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Original poster

Help me choose an evening outfit

29 replies

Toddlergrumps · 27/03/2026 12:43

I’ve absolutely no fashion sense! I want to get an evening outfit for a cruise to Spain. I want it to be versatile so it can be worn again, I had a colleague’s retirement do a few weeks ago and realised I had nothing to wear, so just didn’t change after work 😳
My husband buys me clothes as gifts as he knows I hate clothes shopping, but he tends to get skirts/jeans and casual tops.

I can wear trousers, but I’m tall, I need a 34-36inch length so struggle find trousers that fit. Im a size 10, around 5’10 with a short body and long arms and legs.
I get most of my clothes from Hobbs (for work) and white stuff/ sea salt (for casual) because I know they fit and also have great shop assistants who choose things for you 🥳 I’m 39 and I’d say my style was conservative - I’m definitely not fashionable.
I have a £75 love to shop voucher which I’d like to use (I’ve had it about 10 months so not sure when it expires). It works at a lot of high street shops.
Hopefully someone has a suggestion, for an evening outfit.

OP posts:
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Tortephant · 27/03/2026 12:57

Look at LKbennt clearance or brand alley. Me+Em are good for tall ladies but quite expensive.

PadamPadamPDoom · 27/03/2026 15:51

‘Conservative’ or not, for versatile hot weather clothes you could look at

https://www.massimodutti.com/gb/women/dresses-n1494

Spanish brand, grown up and sophisticated clothes at reasonable prices. Most of their dresses are low calf to ankle length so may work for you - and a well made, simple dress can be worn repeatedly.

PadamPadamPDoom · 27/03/2026 16:06

This isn’t what I’d describe as versatile, but the colours are beautiful, if it wouldn’t be too hot:

https://www.marksandspencer.com/maxi-column-dress/p/clp60782703

Original poster
Toddlergrumps · 27/03/2026 16:18

Maybe conservative is the wrong word, I’m not really sure what I am tbh 🥴. I wear do wear fitted/tailored dresses and tops I have a lot of a line dresses/skirts. I just don’t wear the sort of backless tops and t and crop tops that seem to be in a lot of stores.

I quite like this dress but not sure if it is a bit wintery / dark www.hobbs.com/product/violet-velvet-dress/0225-5209-9845L00-EVERGREEN.html

OP posts:
PadamPadamPDoom · 27/03/2026 16:54

Dark green velvet is not just wintery but Christmas-y.

When is your cruise?

Oh, and what is your budget?

TemporarilyCantDoMyself · 28/03/2026 13:01

And staying with plain colours, I like this (saw it on another thread) from Cos.
https://www.cos.com/en-gb/women/womenswear/dresses/mididresses/product/pintucked-cotton-midi-dress-light-blue-1292176002

Original poster
Toddlergrumps · 28/03/2026 14:51

I hope to use the voucher as I’m not sure what I’d use it for if I don’t.
I like the green Hobbs one but it feels a bit more daytime than evening out/party.
Maybe I’d be better with a glittery top and skirt/trousers. Urgh I really hate shopping 😬
It doesn’t need to be plain, I just want something that feels a bit like I made an effort and a bit smarter. The cos dress is lovely but the sort of thing I’d wear around the house or to the park in the summer (I have a similar dress from jigsaw in a mustard colour).

OP posts:
PadamPadamPDoom · 28/03/2026 15:15

I’d swerve the glittery stuff! It can all too often look a bit naff. (Particularly on a cruise ship!)

goingtoexplodeandexplodesomemore · 28/03/2026 15:34

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/patchwork-print-dress-p02623185.html
I love this. Would look nice with espadrilles

TheCurious0range · 28/03/2026 20:05

goingtoexplodeandexplodesomemore · 28/03/2026 15:46

https://www.desigual.com/en_GB/26SWVW60.html
Equally good for day or evening wear. Wear with a bold silver cuff and silver sandals

This is very nice, a bit different without being too out there and not sack like as suggestions here often are, easy to dress up or down too

OneNewEagle · 28/03/2026 21:06

Can the giftcard be used at John Lewis?

When i got one last year I really struggled to find anywhere I could spend it so ended up getting an electrical item from Argos. So dull, I was hoping for a new top!

OneNewEagle · 28/03/2026 21:10

https://www.highstreetvouchers.com/gift/where-to-spend-love2shop-cards

it looks like the fashion choices are new look, marks, Matalan, h and m or or John Lewis with that card.

Useyourfork · 28/03/2026 22:08

https://www.longtallsally.com/dresses/occasion-dresses

have you had a look at LTS?

Needtosoundoffandbreathe · 29/03/2026 10:56

The Phase Eight dress linked to upthread is lovely. JL stock Phase Eight.

Notsosweetcaroline · 29/03/2026 11:01

The green velvet one is really dated, Hobbs can do that a bit, midi length is more current than knee, and green velvet is Xmas in a dress. I love a velvet blazer and wear all year round, and there are some velvet dresses I’d wear year round but that one I think was for crimbo and quire dated.

im not sure if your total budget is 75 or you can add to it, but Reiss and me and em, in the sale/outlet/archive would have much more current stuff.

Samanabanana · 30/03/2026 07:24

What about something from Nobody's Child? Not too out there but a bit more contemporary than white stuff/sea salt and lots of choice!

Mangotree3 · 30/03/2026 08:11

I second the previous poster that this green Hobbs dress is perfect! It’s summery, can be dressed up or worn in the day and is just so lovely.

www.hobbs.com/product/vanessa-cotton-dress/0126-5008-1144L00-APPLE-GREEN.html?clickref=1110l35QGXN3&app_clickref=1110l35QGXN3&utm_source=partnerize&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=skimlinks_phg