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 🥺

Unless you are planning to sit in the cocktail bar or at your restaurant table in a coat, buying one is irrelevant to this thread.

But you know that.

I agree that the coat is fairly irrelevant here, especially as you already have the velvet jacket! I also think Whistles and jigsaw are a bit meh and also £££…you could have a holiday for the price of an outfit!

im with @Chouxand @In2mindsss statement blouse or shirt is what you need. Then simple jeans or even black trousers (though I personally wouldn’t).

Faineante, you sound frustrated. Understandable as I am a style and beauty nincompoop, and this is slow progress (not helped by life getting in the way at the moment). While I appreciate your input, you're under no obligation to "help" me ☺️. I am curious though as to what exactly you think I should be doing.

I've had a rummage in my wardrobe and have an emergency back up outfit or possibly two in a cardigan is allowed (see attached). I will be making an emergency dash to the shops next week if I have time. And I'm also scouring vinted although I realise time is not on my side.

For what is with this thread has been very helpful to me, and when I have more time will be dabbling in a bit more "fashion". I particularly liked the jigsaw website's outfit suggestions (the "pairs well with..." bit. And I'm noticing other websites do that too, which is helpful. I'm going to be making use of that to look more out together in future.

Marks and spencer have some nice bits in their new season stuff. Sling backs, smart coats, wide leg trousers, blouses. There was a cream crochet type jacket that looked great.

You have a great figure, @LongTermLurker but neither of those outfits is in any way suitable for cocktails and an evening out

PPS I think the mention of cocktails is the clue here,

I think "cocktails" is a meaningless, weasel word these days. The context of where, when, who with and why is far more relevant than whether cocktails will be served.

Please don't wear the two outfits you have attached. They are really not right.

Yes, they’d look actively odd

would you think of a black jumpsuit, with a velvet kimono type thing over it?

or something https://little-lies.com/products/rooms-on-fire-floral-kimono?variant=41387349999687&country=GB&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20481082449&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwtuliPyfkwMV0ZtQBh0HhA4HEAQYAyABEgI-GPD_BwE over a plain black dress?

An uncharacteristic kimono would be worse than good plain clothes.

During the week my local cocktail bars (grand university city) are full of people arriving straight from work in normal clothes.

And even in the most glamorous places a combination of grooming, jewellery and accessories can carry a plain, inoffensive outfit. There should never be any need (short of a ‘Fancy Dress’ stipulation in an invitation,) to source weird, odd looking garments for normal socialising.

Re cocktails EleanorMc67 is probably familiar with The Witchery and The Voyage of Buck in Edinburgh - both great food and fabulous cocktails but if were going to Voyage of Buck I wouldn't be dressed up. The Witchery has a much different vibe what Feante describes as "fancy dress"

Rude! That’s not an odd item, I’d wear it, and the op says she likes a boho vibe

Honestly, this place is getting ridiculous

Not everyone wants dull workwear style “classic” clothes

Black wide leg trousers - crepe type material with a stretchy waist.
Hobbs Talia or Audrey jumper.
Flat loafers or ballet pumps.

I don't wear workwear classic clothes. That kimono is a very timid version of boho.

Aargh

Meant to say The Witchery has a much different vibe but I'd still not wear something that I don't normally wear and get into what Feante describes as "fancy dress"

It’s an idea of what might be nice

no need to be so aggressive it’s a kimono not war

Goodness me? Aggressive ? Have you read your own posts?

I agree with Feante - it's weird but not in an interesting way. It's not helped by the way they've styled it on the website.

I said an uncharacteristic kimono @Ophir. I’m sure you look excellent in yours, but I can’t see how buying one (in a rush) will enhance the OP’s dinner wardrobe. It wouldn’t go with the clothes she’s shown, or with her jumpers.

I’m certainly not saying people should only wear corporate workwear when they go out. But simple, plain garments are much easier to dress up when a need arises, if one doesn’t have anything else.

@LongTermLurkerThose trousers look great on, that teal colour works well with them, maybe a satin/silk shirt in a similar colour. You would need different shoes to the red…and probably a small heel unless you get the trousers shortened a bit.
personally I like a kitten heel as they look good but don’t hurt my feet.

I would just like to say here, I last wore a very lovely kimono with a cami and trousers to have a tasting menu at a posh hotel in the Cotswolds. There was also a private party going on that night that had organised a magician who was late. DH (in a dark suit) and I were having a quick cocktail in the bar before dinner, when the hotel manager rushed in and said “quickly you two, they’ve been waiting for you” - we said who is waiting for us? It then transpired that he thought we were the missing magician and his assistant - I have never worn a kimono since 😂

😀

Oh come on @PhaedraWasyou know as well as I that when someone says ‘cocktails’ it will require altogether different dressing to a pint down the pub, I think you’re picking nit picking at those of us who are trying to help!

On the cocktails front - I actually did a recce last night to the place. It's a "speakeasy" and seemed pretty casual (just regular pub/bar vibe). DH also thinks that new boss is a lovely, friendly guy (he met him at the interview) and while we'll try and scrub up a bit, I don't think I'm going to be too much under scrutiny 😂

However, I am still trying to get a new coat, new shoes and a nice blouse. But I also don't think I need any more help on here...plenty to work with! Thanks!!

Hi OP - I avoid ironing like the plague too - but the clothes you just posted photos of do really need ironing! So I think that should be a priority purchase ... 😁!!!

And you do have good legs. I know you've concentrated on separates - but I'd agree with PPs that dresses are so very easy. A decent dress really just requires you to sort your hair & shoes!!

Lots of people have told you to just grab a black dress (& posted some nice examples). But you don't seem keen on black or have much in your wardrobe?

Your preference seems to be muted warm &/or rich & earthy tones, so I wonder if you'd consider something like this?

It's really easy to go overboard with boho/hippie type clothes & jewellery, & end up looking like Stevie Nicks on a bad day. But I think this kind of look, with decent low-ish boots (I'd wear knee-high ones), minimal jewellery & a velvet jacket (unless it's cold next weekend) would look good?

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su877564/v16018

Same make - Bhoem - seems to be Next's version of a rather Jigsaw look? But cheaper!! I think this dress is lovely too - a bit like Rixo. All you need is a jacket/coat, boots & earrings/necklace & you're done.

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su896264/g10604