fits your style. I’d feel
really wrong and uncomfortable in a Karen Millen dress (no shade to the previous poster, it’s just not me) so I err on the more grungy, casual side and dress my staple of mom jeans and clompy shoes up or down accordingly.

Mostly floppy dresses, trainers, and a leather jacket. Quick and easy! I do like a stretchy dress now though, no point looking good if you feel uncomfortable at a gig.

I love the grungy look though no bare midriff here! Jeans and a nice top always works

Jumpsuit?

What kind of a gig? If it's something in a packed, sweaty venue that you're likely to be on your feet dancing/jumping around, a Karen Millen dress/tailoring and anything with heels might not be the way to go.

What about leather trousers? You can get flares or the jogger style look nice? Can be worn with a plain top / vest and blazer? Cross body bag and trainers?

I’m not 30s but my mid 30s friends wear jeans and T-shirt’s to gigs,

The last proper gig I went to in 30s I wore short sleeved shorts style black jumpsuit with gold zip (Top Shop) tights and low block heels.

I’d probably say leather trousers, black jeans etc but if you sweat and the venue is hot consider T-shirt or strappy top, I sweated like a pig in a nice synthetic top at a gig a few years back!

Probably way off here but maybe All Saints and Saint and Sofia.

Jumpsuit, midi dresses.

I mean, maybe it depends on the gig but I can’t imagine seeing anyone wearing a classic Karen Millen dress, heels and a clutch bag to any of the gigs I’ve been to! Or indeed any of the nights out I’ve been to in a long time - that sounds more like formal/wedding wear to me.

For a gig I’d wear jeans and a top, or maybe a casual dress with boots. At the moment I like wider leg and straight leg jeans and I’d probably make an effort with my hair/make up to feel a bit more dressed up but overall to me a gig is probably casual.

If I was going to a bar or somewhere a bit smarter I’d wear wide leg trousers and a slim fit top, or a dress with chunky sandals or boots, or tailored but relaxed trousers/blazer.

What sort of shops do you like? I’d start there for some inspiration.

Light wash mum jeans, fitted top, oversized blazer, heeled mules. That’s my go to at the moment.

For a gig, not sure what type it is but for a rock concert you could wear the same but obviously ditch the heels. I’d wear black skinnies and DMs or converse. Comfortable, practical and fits the vibe.

I mean, maybe it depends on the gig but I can’t imagine seeing anyone wearing a classic Karen Millen dress, heels and a clutch bag to any of the gigs I’ve been to!

Haha yes apart from being completely impractical you’d also look out of place. Obviously depends on the gig though.

I usually wear a casual long sleeved swing mini dress and Dr Martens with black tights. I feel like it shows off enough not to look frumpy but I am also not showing too much skin and Dr Martens make anything look good.

My favourites at the moment is classic jeans, heels a cami and a blazer. Various colours, always match the cami and blazer.

Or leather look jeggings, boots, and a slightly oversized sheer patterned blouse, I have a nice ones that's different animal prints and it looks good, with lots of necklaces.

I've tried to be a 'dress person' so many times but i'm not the right shape so i'm sticking to what I know looks good/comfortable rather than making life difficult for myself!

I guess it slightly depends what kind of 30-something you are, that could encompass Suki Waterhouse / Emily Ratjakowski (still very young vibes) and also Anne Hathaway and Kirsten Dundst (more grown up).

Depending on season and how you feel about your body I would suggest high waisted denim turn-up jeans with white trainers, a t-shirt and a leather jacket, or leather trousers, low cut tee and heels.

Personally I'm lazy so usually do a mid-thigh dress with a leather jacket and white trainers, lots of gold jewellery and a decent tan, but that's not exactly revolutionary styling.

Silk bias cut slip dress or skirt is also super useful. Personally I'd got for the dress as you can wear a tee or jumper over the top for double the number of outfits.

urgh I meant denim turn-up SHORTS. Sorry.

Last time I went out out I wore a punky style tartan dress - layered skirt and lace up corset at the top with thigh high boots. I'm 31 and maybe some people would think I'm too old for this but I felt great, Other stuff I would wear are playsuits, high waisted skirts with bodysuits or high waisted short shorts with bodysuits. Most of my dresses and playsuits are from EMP or Urban Outfitters. I'll admit though I do feel quite old whenever I go in UO as it's always full of teens and students.

I'm the same, 35 and got a London day-to-evening hen do in 2 weeks, no idea what to wear as I haven't been out out in London since before Covid, partly due to that but I was also pregnant for most of last year. I'm now 3 months pp and thinking of wearing a black silk slip dress with a t-shirt over knotted at the waist, with some flat black sliders (can not walk in heeled mules, I tried some last week from By Far). Then maybe a leather biker jacket over, as it seems they're back. Depends on weather though, and I don't have a suitable t-shirt as yet!

@BlairWaldorfLovesShopping

I'm the same, 35 and got a London day-to-evening hen do in 2 weeks, no idea what to wear as I haven't been out out in London since before Covid, partly due to that but I was also pregnant for most of last year. I'm now 3 months pp and thinking of wearing a black silk slip dress with a t-shirt over knotted at the waist, with some flat black sliders (can not walk in heeled mules, I tried some last week from By Far). Then maybe a leather biker jacket over, as it seems they're back. Depends on weather though, and I don't have a suitable t-shirt as yet!

@BlairWaldorfLovesShopping where is your slip drsss from?

Really depends on the gig. However i would never wear a Karen millen dress, sliders, mules, and/ or a leather jacket just for practicality reasons

Last gig i went to i wore a white denim mini and oversize navy boyfriend style shirt with flat ankle boots

I like the idea of a satin slip dress with shirt knotted over

I want to know what the gig is too! Regardless whatever I wore would be with trainers or flat boots. No heels.