I've got a date !!!!! Please help!

[Illbefinejustbloodyfine]

Someone I've known a couple of months, through a hobby. So have seen each other a few times, but not been "dressed" if you know what I mean. Hobby clothing, exercise etc.

So, dinner - not sure where yet but likely to be a seafood restaurant on the coast. Quite expensive, but also casual.

Sooo. I'm fatter than I'd like, realistically size 16. 5ft 7. 40s. Most "classic" style but so so out of practice at this stuff with a wardrobe of too small clothes.

"Casual first date" brings up ripped jeans and heels on slim young beauties.

Phase Eight have a sale on at the moment, fairly classic styles plus they use models with varying body shapes and sizes so quite handy to visualise how something may look.

I usually start with shoes, what sort of shoes/boots do you want to wear?

I like all the shorter jackets about at the moment with wide leg trousers or jeans.

I wouldn't go for a dress I'd go for a nice skirt and top.

[[www.johnlewis.com/mint-velvet-metallic-ruched-top-dark-brown/p111800576 www.johnlewis.com/mint-velvet-metallic-ruched-top-dark-brown/p111800576

[[https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-ivana-ruffle-blouse-black/p111622344

[[https://www.next.co.uk/style/ls365295/rt8402#rt8402

[[https://www.next.co.uk/style/ls427697/837655#837655

[[https://www.next.co.uk/style/st465691/d40631#d40631

[[https://www.marksandspencer.com/midi-satin-a-line-skirt/p/clp60638681#intid=pid_pg1pip48g4r4c3

You are lovely and tall (compared to me at least!) and so I'd say you could pull off a really wide legged trouser, can be paired with either a sort of fancy blouse (could do big sleeves), a nice, fine knit block colour jumper or even a silk type tshirt. Add a short jacket like a pp suggested, or if it's still freezing where you are a proper wool winter coat, If it's more springy a mac. Pointed flats/Loafers or even some sambas/white trainers if it's casual enough.

Remember your date already knows what you look like and wants to go on a date with you, they're not going to be horrified however you show up! Enjoy :)

Wonderful opportunity to dress completely as yourself!

How would you feel your best - flowing boho maxi dress / crisp shirtdress / sailor trousers and fitted t shirt / etc /etc?

I'm guessing you aim to look more consciously ... alluring than when you're rock climbing or boxing or kite flying or whatever you usually do together?

And how much would you want to spend?

What are your favourite too small clothes, could you re buy similar in your current size ?

Agree with @shrodingersvaccine your date already knows what you look like. I was also going to suggest smart trousers or skirt, with a top. Suggest that you get things that you like but which aren’t wildly out of your comfort zone as it’s important that you feel comfortable and relaxed in whatever you wear. You can always smarten up the outfit with jewellery and fancier shoes. Wear the colours that you know suit you.

Thanks all, budget - not massive as I'm in the process of weight loss (lost a stone in the past couple of months)

I'm not sure what I'd even wear if slim, I have a lot of more casual, or more dressy stuff. Ususl casual would be jeans/chino type trousers, Tee or shirt, casual blazer type thing. I like the wide legged sailer trousers mentioned, not sure I'd like them on my size 16 self though.

If it was lunch I'd feel happier, but dinner def feels more out of my comfort zone

@Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain I did wonder about a skirt/top combo. I don't currently have ANY. I'm more of a dress person, dressy/day/summer. I can't see me in any of the things in your links though.

@shrodingersvaccine I do like the idea of the wide leg trousers, I always struggle with shoes with those though.

@CapaciousHag yes, ideally I'd like to look less red sweaty faced and windswept!! Yes, he has indeed seen me at my "worst". I'd just like to feel good about myself which us proving difficult with the weight gain (which is starting to shift now).

Hmm ...

Maybe have a look here - not just the dresses, they have interesting separates too:

/

https://www.frenchconnection.com/products/bonita-wrap-angel-dress-bright-blue-white

This comes in a few colours but the blue would be particularly lovely for the seaside

Everyone's talking about silky, bias cut skirts at the moment. I think they look nice on other people but this seems a bit more adventurous - and would be lovely with a silk or linen t shirt:

yemi-full-gathered-midi-skirt

Just one more - a lovely easy dress (that invites close observation). Looks more luxurious than its price.

cleo-midi-dress

That's fine - I just cherry picked a few things.

I just picked out tops and trousers/skirt because they're a bit more versatile than dresses, which I have lots of and some I don't wear.

The Palava clothes are nice and the FCUK dress is nice and quite versatile, you could wear that more than once.

I actually love some of the palava dresses, bit too pricey for me at this stage, though I have found a couple on vinted!

https://www.next.co.uk/g5429s3/n59883

hope this link works. I’ve just bought this dress. Very flattering and can be dressed up or down. Fabric isn’t shiny in real life, it’s more like cotton.