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!

I wear the Saint and Sofia t shirts almost exclusively - and I'm a size 18 apple too, and I've been to maybe fifteen gigs and two festivals this year? Definitely suitable with a pair of jeans, boots and a leather jacket.

For a night out , I like a striped or plain (maybe bright colour) shirt worn open with a black -or same colour as shirt - vest top under ( not spaghetti strap) and slim black jeans . Flat ankle boots, maybe a little chunky .
Understated, but quite cool ( given my age) I think.. silver or statement jewellery , and earrings.. small crossbody bag ..
I'm in my 60s - inverted triangle shape but apple and busty but slim legs...it seems to work ok and is comfortable ( always a first consideration for me ) . No one's laughed in my face yet anyway

At HM! Will reply to everyone individually later but found those lightly sparkly jumpers and this sparkling black top

The grey long sleeved one is nice , the pic isn't making justice to it.

I'd wear jeans (I'm still in skinny,tried wide and looked like I was playing dress up), a tshirt or vest as it will be hot in a club and trainers. Add a small cross body bag and a cardigan because it will be cold when you leave and you can tie it to your bag whilst in the club.

That's what I wore last time I went out to a club. I couldn't go clubbing in boots because I wouldn't be able to dance.

Although in my youth what I wore I was much more adventurous, not sure at almost 50 l could pull off the cyber/crasher kid look anymore.

The only thing I would say is that the mid grey of those tops flatters almost no one...

Scruffy adidas trainer, fake leather trousers, vest denim jacket and big silver earrings, kohl eyeliner

I think most tend to stick to the skinny jeans and sparkly top combo but it is an outdated look

If I was going to a jazz gig I would wear a nice dress. I look awful in the jeans shirt combo. Wear what suits you and have a great evening.

Trying to look too urban at a gig can backfire

Wouldn't you be a bit hot in those tops? And do you have big boobs? The necklines don't look too flattering for booby folk.

Agree with this. Lower neckline needed, better colour and shorter sleeves!

At gigs in small venues, people tend to go for jeans/leather leggings/cargo pants, with converse or chunky boots with vest or t shirt tops. Tops from cropped and tight, to loose dependent on preference, with denim or leather jacket. Basically dressed down, minimal effort. Think 90s student bar! All your effort should go into your hair and make up rather than clothes or you will feel over dressed. However that's where I go. You'd get a better idea by looking on line for photos of the band and see what their audience had on. And ask your friends what they're wearing.

How about the jeans etc you already mentioned OP and a silver top?

Like this

I go to loads of gigs and usually wear clothes that are light and comfortable to dance in. I find jeans tremendously heavy and uncomfortable so something like a black cotton/linen wide leg trouser, black t-shirt or top, and a soft jacket or shirt (I suspect I may have sensory issues!). I usually wear my Docs loafers because they're comfortable and I can stand in them for 4 hours without weeping, and a small, secure, cross body bag. A gig is the last place you need to be worried about you wear - everyone is looking at the band and nobody is looking at you.

I'm a size 14/16 (usually 16 in tops/dresses) apple, in my 60s. Roman has some good tops for apple-shaped women, e.g.:

https://www.roman.co.uk/embellished-sequin-stretch-blouse-10116480
https://www.roman.co.uk/diamond-foil-pintuck-shirt-19352833
https://www.roman.co.uk/longline-bow-button-top-20182495

They're some of the most flattering tops I've ever had.

I'm a similar age / size to you op.
I'd probably go for a dress with boots or trainers....

Something like this with big gold earrings...

scampanddude.com/collections/dresses/products/black-textured-zip-detail-tiered-midi-dress

Im similar to you and went to a gig this week, wore black denim midi skirt, leopard belt, black v neck t-shirt and DMs. Felt pretty good in it.

Also depending on your colouring I'd be careful with grey - I'm your typical mousy brown hair and it really washes me out.

I have this in both colours (bought full price 😬) and the way it hangs off the boobs means it isn’t clingy on the belly https://www.asos.com/prd/204781634?acquisitionsource=pasteboard
I also have this which is flattering as the lace part flares out a bit at the hem
https://www.riverisland.com/p/black-lace-frill-sleeve-blouse-912834
I get really hot in bars/clubs etc so collect tops that I can stay cooler in, both of these do a good job

This, black jeans, black vest top, DMs or normal boots

Do you know if there is a cloak room? If not and you're standing, you'll want a jacket you can tie around your waste if it's warm.

I'm a 12/14 women in her 40s and go to plenty of gigs; skinny jeans, boots or converse, and layers in case you get too hot. T-shirt and a check shirt, or a lightweight leather biker, something like that. A really small cross body bag that fits your phone and keys, and that's it.

Plenty of eyeliner 😁 Although that might depend, what's the gig?

Black skinny jeans and a loose shirt, trainers. Earrings and a necklace if you like jewellery.

The Yours animal print one above is nice.

I am early 40’s and an apple size 20. I love shirts and they can be dressed up or worn casual.

Skinny coated leggings / jeans would work too but might be too warm.