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Ideas for work evening event outfit

1 reply

myladyjane · 22/01/2026 08:22

Sigh. Occasionally I need to go to slightly smarter evening events with work. But when I say occasionally I mean like once or twice a year. And not black tie, just evening smart if that makes sense.

I have lost weight so my previous (very dull but comfy and unobtrusive) outfit doesn’t fit so has gone on vinted.

am early 50s, short, pear/hourglass with a tummy. Size 12/14. Can’t wear heels. Don’t suit dark colours at all really and definitely not black. Bright navy, teal and purple can be ok but I am much better with blues/greens/pinks.

before I had a kind of wide leg trouser/blouse thing going on but all black. Possibly something similar again but in a better colour, maybe a bit tonal. That was easy to style with flats whereas I always think with my height and body shape, dresses can make me look a bit stumpy with flats (I have thick ankles).

budget wise it’s such a rare event that I really would prefer to keep to M&S type high street prices.

basically I want a ‘little black dress’ type plain outfit that I have on hand and can accessorize to make it different enough.

OP posts:
DueHope9470 · 22/01/2026 13:58

I’d skip dresses and go for the equivalent in separates: full-length fluid wide-leg trousers (navy/teal/petrol) with a drapey satin or crepe blouse in a lighter blue/green/pink. Works better with flats, skims a tummy, and doesn’t date. Add pointed or metallic flats and one statement accessory and you’re done.

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