Ideas on what to wear for evenings out in cities?

[icelolly12]

I have a few upcoming trips in different UK cities to catch up with friends etc.

I have plenty of options for daytime outfits, but literally nothing for heading out on an evening. We won't be going clubbing, but enjoy a nice meal, cocktails etc. Nothing too upmarket. What are people wearing for a few drinks in the evening these days?

All my clothes are far too casual. I ideally would be thinking a nice midi dress, (not keen on my legs and prefer to keep knees covered) but the one's online are either too casual or too clingy - body con type. I usually wear black but would like something with a bit of colour for a change.

Any suggestions gratefully received!

Different U.K. cities is tricky - what you'd wear in london won't be what you'd wear in Liverpool! (I mean ok I would wear the same in both but I'd look horribly out of place in Liverpool).

Just wear whatever you like and suits you. That's the vibe nowadays isn't it? I tend to prefer a loose dress for dinners - more room to eat 🙂

Where are looking if you’re only seeing either too casual or too clingy dresses? There’s an infinity of clothing online - it’s not possible that you wouldn’t find a dress you like. Open any fashion magazine online or in print and just click / follow up on every brand featured - you’ll soon find new places to shop.

That aside, my preference for relaxed evenings out (let me try to remember …) generally involves uncomplicated shapes in slightly more luxurious fabrics than I’d wear during the day. So silk in Summer and probably velvet in Winter. And possibly a cashmere camisole rather than a Shetland wool sweater. I’m not inclined to spend a lot of money on this type of clothing - cheaper stores are better at casual bling!

Try Zara for flow-y, silky shirts / trousers in jewel colours. (Obviously one can spend more elsewhere on a similar theme in quieter colours.)

I was out in London on Saturday. Lots of lovely pretty dresses on show and lots of "jeans and a nice top" type outfits. I really wouldn't overthink it.

And yes, you'd do well not to find a dress you'd like online. Might be worth starting with [shocker] M&S who are having a good year.

Depends on your budget but the Ted Baker sale has got some nice "out out" dresses which I think tread the line nicely between fashionable and actual milkmaid.
www.tedbaker.com/uk/c/womens/clothing/dresses/389?cmpid=ppc~google~Brand~b_search_brand_uk_dresses_ww~73799288847~na~na~na~UK

I live in London. For what you are describing I would wear jet black jeans, nice top (either silk shirt or camisole depending on the weather) and heels. But there will be a lot of variety - some more dressy, some more casual.

Something comfortable and layered, the temperature is often hard to predict. There are no dress codes, I doubt many people even think twice about what they are wearing when they go to the pub, it's just whatever they were wearing all day.

Black slacks, with a colorful top and some nice shoes. With Accessories you can make it more or less formal.

Yes I'm probably overthinking it, clearly it's been too long since I've socialised in nice bars 😅

I'd rather wear a dress than trousers/jeans as it's such lovely weather and would like to dress up a little. Ooh didn't think of Ted Baker, some gorgeous dresses there, thanks @CredibilityProblem 😊

You could also do a (black) skirt and pair it with any top you like. That way you have other options if you can't find the right dress.

In London I wear jeans, a nice top and usually trainers or sandals. Or a maxi/midi/sun type dress usually with the same. It's pretty casual tbh unless you are going super high end.

Trainers for a bar?! I knew heels were out but don't think I could do trainers in a bar..

I’ve just bought something like this, but in a deeper green. I thought it would cover all bar/ meals/ pubs this summer.

Most people in London wear trainers or very casual in bars, restaurants wherever. I actually sometimes feel like I'd like to dress up more but you tend to look a bit out if place and overdone when you do.

Scamp and Dude have some fab midi dresses in great prints.
Popsy clothing for dresses with pockets and that don't need ironing and so great for travelling.
Clarence and Alabama have some fab midi dresses and jumpsuits (jolie moi ones).
M&S have had some gorgeous dresses this year.
I do midi dress with my doc sandals for an evening out comfy yet still looks nice. I'm off to London this weekend and I'll be taking a couple of Popsy midi dresses with me (Vienna which is a blue, mint and pink animal print and Siobhan which has sunflowers on) and wearing them with my sandals. We have loads planned so won't have chance to get changed between day and evening so they will take me right through

Silk Fred is a good place to look, some nice midi dresses on there https://www.silkfred.com/

I also really like the dresses from Dancing Leopard but I’ve not bought anything yet

@milkmilkeverywhere what are you trying to say about Liverpool? 🤣

😇

Which part of London? The very trendy places like Shoreditch you aren't allowed to make any kind of effort. Maybe somewhere like Chelsea people might dress up a little more. But everything is uber casual and pimped up with lipstick and good jewellery. It's a shame really as all this dialling back means only very special occasions bring the glamour.

Sorry wrong thread not sure how to Delete and start new 😆

No probs, I’ve reported to MNHQ your comment as being posted in the wrong thread.🙂

I've gone off dresses a bit, in favour of wide leg jeans with a silk blouse and biker jacket.

We need to know your age, size and height as they all matter. Are your boobs bigger than your hips? Do you wear stilettos or prefer flat pump type shoes? Fat arms or skinny legs?

Zara is crap nowadays. Poor materials and workmanship. Reiss is better for the money.

I like the sharp pleated lightweight midi skirts, plain or patterned worn with a plain new white shirt with a beautiful belt OR a half tucked über lightweight plain blouse in a toning colour OR thin top with some back interest such as a deep V or lacing. In cooler weather I like wearing cardigans back to front. Some satin type midi skirts are cool in summer and I'd wear one with a silk cami and a very nice shortish (twixt waist and hip) cardigan just worn cape style. Ballet flats or kitten heels would look good.