Date Night outfit suggestions

[DeedlessIndeed]

Help!

DH and I are going to a nice, fairly relaxed michellin star restaurant for our next date night.

I am a SAHM to a toddler and DH and I only go out together child-free on a date once a month. I feel I always wear the exact same thing when we do go out, but want to feel a bit nicer.

Can anyone recommend?

I'm 5'10 and a size 16 at the moment, with wide shoulders and hips. Since DD I also have a bit of a tummy and my boobs have almost disappeared so I feel I'm not the easiest shapes to dress for right now!

Budget not a problem - I don't mind treating myself, but would like something I can re-wear.

A few ideas.

www.johnlewis.com/joules-broderie-anglaise-belted-midi-dress-navy/p114803347

https://www.johnlewis.com/nobodys-child-melody-short-sleeve-seersucker-cotton-midi-dress-white-multi/p114872844

https://www.johnlewis.com/yumi-belted-shirt-midi-dress/green/p111609518

https://www.johnlewis.com/sosandar-spot-print-frill-hem-midaxi-dress-navy-blue/p114523973

https://www.johnlewis.com/ghost-sadie-v-neck-midi-dress/red/p113053628

enjoy your date!

https://www.johnlewis.com/traffic-people-blythe-sandrines-smile-midi-dress-blue/p114976580

Ooh @Silverbirchleaf - thank you. I actually really like the first one, including the shoes.

Do you happen to know if the puffy shoulders work with naturally wide shoulders? I've always been too worried that I'll look like some 80s power dresser if I go for anything with any volume on my arms.

I’ll be honest, I don’t know, but I like it as well. Why don’t you order it and try it on. It’s a dress which is definantly versatile - you could wear in a restaurant, down the pub, at the theatre etc, depending on whether you dress up or down.

To me, ‘date night’ suggests something elevated and fun - maybe involving lace / suede / leather / silk? Examples here:

https://eu.thefrankieshop.com/collections/womens-new-arrivals?page=3&q=Lace

What colours suit you OP? Agree with @ANagsHead I would be going a bit sexier for date night.

Oh, look!

https://www.asos.com/topshop/topshop-leather-lace-insert-grown-on-shoulder-midi-dress-in-black/prd/209549949

😍

Or maybe just the skirt with a little cashmere vest? (If you want to look more casual.)

https://www.asos.com/topshop/topshop-real-leather-lace-insert-midi-skirt-in-black/prd/209550046

Love those @ANagsHead

I like the idea of the leather & lace skirt (love mixing textures), but I don't think it quite works. The leather needs to be really fine & high-quality, so that it drapes like satin or silk - this doesn't.

The dress is only in a size 6, not a 16 - & the same issues apply, IMO. Plus, I think it might just be a leap too far for the OP, as it requires a degree of body confidence that I'm not sure she has right now ...? Nor do I think it says versatile & re-wearable to other events as well as other options might ...? And, in my experience, nothing flattens the boobs more than tight leather!!!

Sometimes they can (I'm a very similar height & size to you, OP).

Not quite sure about that particular dress - it's quite pretty at first look (I've always liked broderie anglaise, whether in fashion or not!), but I think it might look a bit tied-in-the-middle-sack in the flesh? Worth trying on though.

What's your colouring/what colours do you like wearing that you feel good in? Are you more of a plain or floral fan? Does it have to be a dress??

Wyse does longer lengths, but I find I'm borderline & prefer their normal length as it's long enough for me anyway (plus I think I have a shortish body & long legs). If a dress you like comes in a longer length, I'd order both lengths to be sure.

What about this dress, OP? I have a couple in a similar style from Wyse, & think they'd be good at minimising the bits you don't like & giving your boobs a lift. More expensive yes, & won't be quite as cutting edge as the leather & lace Topshop-goes-to-a-swingers'-party dress already suggested ... but it's very pretty & versatile!!!

It has little ruffles rather than being tiered - which I would probably avoid, OP. A single flounce at the bottom, fine, or the ruffles on this one - but a tiered skirt has been a look now for a few years, & is already looking a bit dated.

https://www.wyselondon.com/products/lyra-silk-dress-berry-crush

This is rather pretty too - again, quite a similar shape to the one you liked from Joules. https://www.wyselondon.com/products/eloise-silk-dress-leopard

This one is my favourite on their site. A completely different shape, but I think this would also look good if it's your colour? This is a bit more dramatic but could easily be dressed down as much as it could be dressed up?

https://www.wyselondon.com/products/cath-x-wyse-lauren-dress-raspberry-pink

Wide leg dressy black trousers and a nice top. Try next.

https://www.next.ie/en/style/su713847/h22354#h22354

I’d bet anything you like that that’s exactly the outfit the OP has been wearing on repeat for previous dates, @Bakequeen!

OP I am a difficult shape so find it much easier to go for tops and skirts. I can compromise much less and find fashionable and stylish separates that get lots of use out of them.

I love Cos and recently bought this skirt and top which surprisingly hide a lot of unwanted bumps! It has a satin look rather than matt jersey.

Thanks everyone, I am looking through the options.

It doesn't have to be a dress at all. I am open to anything.

I generally suit cooler colours - the right greens (either mossy or fairly bright, not minty or turquoise/teal) and pale or navy blues. Have resorted to blacks and neutrals mainly out of feeling a bit lost in what suits.

@ANagsHead is bang on! My usual go to is a wide leopard print or dark wash palazzo pants jeans and a black blouse or cashmere jumper. And burgundy adidas - I am a walking cliché.

I agree separates might be better on fit as dresses seem to have a waist directly under my boobs unless I size up. I am a definitely lacking some body confidence, but don't mind a little flirty - would love to mix in some silk and lace - leather might be a bit far for for me though!

Have you looked at allsaints? They like lace, leather etc.

This dress is from allsaints. My shoulders are big for my frame but I find drawing attention to them looks better than hiding them!

www.allsaints.com/women/dresses/odette-broiderie-anglais-maxi-dress/W001DE-5600.html