Help needed for an inveterate scruff who needs to look presentable for cocktails and a meal out with dh's new boss.

[LongTermLurker]

I'm 50, size 10-12, 5'6". Usually wear kinda frumpy cords and woolly jumpers. Was thinking of the same sort of garments but fancier....like a fancy jumper and, erm...nice cords? Also always wear sensible wide toe shoes like hobibear, and I'm unwilling to wear any heels. So maybe some nice looking comfy shoes?

Would prefer to get stuff on vinted if possible.

Pleeeaaase help 🥺

When is this event happening? Is it a big bash or just a few people?

The weekend after next, just four of us

Linen (ironed) rather then cords?

a shirt or fitted t shirt rather than a jumper which sounds warm for cocktails and dinner

DMs ?

I don't actually own an iron 😳 so don't dare get linen as it would be a single use purchase. I'm also quite a chilly person, so defo need a jumper. Had to get rid of my DMs cos they weren't comfy enough. I'm sorry. I really am sorry.

I've been looking at sezane jumpers and "ponte" trousers, on chatgpt's advice. They might work??

Black wide leg trousers, black fitted jacket.

Flat patent shoes

Well thats my 'going out' outfit anyway as I dont do formality

Zara has this top which I like, and trousers to match

These shoes look dressy and comfy

Velvet trousers are always comfy. You could pair them with a fine knit top?

I like the idea of velvet trousers, although I've spotted a velvet jacket on vinted, so my velvets might clash?

How about this sezane top:

https://www.sezane.com/en-en/product/samuel-jumper/dark-taupe#size-XXS

Not in xxs obviously

A more dressy top with cords and whatever footwear. A good simple white blouse. If you can dress it up with a casual blazer?

Horrible colour. Were you thinking of wearing something under it? Tbh, I think it looks odd worn with nothing underneath.

Do you really have nothing that you'd wear to go to the pub or a restaurant?

Re shoes-what do you wear on your feet on a normal day? Do you have any flat boots?

Palava has fantastic knitwear.

https://palava.co/collections/womens-knitwear

https://palava.co/collections/re-release-trousers-and-shirts

Yes really. I don't really enjoy going out to smart places, so usually cords or jeans, a t-shirt and a jumper is fine. I do have wedding-type clothes, but that's obviously a bit too fancy.

I wear hobibear shoes, or trainers. I do have a pair of red ankle boots with a bit of a heel, and wouldn't mind wearing them.

I thought the sezane top looked quite nice with nothing underneath... Sort of soft and cosy but also a bit french.

You could wear this over a white shirt, buttoned up to the top and black trousers? With loafers? I don’t think that would be too huge a departure from what you’re already comfortable with.

Ps you might like Cos.

Was just browsing the palava knitwear. Live the heritage cardigans! But I but out of my budget, and possibly too daytime?

What about new black jeans, white fitted T-shirt and your velvet jacket.

Get yourself to M&S. Wide leg black trousers, boots from the sale and a silky shirt with a structured cardi/jacket thing on top. Lots of choice in there at the moment.

If you have red boots and decent jeans you are nearly there . Just a decent top and some jewellery.

How about a striped top with the red boots, jeans and a jacket ?

Would this shade of red match the boots? https://www.marksandspencer.com/3-pack-pure-cotton-slash-neck-slim-fit-tops/p/clp60777073?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

I’ve got a set of these, i sized up. I’ve washed a couple of times ok so far and I’ve ironed them but were ok not ironed.

more casual than I would wear for drinks myself but we are all different.

The Sezane top is lovely but Im not sure the price is justified.

If you’re looking on Vinted, try searching for White Stuff velvet trousers. They are smart but very comfortable, you could wear them with your red ankle boots too as they’re ankle grazer length.

I agree. I think OP needs to make it as easy as possible for herself.