'going out' tops

[OMGitsnotgood]

I’ve quite a lot of nights out in the next couple of months. Some Christmas dos in December but several birthdays & general catch up events, usually involving bars & restaurants, not clubs.

I am really struggling with things to wear. I would love to be able to wear a jumpsuit but have tried on loads and not found one yet that suits - probably because I’m 5’4 with a bit of a tummy. Also not keen die toilet reasons.
Dresses I’d be ok with but would want to be able to wear them with flats (i’ve a bit of a walk to get the tram and several of the events require a walk at the other end).
I think I’d be better off with a couple of new tops but struggling to find anything I like. I have access to most high street stores, am ok with buying online if there are free returns.

I wear Autumnal colours but can get away with black.
I am curvy (size 14 with biggish boobs and a bit of a tummy).
Don’t want skin tight
Don’t want something i would have worn to work (corporate office)
I don’t mind sleeveless or sleeves (as long as material won’t make me too hot)
I can’t wear high necks, need to show a bit of skin but not too much cleavage

Would anyone like to help me look please? I'd like to see specific recommendations as sometimes other people pick out things i wouldn't have considered.
If you don't have time to look but have a recommendation for online stores i might not of heard of, that would be great too.
Thanks

I have two skirts, one is silver sequins the other is pleather. I bought a black Next crepe blazer and have already combined the look with:

A satin/lace vest from Jakki
A black slub v neck t from Hush
A black cashmere roll neck

For the 80's Christmas do I've got a Run DMC t shirt ready!

What about something like this with a black vest top underneath?

https://www.riverisland.com/ie/p/silver-sequin-zip-up-bomber-jacket-751000?gadsource=1&gbraid=0AAAAADtCggi8NWlOrW4zzlwLpLjn7xDo2&gclid=CjwKCAjwkNOpBhBEEiwAb3MvvZ-JNjebCi3R31wNSYJSdfUPHRWSPjKHPdETn5IM7ON27D68zhITZhoCjUwQAvDD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

@LoobyDop I looked at that silver skirt last week, I love it. I also love M&S's navy sequin trousers.

Love this look, I’ve got a beautiful petrol blue silk shirt that I do this with.

I wore this top the other night.
https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1188109001.html?hier_id=go_cmp-12828082241_adg-121943360096_ad-517954073900_aud-925515874490:pla-296303633664_dev-m_ext-_prd-en-1188109004004_sig-CjwKCAjwkNOpBhBEEiwAb3MvvfJgRx7_UQvK7Zab4Y5moOvRiN0sYAdfp_eMOHwt-p2XGW2ieahAZxoC5f0QAvD_BwE&utm_source=Google&gclid=CjwKCAjwkNOpBhBEEiwAb3MvvfJgRx7_UQvK7Zab4Y5moOvRiN0sYAdfp_eMOHwt-p2XGW2ieahAZxoC5f0QAvD_BwE

@anon2022anon is wasn't looking for a top but that is lovely!!! I'm a 10-12 with small boobs & dont like things too low/gappy so do you think an xs is a better option or S?

@Seaside3 - can you link to what you mean with the mesh top?

I have a silk shirt I'd like to do this with but can't envisage what you mean! :-)

I love the current blouses at White Co, with a subtle touch of sparkle. Not at the cheap end though, but I do have a code i think somewhere.

I would opt for a lovely satin or velvet top with a few nice details.buttons, but i'd personally avoid those crazy balloon sleeves, which are everywhere and ruin every bloody thing! If a bit cold maybe a slinky thermal underneath.

I too hate high necks, they feel so restrictive and cast shadow on my face. I like to be able to show my neck with a nice necklace and cover up when outdoors with a soft scarf.

I love this,
and this.
Though might not be to everyone's taste. Would def enhance a pair of jeans with nice flats or velvet trews!

What about some wide leg trousers and a co-ordinating tank top?

@HackedoffAF I've shared the top a few posts back. Here's the post I was inspired by.
Trinny

@Sexnotgender I need to buy some more, it's definitely my new look. I wore the mesh top under a dress too, meant I could cover my arms without wearing a cardigan.

Copper satin might be worth considering - Not with those trousers though!

https://jenerique.com/collections/top/products/jessica-sequin-wrap-top-1

this? Comes in a few colours but listed separate or different patterns if you have a look through

Some sequin sparkle for Xmas?

Zara! I love everything in that store, going out, casual, date night, comfies!

When m&co was closing I got a few going out tops and they were from sosandar which I have recently realised is a company in its own right. Nice things on the website and my tops are really good quality.

@FletchingStraight it's generous fit but not oversized. The small is very slightly snug on me under my arms, but better than the medium. I imagine it would be a perfect 12. It is quite gapey, but would suit a black cami underneath if you don't like that

ooh yes I love that, ticks all the boxes. Tho i've not had a plain satin top before. Do you reckon it would stain easily? Has always worried me that any greasy stains wouldn't wash out?

oh yes I like that style very much. Not seen that site before, seems to have some lovely stuff, thank you

That is lovely, thank you. I feel myself drawn to that style, will be spoilt for choice !

@anon2022anon brilliant thanks. Add to basket!!

The colour is one of yours isn't it. It's not silk satin, it's just polyester so should wash as normal I'd imagine.

Sainsbury's have done nice tops at the moment, I bought a 'satin' top with a v neck and jersey back, may well go back for the cami with sequins!! Both would go with trousers and a jacket!!

Thanks for this thread. I was out for brunch with some friends yesterday and felt so frumpy!
I've just ordered the mesh top & a green satin blouse from H&M to try so thank you @Seaside3 for that tip. I think I'll start to follow Trinny for inspiration
I don't go into town that much these days but I've got a couple of things coming up for Xmas that i would like to feel good for.

I've also come across this on next which I think I quite like so might order to try too