First date (in a long time!) outfit help

[Definitelynotme2022]

I have a first date for dinner and drinks at the weekend. It's my first date in 19 years..... so more than a little daunting.

I'm 53, size 16. Any ideas? I prefer things that aren't too shapeless as I have an hourglass figure, so they tend to look like tents on me. My normal go to would be a plain jersey dress, probably in black or navy with a nice jacket.

To me both the Roman and the Joules dresses are ‘taking your toddler to soft play’ clothes. And the Nobody’s Child ditsy floral - ‘quick run to Tesco and then an easy barbecue in the garden’.

Clearly we all have very different ideas of what a first date might look like! I’m hoping the OP’s date veers towards the luxurious.

Just one thought. Deliver the girl he asked out, not some self-consciously over-curated version of her. In particular, go easy on the scent and makeup. Have fun!

The OP is 53 - I think she’s earned the right to turn up as exactly who she wants to be! If her (male or female) date doesn’t like it they can …

Why would you assume male is the ops target market? How rude.

There is no indication otherwise.

Something like this OP ? Hope you have a lovely date

https://joanieclothing.com/thea-moons-and-stars-print-jersey-midaxi-dress.html

Or this
https://joanieclothing.com/glorie-green-floral-print-wrap-dress.html

Blimey I don’t know where you lot are all going on first dates but I recently wore dark jeans, an oversize stripey shirt and casual boots to mine 🤣

How about a dark jumper dress, maybe boat neck, they are fitted but somehow casual because it's softer? Add some amazing huge earrings: hoops or chandeliers depending where you are dining, slouchy suede boots or ballet flats or flat knee high riding boots?
. You could wear a casual jacket or a very long wool coat cape-style on your shoulders. You'd be drawing attention to your face but flattering your hourglass as well.

Don't wear a full length evening dress or you will look insane, unless you are going to a ball.
I don't know what universe the people on this board inhabit.
Just wear the same as you normally would to go out with friends, that you are comfortable and feel good in. He's not interested in your clothes anyway.

Where did you see a full length evening dress, @ChiaraRimini? The long dress I linked could just as easily be worn on the beach with bare feet or to a market with an old Afghan cross body bag and slouchy boots.

I don’t know why some people on this board have so little visual imagination …

I have an hourglass figure too and my go to for dinner would be:

High waisted leather trousers (probably wide legged)
Bodysuit/woolly polo neck with French tuck
Blazer (worn over shoulders rather than arms through sleeves)
Heels

Kind of like this but probably black

@BlossomBlossomBlossom i love the dress you posted, I think it looks “eveningy” in the first picture, I actually thought it was lace at first glance! But my eye sight isn’t what it used to be 😉 scrolling through the pics I could see it would look great casually. I can imagine it’s quite a hard shape to pull off figure wise though.

Op I think in this situation I’d go simple but add personality with accessories like a great bag or lovely jewellery. If it were me I’d go for well cut barrel leg trousers or jeans with a slouchy vest/ cami or tee and a blazer or cropped trench type jacket. Either that or a jumpsuit. Really nice chunky earrings and/or layered necklace. Then cool pointed flats and a beautiful leather bag, maybe a pop of colour bag if the rest of the outfit is neutral. When I want to feel good I go for good fabrics to try and achieve a kind of effortlessly luxe vibe.

Hi

Firstly I've just read this entire thread absolutely hilarious 🙈😅

Anyway, your never going to get what you want from other people's opinions and nobody will have the same taste and body, but I'd go LITTLE BLACK DRESS! Everyone owns one if not you should 😂 dress it up or down accordingly, and glam your face and hair! Boom hahahaha

How about this. https://rixolondon.com/products/tillie-mono-wave

There is nothing luxurious about wearing unflattering clothes. It's a date, she presumably wants him to admire her not the fabric of her dress.

Having been all sizes between an 8 and an 18 in my life I can tell you that your suggestions are all wrong for a size 16. She needs to showcase her curves with fitted pieces in soft material.

I do like the pieces you posted however.

I am 48 and would wear my new black bootcut levis and a floaty top ( depending on how brave I am feeling possibly slightly sheer with nice lingerie under neath). Something like this
https://www.amazon.co.uk/OUKIN-Bohemian-Batwing-Oversize-Shoulder/dp/B072B9477K/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?brr=1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2Fto26_P2BkOLskG6X4jRuhbtKnQeh4eTD4g4jjX9R6RO1Xq1xiy9zsmmSlp18P8UtbxtDFhJAa6KpPVLV1TJ7CiKV6rxXCXN6KQEzTvPYuyyw_u5btxbmadELrY-k_m.EV658hlqFeubI7Las0s_HaTNOtkUPyYJc59Ir8n_aWs&dib_tag=se&qid=1712729823&rd=1&s=apparel&sr=1-3&th=1&psc=1

Blimey some of these suggestions. Especially the office wear and the extra long skirt for a short woman who is size 16. And to the leather causes havoc , I have no words.

op, I’d go with a below knee knitted dress and a pair of white leather trainers or boots or sandals, depending on venue and weather, and a leather jacket over the top.

i have the below one and its very flattering, plus has elastane so holds its shape.

https://www.johnlewis.com/whistles-ribbed-knitted-midi-dress-black/p110846202?intcmp=click_on_product_image_exp&_gl=1e86o6d_gaMTczNTY5Mzc2NS4xNzEyNDYzNzM0_ga_S1ZHFBNH86*MTcxMjcyOTkyNi4yLjEuMTcxMjcyOTk2Ny4xOS4wLjA.&_ga=2.210238741.1874824371.1712729927-1735693765.1712463734

if you want something more dressy, I have this and it’s lovely on, with a little stretch and easy to wear.

https://www.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-jersey-midi-dress/p111082869

Wear whatever you feel comfortable in OP. Don’t overdress, wear something that is “you”. Good luck I hope it goes really well for you.

Something like this?
agree with PP, being comfortable is most important.

I'm very much liking a satin slip skirt and jumper/shirt/tshirt just now.

This sort of thing.

www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/skirts/midi-skirts/fika/satin-slip-skirt-in-silver

Oh - where did the OP say she is ‘short’? All I can see is I'm 53, size 16.

(Bit puzzled by the comment on skirt lengths. Don’t people have hems tailored to suit them? I am actually five foot three inches tall and have worn long skirts forever. Don’t see the problem.)