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 find any night out quite hard to dress for at the mo (early 40s,.size 12).

I think generally, wide-leg bottoms feel more modern to me (than my old skinnies/biker jacket combo), with a slightly cropped jacket. I like wide-leg slightly cropped jeans, or pleated wide-leg trousers with an elasticated waist (😍). I also like a bomber jacket but it's hard to find plainish ones - they're often weirdly shiny, or very embroidered. Shoes-wise, I like suede converse hi-tops or New Balance type trainers. I also have chunkyish flat black boots, which I like with dresses.

Similar size and shape I would wear a black midi skirt, trainers or boots, leather jacket and a top or jeans/black trousers (high waist slim fit), top and (usually black) blazer also with trainers or boots.

Usually v neck, scoop neck, square neck tops as I find them most flattering.

www.hellbunny.com/collections/default-category-plus-size-dresses

What about hell bunny. I wear these kind of dresses to gigs.

I think a black trapeze style dress is a safe but stylish bet. The Oliver Bonus one was nice, but I prefer this HM one:

www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1255144002.html

My best friend who’s an apple shape and size 18, 5ft2, almost always wears wide leg trousers out and someone said on another thread that wide legged trousers were good on this body shape and size so that’s what I’d do.

That's really nice - very All Saints. I'd been going to suggest a dress of some kind with funky/chunky boots, rather than the standard jeans & top option - & this dress is a really good one.

Sorry, that was about this Religion dress on the Simply Be website that someone posted!

@Clarabell77 you are right, I didn't buy them

You're right, the skinny/jacket combo is outdated but the problem is that it is the safest and easiest option, isn't it? It's just so easy to put it together, more than any other outfit tbh. I'm trying to get away from it, thanks for the ideas

Those dresses are so pretty and they are great because they draw the focus away from the belly to all the right places

That's gorgeous! It's gone on the list, thank you 🙏

I think Hell Bunny can veer a bit into fancy dress territory if you’re not careful though.

Nice dress and that’s how I’d style it too. If colder you could add opaque tights so it’s not cold if you see what I mean.

Joe brown often have nice tops wit a sort of pinky feel. Bought one a while ago that had zips and a flattering boat neckline. It’s lightweight and is perfect with jeans and funky boots. Have fun. I love live music.

Got some pvc leggings, amazing dark red pvc shirt, casual shirt/tops. I went to a daytime toddler rave and in a full length purple dress with a dark sky type patten. Then had all the toddlers dancing around my dress. Thinks that makes me a cool mum.

Whatever the hell they like? Seems a good place to start.