What do I wear to this???

[Howmanysleepsnow]

Randomly, I’m invited to a “VIP” opening night of an art exhibition and the after party. Semi famous artist, street art.
I’m 2 stone overweight, size 12-14, mid forties, not cool, probably won’t stay long, not had a night out since 2017 when I was 2 stone slimmer.
Help!!!!

Well everything’s subjective but the op already said she doesn’t want to buy anything new. I think lots of those outfits are smart casual cool and you can look at the way delays them out, then at your wardrobe and pick out similar (though in most cases less expensive pieces) and put together something similar. Just trying to help so jumping on people criticising their suggestions isn’t in any way useful is it? Just suggest your own ideas but read the thread first rather than asking her a question she’s already answered.

Actually, @MumOfOneAwesomeHuman - the OP said I don’t want to buy especially unless I’m likely to wear again and it’ll fit in. She followed up by saying she didn’t want to spend a fortune. (Perhaps you missed those posts?)

And, to be very frank, if the married-to-unsociable-husband OP hasn’t bought anything new for going out in for several years she will need something to at least update an outfit. Human beings thrive on constant renewal and adventure - it will be good exercise for her soul.

I'd start by what you've got. Do you have jeans or trousers that you feel comfortable in? Are they in good nick, or are they on their last legs? If the latter go and buy a new pair of jeans or trousers that you know you'll wear again. Frankly, if my pants are uncomfortable, I'll be miserable all night regardless of how fab the rest of my outfit is - hence, I started there.

Once you've got that sorted, start with tops - what do you have that's a bit dressy, can be satiny, a bit of sparkle or even just a great colour or pattern? Within that, what's going to work with the bottom half, you've picked?

If you've got nothing - do you have a great jacket that you can wear over something plain and just plan not to take it off - especially if you are only going for a short time? If you're going to buy anything, thats what I'd be looking for - a jacket that you can wear anytime you need to smarten up - they tend to last longer and less likely to go out of fashion.

Hi, I'm an artist and I tend to wear quite casual clothing to private views. I would honestly just wear what you feel comfortable in. Definitely not party clothes. If you want to keep it nice and simple - get an oversized crisp white shirt and wear with trousers of your choice. Nice clean trainers or boots. If you're really stuck think about what you'd wear for the theatre and you won't go wrong. Honestly don't sweat it - they're nice chilled events with free wine. Enjoy it and remember to tell the artist you like their work - it'll be appreciated. :)

I went to a similar thing a short while back @Howmanysleepsnow and did a thread here too! Like you I did not want to pay silly money and wanted something I'd get continued use from.
Do you like dresses? I can find a couple that might do the trick, I'm sure.

This is nice in the medieval blue or possibly the black stich, not so much the other colours. Or they are not so striking at least. You want a bit of drama I think for this? Click it, the preview pic doesn't do it justice.

Masai Copenhagen Nebalata Printed Short Sleeve Jersey Swing Dress - QVC UK

I would wear a Lucy and Yak jumpsuit with a roll neck underneath, platform DMs, some gold hoops by Aurelia Makes.

lucy and yak https://lucyandyak.com/collections/jumpsuits-boilersuits

I like @Rina66's suggestions - I keep meaning to buy a satin midi but haven't found one that skims the tummy quite enough yet...that's bias-cut for you though!

I would probably wear something like a black silk shirt and jeans, with a wool blazer or coat and gold jewellery. And flat shoes of some kind.

I do agree there will be a very wide range of outfits and styles, so try not to feel too hemmed in/constrained by what others will wear, OP. I hope you have fun - I love a free wine evening of any kind 😃

I like Rina66 suggestions too, it doesn't have to be a grey slip skirt, as you said you don't own one , any shade will do with some ankle boots or knee high,

What about a bold print bold colour dress - something stand out - that would make you feel good about yourself? Not the sort of midis we have seen for ages but something more creative in design? And wear a jacket over if needed inside. Agree its not about fitting in, but feeling your best, confident self.

I'd wear a cool boiler suit style jumpsuit, something like this
https://www.whistles.com/product/lf-markey-danny-boilersuit-31386.html

I'd wear skinny jeans (wide leg make me look stumpy and hide my legs which are my best bit), a nice thin jumper and a leather biker jacket, flat shoes of some sort(probably smarter trainers).

If the artist is jeans and leather jacket then you can't really go wrong in the same sort of thing.d

I would wear wide legged jeans, interesting vintage style trainers and a sheer top. But that’s me not you. What is ‘you’?

Wear something along the lines of what the artist wears. Jeans, trainers (or lace-up boots a la Tracey Emin meeting the Princess of Wales), a plain black tee or polo neck and a jacket of some kind that you can pick up from EBay or in a charity shop. Minimal make-up but if you suit it wear a strong red lipstick.

I'd look to Cos for inspiration for jackets (I see oversize denim is in) and then see if I could find something similar elsewhere. The only thing people are likely to notice is the jacket and if you choose the jacket well it'll see you through the next couple of years.

https://www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/coats-and-jackets/jackets.html?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIy7qxyb-bhAMVU5FQBh0uoQqVEAAYASAAEgJ8CPD_BwE

If in doubt wear black, bold lipstick, bangles and big earrings, that will take you almost anywhere.

It's probably going to be fairly low key, whatever you do don't hire a frock.