Theatre and cocktails attire for a dumpy middle-aged dog-walker type.

[EndofDaze]

I’m going to London for my best friend’s big birthday in January. It’s going to involve theatre and cocktails. I’ve no idea what to wear. I’m 55 years old and put on loads of weight in the last year so im now size 14/16 and 5’5 tall. Large boobs. Actually quite dumpy really. I like natural fibres and jewel colours. Don’t want to break the bank but don’t want to let my glamorous friend down either. Any ideas???

What are the nicest clothes you currently own? (That fit you?)

I’ve got a couple of cord shirt dress from Fatface that I wear to school. But not any going out clothes.

I am not saying don't dress up, but I can tell you as a Londoner who goes to the theatre very frequently, most people will be in jeans and puffers. A substantial number will even be in leggings. London is very dressed down. So no need to worry too much that you are letting your friend down, though you can of course make an effort.

How about looking at Cos? And what's your budget?

Do you know where you are going for cocktails? As that may dictate the dress code more than the theatre.

Also after the last thread about London being casual, I felt guilty and made an effort going to the theatre. It was nice dressing up but it was also December and cold and I really wished I'd had warm trousers on instead of a nice dress.

The most common outfit I saw that day was needlecord trousers - smart but also warm.

I wore cord trousers with a black jumper and some statement jewellery the last couple of times I went to the theatre.

Honestly, wear exactly what you’re comfortable in and what makes you personally feel good.

Coming from the younger generation it is now the done thing to be comfortable and happy in what you’re wearing and not to dress for what other people deem as sexy/smart/fashionable.

Do you and have a great time.

I suspect you want something a bit more exciting than cords and a puffer jacket, @EndofDaze!

(@DaisyChain505 you may not have noticed this is the Style & Beauty board - where people come in order to discuss new ways of looking their best. Adults don’t need to be told by the younger generation that they’re allowed to be comfortable in their clothes.)

It’s a shame you don’t think you own anything to base a cocktail sipping outfit on, @EndofDaze, (no velvet jacket; no silk shirt?) but I agree there’s no need to overdress. Something like this photo from Plümo - heavy linen dress, velvet Mary Jane shoes, carefully chosen accessories, would be understated but not everyday. Coat rather than jumper, perhaps! (You may need to tap the photo for the full picture.)

That dress is sold out but for strong colours and flattering, grown up shapes (and current or imminent sales) I’d look at:

Gather and See
Klements
Justine Tabak
Plümo
Rejina Pyo

Photo!

I didn't ask her to wear cords and a puffer, if you read my post. Just saying no need to be worried about letting anyone down.

That Plumo dress is nice and anything similar would be fine.

www.popsyclothing.co.uk/products/russo-poppy-border-print-culotte-leg-jumpsuit-2

I think if you only have one nice attire, it is nice to be something quite flexible and that is not fashion bound. Boden have loads of dresses on sale, and is easy to get an return if doesn't work. How about:

https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/jocelyn-velvet-tea-dress-pine/sty-d1089-grn?cat=C2_S2_G4

or

https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/ellen-ottoman-dress-pine/sty-d1068-lgr?cat=C2_S2_G4

Something fairly plain like a black jumpsuit with a lovely jewel coloured jacket could be nice, comfy and versatile

https://www.johnlewis.com/mango-combi-velvet-blazer/bright-pink/p112729247

www.hush-uk.com/marie-pleat-jumpsuit-black/012300-0456.html

The Boden tea dress and the Mango jacket would be fine for someone who likes polyester - but the OP has specified a preference for natural fabrics.

She hasn’t given a budget, though - so all our suggestions may be far too cheap!

Wiggy Kit

and

Wyse London

might also be worth a look.

Thanks for the replies so far. Budget up to £200. I’ve got some long suede boots with a small heel which I could wear(I think) but I don’t have velvet or silk anything. I also have satin bias cut midi skirt which could be ok but I consider it a bit mundane. I think I’d prefer plain or block colours as i think they would prove more useful. Like the idea of a velvet jacket.

I can't link now but Monsoon keeps showing me very versatile cotton velvet dresses under £150. Which would go well with boots.

@GodRestYouMerryGentlewench

My point was aimed at the fact the OP had said they don’t want to break the bank or let glamorous friends down and I was trying to say that there’s no need to spend unnecessary money just to impress “glamorous” friends with a new outfit and it’s liberating (and cheaper) to pick something you already own and that you know you’ll be comfortable all day In London.

The velvet jacket is lovely. You would also find plenty of vintage ones in charity shops and so on I would think, if you wanted to save a bit?

The velvet Boden tea dress is also absolutely lovely, and perfect for what you want I would think. Maybe dressed up with a nice cost me jewellery brooch that suits your tastes?

Having been to the theatre a few times recently in London, I do agree with previous posters that the dress code will vary wildly, from people in jeans and t-shirts, to people in something akin to ball gowns....

So wear what you feel good, and what you think will show your friend how much you love her.

(I use theatre visits as an excuse to wear my dressier stuff. My daughter, my usual companion, sees it as yet another in the endless parade of opportunities to wear jeans and a hoody. We must look a very odd pair! But, nobody cares and I love that).

https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/star-rock-brushed-cotton-fitted-blazer

a cotton blazer!

Will it be daytime or evening?

For day, I’d go for a jumper dress and boots with a coat or jacket appropriate to the weather.

For evening, I’d go for maybe a sequin skirt with a plain top and boots or a dress.

That checked thing looks like a duvet cover imvho.

If you like Fatface, they usually have a couple of slightly dressier things at this time of year.

I go to the theatre quite a lot and there’s always a real mix of outfits, from jeans and trainers to full length sequin dresses!

Ok so you have suede boots and a sarin skirt , they could work with a silk or silky or velvet shirt .
, or a looser style jumper , metallic would be nice and a bit dressier
a velvet jacket would be warm and dressy , not too fitted .
not breaking the bank for anything that may only get minimal wear after your event

It would definitely be sensible for the OP to get something that can be incorporated into her wardrobe and worn again and again. Much more satisfying too.

Fat Face

Another Fat Face Might work with tights and boots?

Phase Eight jumper dress