Page 7 | What to wear for the West End London at 3pm - dinner afterwards

CoconutNoodles · 2023-04-10T09:28:13+00:00

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!

Inthebathagain · 10/04/2023 15:16

Have you got time for a personal shopper appointment with John Lewis, or another brand, in the week?

I've found them perfect for solving these sorts of dilemmas.

Last time I had a personal shopper appointment was to find a killer outfit for my work leaving party of an afternoon boozy tea. I didn't want it to be the last time I saw one of my colleagues, you see. 😉 Good news was that it wasn't 😁

Original poster

CoconutNoodles · 10/04/2023 15:24

Inthebathagain · 10/04/2023 15:16

Have you got time for a personal shopper appointment with John Lewis, or another brand, in the week?

I've found them perfect for solving these sorts of dilemmas.

Last time I had a personal shopper appointment was to find a killer outfit for my work leaving party of an afternoon boozy tea. I didn't want it to be the last time I saw one of my colleagues, you see. 😉 Good news was that it wasn't 😁

can't make time for it before Sunday and wouldn't be able to pay tbh

OP posts:

whatsyourpoison12 · 10/04/2023 15:43

midsomermurderess · 10/04/2023 14:41

What a peculiar post, when, with the exception of one or two posters, that is not at all the advice being given. Misdirected snideness is embarrassing.

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not 'here' as in this thread... here as in on style advice on mumsnet.
not sure how it was peculiar either

OrchidsBlooming · 10/04/2023 15:45

I think there's the danger with the "silk shirts and blazers" advice is some people think photo 1, some people think photo 2, and some photo 3! So I can see why some people say it's matronly while others think it's more fashionable.

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

Squiblet · 10/04/2023 15:52

Last time I had a personal shopper appointment was to find a killer outfit for my work leaving party of an afternoon boozy tea. I didn't want it to be the last time I saw one of my colleagues, you see. 😉 Good news was that it wasn't 😁

Lol at this! And hats off to that stylist! 😁

OP - if you decide to go braless, M&S sell packs of nipple plasters that are like normal plasters but a better shape (round) and don't hurt to pull off ...

Inthebathagain · 10/04/2023 16:31

CoconutNoodles · 10/04/2023 15:24

can't make time for it before Sunday and wouldn't be able to pay tbh

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You don't pay. It's a free service they offer.

I've been used John Lewis (and Debenhams 😭) personal shopper service several times through the years and they've kitted me out with interview outfits, date outfits and even my mum's funeral outfit. You pay nothing for the advice, you just pay for the clothes you walk out with. On 2 occasions I bought nothing, as they couldn't find anything I liked. You even get a couple of decent coffees and a slice of cake if you're lucky.

It's a shame you don't have time this week, but I recommend for any future clothing dilemmas you may have.

tomfromloveislandsbeard · 10/04/2023 16:58

That Sezane blouse is gorgeous, this thread has been useful for me at least as now I plan to purchase it and wear the M and S nipple stickers also mentioned so I can go braless!

OP you sound lovely and stylish, have a fabulous time.

I like the boots above but not for a date, I'd wear strappy sandals and a decent pedi. Not necessarily high heels but bare-ish feet in a kitten heel with jeans / wide legs / jumpsuit or whatever is more 'date' than cowboy boots.

JaneFondue · 10/04/2023 17:06

I like your Reiss jumpsuit. Very chic. But a bit confused by how the ties around the neck work.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 10/04/2023 17:28

No bra only okay if you are tiny of nork.

Personally I’d go for a dress and boots with a low block heel or wear trainers to travel and then change into flat sling backs.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 10/04/2023 17:29

Or a satin skirt and same footwear.

zurala · 10/04/2023 17:47

sleepwhenidie · 10/04/2023 14:29

Bit of a cop-out Zarula, pass judgement on everyone else’s suggestions and refuse to provide your own? You are right about fashion being very personal though.

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It's only because there's no point in suggesting something she clearly won't like!
I would wear my navy waxed high waist trousers, a silky T shirt or shirt with a funky print, and my metallic DMs.
But that's clearly not the OPs style so it's not helpful to post it.

Original poster

CoconutNoodles · 10/04/2023 18:08

OrchidsBlooming · 10/04/2023 15:45

I think there's the danger with the "silk shirts and blazers" advice is some people think photo 1, some people think photo 2, and some photo 3! So I can see why some people say it's matronly while others think it's more fashionable.

Is 3 matronly or fashionable? That is the one I would choose…

OP posts:

Original poster

CoconutNoodles · 10/04/2023 18:11

Inthebathagain · 10/04/2023 16:31

You don't pay. It's a free service they offer.

I've been used John Lewis (and Debenhams 😭) personal shopper service several times through the years and they've kitted me out with interview outfits, date outfits and even my mum's funeral outfit. You pay nothing for the advice, you just pay for the clothes you walk out with. On 2 occasions I bought nothing, as they couldn't find anything I liked. You even get a couple of decent coffees and a slice of cake if you're lucky.

It's a shame you don't have time this week, but I recommend for any future clothing dilemmas you may have.

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Wow! How come I never knew this?? Sure will do in the future especially if they won’t pressure to sell or get rude if I don’t buy.

OP posts:

Original poster

CoconutNoodles · 10/04/2023 18:13

tomfromloveislandsbeard · 10/04/2023 16:58

That Sezane blouse is gorgeous, this thread has been useful for me at least as now I plan to purchase it and wear the M and S nipple stickers also mentioned so I can go braless!

OP you sound lovely and stylish, have a fabulous time.

I like the boots above but not for a date, I'd wear strappy sandals and a decent pedi. Not necessarily high heels but bare-ish feet in a kitten heel with jeans / wide legs / jumpsuit or whatever is more 'date' than cowboy boots.

Peadicures and kitten heels are totally up my street!

OP posts:

Original poster

CoconutNoodles · 10/04/2023 18:14

zurala · 10/04/2023 17:47

It's only because there's no point in suggesting something she clearly won't like!
I would wear my navy waxed high waist trousers, a silky T shirt or shirt with a funky print, and my metallic DMs.
But that's clearly not the OPs style so it's not helpful to post it.

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I would probably wear that too but not for a second date with this especific man.

OP posts:

Original poster

CoconutNoodles · 10/04/2023 18:16

JaneFondue · 10/04/2023 17:06

I like your Reiss jumpsuit. Very chic. But a bit confused by how the ties around the neck work.

I will just detach them or let it hang I think

OP posts:

mikado1 · 10/04/2023 18:36

V invested in your lovely evening OP, and your outfit. The Chloe shirt has been on my list a while so think I'm going to get it too! What's the sizing like please for those that have it? And where are people buying their nice jeans?

zurala · 10/04/2023 18:40

CoconutNoodles · 10/04/2023 18:14

I would probably wear that too but not for a second date with this especific man.

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Why? Do you think he wouldn't like it?

ProstituteHair · 10/04/2023 19:02

SocksAndTheCity · 10/04/2023 15:12

I'm with @NatashaDancing and @zurala ; when silk shirts, blazers and jumpsuits make an appearance you'll have to go on without me (although my Chloe Susannah boots are similar only with more bling ). I'm sure you'll you'll have an amazing time OP and don't forget decent underwear 😀

I'm also wondering whether @ProstituteHair has been at the gak 😂

Rude!

I absolutely have not. Cocaine is morally reprehensible. I'm not sure what I've said that would suggest that or why my delightful boots are so devisive! Aeyede make beautiful footwear.

ProstituteHair · 10/04/2023 19:12

Also, no bra is fine. I don't and have never owned a bra.

Are my nipples saying hello to the world? Maybe. It's never concerned me!

Original poster

CoconutNoodles · 10/04/2023 19:13

zurala · 10/04/2023 18:40

Why? Do you think he wouldn't like it?

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Maybe he would not be a fab of the DMs, but is not about what he likes. I like DMs but it is not the vibe I want for this 2nd date.

And I need to learn how what a silky t-shirt, never had one.

OP posts:

Original poster

CoconutNoodles · 10/04/2023 19:15

CoconutNoodles · 10/04/2023 19:13

Maybe he would not be a fab of the DMs, but is not about what he likes. I like DMs but it is not the vibe I want for this 2nd date.

And I need to learn how what a silky t-shirt, never had one.

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*fan

OP posts:

NatashaDancing · 10/04/2023 19:15

OrchidsBlooming · 10/04/2023 15:45

I think there's the danger with the "silk shirts and blazers" advice is some people think photo 1, some people think photo 2, and some photo 3! So I can see why some people say it's matronly while others think it's more fashionable.

I don't like any of them. I don't think any of them are matronly.

NatashaDancing · 10/04/2023 19:22

ProstituteHair · 10/04/2023 19:02

Rude!

I absolutely have not. Cocaine is morally reprehensible. I'm not sure what I've said that would suggest that or why my delightful boots are so devisive! Aeyede make beautiful footwear.

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Aeyde featured on a thread about Mary Janes. Someone posted a link to the cream ones, which were exactly what the OP was looking for and was told by another poster, they were hideously frumpy and how old could that poster be to have suggested them. They are lovely and the cranberry version is even nicer.

Mary Janes by Ayede

https://www.aeyde.com/products/aline-creamy-nappa

Aline Cranberry Patent – Aeyde

Aline is our square-toe Mary Jane style with a sleek block heel. Crafted from supple nappa and patent leathers, Aline molds perfectly to the foot and features a delicate strap with our signature Aeyde clasp. Made in Italy from premium-grade leather.

https://www.aeyde.com/products/aline-cranberry-patent

ProstituteHair · 10/04/2023 19:29

I own those @NatashaDancing!!