'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

what about something like this as you can unbutton buttons?

https://www.johnlewis.com/mint-velvet-sequin-tassel-shirt-pale-gold/p111062523?size=XS&s_ppc=2dx92700078342469900_brand_mixed_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwcvM9fKOggMVkJ2DBx06KwfPEAQYAyABEgKVj_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

gold sequin vest top:-

https://www.johnlewis.com/mint-velvet-sequin-vest-gold/p110653161?size=L&s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI38vKofOOggMV75GDBx037wD6EAQYBSABEgI6HPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

You’re not wrong re Zara. I browsed going out tops there and there was only one I liked, a kimono to which I think is linked to here.

If you’re sold on gold tops then put gold tops women into google and it brings up a few options.

@bettytaghetti just love wyse! I am buying a fair bit from there now and it gets worn all the time, it’s helping me build up a decent wardrobe that isn’t full of tat, and my what-to-wear struggles are subsiding!

These are lovely, thank you for sharing. Seriously tempted by the Ruby top for understated elegance. I am a busty 12; how is the sizing?

I'm another one watching the suggestions with great interest. Keep 'em coming!

I've just ordered the mesh top that Seaside3 recommended.

How about some fake leather / coated jeans, Next do a lovely pair.
Then an oversized shirt, silky, emerald green.
With an oversized shirt, you can do a French tuck, tuck a bit in at the front with the back and sides out (Google it).
It's easy to hide a tummy with a French tuck.
Also remember the rule of thirds, your top should be one third and your bottoms should be two thirds or vice versa (Google the rule of thirds) it can transform your look

I’ve seen lots of tops that would work in M&S in their Christmas outfit section. They range from very fitted to almost tunic like and there’s something for every body type.

How about these?

@TheStarofCountyDown go for it! I’m a busty 12/14 and I float between size 3/4 in wyse. Pretty decent true to size sizing 👍

They’re actually nice for M&S.

The two in the photos are Next. Next and M&S have so many tops that would work for the OP.

I do like that but as said up thread, I don't like high necks and have broad shoulders so not so good in off the shoulder. Although I could give the red one a go and see what it looks like on. Thank you

Gold would work but not 'sold' on it - Autumnal colours, including gold, or black - although I have so much black stuff would prefer a bit of colour.

I don't like many of the ones posted so far, if any. They nearly all look 'cheap' to me, even if they are expensive (those shiny Wyse ones, I'm looking at you). So many of the colours are garish and the fabrics aren't nice.

Why on earth is it so difficult for manufacturers to make something with a neck that isn't too high, sleeves and in a half decent fabric and half decent colour?

I do like this but it's expensive even in the sale. I'd wear it with some buttons undone and the ribbon tied very loosely.

@mn29 I wear either wide linen style pants or jeans. If I had one I might wear a pencil type skirt, or one of those satin bias skirts that are in fashion. Whatever you're comfortable with.

I had to go to Next yesterday to pick up a dress I’d ordered, and ended up buying a teal coloured metallic mesh top - totally inspired by someone’s suggestion earlier on in this chat.

I adore it, and cannot wait to wear it! I’ve regained a lot of weight recently, and sadly don’t feel very good about myself, but tried this on and felt sexy for the first time in several months.

I can’t believe the price of the Wyse ones and apart from the odd Hush and Next top most of my tops are vintage (sequin).

There’s a nice Jigsaw green silk top (not linked to) which I saw the other day which I liked. Not enough to buy though.