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Original poster

What to wear for the West End London at 3pm - dinner afterwards

220 replies

CoconutNoodles · 10/04/2023 10:28

Please send help.

Next Sunday, I'm going to see a musical at the West End and dinner afterwards. It is for a 2nd date so a little more thought on my outfit wouldn't go amiss.

I'm stuck with a very boring and casual wardrobe and this needs to change.

I usually wear modest clothing as in not showing / revealing too much. I want to create a classic / chic / feminine style, somewhat "French". Traditional but not boring. Versatile. Comfort is important to me.

I'm young looking 46 transitioning to silver hair so I want to create contrast with my outfits and not look like someone's grandma. Looking to create a grown up but fun and somehow low key sexy style. I'm very careful with prints and prefer them in dresses rather than just the top or just the bottom. I'm about 5'5, between 50-55 kg.

Please help me with photos and links. My budget is not massive but I'm willing to use my credit card and take the plunge. I need help with the whole shebang: outfit / shoes / jacket... I have only a few days to get this sorted!

OP posts:
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29
ProstituteHair · 10/04/2023 11:00

It's a silk shirt situation!

(And please stop the nonsense about looking like someone's grandma, 46 is the middle of your years. 46 is great)

If you're willing to throw money at the problem, buy a navy silk shirt from Equipment.

Honestly, they are worth every penny.

Unbuttoned to the middle of your boobs. No bra.

Straight Legged jeans or leather trousers.

Blazer.

And boots like these.

Kate Black Calf – Aeyde

aeyde women's black block-heel black ankle boot with a sharp tapered tip and made with 100% calf leather.

https://www.aeyde.com/products/kate-black-calf

PandyMoanyMum · 10/04/2023 11:04

No bra … are you sure?

Theos · 10/04/2023 11:05

Jeans. Whatever. No one dresses up for this.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 10/04/2023 11:06

Theos · 10/04/2023 11:05

Jeans. Whatever. No one dresses up for this.

Everyone will be super casual even for dinner afterwards. Have a lovely time 😊

Original poster
CoconutNoodles · 10/04/2023 11:07

@ProstituteHair I mentioned 'someone's grandma" because of my greying hair - it is causing cognitive dissonance in people - my face / body / attitude is younger than 46 but because I'm transitioning to silver, it is causing a lot of confusion - people stopping me on the streets to ask my age, I kid you not - they get tied up in knots when I ask them how old they think I am. And my current outfits do me no favours, they are super ugly and uninspiring.

OP posts:
Moredarkchocolateplease · 10/04/2023 11:07

I love the sound of the first outfit except for the no bra, imagine!

BUT this is a Sunday matinee so frankly you can wear whatever you like.

Original poster
CoconutNoodles · 10/04/2023 11:08

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 10/04/2023 11:06

Everyone will be super casual even for dinner afterwards. Have a lovely time 😊

Show quote history

I'm glad about it but I still need a nice casual! I have nothing good a part from old jumpers and old or baggy denim trousers

OP posts:
gogohmm · 10/04/2023 11:09

Jeans and a silk shirt with a bra! would be perfect, blazer rather than cardigan

Original poster
CoconutNoodles · 10/04/2023 11:10

ProstituteHair · 10/04/2023 11:00

It's a silk shirt situation!

(And please stop the nonsense about looking like someone's grandma, 46 is the middle of your years. 46 is great)

If you're willing to throw money at the problem, buy a navy silk shirt from Equipment.

Honestly, they are worth every penny.

Unbuttoned to the middle of your boobs. No bra.

Straight Legged jeans or leather trousers.

Blazer.

And boots like these.

Love it, thanks!

No bra is something I'm working towards, but maybe not this Sunday yet;)

OP posts:
JaneFondue · 10/04/2023 11:10

In the past whenever I have said that nobody dresses up for the West End, I have been yelled at..But seriously anything from jeans to a floral midi dress. Have seen people in leggings and sweatshirts.

StagsLeap · 10/04/2023 11:11

Where is dinner? I would dress pretty casually for that type of situation, but I appreciate you want to look good without looking as if you’ve made a big effort. How silver is your hair? Can you wear black?

I agree with the silk shirt suggestion (dark blue or black?), but I’d wear it with wide-leg trousers or jeans, interesting jewellery and a trench.

Original poster
CoconutNoodles · 10/04/2023 11:12

gogohmm · 10/04/2023 11:09

Jeans and a silk shirt with a bra! would be perfect, blazer rather than cardigan

I've tried blazers so many times, I just feel so odd in it but I will keep persisting. And I need to throw my cardigans in the charity shop, I know.

OP posts:
gogohmm · 10/04/2023 11:13

Do check the social media feed for that theatre though, Cabaret was much dressier, people in 1920's/30's ish outfits, suits etc, real effort made where as the jukebox musicals Hmm there were people in front on me in running clothes!

Original poster
CoconutNoodles · 10/04/2023 11:15

StagsLeap · 10/04/2023 11:11

Where is dinner? I would dress pretty casually for that type of situation, but I appreciate you want to look good without looking as if you’ve made a big effort. How silver is your hair? Can you wear black?

I agree with the silk shirt suggestion (dark blue or black?), but I’d wear it with wide-leg trousers or jeans, interesting jewellery and a trench.

Yes, love black and dark colours

Dinner table not booked yet but I know it will be somewhere nice

OP posts:
Theos · 10/04/2023 11:16

JaneFondue · 10/04/2023 11:10

In the past whenever I have said that nobody dresses up for the West End, I have been yelled at..But seriously anything from jeans to a floral midi dress. Have seen people in leggings and sweatshirts.

Weird people who dress up like a bit of town to be honest

ProstituteHair · 10/04/2023 11:18

CoconutNoodles · 10/04/2023 11:07

@ProstituteHair I mentioned 'someone's grandma" because of my greying hair - it is causing cognitive dissonance in people - my face / body / attitude is younger than 46 but because I'm transitioning to silver, it is causing a lot of confusion - people stopping me on the streets to ask my age, I kid you not - they get tied up in knots when I ask them how old they think I am. And my current outfits do me no favours, they are super ugly and uninspiring.

I honestly think the only cognitive dissonance is in your head. Really.

My hair is silver. I'm not going to post a photo, but I have in the past. Look me up if you want.

I'm a few years older than you and I absolutely adore myself. Middle aged women with grey/silver hair can be beautiful.

So stop that!

Original poster
CoconutNoodles · 10/04/2023 11:19

sorry!

What to wear for the West End London at 3pm - dinner afterwards
OP posts:
ElizaSkye · 10/04/2023 11:19

Midi dress with trainers and a soft leather jacket (go for suede if leather is too far for you) … all things you’ll get lots of further wear out of
Imagine from Pinterest not me!

What to wear for the West End London at 3pm - dinner afterwards
ProstituteHair · 10/04/2023 11:20

CoconutNoodles · 10/04/2023 11:19

sorry!

Beautiful!

Original poster
CoconutNoodles · 10/04/2023 11:21

ProstituteHair · 10/04/2023 11:18

I honestly think the only cognitive dissonance is in your head. Really.

My hair is silver. I'm not going to post a photo, but I have in the past. Look me up if you want.

I'm a few years older than you and I absolutely adore myself. Middle aged women with grey/silver hair can be beautiful.

So stop that!

Show quote history

YES!

OP posts:
ProstituteHair · 10/04/2023 11:22

Do not wear a midi and trainers with a leather jacket

JaneFondue · 10/04/2023 11:22

I think you would look lovely in a cobalt or inky blue shirt to set off your hair, jeans and blazer.

Original poster
CoconutNoodles · 10/04/2023 11:24

Other problem - for me - is: that kind of weather, not hot, not cold aaaargh

BTW - I don't care what other people are wearing, it is about me. I want to feel good. This event is an opportunity for me to build my new wardrobe that is all.

OP posts:
ProstituteHair · 10/04/2023 11:24

JaneFondue · 10/04/2023 11:22

I think you would look lovely in a cobalt or inky blue shirt to set off your hair, jeans and blazer.

Yes, navy Equipment silk shirt. Buttoned saucily.

Jeans

Blazer.

Perfecto!

ElizaSkye · 10/04/2023 11:25

ProstituteHair · 10/04/2023 11:22

Do not wear a midi and trainers with a leather jacket

Why not out of interest?! I think that can be low key but stylish, won’t feel overdressed.

different strokes for different folks I guess!