Style advise for 30-something going to the theatre

[sleepfortheweek]

Help, I have no fashion sense whatsoever.

I’m Going to the theatre on Saturday night with a friend, possibly going out for drinks afterwards. Looking for something comfy but stylish and suitable for a night at the theatre but also the pub.

I’m 5’2, a curvy UK12 with a bit of mum tum.

please throw some suggestions my way. I’ll have time to go shopping in the afternoon so can try things on but if I have a few ideas in mind that will make it much easier.

🤞

What have you got already? Could you do jeans and nice top? I don't get particularly get dressed up, but it's a good opportunity to make a bit of an effort.
You could do midi skirt, new jumper, boots - M&S have good things this season.

I like Checked Collared Car Coat | M&S | M&S

I’ve not got many ‘nice tops’, one that I wear all the time 🙈. I’ve got skinny jeans, flared jeans and mom jeans. I’ve also got a denim pinafore and long denim skirt

So this might be an opportunity to buy something that isn’t denim?

What is your budget?

And, if you only want to shop in person, which shops do you have that you could get to?

The denim skirt might be an idea, if ironed, with maybe a velvet bomber jacket. Or a little Fair Isle or mohair sweater. What footwear do you wear it with?

Depends where you're going to the theatre but threads I have read previously suggest that people wear everything and in between mostly based on what their companions want to wear or their internal compass. So meditate on those. Maybe text your friend and ask what s/he is wearing? Is this a 'date'?

I'm old fashioned and frequently overdressed (because I enjoy it) so I'd wear something sparkly but something practical too. So a plain dress with a sequinned scarf or a crinkly, glittery top with plain dark trousers.

My bit of advice would be: there might be lots of stairs/narrow shuffling along steep seating at the theatre, so make sure you're happy in your footwear !

Last time i went i dressed smartly but decided to wear some nice high heeled boots and nearly came a cropper twice! Once squeezing past a bloke who didn't pull his legs in to get to my seat (i nearly fell on him) and once on the stairs coming out having been sitting down for ages 🤪

I think it’s an anything goes event these days, so agree with a pp that it’s much better to be guided by your own style/how you want to feel, and the company you’ll be with.

If I am going out with a glamorous group of friends, I fit my look to feel like I’m part of the same group/function.

If I’m with more practical minded friends, I’ll wear what I’d wear as an everyday outfit that’s my style.

I don’t have a budget in mind. Happy to buy a top/dress/trousers/skirt as well as cardigan/jacket and new shoes/boots. Not designer, but I’m happy to part with money for a nice new outfit.

also happy to shop anywhere really!

It’s in Glasgow, and I think it’s to be quite cold this weekend.

friend also doesn’t know what’s she’s wearing, she’ll not be dressed to the nines but always looks great in whatever she wears

I’d go with layers as some theatres are boiling some freezing. So smart tee shirt and jacket or cardigan, perhaps cardigan and a light coat over for getting to and from the theatre/bar, bulky coats are a pain in theatres. I also agree re comfy non-trippy footwear, you can be shuffling up steps in half dark in a crowd and having people squeeze past you / kick your feet to get to their seats. So maybe midi skirt and belt, smart tee shirt or fitted top, cardigan, boots.

You've described yourself as I’m 5’2, a curvy UK12 with a bit of mum tum..
What do you mean by curvy? Do you mean you have curves or do you mean you are carrying a bit of extra weight on the hip and bust?

(Trying to gauge if you are a petite hourglass or an apple body shape. )

Theatre - jeans, boots, layers on top, some theatres are warm others chilly. No need to get dressed up

No need to get dressed up But a good excuse to do so if you want to. It's nice to get dressed up sometimes and it sounds like a good night out.

@sleepfortheweek Leather midi skirt, toning suede knee-high boots and fitted jumper or top. (If your budget doesn't stretch to real leather, there's plenty of good "pleather" skirts around these days for a fraction of the price of the real thing - try Monsoon.)

Your flared jeans, a satin shirt, a knitted tank top. Silver chains.

I’m a similar size to you and have had a few theatre trips in the last couple of weeks where I’ve worn:

• Black long lace skirt with belted blazer and boots
• leopard print shift dress, thick black tights and knee high heeled boots
• black skort, thin brown tights, chunky brown flat boots, cream bodysuit and brown suede jacket

I’ve got a big chest and wide hips, but a defined waist although carrying a bit of extra weight on my tummy. Most size 12 clothes fit me.

Then you're an hourglass.
Pages like The 25 Wardrobe Essentials for Hourglass Shape - Fashion for Your Body Type (I think they style ordinary people not just principals )
can give you an idea of what might suit you.

Choose from the clothes you have, no need to dress up. Just be there in good time. Even when I go to theatres in 'posh' areas, I never dress up.

Get dressed up! It'll make the evening more special. Don't wear jeans.
Do you like skirts and dresses or would you prefer trousers?

Yes to the dressing up. I'm going to the theatre tonight, and meeting for an early dinner beforehand.

Because I'll be wearing Levi 501's, everything else will be more dressy. Jeans will be turned up and belted. Cream polka-dot vintage blouse with collar, brown crocodile faux leather jacket, shoes possibly brown, heeled DMs or if my tendonitis is playing up flat black lace-up DMs.

A large light scarf in my bag for the walk between the station and the theatre.

I went to the theatre 2 weeks ago and wore black velvet trousers, a dark green velvet blouse, both from M&S, black chunky ankle boots from Moda in Pelle. Plus a coat. I like to get dressed up though. Most of the audience were dressed to a similar standard.

Velvet wrap dress? Something like this:
www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-julia-velvet-dress-black/p112420516