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

Why don't you go to a nice, independent shop and ask for advice on what suits you? And try things on?

Oh I meant to add, maybe not for this meal in particular, but if sweating is an issue for you the broderie is a good option - lots of holes for air flow!

The green top you linked is definitely the best.

Are you near a John Lewis? You could book in with a personal stylist there. I think you need someone with you, encouraging you to try on new things.

It was just from a Google search and says it's from Mango but I doubt it's current unfortunately

here

What about all black OP, see the outfit in the left here

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Co3boFdDObo/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

You could start with looking specifically at a few brands. I love Ro&Zo at John Lewis. Other lovely brands are Part Two, Kaffe, Taifun. Dresses are really having a moment right now - didn't think they suited me but am living in them!

If you're really struggling and have time, book a department store style appointment. They will shop for you and find items that suit you. You can specify accession, budget etc

Floral shirts aren't inherently frumpy- but the 2 in the opening post are hideous.

https://shop.mango.com/gb/women/shirts-blouses/openwork-embroidered-blouse_47008258.html

Sorry, I wouldn’t wear this if I was 90.

I’m don’t understand putting women in blazers with tops and jeans as a default option.

You can wear a thin black cardigan (Zara) if it’s colder over a top or a cropped (Louche do them or they did, with popper fastenings) cardigan in a bright colour. I don’t much like blazers for going out though I do wear them sometimes, I’m not really a cami top, blazer and jeans woman. I prefer leather biker jacket or suede one in a bright colour. Vero Moda do nice suede colour biker jackets.

Both look like building society uniforms :(

I think the green top you’ve posted is nice. And I think it’s nice that it fits with you and your taste. It won’t look out of place.

I like fashion, but love style and people comfortable in their look (whatever it is) tend to to be stylish.

https://www.arket.com/en_gbp/women/shirts-blouses.html

https://www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/new-arrivals.html

https://www.finerylondon.com/

https://www.johnlewis.com/brand/women/kin/_/N-53f3Z1z0vl67

Stick to plain fabrics because most pattern and floral will look frumpy unless you go for big geometric patterns.

This is not in the slightest bit dressy, but not ageing or frumpy and is basically completely unobjectionable (comes in various colours). It's also cotton. You could 'dress it up' with clip-on earrings or a necklace (I don't like the feel of jewellery myself, but I am very weird about the way things feel on me). https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/oversized-cotton-shirt-coral/sty-t1147-cor?cat=C1_S2_G18 It would go well with a blazer, and you could wear slightly 'dressier' shoes than you normally would. A silk shirt would be another possibility - I have several Boden and Hobbs ones (all plain colours - navy, cream, taupe, and all bought on Ebay)

The tops in your OP are definitely ageing. I'm in a minority as I prefer the first one, marginally, as I don't like silly ties and things on clothing - they always look to me as if the item is so dull that they feel the need to 'add interest' to it.

These silk taffeta shirts are beautiful and snazzy enough for a party. Either black or dark green, tucked in or loose.Max Mara silk taffeta

Me neither re "blazers"

Phase eight top
If I could I would suggest a gorgeous jump suit but If you are set on wearing black jeans, this might do as it would cover a tummy. You are younger than me and both tops you’ve shown are def shove on to work tops! No offence we all need some fashion advice some times.

I think the long sleeved one is okay, in an unobtrusive way, but definitely work wear! I'd be happy enough wearing it to work with black trousers (I'm 52 though) but not for a party! The short sleeved one is horrid I'm afraid. I am also a shopping-hater but I think you need to go to a decent sized city and have a good look in the shops. Good luck!

These are popping up in the adsMax Mara silk shirts

This is what you could splurge on!

😂

That's a beautiful top, and not too standout which I think is important to OP, could also be used on multiple occasions either as a top or cardigan.

Please don't wear navy with black. Black with black. Navy with navy. Or choose a lighter coloured top.