Which top?

[OldGrannyish]

Friend's 50th birthday. DH doesn't like one because it's too grannyish and MIL says that one is better (but then, she is a granny!)
Which is better? I prefer one over the other, but my fashion sense is questionable

Black jeans and probably a dark blue (or black?) cardigan with it

https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/blouses-shirts/blouses/product.relaxed-lavallière-neck-blouse-white.1160563001.html

The second one is better than all the other options thus far.

What about something like this with a blazer

www4.next.co.uk/style/ls269382/q02563#q02563

The bow necked top linked above is very pretty. I’ve had nice patterned shirts from River Island recently (I’m 40, also size 8/10, don’t like to show my stomach or much cleavage).

I actually really like the 2nd one and the model appears to look good in it too. Ignore the haters OP

Oh gosh OP, neither and the fact that you're 42 makes it even worse!

Keep the black jeans, my friend went out last nice in black jeans, a sparkly grey t-shirt and shoe boots, she looked lovely!

Black jeans and.....

lurex stripes
translucent sleeves
sparkles and ruffles
Sleeveless
bright pink!
floral
more stars
BoHo

Maybe something from here with the jeans and a blazer https://www.mintvelvet.co.uk/collections/t-shirts?gclid=Cj0KCQjwi46iBhDyARIsAE3nVrad27Bcit6TT5lczUHQ0Y2udfMrvdHuaRhKMF8Pv7Pw56Fj_CIEWl4aAhH_EALw_wcB

I think you obviously have a more traditional/conservative taste. I’m surprised you’re 42, but enjoying fashion isn’t compulsory.

What made you start the thread op? Is it that you’d like to feel more stylish and put together? Do you not go out to social events so often these days, and it’s making you question what people wear to those kinds of events these days?

A lot of people ‘don’t care’ about clothes. It’s purely for practical reasons, as you said ‘what do you wear when you’re cold?’ But then if you didn’t care, you wouldn’t be asking.

Was coming onto say mint velvet too.

www.mintvelvet.co.uk/products/beige-silk-v-neck-top-1

Something like this. Pair of heels and a blazer. Avoid bright colours with black jeans if you don't want to look really dated.

I posted this before I saw the update about synthetics.

I also dislike, and am wary of, synthetics. But I'd make an exception for a top I'd wear occasionally for a few hours. Modern synthetics are much nicer than the polyesters of the past.

I've not been out for a looooong time! I worry I'll feel like even more of an idiot if I wear the one DH suggested and everyone else is looking elegant.

I would go plain top and a blazer

I agree with that.

cotton T-shirt and a good blazer, black jeans and either boots/heels/trainers depending on your preference and weather etc.

maybe get a good evening type of bag to dress it up, and a good pair of earrings?

I agree that they're both frumpy, OP.

You're only 42, there's no need to be wearing proper pensioner stuff like that, babes!

What about a nice wrap dress? Or a more going-out-out top?

The navy one is gorgeous.

Yeah @OldGrannyish if all else fails go down the plain t shirt route etc and just elevate the look with your accessories!

Why are all the going out blouses these days puff sleeved, ruffled, gathered or pussy tied at the neck?

Principal Boy clothes.

I don't mind the second one in the OP though it's really casual. The first one is absolutely awful, sorry!

Blazer like job interview type blazer?
@BranchGold don't have pierced ears

There are really good clip ons nowadays. Under £5 from shien.

I like those tops but they what I wear to work op

If I was very unsure I would wear a black top and trousers and a statement necklace and heels 👠

Kind of like a job interview blazer yes, but slightly more casual, you’ll see them in the shops. That with a lovely t shirt underneath.

My daughters love Suzanne.

this one is beautiful: https://www.sezane.com/en/product/chlo-shirt/ecru#size-4

Like this type of blazer