Away for Christmas, outfits for dinner

[IBlameYourMother]

Hoping for a little bit of inspiration and help if anyone can offer some advice.

DP and I are away for three nights at Christmas, staying at a nice spa hotel. UK based. Evening meals at the hotel each night, including Christmas dinner. I have a woefully empty wardrobe for occasions as we don’t go “nice” places very often. Looking for one or two nice outfits that could do duty for nice meals out in the future too.

I’m 5’9”, size 14 and fairly busty (E cup). 45, blonde. Dresses and trouser suits equally welcome, I like vintage inspired dresses and knee/mid calf length but not adverse to the drama of a full length dress! Flowing silk shirts and trousers, jumpsuits. Nancy Mac appeals but a little out of budget. Up to £150 for a dress/outfit. Nothing pastel, I’m too pale for that!

What would you wear? Daytime wear I’m planning a nice jumper dress, and nice boots/jeans/big jumper for walking with the option of throwing an oversized silky shirt on instead of the jumper for post-walk drinks.

I’ve seen this dress: https://www.neverfullydressed.com/products/olive-lace-may-dress?variant=40554330652749&currency=GBP&utm_source=awin&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=559319&sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=559319&awc=21908_1727977623_3def328619e748aefbae376f78d0e6e1

and this jumpsuit: https://www.johnlewis.com/hotsquash-cap-sleeve-wide-leg-jumpsuit-woodland-teal/p5585905?size=20&s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwgfm3BhBeEiwAFfxrG-h2PZKGQxxPC8k60id62cu1umzG4tuFurxBa0DRJiAM9b5LthP96xoCezAQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Do we think they are suitable? I worry that dress is a bit sheer for perimenopausal me!

I just want to feel a bit dressy for the evenings and I’m rubbish at styling! Help!

here it is!!

Bloody love this! It’s on the list I think 😁

I really like this. I was thinking velvet for a jumpsuit but this is elegant.

It’s really flattering. I was pleasantly surprised.

Saw this and immediately thought of this thread

Another red velvet dress
https://www.omnes.com/products/rosie-velvet-dress-in-red

That’s beautiful, as are the shoes 😀

Love the shoes too @Patagonia21 I think they're Zara, I've been trying to get them in my size, always sold out!

This is also lovely, and the colour is chefs kiss

Two more velvet options from Seasalt, an empire midi and a sleeveless midi.

I am loving a lot of the Joe Brown collection at the moment, especially the colours.
I have this jacket and it is stunning on and really lifts a pair of jeans and makes it look smart.
https://www.joebrowns.co.uk/joes-heritage-jacket-wj681

Would you wear a satin bomber with wide leg trousers or a satin bias skirt, I've just bought this for Christmas and it's such a gorgeous colour in real life. I'm going to wear it with satin cargo trousers, but it looks good with jeans and leopard heels too.

I’ve got this dress and have smallish boobs - 34c and it makes me look well busty! Which I like but sadly don’t think it would work for someone more naturally well endowed

The Nobody's Child is lovely, but maybe not quite Christmas evening dinner enough for me, maybe perfect for daytime though.

The Olive Lace May dress is gorgeous. It's just gone into my basket, so thanks OP. For me, that's the real stand out. Second is the Rosie velvet dress above - that's lovely.

The jumpsuit is very glam 😀👍

I wear quite a bit of Popsy. They have quite a range of Vintage style dresses which include fancier, dressier looks. You'll probably need a 12 as they're cut on the generous side.

Love the JL jumpsuit . Go for velvet..warm and looks festive and dress up with statement jewellery…olive dress ok but looks like a nighty..and bit summery..think you’ll be chilly in it..and would need good shape wear.

Velvet jeans or wide trousers with a lovely cashmere jumper. Looks classy & feels comfortable during & after all the eating!

i actually think v necks look better on those with more ample boobs! Speaking as a small-chested woman, you’ll absolutely rock those outfits

I favour velvet trousers and long sleeve Christmassy tunics for this kind of occasion This year I've indulged myself with a long dark green empire line dress