Advice for clueless individual- Autumn evenings

[HollyGolightly4]

have quite a few events coming up. I think I'm generally fine with day wear, but what does someone wear to meals out/ casual birthday parties in bars etc?

I'm late thirties, size 14-16 (desperately trying to lose weight) and small- 5"2.

I see so many people look stylish, but I've no clue where to begin. I definitely don't suit neutrals or pastels- brighter, jewel colours tend to suit my skin. I also think black washes me out.

Dresses typically suit me (midi) but I feel very frumpy in them now, I'd like to look stylish! I feel like cashmere jumpers etc are lovely, but how would I wear them inside without boiling?!

I can't really do heels either. Budget is negotiable, for wardrobe long lasting, but ideally full outfit for less than £200.

Thank you so much for your advice 🤞

I doubt you need a whole new outfit - you probably want just one thing to create a new outfit with things you already have. Whether that’s new boots or a soft wrap jacket or cardigan to wear with jeans, or a leather mini skirt. Or just a dress.

You could browse the outlet pages of

Miista

or American Vintage

Or the new Zara collections (particularly this ‘Burgundy edit’

Zara edit

How about one beautiful silk shirt?

Klements

Or, if those aren’t your style you could choose one fabulous dress that would work for everything. Like this:

Palava dress

Look at the back … They don’t currently have that particular one available in your size on their own site, but they often re-stock, and other places stock Palava too.

To not look ‘frumpy’ (MN prefers ‘dated’), you are looking for understated. But there’s a fine line between understated and very plain and dull. Understated also usually involves a lot of neutrals and black.

I’d be looking at a lightweight jumper (in a colour that suits) with some nice jewellery. Maybe statement earrings. Or a shirt of some type with looser leg black jeans. And shoes transform an outfit and whilst high heels can look a bit passé these days, just anything that isn’t a trainer looks like effort. And then focus on hair and make up.

Thank you so much @BlanklyMyDear . Genuine food for thought. I absolutely love the Zara burgundy edit, and there's a couple of decent Zara's near me, so I might be popping in there!

Thank you @TheOGCCL you're definitely right about stripping it back and focusing on an overall cohesive element!

Hair I think I can manage - make up is a whole different ball game 🤣