A wardrobe full of clothes and nothing to wear for a dinner date

[HelloCanYouHearMe]

DP is taking me out for dinner for my birthday to a posh restaurant (I’m not talking the Ritz, but it’s posh for my second largest city in the west midlands if this gives you an idea) and I need some help finding a dress….

I’ll be 45. I'm 5’9, size 12 to 14, pear shaped, cool summer tone with a grey pixie cut and I’ve really lost my way with fashion over the last few years. When I was younger I never had an issue finding a nice outfit but i'm really struggling, I just want to go out wearing a nice dress (or skirt and top), a pair of heels and feel feminine

I was thinking something slinky, but given I'm going for dinner, clingy might not be forgiving! Can anyone help with suggestions at all please?.

Max budget is £150

‘Feminine’ here:

Hill House Home

Slinky here: (Should be sorted by ascending price.)

Realisation Par

If it’s Adam’s, you may feel over dressed in a dress or you may just want to rock the ‘fabulously over-dressed’ look. (Also - try the Tanat dessert wine)

Ive not been to Simpson for a while, but never felt over dressed there.

Try a reverse Google photo search on any dresses out of budget as that can help find similar dresses more reasonably priced.

Hope you have a lovely meal.

Do you like this dress? Georgette Ruffle Jersey Dress | Blue – Jigsaw

Try Eleven Loves, Saint&Sofia, Scamp&Dude
Lots of nice dresses/tops/jumpsuits.
Some classic styles that can be dressed up (or down) and worn lots.

I’ve recently discovered “ Girl in Mind”. Some lovely dresses & a very efficient returns/refunds service.

Ok don’t laugh me put of town but Harvey Nicks have a sale on atm with extra 10% off. Just bought a dress for £71 priced down from over £200 in sz 12. Worth a look

Apologies extra 10% no longer on the website but still some good pieces at decent prices

Why would anyone laugh, @VickyT85? There was a time when half my wardrobe was sourced from HN’s £50 and under sale rails. They honestly were my happy place! If their online offering is anything like as good it’s a sensible suggestion.

Me too! I had some great stuff from there that I bought on sale! Mostly in the 2000s.

Exactly then! I was a size 8 in those days, so there were always rich pickings to be had.

There are are some lovely pieces on their site - will have a proper look later on once the kids are in bed!

I did come across a lovely French Connection dress FC dress, which i've ordered (and a bargain too!) But dont want to be hedging my bets on just the one, so the search continues!

Please do keep the suggestions coming!

Way below your budget but what about something like this? Slinky but with a bit of draping over the tummy so you have a bit of room for dinner.

ASOS DESIGN linen look twist shoulder drape midi dress in khaki | ASOS share.google/BfJQpo3zN9hKT7MOy

I bought a lovely dress in the sale from JOE BROWN - I had lots of positive compliments and i felt good in it too.

I noticed in the stores, that they have SALES and have a few autumn stuff in already, (SADLY as its only August) but still a good opportunity for a bargain, Next have some nice stuff. I prefer smart/casual - Enjoy your evening out.

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/ganni/dresses/maxi-dresses/ruched-floral-print-satin-midi-dress/46376663162842122

A long skirt, heeled boots and a decent shameful long sleeved top is my go to for dates.
I wear patterned tights under the skirt to give me something to feel extra special.

If it’s Adam’s, you may feel over dressed in a dress or you may just want to rock the ‘fabulously over-dressed’ look. (Also - try the Tanat dessert wine)
Ive not been to Simpson for a while, but never felt over dressed there.
I am assuming Opheem as the only two Michelin starred restaurant in B'rum and really anything goes...
Never Fully Dressed have a good selection to dress up or down.
https://www.harveynichols.com/never-fully-dressed/elodie-printed-chiffon-maxi-dress-39055-pink-pink-222782

Are you sure you don’t already own something suitable to wear?

Where do you normally shop? These threads are always a shot in the dark with someone recommending something flouncy and someone super minimal.

i would be looking for an excuse to wear something from Massimo Dutti although i need a bra which sadly rules out some of them. They’re very chic.

www.massimodutti.com/gb/women/dresses-n1494

Not sure about what colours you might suit but what about something like this?

I am a Cos fan

www.cos.com/en-gb/women/womenswear/dresses/mididresses/product/twist-detail-midi-dress-black-1259472004

Some of these are lovely...

To answer your question, i usually shop at Hush, Mint Velvet, Phase Eight, John Lewis, RI, Next...

Exactly, why would anyone laugh?

Just not skinny jeans, blazer and heels, whatever you do

Is it Opheem? I’ve been twice and both times were in winter, so I wore a long sleeved mini dress with black tights and black heeled boots. It was very mixed - I remember one woman looking gorgeous in a green satin dress - but another woman was in jeans and a nice top iirc.

For summer I’d do a midi dress in a plain colour with either heeled sandals or pointed or ballet flats.

It’s brilliant btw.