What would you wear for dinner with friends?

[Citrusandginger]

Any ideas? I'm having a bout of indecisiveness. We are seeing good friends on Friday night and I'm looking forward to catching up as we haven't seen them for a good while, but I haven't a clue what to wear or even what sort of look to go for.

Most of the time I wear jeans or office smart. I have several summer dresses and lots of winter ones, but nothing really autumny. Truthfully, I could wear my jeans and it would be fine, but if like to make a bit of an effort. I'm mid fifties, 5'3 and size 12 so am always trying to look taller and skinnier.

Can you give me some ideas?

Can you put a layer in over one of your summer dresses?

It may well come to that . I was looking at a few online sites at lunchtime and there was nothing very me there.

I found a fabulous leather skirt, but I think I'd look bundled up in it.

What about a long denim skirt? I have one in cream that's lovely. Got it in Tesco.

I know what you mean about the time of year. I’ve lost all interest in my summer clothes but so far every time I’ve stepped out in any wintery pieces I’ve been ridiculously hot.

But you don’t really give an indication of the level of oomph required for the evening? I’m a similar age and of similar proportions to you - and what I’d wear would depend on the people and environment. Really good friends, not much into clothes, at their home - maybe a new Colorful Standard hoodie in a flattering colour with an as yet untested translucent midi skirt from Zara. Silk socks, delicate mules. Nice jewellery, no make up. And I’d take a really good wine to counterbalance un-effortful clothes.

On the other hand if the dinner was out, or with people I’m a bit less relaxed with, I’d want something a bit like this Erdem co-ord set.

It's funny you say that's your less relaxed option, because to me it looks like a set of too large pyjamas!

Probably something like what I'm wearing now, a white cotton lined dress with jacket. And knee high boots.

I need to be comfy!

Depends who's house. Friend A, 3 bed semi detached and a couple of hairy/lairy dogs It would a shirt and jeans. Another friend, big 1920's house on the coast, thermals!

If it was me I would wear this outfit:

Abercrombie leopard print jeans in dark brown
Arket boxy heavyweight t-shirt in olive green
Adidas SL72 trainers in wine/brown
Chunky gold hoops/layered gold necklaces
Whistles leather jacket
Maroon woven leather bag from Anthropologie

Restaurant or their house?

I would wear a new top - there are a lot of Chanel jacket style knitted cardigans with gold buttons with the jeans you already have or treat yourself to a new pair in leopard print. Or satin midi skirt.

Curious about your outfit not seeming to make any concession to evening, @Judystilldreamsofhorses?

Haha, "evening" is in the eye of the beholder I suppose - would you rather heels, skinny jeans and a silk blouse, topped off with a blazer? The OP asked "what would you wear...?".

I guess I was thinking about relaxation and, I suppose expanding the range of clothes beyond what one would wear during the day.

My thoughts are in my fairly lengthy post with photos above. No skinny jeans or blazer involved.

I think we have very different tastes and styles - hopefully the OP is benefitting from a nice wide range of opinions which is the beauty of this board :-)

Absolutely. But I asked about your choices out of curiosity - not criticism.

(It does seem a shame that one apparently can’t have a normal conversation here!)

For me it would totally depend on the friend!

One lives in an airy but well insulated flat, short bus or tube ride, and very much a shoes on household.

One is a sprawling, draughty, old house, shoes off policy, and we always have drinks outside first.

I would be wearing very different outfits to each!!

This is probably closer to what I'm after. We're going to our friends house and they won't judge us or stand on ceremony - although the good wine is essential - it's more that I want to look like I've made an effort, but I don't want to be done up to the nines.

Might look at satin skirts, they seem to to be a thing at the moment.