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 🥺

I think it looks "a bit French" in the way Sezanne's marketing department has cleverly made British women think things looks "a bit French"

Cards on table, Sezanne irritates the hell out of me. That jumper is also 28% polyamide.

I agree with the poster who suggested M and S as the easiest solution.

Agreed. Sezane clothes are boring snd rely heavily on their styling and photography.

I also think you going down the black trousers route could look too stiff/uncomfortable and workish.

I think you should take your weddingy stuff and casualify it. What wedding outfits have you got?

casualify

I'm not sure that is a word, but if it isn't, it should be.

Weird fish have really great sales. They are very casual and extremely well made. I have about half a dozen of their dresses and they are virtually indestructible. Some of the colours/ patterns are a bit mey but I never iron them, just give them a good shake and hang to dry on a coat hanger.
Shoes wise, lots of fabulous flatties to be had on Moshulo,Hotter.

Simple Japanese loose but smart style would be my choice.

Black barrel leg cotton trousers. Secondhand loose silk shirt in a darker tone (black, teal, a deep jewel colour.) with a thin merino vest underneath if you need warmth.

Barefoot/extra wide very plain slip on black shoes (heels are so unnecessary). I might wear black lace socks if the ankle is showing with the trousers, or not.

Leather bag, one interesting thing (hair tie, or ring, or necklace, or bracelet.).
Done!

Failing that I would wear a simple but elegant Japanese style loose dress.. Probably black. With a merino shawl or longer thin cardigan over it plus the simple flat shoes. Hair in a simple clean knot with those lovely hair sticks or a silver Japanese style clip of some sort on it.

Your day to day sounds a bit like how I dress. If I want to look less casual I tend to wear a finer knit jumper that is more fitted in a flattering colour, and jewellery. I also like a velvet jacket. Texture in trouser can actually look more expensive so don't go straight to plain black ponte. Could you afford smart wool trousers (and wear again)?

I reckon you've got the right idea re texture. Cord or velvet trousers are great for these type of things where you have to be smart but would prefer to blend in. I like that Sezane top but what about one like this (in black):

https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-wool-split-hem-knitted-vest-top/p/clp23026695?color=BLACK#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r19c2%7Cprodflag_Online%20Only

You could dress it up with a big silver bangle/cuff type thing and a silver necklace?

Or Reiss do amazing silk/satin shirts which are really simple or plain in style but their texture elevates them to cocktail-y type evening wear. I got a similar one from Next for Christmas.

Plain outfit, texture and a bit of jewellery then you'll look fab and be comfy 😀

Maybe a satin slip skirt and fine knit merino jumper? Or some wide, silky trousers with a bit of drape, or some smart indigo slim flare jeans or a plain black midi dress? Black jersey trousers are often recommended on here, but they do feel quite’office’.

I personally wouldn’t wear velvet in spring.

I think that Sezanne thing is horrible, sorry

agree that M&S is a decent starting point.

Are you opposed to a floral blouse if you don’t have to iron it?

Ponte trousers are fab, perfect for what you want.

How about a tank top over a nice shirt? I'm lusting over this one

https://www.jigsaw-online.com/products/cloud-cashmere-crew-tank-pink

I'm quite like you @LongTermLurker and I tend to go for jeans, fitted top and a jacket. Boots or sandals depending on time of year. That get up has never failed me yet. Good luck. I feel your pain!

No one will improve on this ^^ OP, brava Acutissima! 🙌🙌🙌

If you like a casual french look, I'd wear a fine knit red simple cardigan over a Breton stripe top, with wide leg trousers, your red boots and some modern jewellery. All easily found in M&S. Or my wardrobe.

Op I wear sleeveless knit vests a lot a lot, with nothing underneath bar a bra, I would not consider it and cords as going for a nice meal clothes, it’s daily wear.

personally id go for wide leg trousers, flat pointy pumps, and a sleeveless shell like you posted

so for example I have this vest from me and em,

https://www.meandem.com/merino-cashmere-barely-there-slim-knit-vest-black

and I’d pair it with a pair of trousers like this, in a contrasting colour.

https://www.meandem.com/the-everyday-tailored-kick-flare-trouser-ivory

And a pair of shoes like this.

https://www.meandem.com/leopard-print-mesh-point-toe-flats-dark-brown-multi

obviously these may be out of budget, but that sort of look.

id then wear a short fitted jacket to complete it.

https://www.meandem.com/slim-tweed-fringed-jacket-caramel

So going for elegant, not overly dressed up. As said, this is more ideas of shape and an outfit and you can find the same look much cheaper.

This is what I wear when I go out. Mostly Uniqlo or Muji or Cos or charity shop

I also have a few tweed or wool blazers/ jackets from charity shops- mostly Jaeger- which always smarten up my usual jeans or cords

I've seen lots of lovely embroidered quilted short jackets on vinted. River island I think. You could put them with wide leg trousers and look smart. They look comfy and warm too.

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su837885/f74499?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=7976629562&gbraid=0AAAAADm_5UXwaUTk7eo2Y6W5M8o89A9Tt&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgr_NBhDFARIsAHiUWr4GuyYThJrddI5u8jkz5RvMrbQ4Ln9gt0X2x5D10gbe0iWZsgycOIEaArsuEALw_wcB
How about these with a nice white shirt and white leather trainers?

That’s a good point, I’ve a lovely velvet blazer, that I wear with smart jeans when I go out, and a good top and the outfit looks much smarter.

Recent corporate drinks event I wore

This in navy

cream cigarette style trousers

and Tan sling backs

Gorgeous outfit @BigGra

Just a quick message to say thanks!! I'm reading and digesting. Lots of good ideas!! Will be back again later.

Cocktails and a meal out with a boss and you’re suggesting silly almost novelty £100+ jumpers, cords, tank tops and T-shirts?

she’s going out for a meal with her H boss not taking the bins out!

M&S would be a good shout, as there’s a good choice of budget and brands there.

if it has to be trousers, then a nice tailored pair with a blouse and jacket would be suitable. Otherwise there will be some really wearable dresses

Vinted is a great idea, but timing is a bit tight tbh

@LongTermLurker think capsule, simple pieces that go together and can interchange

@LongTermLurker whereabouts in the UK are you? London is v casual (I am always, always overdressed when j go out) vs places where there is more dressing up as grooming for women as the norm.

Who are you refering to? I don’t see anything novelty or silly? Are you just taking issue with the price?