What do overweight 40+ women wear on a night out?

[BetsyBobbin]

I've been invited to a gig by some much younger work colleagues. We get on pretty well, I like them and they like me, age has never come into the conversation. They invited me to a gig (it wasn't out of politeness, I swear) and I really want to go.

However: I don't want to go looking like mutton dressed as lamb, neither with a twin set and a pearl necklace. Obviously being a size 18 Apple shape doesn't really help with choices, so what do I do? I'm looking at some COS stuff but I doubt they would look nice on a size 18. Please help!

What kind of gig is it?

For a gig, black jeans, cool trainers or boots, and a shirt or t-shirt with something special about it, of a length and shape that works for you. For me that is flared or straight jeans, and a loose silk shirt.

That could work but I'm a bit clueless regarding tops. Some look like my usual office wear and some others aren't suitable for my shape :/

Who are you going to see?

I usually wear jeans and a plain shirt or stripe top and my leather jacket but then I've always pretty much worn the same my whole life!

I'm same age/size. I've been shopping recently on the Evans website and got some really nice things - some dressy party wear stuff and some dressy/casual stuff for friend nights out.

For those asking what kind of gig is a jazz / hip hop kind of thing (and I really like the band). It's not some massive stadium gig, more like a club thing

I asked to determine footwear! If I'm sitting, I wear trainers and standing I'll put my mini ankle docs on as they are a bit more sturdy if someone treads on my toes!

Also sitting I'd wear a long sleeve top and short sleeve if standing as its more crowded.

It's a minefield! I never put this much thought into it when I first started going!

Boots like docs or chunky chelsea, comfy but tightish jeans, oversized band t shirt, probably Iron Maiden, jazz it up with some jewellery and maybe a jacket like a denim or a military style M65 type deal.
Something like that.

Big loose denim shirt, black stretch jeans or jeggings and DM type boots or black high tops. Statement earrings and bangle

@YellowphantGrey wise thoughts! You don't want to be sweating in a long sleeve top if it's a crowded place, neither someone stepping on my toes you're standing. Minefield indeed.

I thought black jeans, black boots, leather jacket. It's the god damn top that it's the problem 😬

If you can find some sort of v-neck t-shirt - I find that’s the only shape that works on me as an overweight 40+ apple shape!
But also impossible to find!!!! M&S?

Band shirt is a no no from me, sorry

Vest top?

Next do some some nice neutral colour baggy ones that work with jeans and jackets

@AmusedBouched true, V neck pulls the attention away from your belly to your cleavage. It helps if you wear a good necklace too

@YellowphantGrey vest top would be nice if I didn't have these massive fat arms!

(No doubt someone will pop along in a minute calling me a fat b!tch and telling me to lose weight 😅)

I keep recommending these for everything but they are flattering. Lots of colours too www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0939703106.html

Those are great, thanks!

Slim fitting t-shirt then?

I love this one for nights out

uk.saintandsofia.com/products/reveal-cotton-tee-black?variant=39661168361575&country=GB&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACmVln2yqFrPu39-Er4YkW-nPMfpe&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj4K5BhDYARIsAD1Ly2rKE9JQPl-hPD2ZWCLpoXq0qf2SdmZ3LunWliPu3N3nmeWpUj9M1fAaAr6rEALw_wcB

I should like to think that anyone speaking to you like that would get marching orders from the thread!

Size 20 apple shape here and I would go for a pair of black slim jeans/trousers and a boxy sequin t shirt. I’m not very fashionable though!

How about something like this with black tights and chunky ankle boots?
https://www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/p/wg480?optionSize=24&promo=6202&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_UHHcrGEPrp5aRgu3hzRFOvpol0&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj4K5BhDYARIsAD1Ly2pqK_9IWkUfJK9qZpkAArUNllhFmVSYXKNVQwZ9pYcPBG0cqO-CsucaAncnEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Oh be quiet! Don't talk about yourself like that!

I remember feeling really self conscious in a maxi dress with thin straps and once again, my wonderful gran looked at me when I mentioned my bingo wings, looked me up and down and said, "seriously? How special do you think you are that people are going to spend that long looking at you"

Bloody harsh but I always remember it when I think I shouldn't wear this or that!

I really like the silk shirt look but it doesn't work on me, I just look boring in it, not classy.
Do you know what colours suit you? Always helps me feel good when I am wearing something in a really flattering colour.
I would wear something like a navy / black T shirt with frilly sleeves from Mint Velvet, along with jeans /boots.

I would be a bit wary of the leather jacket - might be too hot so you're likely to take it off pretty soon?

A friend of mine is size 18 and apple shaped.

She has some really nice black flared/wide leg trousers with a fine silver glitter going through them which she then dresses up with a top, can’t recall which one she teamed with it and don’t know where she got the trousers from.

This top is pretty.

www.next.co.uk/style/su216672/b47930#b47930 www.next.co.uk/style/su216672/b47930#b47930]]]]

I’m a bit smaller and to a gig I’d probably wear an All Saints big cat t shirt with black jeans.

I’ve got this one but with long sleeves and wore it with black jeans to a UB40 tribute night in a pub.