What to wear for smart dinner?

[Mustneatenedges]

Hi. I’m going to London next weekend for my birthday and as pathetic as it sounds, I don’t know what to wear for dinner. I literally spend my time in jeans and trainers and have nothing suitable 😩 I’d like to look cool, not overdressed, can anyone please give me some ideas?! I’m a size 14, 5’4, and prefer trousers and jackets/tops to dresses. Nothing floaty! Hate being overdressed. I like black, navy, grey, and prefer boots/chunky shoes to ‘delicate’, although ballet flats are okay.

please help me!!

Where are you going in london? Different restaurants have very different dress codes

Ahh yes, you’re right. It’s J Sheekey. Not ultra formal at all, but still I’d like to look nice and effortlessly chic!

I’d take inspiration from shops like Me and Em. Wide legged trousers and a silk top?

Are you looking to buy something new (budget?) or just get ideas.

Happy to buy something new. Budget up to £200, if it’s something I can wear again. Trousers and a jacket is probably my ideal but wide trousers have taken over the world and they don’t really suit me

Would you wear this skirt? You could wear it with a silk shirt or fine polo neck and jewellery

https://www.zara.com/gb/en/leather-effect-midi-skirt-p02141683.html?v1=517261857&utm_campaign=productShare&utm_medium=mobile_sharing_iOS&utm_source=red_social_movil

Thanks so much for the suggestion BuckwheatBlini. Tbh, i probably wouldn’t, it’s a bit brave for me 😂 But it's helpful getting ideas. I’m pretty limited when it comes to clothes and what looks good.

What trousers or jeans do you currently own? Do you have any smartish ones? Or what styles do you think suit you/would you wear?

You dont have to dress up for J Sheekey’s but I can understand why you’d want to.
What about smart dark jeans,small boot, sharp blazer and statement earrings?

Edited to add ..maybe a ruffle front blouse (cream /white) underneath a black or navy blazer? Earrings could add colour.

Have a look at Cos for ideas about trousers and tops

Women's Trousers | COS GB

I'd say this, too.

If you want to push the sartorial boat out a bit, you could sneak a glittery t-shirt under the jacket.

Sharp blazer could be substituted by a new leather jacket, if you'd prefer? Mango does nice ones; this is £120 and they have other styles for about £150.

shop.mango.com/gb/en/p/women/jackets/leather/leather-biker-jacket_27081278

Velvet jeans-like trousers, reduced to £21. I've got these, they're comfy and a nice fabric.
https://www.next.co.uk/style/su666949/an7377

What about a pair of dark slim flared jeans? You could wear them with heeled ankle boots or even nice trainers.

Where do you usually shop?

This is nice.

This is nice too.

Would you wear a barrel leg? I'm also 5'4, size 12, short legs,, and barrel legs work much better than wide legs on me. I have a pair from mango (were in sale but they have similar still), and have honestly had the most compliments I've ever had for jeans!

We had amazing roast cod with chorizo and beans on our last visit, suddenly the soups I am currently eating is less exciting 🤣. I digress!

Most people were smart casual but anything went. I wore black wide leg jeans, a silk blouse and pointed toe boots with a woollen coat and
chunky gold earrings from Oliver bonas.

Thanks so much everyone. Really helpful to get a sense check on what ‘goes’ and actual suggestions too. I really like the dark jeans idea and the velvet trousers but I’m short waisted and have a large tummy so I’m quite self conscious about tucking anything in, even though I know it’s supposed to be more flattering! Everything in the shops at the moment seems to drown me or is cropped, which doesn’t suit me!

Would a top like this work for you? It's long enough to cover your waist, but not so long that it dangles.
https://www.next.co.uk/style/su052420/127427