If you're 50ish, what do you wear for a night out?

[Thisismynewname123]

I don't know what looks good anymore. Perimenopausal middle means I can't wear anything too fitted around the middle. I'm very much a jeans and jumper/t-shirt person, with a pair of trainers. I have a few 50th parties coming up, mostly in pubs but parties the none the less, and I just want to feel good about myself. I'm a 12-14 with big boobs. I'm so sick of jeans, but they're my comfort zone and I don't like putting myself out there too much. I found it much easier to dress up jeans when I could wear skinnies, but they look dated now and any alternatives just seem too casual. Desperate for inspiration please.

I'm 53 & size 12, 5ft 9"
I've been to a few parties/ dinners lately for birthdays & occasions & I've worn:

Black cropped wide legged trousers (whistles)
Black silk shirt (The Kooples)
Black heeled ankle boots (BA&SH)

A short Black lace tunic shape mini dress (ME+EM)
The same Black ankle boots (BA&SH)
Thick black opaque tights

Black & gold sparkly wide leg cropped trousers (ME+EM)
Cream geometric lace top (ME+EM)
Black velvet platform sandals (monsoon)
Black opaque socks

Long wide leg Black trousers (zara)
Black silk shell top (maje)
Olive velvet blazer (zara limited edition)

I bought most of them in sales & I'm always picking up going out things that catch my fancy as & when I see them..

How about those black skinny slightly leather look leggings with floaty top ?

Some fitted flared jeans, wedges and a wrap top

It does vary by area, though. What you say is definitely true in London, but I go out in Yorkshire and Scotland (cities) quite a bit, and people are more dressy up there. I agree that it's better to err on the side of being slightly under-dressed, though.

I also didn't want to spend a lot so got some smart jeans from M and S. think they were called Eva bootcut I think they were. I got a pair in black and liked them so much I got dark blue too. They were only £22.50 a pair. I am an apple and they suit me so not sure what your shape is.

I wear them with a long sleeved T shirt or a blouse and a jacket.

Tonight I’m wearing black skinnies with black over the knee boots and a black jumper. I’m in desperate need of some ‘going out’ tops, but really struggling to find any I like.

Last week I wore straight rolled up jeans, a camisole, an open lace shirt and heeled suede boots.

The time before that I wore the same jeans and boots, with a sequin T-shirt.

Black Boden ankle length slim trousers - could be hampshires. They are a heavyish cotton with a bit of stretch or same in velvet. Or wide leg full length trousers in a fabric that drapes or again velvet which is always a party fabric. Wear with a silk sirt either loose with skinny trousers or more fitted with wide leg. Or a silk tshirt type top with or without a blazer type jacket or biker jacket. Tan chelsea boots or a chunky loafer and flashy socks if its too cold for bare ankles. Eye catching necklace or earrings. Understated and sophisticated in a less is more way.

I have got myself a lovely array of baggy long tops to team with leggings, jeggings, treggings etc. They cover the tum and bum, and are comfy and stylish

I like to keep it simple. No ditsy prints for example, block colours/shades, it feels classier.

Look for silky cargos and slouchy/shell tops. MIDI dresses I find are most flattering.

I'm 48 and a generous 12 bottom and 34G bust size. I've absolutely stepped out of my comfort zone with the Spanx leggings but the are absolutely amazing.

Black spanx leather look leggings - my pot belly disappears - where I dont know!? https://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/brand/spanx/faux-leather-leggings-423101?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=17426342558&cq_term=&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_plt=gp&gclid=Cj0KCQjwt_qgBhDFARIsABcDjOf_qKnROLSQl6eajhXXI7UOhMETbUlcvJ14DA2vSJeWvm1E8OjfhFkaAulJEALw_wcB#colcode=42310103
Silky camisole (Black or cream)
Black M & S blazer with ruched sleeves https://www.marksandspencer.com/double-breasted-blazer/p/clp60434218?extid=ps_ps-gpla_ggl_ww_ch__-UK-_-_baussc&gclid=Cj0KCQjwt_qgBhDFARIsABcDjOfTtwm4UbKwQ8bUe84fKVKhhWw0PSFUIT_hBhnInDZeTWIJ0AFQiAgaAjC9EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Black strappy sandals/slim heeled boots (weather dependent)

Wide leg trousers.

Shortish skirt, tights, boots.

My daughter got some satin cargo trousers in River Island and they’re gorgeous. I’m going to try some on.

Short leather skirt, tights boots and slim fit jumper or straight jeans and silk/ lace shirt.

Not if you're short of leg and long of body - they make me look like Chairman Mao.

In Autumn/Winter I like a short leather or sequin skirt with black tights and a black turtleneck.

For summer I’ve got a long satin skirt that I wear with trainers or flat sling backs, but I struggle to know what tops to wear with it.

Was at a 50th in a bar last night, and range of looks from skinnies with a nice top/ long pleated skirts with boots/ dresses and heels. If you're short of leg then heels make such a difference. I know everyone wears flats now and dresses down but they make me look so much better.

Skinnies look less dated tucked into a heeled knee high boot. I find it's easier to find new footwear than jeans, if you already have pairs that you like! Then a few nice tops and earring combos. Oversized satin blouses in rich colours are a great option, good to suit a larger bust and balance out the skinny jeans.

Just shy of 50 and attending lots of 50ths at the moment. I tend to vary between midi dresses (a Scamp & Dude one is my current favourite), and a silk shirt with jeans. I tend to wear trainers or boots with both types of outfit. I actually really splashed out and bought a Self Portrait midi dress in the winter sales. Wore it quite a bit over Xmas, and to more 'occasion' 50ths.

Jeans and a top is very similar to my workwear, so wearing a dress does make me feel as though I've made a bit of an effort.

Thanks for all the suggestions. @EmmaStone what trainers are you wearing to a party?

White Stan Smiths or Gazelles. Nothing ground shattering 😂

What about a 70's look. Wide leg cropped jeans with tan wedges and a nice white silk shirt. Add some gold earrings and a raffia (think that's the word!) belt and matching bag.
Or a midi dress with wedge high top converse and a leather jacket.
Denim midi skirts are also very 'in'. You could wear one of those with wedges/converse and a nice silk shirt or slim fit cashmere top.

I used to be like you however I discovered shiny leggings which look a lot smarter than jeans and normal leggings and usually pair it with a nice flowey blouse and either some high heel shoes or some Chelsea style boots depending on the occasion this is now my go to outfit quick easy and stylish but simple I love it at the mo.

I think if you're more top heavy then a dress/outfit that's more fitted at the top and flared at the bottom is super flattering. Have a look at Joanie - the fit is really flattering but with great patterns and prints. I've got into footless tights recently too as they can be worn with sandals when it's warm or socks and boots in the winter. Popsy is another good option for dresses
I used to wear jeggings a lot (I'm 42) but now I have straight cut jeans and roll them up at the bottom. They're not smart enough for a night out though.

I'm 50 and for my last night out (a gig, but I'd wear similar for any night out) I wore a vintage 70s black and silver lurex maxi dress with black suede platform ankle boots and silver tights. I'm also partial to Vampire's Wife style dresses in velvet or metallics. I carry a small vintage doctor's style bag with it and don't wear much makeup other than mascara and a red/brown lipstick (current favourite is MAC Ring the Alarm).