I’ve just booked a city break in late September with a new partner. we’ve been seeing each other since January, but it’s the first relationship I’ve had after divorce, and the first new relationship for 20 years!! It’s been going very well but a holiday together feels like a big landmark and I’d like to look nice (and more importantly, feel good).
I’m 45, size 12, pear shaped, long back and short legs. I’m looking for one or two dresses that I feel great in, and one or two lovely tops that would work with wide leg trousers. Budget is flexible but ideally under £200 total. My usual shops are Cos, Uniqlo, Sweaty Betty
Boat neck and v neck shapes suit me, and green and blues are by far my most flattering colours. I usually wear navy as a neutral (though oddly after a lifetime of avoiding black as it drains me, I’ve recently started wearing it - would definitely consider a black dress or tops for evening). I like fabrics that feel good - soft or silky, fluffy wools, nice textures. Dresses need to drape or have some structure - nothing that clings, no lightweight jersey. It all needs to be fairly casual - footwear will be trainers or leather sandals.
its a city break in Europe and temperatures could be anything from 15-25 so nothing too lightweight. There will be lots of walking but also nice meals out. Also lots of time in the hotel room but I’m not worried about that bit - it’s dressing for outside where I need help!
I want to look relaxed but stylish, casually well dressed but not too middle aged. And not too glamorous as has to be consistent with my personality and normal life (dog walking, gardening, trousers and Birkenstocks rather than satin maxis and heels). Thinking Jo Whiley or Zoe Ball!
(also, I’d prefer to buy new I think - I do use Vinted but have had more failures than successes. I’d love specific item recommendations rather than categories (‘silk shirt’) if possible. Even better if it’s something you’ve tried - eg a dress that you’ve bought that you feel fabulous in. I’ve got a hankering for a lovely knit dress in soft wool but it needs to be very flattering on the tummy area!
sorry it’s a very broad question but would love some help!!