What is ‘going out’ wear in 2024? hen party…

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I am 38.
I am going out in Bristol for a hen party.
I no longer own going out clothes! Apparently we are going ‘cocktails and dancing’.
Help!
I am 5ft 8, size 12.
Generally cannot be that bothered with the way that I look, ten years ago when I was lovely and young and had a hen party every other month, I would sling on some sort of lacy or sparkly shift dress with tights, high heels and go, but that’s not really the right thing these days I think, firstly because I am older and secondly fashion has moved on (though where to, I don’t know!)

I don’t want to ‘wow’, I just want to be blend-in mainstream.

Ideas?!

Metallic (usually silver) shiny trousers or mini, top, black blazer is what I see a lot.

Or a cool jumpsuit still works.

Bristol is quite casual and you'll see lots of jeans and trainers compared to other towns.

Thanks! I would love to wear jeans and trainers, but the bride loves to glam up, so I might feel underdressed.

I am on a diet (as name suggests) so a bit miffed at having to buy something new though! Might try to find a jumpsuit. what sort of footwear do people put with jumpsuits at the mo?

A sparkly shift dress would definitely still work, maybe with chunky block heels.

Oh would it? Thanks. I’m just so lost knowing where to start. It’s been a shock to realise how rare it is for me to dress up nicely these days. I suddenly feel really old and frumpy.

I could have written this! Watching with interest too

My last hen do I wore a midi dress with clumpy boots. If the weather was warmer maybe a shorter dress. I'd probably wear a jumpsuit with trainers. Apparently ballet flats are back but I don't quite dare to believe it.

Clumpy flat boots.

I was mooching on the Sainsburys website before and they have a couple of nice dresses that might work?

tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc143313338?clickSR=slp:term:green%20dress:14:90:2

They have a massive Sosandar sale on their website too. Some nice glam bits. There's a nice sparkly wrap dress or more playing jumpsuit. Really reasonably priced

tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/list/shop-branded-clothing-sale/brands:sosandar/

Well, 38 is definitely not old.
I’ve recently been in a place known for hen parties - most seem to wear the normal outfit consisting of a floral dress or similar or very dated body con. Honestly, I don’t think JL is great for personal shopping either.
What’s your budget? I have tended to buy more from French brands, The Outnet, Net a Porter, Matches. All have good sales. You’re a very similar size to me and I’ve found all of the above to be good.

I’ve just been on a hen do and I wore this one night:

https://www.next.co.uk/style/SU029105/N52461?dp=a&dndl=1&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhtWvBhD9ARIsAOP0Goi9n8Jjw-b3DvryAHiGC481Y0sRHdIpkFpFJHYbIH5VKqx06CzjuocaAuoFEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#N52461

my other going out dress is a black and gold glitter dress from sugarhill brighton, got it from Vinted last year.

Jumpsuit and slingbacks is my current go to!

Thanks so much everyone! I don’t want to spend too much as hopefully I will soon be down a dress size. The Sosander stuff looks great, than you @hby9628

I've seen lots of jeans with body suits and blocky heels, lots of dresses by nobody's child, blazers seem to be back in, midi skirts,
chunky boots are still around, jumpsuits definitely. I quite like the more casual look that's in at the moment.

https://www.newlook.com/uk/p/890763201?extcam=UK_SOC_APPPDPSHARE

https://www.newlook.com/uk/p/875213195?extcam=UK_SOC_APPPDPSHARE

https://www.newlook.com/uk/p/878226134?extcam=UK_SOC_APPPDPSHARE

https://www.newlook.com/uk/p/888463146?extcam=UK_SOC_APPPDPSHARE

https://www.asos.com/prd/203826772?acquisitionsource=pasteboard

https://www.asos.com/prd/204885689?acquisitionsource=pasteboard

https://www.asos.com/prd/204207357?acquisitionsource=pasteboard

https://www.asos.com/prd/204165676?acquisitionsource=pasteboard

https://www.asos.com/prd/204895919?acquisitionsource=pasteboard

https://www.asos.com/prd/205003245?acquisitionsource=pasteboard

https://www.nobodyschild.com/red-floral-chiffon-anya-midaxi-dress.html

https://www.nobodyschild.com/brown-spot-print-alexa-midi-dress.html

https://www.nobodyschild.com/plum-starlight-midaxi-dress.html

I was surprised how well priced things were tbh! I may have accidentally gone back on and ordered couple of bits

Also, I got one of these last time I went out. Just wore it with boots & a black body, you could easily make it more glam but if you wanted something that will last as you continue to lose weight it could be a good option as it's elasticated on the waist. Really versatile to dress up and down.

https://www.roman.co.uk/elasticated-mesh-layered-skirt-17016808?istCompanyId=2c7d42bf-c86e-4126-852a-34976c2accf2&istFeedId=2671bd7b-958a-4180-b178-22e89d93d179&istItemId=piaxlllit&istBid=t&gadsource=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsNH489f5hAMVa5NQBh0QawNZEAQYAyABEgJCCvDBwE

You can wear docs with anything. Start there 😀

I w as out last night- most people wearing jeans. Vest top and blazers and pointy heels/ boots

I see a lot of bodysuits with well fitted wide jeans and cute heels. Blazer thrown over for good measure.

Or one colour (neutral) bodycon dresses

I don't really ever see anyone under 40 wearing heels any more. I work for a fashion label and everyone wears trainers except the older ladies.

Vinted ! Just got three lovely ted baker dresses for around £12 each

Type in a description to Vinted, you can pick up real bargains on there - I only buy New or New with Tags and haven't been disappointed. Have a fab Hen Night!

Jeans and a shirt can be a good all rounder. Maybe with some flat silver brogues.

I’m 41 and bought this recently and wore it to a small wedding. It was so comfy and looked fab (and I’m shorter and fatter than you!). Could be dressed up with heels, or more casual with some nice trainers.

https://www.pourmoi.co.uk/products/tara-angel-sleeve-shine-plisse-cropped-leg-jumpsuit/?source=findologic&curr=GBP

Round here everyone younger is in (chunky flat) boots. It's only the 40 plus wearing trainers really.

Following, I have zero style at the minute.

I went on a hen do yesterday I wore a blazer, sequin skirt, fishnets with diamantés and Dr Martens! I'm 34 on Tuesday and I wear whatever I like!