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

[CoconutNoodles]

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!

I wouldn’t get to hung up on what to wear Sunday but spend a bit of money on a few key pieces (great dress, trousers and jacket)
so you have something decent there to build on

are jumpsuits an option ? I love your hair

Cobalt! One of my absolutely favourite colour! Thanks for reminding me;)

Recently went to show and dinner (not a date though!) in my local city.

I wore M and s high waisted jeggings (dark purple). An artists blouse from matalan in white (no idea if actual fashion description but it's the loose fitting overhead style!), grey boots and grey Knitted cardigan.

Pretty much what most were wearing in the smart casual sort of way.

Tbh that's pretty much my general smart casual look anyway and 'dressing down' I wear those jeggings with a longline hoody or fleece!

Outside of work and things like shows I live in sports leggings and soft touch tracksuits 🤣

Thanks;)

I have a black jumpsuit that I wear a lot and that will be my option if I don't come up with something new, but I'm so tired of wearing it over and over again

What about spending on accessories to change the look of the black jumpsuit?

Some wedges. Chunky Jewellery. New handbag. A blazer or cropped jacket.
M

Because it's a very boring outfit that would not suit OP. And far too feminine for her.

She's needs a bit of edge, clean lines, a hint of sex

I've seen her hair, she's definitely a shirt wearer.

Slightly masculine would suit and look v sexy.
.

Oh my! So wonderful! Not sure I can justify the ££££ but will last me forever right?

I think if you find something you feel good and comfy in then you build on that to change the look of it and then find similar items of the same style - so expand your jumpsuit selection and change the look for seasons and occasions with accessories.

Well, as the owner of about 60 pairs of shoes, they are my most worn.

Exceptional quality.

Worth every penny.

They are the perfect black ankle boot.

Interestingly I tend to go masculine in the cold months and feminine in the hot months.

I love dresses and sandals being from a tropical country and that is why I struggle when the weather is not super warm. My natural hair is curly and romantic but I love it straight when I want to make more of an effort.

Love the words you used - edge, clean lines, a hint of sex - and will keep in mind for my autumn / winter outfits and for Sunday because I don't feel like dressing for spring yet.

I don't get the boots, what trousers do you wear them with because they look awful with those cords on the link.

They're giving me 'my mum in 2002' vibes but I guess it depends how you style them.

"unfortunately" not available in any sizes, but I will get on the waiting list!

Wow, 60 shoes, how cool! I can count mine on my fingers (not using the toes) and 2 of them are trainers! But I'm ready to change;)

Personally I wouldn’t do a blazer or a shirt - if probably look for some really lightweight knitwear and layer that with jeans/wide leg trousers.

I’m talking knitted silk/cashmere/merino
and shapes that are draped and boxy or buttoned (or in this case unbuttoned).

I often love the shirt/blazer on others but I have never found a way to wear that combo that doesn’t make me feel I’m playing dress up in someone else’s clothes. I find fancy knitwear to be softer and more flatting and tactile - plus lots of options with colours. This weekend lots of sales… try scandi brands, they are great at this

Echoing the silk shirt love. They get me into most places / situations.

(This probably won't help for your date as you have a deadline but I pick them up in charity shops for relatively little, and they're normally in great condition cos they've been saved for best.)

If it's the right navy. I purchased an Equipment shirt in navy in 2016 as I wore my white one so much. However, I realised a little too late it was a yellow-tone navy which doesn't work on my skin tone. (I need a red toned blue).

As for lasting forever, my white one was one of the last things my mother bought me in the mid 90s. It's still going strong. (Am now 47). I usually wear it with a few buttons undone and a few layered fine gold necklaces and high waisted jeans. A good silk blouse is a worthwhile investment, something that will always be in style.

If you don't want to spend Equipment money, & Other Stories have some lovely silk shirts.

I agree. Those boots are awful.

Ahh, just noticed the Aeyde boots link. While I don't have any of their boots, I have a quite a few of pairs of their flats, heels and sandals - excellent quality.

I'm a shoe person, shoes definitely make or break an outfit.

Bags not so much.

I absolutely love the bag people though. For their commitment

I don't like those boots. I live in trainers but DM or similar style lace ups or platform Chelsea boots look good. Million times more comfortable too.

Wide leg trousers but pay a bit more and shop around for slight tailoring that gives them the edge.

Silk shits are ok but the ones linked are sooo expensive. Try Sezane or BA&SH if you have a biggish budget.

In what way are they 'awful'?

Those boots are perfect.

They work.

Why never not?

Because it is shapeless, unsexy, unflattering and last-year-ish.

All of which is fine for max comfort and visiting a national trust property, and I live in clothing that is shapeless, unsexy, covers the last decade and is comfy. But not for a second date.

Because it's a rubbish 'look'

Look at Marie Marot on Instagram on how they style their shirts. It's a French brand, so may give you some inspiration.