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?!

Do let us know how it looks, I love a good jumpsuit :)

I saw lots of younger women back in stiletto heels in Edinburgh on Saturday.

As others have said Bristol is casual... If your friend wants a bit of sparkle you could do a slip satin skirt for some sheen and sparkle and an interesting knit/sweater vest. Or if it's your style a band t-shirt or asymmetric top.Trainers or boots for footwear.... rather than heels (I'd go slightly clumpy boots, but you could do heels)...

Maybe something like this which could work for both day and night?

https://scampanddude.com/products/button-short-dress-pink-with-blue-and-black-shadow-leopard

Place marker

I still wear one of those that I have had for about 15 years. Kate Middleton had the same one and was photographed out in it with boots on. I still wear it, as someone else said with block heels.
http://www.starstyle.com/kate-middleton-leaves-s-disco-party-sp74779/

It's stood the test of time.

The silver/pewter bodysuit is really nice.

I'm one of those who rather than a faux leather mini would rather spend extra on a proper leather one.

I'm off on a hen do soon and I bought last year this sequin/net bodysuit which you can dress up or down. I've just seen some nice bronze skinny jeans on Sosander too. But you can wear this with a black skirt/trousers etc.

[[https://www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/body-suits/girl-in-mind/eva-sequin-long-sleeve-bodysuit-black-and-rose-gold?locale=en-GB&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7-SvBhB6EiwAwYdCAXdIODzd3vrdSG8-vERzyKoju-bczZf8g8RRc3DmqUHLHSjDHkrYfhoCHlkQAvD_BwE

But I'd wear this and either a plain or sequin blazer.

Just a quick note for anyone wanting to order the Gini Bodysuit at New Look, on the reviews for the green one, most people are complaining that sequins are coming off on it. Doesn't say that for the pewter one.

Someone talk me out of this please...

[[https://www.johnlewis.com/ro-zo-sparkle-v-neck-bodysuit-blue/p111045474?size=18&s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7-SvBhB6EiwAwYdCAQfK3GNuIzP7uIisjxjvFozhushuvh-bY-3XIja1UpuSmokOJ2F29hoCQHMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I'd look for a jumpsuit, look on Vinted - you don't need to buy new for one occasion.

OK, I'm 46 and remember body suits in the 90s being so annoying and uncomfortable... finding it hard to believe they're back. Just me?

Loving lots of other suggestions though.

Black shiny wet look leggings and a top?

Watching with interest. Any links to chunky boots which aren’t Dr Martens? - I feel like I need to get with this trend but think I’ll look too try-hard in those (early 50s)!

I've noticed this too but can't forgo my heels for a night out as I just don't feel dressy (aged 38).

I try to dress for my shape now I'm a little older. I know I have a small waist but curvier hood and bum so a high neck bodysuit with a wrap skirt really suits my shape well.

Hi off topic. What diet are you on? I need to lose a few stones.

I'd say heels are back in again for nights out, definitely not for work though.

I was 'out out' in Islington last night and saw a lot of younger (under 30) women wearing heels like these or court shoes with a similar heel:

https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-halsey-barely-there-heeled-sandals-in-black/prd/203741002?_gl=1i9qjpr_up*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwte-vBhBFEiwAQSv_xRa7reA9uHcWPYarHo8CN7vQuB_FVajvu4l-kxVGA1hEyJRUV3gdLhoCgM0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#colourWayId-203741077

The rest were in trainers though, heels were definitely not ubiquitous.

I must say these all sound like lovely outfits. The hen party dress code in my neck of the woods is fairly eye watering and usually involves themed tee shirts, deely boppers and, ahem, accessories shaped like male anatomy. 😆

Wear a jumpsuit! Cannot fail something bright or tailored would look cool with metallic accessories, Bristol is laid back but you can always dress a jumpsuit up or down if you want to wear it again as well.

Have a lovely time x

Placemaking

@Bey So, the jumpsuit came, I tried it on last night, and it was a disaster 😭 It was a stark reminder that I have quite a long body, and that an uncomfortably squashed foof would not be pleasant for a night out. Also a right clart on for a wee. Back to the drawing board!!

Whenever people suggest jumpsuits to me I always cringe/die a little inside.

I like the idea of them, I've got I think a Free People one which is black and short sleeved. Yes, it's nice but I rarely think of it to wear it. At least I hope I've still got it.

Actually I'm lying - I've actually got a green palm print Top Shop jumpsuit which is surprisingly flattering and it should be around somewhere...

[[https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/musthave-a-palm-print-jumpsuit-thats-perfect-for-hot-weather-le-fashion--61572719882632339/

not What you asked but I like it and it’s on offer, go for it

I guess for cocktails and dressing up, you're going near St Nick's Market? If so, that area does tend to be dressier than a lot of Bristol. I saw a lot of mini-dresses and heels when I went out there late November. That said, there were still maxi dresses and boots etc. You're never far from a pair of Doc Martens anywhere in Bristol. I wore a tunic from Fat Face, black leggings and a pair of flat boots. If anything, I was slightly under-dressed, but not so much that anyone paid any attention or that I felt uncomfortable.

If you're out more towards Stokes Croft, aim for dressed down, vintage or just something wild with tye dye and sequins all over, if you want to fit in. But no-one will bat an eyelid if you do go dressier or heels, because they're too stoned and / or have more interesting things to think about.

Edited to say, Bristol is a great night out - you'll have fun whatever you wear x

This would be the most dated look you could go for.

Hi all, just to update, I wore fake leather trousers, a black bodysuit and a crocheted top over the top of it. All from New Look. Was all ready to wear chunky sandals but it was freezing so I went for black boots. Seemed to fit the bill! Thanks for the advice here, I will be returning again when I refresh my summer wardrobe (hopefully a size smaller!)