What on earth do people wear out? Panicking

[ChickPizz]

I’ve been invited to an event this week. It’s in a very trendy bar (ageing myself by using the word ‘trendy’ I know!) and I will be one of the oldest people there (I’m mid-forties). Lots of cool, creative, east London types. Its an evening event but it will be a fairly hot daytime and possibly humid in the evening.

No idea what I’m supposed to wear. I mean I’m completely and utterly clueless. Outfit, shoes, hair. Argh! Help! <please> 🙏

What are you most comfortable in? I'd go with that, but maybe elevate it a bit by getting something new/in a different fabric. So for me, I'd go smart jeans, silk shirt, white leather trainers or small heels.
Then I'd try to focus on my hair (mine's mad curls so can't really do anything else apart from embrace them), make up (maybe I'd go for a department store for a subtle makeover as don't wear much usually), neat neutral polished nails and a funky bag. Also mid...nope, late 40s and showing age with use of funky.
Have an amazing time!

In that area I’d go with mum jeans, a crop top with no bra and chunky black sandals with some embroided cross body bag. I was at a similar thing in that area recently and without fail all of the women were wearing this uniform.

Or just do what I did, and wear your own style and start the night thinking you’ve missed the memo, end the night so incredibly wasted that you convince yourself that actually, you’re the cool one. 😃

Sorry I’m probably not helpful.

Hi hon x
Look on Very they have some fabulous fringe blazer dresses from River Island.
I ordered the pink one for a wedding reception the other week and I felt fabulous in it!
And I'm 54 btw x
Have a great time xx

I'd wear something from whistles, usually a dress, with white trainers (mine are puma)

You’ll see loads of women wearing what @Openrelationship describes. You could try and satin bias cut midi in lieu of the mom jeans.

Thanks all for suggestions so far.

I was fearing the answers would involve Mom jeans (look awful on me) or trainer/dress combinations (I just don’t feel comfortable at all in that style). As for crop tops…nobody wants to see my jelly belly 😆

Also, the only trainers I own aren’t trendy (😆). Slim white low top Converse & similar from Lacoste. I think they’d really date me.

I think the fringe dress is probably a bit too dressy for this event @yougotthelook, but thank you so much for posting a pic. Very helpful!

I feel comfortable in things that are classic, fairly scary…not particularly fashionable. You can see my problem!

Ive been living in simple cotton dresses and tan flat sandals all summer, but don’t want to look like I’ve just walked in off my holidays. I wear tapered or slim trousers, silk blouses, blazers and flats for work. I’ll feel like a solicitor if I wear that won’t I?

Ive out on about a stone lately (12-14) and have a bit of a tum, so also feeling a bit urgggh about myself in general.

Fairly SMART not scary…I’m the opposite of scary looking, probably quite boring!

So if you're not trying to be sexy, wear something structured (Swedish architect - y) maybe from Cos with chunky black sandals and black or white toenail polish.

Following with interest, going out to Ivy Asia in St Paul’s next month and I have no idea what to wear. Had a look on Instagram and most the photos of people there are fucking terrifying - super glam, big hair, sky high heels and not me in the slightest. Not to mention 25 years younger than me…

I agree on the Swedish architect vibe - think cos structural cuts, either neutrals or if colourful “colour blocking” - so everything blue/forest green/ chocolate - with some interesting jewellery, a statement ring or two. East London is usually flats not heels.

This sort of vibe. Sleek hair, middle parting or combed back.

I feel like satin bias cut is the worst possible thing to wear if you have a bit of a tum, as the op says. I could get away with this when I was 16 and not thereafter.

Agree a cos type dress as PP posted would fit your brief OP. Basically just wear something that makes you feel nice then you will act confident and that's all that matters

Thanks all!

Going to have a look at Cos. Limited time to shop and not enough time for online orders before the event, but will do my best!

Definitely agree re: satin dresses. They show every lump and bump. I’m tall and curvy/hourglass, so thy don’t artfully skim they cling to my big arse, belly and boobs.

I do have good legs, though, so a Cos architects sack might work .

Any occasion lime this I can usually find something on Silk Fred or AX Paris.
If I'm pushing the boat out (which isnt often these days)maybe Rixo.

Have a look on their Instagram for ideas

I love a good wrap dress! They are so flattering on many body types, I don't go out out much and these are my go too when I do! With a nice pair of trainers for a more casual look or some nice sandals. Super comfy and flattering! 💖

I wouldn't personally choose this pattern but something in this style nice and flowy too for keeping cool.

I'm curvy with a tummy but have just bought this satin skirt and it's surprisingly flattering. I've been wearing it out with flat leopard print sling backs or 'good' trainers this sort of thing and a vest top (I don't like the tops of my arms, but it's been hot so needs must!). Maybe a loose linen shirt worn open over it, or even a silk shirt?

It comes in leopard print too, and In think I'm going to buy that version as well.

Just wanted to provide an update.

I wore a slightly architect-ey style dress in the end with chunky flat sandals. Thanks @Blueberrywitch @SquirrelFan 👍

Did my hair and make up and bought a new bag. Felt really good and very cool (as in not sweaty) on a disgustingly muggy night in London.

It was SO much fun! Needn’t have worried at all, either, as the dress code ranged from scruffy jeans and trainers to full on bodycon dresses & towering heels. I guess ‘trendy’ young people just wear what the hell they want, which I had forgotten <gimmer>.

Had some nice validating comments from blind/kind youngsters as well ‘fuck OFF are you 45?!’ etc. 😂

If there's one place I know where you can turn in anything from a ballgown to gym kit to pyjamas, it's Ivy Asia. The last time I went I wore one of my (very old!) Kate Moss TopShop dresses with sequins but the time before that was in my yoga gear and the one before that a T-shirt with wide leg jeans and Converse.

I know it's the least helpful thing on earth when people say wear whatever you want, but in this case you honestly can wear whatever you want - it's a lovely friendly place and not stuffy at all 😀

Definitely have the little coconut doughnuts 😊

Silk shirt, wide legged trousers, cool blazer, chunky flats? Jewellery, decent lipstick and good hair.

Midi short dress and trainers.

Get an anklet and wear gold jewellery.

part you hair in the middle.

Thank you @SocksAndTheCity! I had noticed a man in very normal jeans and t shirt in the background of a super glamorous person’s photo, so I had a little hope, but you’ve confirmed it! I think it’s the going up to London part, I used to work and socialise in town but that seems like a life time ago.

I don’t suppose you have a link to your dress please? I have a similar night out soon and this sounds ideal.