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!

@aholidaynotacarpark you can pin me down and tell me that they can also be used as nouns.

Sure. If you want to mangle language, they can be used as nouns.

Be my guest.

Sezane have gorgeous shirts. I took a recommendation from someone on here looking for an outfit for Cheltenham and honestly I’ve never had as many comments on an item of clothing. Even my dad commented they do this in navy

This is the best advice I’ve seen on what to wear. Stick to neutral understated colours for the classy look.

I have that sezane shirt in navy silk & I wear it with mid wash straight leg jeans with a turn up.
It's an understated, sexy shirt. I think it would be great for a date as you describe.

I am not a fan of the midi dress / trainer / leather jacket look at all. Its v tired now

I went to a matinee in London this weekend and most women were wearing midi dresses with denim or leather jackets and smart trainers or ankle boots. Another really nice look was wide legged jeans with a silky shirt or posh t shirt or light knit under a leather jacket.

I'll take the Cambridge Dictionary definitions over yours on this one.
It's just another excuse to get snobby about things.

Looks great buttoned low with jeans. I actually am tempted to buy it in navy

Found this - reduced from £248 to £95

I always regret when I but this tie neck style, but if I don't need to tie, it is ok.
I think this is casual enough for the matinee and dinner without being over the top or underdressed. Also it is more spring looking rather than autumn in m y opinion.

I have a pointed toe with a very low platform heel with some thin straps (can't find picture) instead of buy new shoes in a rush in case I don't find anything suitable until then.

https://www.reiss.com/style/st184523/C93986

I’d wear my new bright pink wide leg trousers (M&S crepe trousers) with a shirt (poss pale pink) tucked in and my orange brogues with my blue quilted bomber jacket

I too am masculine in winter and more feminine in summer. Also currently trying to nail my style.

when you have more time I recommend The Curated Closet book - I’m working through it now to help figure out my ‘look’

So I look 70? Ok…😳

OMG Sezane have some lovely sandals and bags that I bookmarked, off I go to check tops;)

I can confirm this is the case. My daughter works in a West End theatre & we go frequently. I wear whatever is appropriate for before or after (shopping, meal out,long train journey back etc.

@ProstituteHair it actually was a noun before an adjective, had been since the 16th century.

Irrelevant to this thread but as an English teacher, this kind of misplaced pedantry helps nobody. Language evolves and is for everybody.

In this case, myriad evolved to be used as an adjective as well as a noun. Either is completely acceptable.

Do you know what @ElizaSkye

I will take that.

I accept what you say.

You are probably right.

I'm dressing for myself and my date, I don't care what other ppl choose to wear to go there, it is not about them!

Sorry for derailing your thread @CoconutNoodles!

The silk shirts on here are gorgeous but that's because I want to be Gillian Anderson in The Fall. But the bust is a bit matronly. The idea of going braless is hilarious, if I were Kate Moss probably. The shirts are all gorgeous.

I also like the boots- small heel so not out out like high heels, slightly cowboy, they are not naff at all, if you style them well, lovely leather. I honestly think some of the advice on here is terrible. I can't imagine which boots would look better with a silk shirt/straight jeans combo. I would wear tan/pale boots though, hardly ever wear black these days due to wearing too many black clothes.

I mean my bust is matronly, Gillian Anderson not at all.

The Reiss jumpsuit is gorgeous Coconut - backless a challenge for me as I couldn’t go braless. What coat/jacket?

Gosh S and B is contentious these days. That Sezane shirt is classy and sexy.

@endofthecorridoor I agree, it does look great with 3 or so buttons undone & I wear some delicate gold chains.

It's an elegant yet sexy shirt. I can def recommend it 👌

@sleepwhenidie that's a lovely dress and your figure looks stunning in it! It's not what I would cobalt blue though, I love the dress though.

I can go braless, my boobs are perfect for that, I worry about my nipples though, but my date will sure to love it;)

This thread just goes to show fashion is very personal.

I'm 48 and think most of what's been suggested here is very matronly and aging. I especially dislike the boots which are the kind of thing my 80-odd year old mum wears!

I won't make my suggestion as it's clearly not the OP's style, but I hope you find an outfit you feel amazing in, which is all that matters.