Please show me your recent 'going out' outfits!

[Myotherusernamesafunnyone]

I'm going out for dinner with a group of girls. Relaxed restaurant in a small city, probably cocktails in a bar afterwards. I'm 41, slim but not very toned, size 8, carry weight on bum/ hips/ thighs. Open to dresses or jeans but in desperate need of some inspiration! Feel like I've no clue what's in style any longer post kids, covid etc etc! Help me out ladies! xx

Well I'm 5' 2", a size 6, sometimes a 4 in jeans, naturally slim and have very little body fat. BUT... I'm 53 and despite working out, I have a petite but pretty saggy bum, cellulite, zero boobs, toned but thin arms, very boney shoulders, a big nose, lots of wrinkles, a pixie cut and wear glasses. I'm like a pubescent, but very old 12 year old, body wise. I find it so very hard to find clothes that I like that also fit or flatter as I just can't fill the top half of so many styles and some things just do not work with my glasses and hair. That's just how I am built and even though you may say a size 6 should be easy, it's not. A smaller size is not always a walk in a park either. I should be looking like Kylie M - but alas, no.

I’m in a similar boat and i’ve worn these a handful of times recently, either with a soft t shirt or a chiffon type black shirt depending on the night

A smaller size is not always a walk in a park either. I should be looking like Kylie M - but alas, no.

Very few people look like Kylie M, she had great proportions. As you say it’s not just size but shape & proportions.

Where the 3rd dress from @Ratherstandonacliffandsetfiretomyself ?

Apparently wearing heels for nighttime is a Millenial giveaway. The trend nowadays is going out with trainers/sneakers. Depending on the location, it shouldn't be paired with jeans (too casual) but a tailored, high waisted trousers and a smart blouse, top or oversized blazer. Lots of jewellery or accessories to dress up the outfit.

Adidas Sambas, Veja, Golden Goose, Axel Arigato or New Balance are good "going out sneakers".

But I think the trainers as going out wear has had its day now too. It was only ever popularised really with dresses by Lily Allen.

Thanks again everyone!
My shape really doesn't suit jumpsuits and I'm a shorty so not into the trainers and wide trousers for going out I'm afraid.
I'm glad to hear that jeans/ cami/ blazer/ heels is still ok, that would be my usual go-to!
I could do a short shirt dress with boots but some of the other dresses suggested are a bit too dressy for the occasion I think.
Really appreciate all the help!

This site has some lovely dresses that could be dressed up or down.

https://dlsb.co.uk/collections/dresses

But the op just said where she carried her weight i.e. she is a pear shape rather than say rectangle, inverted pear, hourglass etc. She never said that it was a flaw!