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.

Can I ask everyone's opinion on this whistles dress I have? Would it be suitable? I worry it makes me look really boxy on top.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I will take a look at Me+EM.

I am going shopping tomorrow when DD is at nursery. Had a very quick look in John Lewis today but everything seemed very polyester-y.

Some silk camisoles in Reis looked very nice, but they cut off quite high up my torso. If I size up then they become really baggy.

I don't think it makes you look "boxy" as such - it's a nice dress. But, to me, it says smart office workwear, or a very conservative wedding, or church on Sunday. It's a bit Princess Catherine at Easter service, especially worn with the nude heels ... so, not what I would consider date night!!!

And I'm not one for equating a date with lots of flesh-baring, I just think it's very sensible. I also really dislike nude heels ... again, I associate them with the Royals at church, or female politicians ...

Do you prefer to shop for things in person rather than online? And did you try on the burgundy Reiss camisole? As it has adjustable spaghetti straps so may sit lower on your torso than you might think? I always have to lengthen the straps on vest tops too!!

Is this the dress?

https://www.endource.com/product/whistles-forest-leopard-cut-out-back-midi-dress/ZWdEOdzQAAABPXIG

I agree with the previous poster. Tbh, I find the sexy leather and lace suggestions a bit cringe making but this is a conservative day dress (apart from the very small open back, if it is the same dress, which is slightly odd as it doesn't match the rest of the vibe of the dress. Tbh I don't really see the point of that tiny, timid open back. It almost looks as the back seam had split)

As to whether "it's suitable", that's really up to you. It's perfectly acceptable for going out for a meal. Depending on the style of the restaurant it might be overdressed but your own local knowledge will be the guide there.

However regardless of the restaurant vibe I would ditch the nude high heels.

Hadn't realised it had that little back split. You're right, it's a bit odd. I dislike that "open at the waist" back-detail thing anyway - they all look like they've split open, to me - & I wish it would go away soon. It ruins too many nice dresses!!

I don't find leather &/or lace (individually or together) "cringe" if done with restraint & with good-quality fabrics - real silk, real leather - not polyester & pleather ... The Topshop leather & lace pieces I find too much/not constructed well enough, but the Reiss camisole & Massimo Dutti skirt look lovely (though I've not seen them in the flesh, & always need to have a fondle first before making decisions!).

(But you've reminded me that I've liked similar things many times in the past! I had a favourite outfit in my 20s of a maxi-length black A-line leather skirt, which I wore with a chunky roll-neck cashmere jumper - I had one in black & one in cream - & flat black Mary-Janes. I had spotted a journalist in Vogue wearing the outfit as part of their "More Dash than Cash" features - which I adored - & hunted the skirt & jumpers down in French Connection, then in its heyday. Cost me a fortune as a poor graduate ...)

OP - if you're going to a Me+Em store (or looking online), there are lots of things that I think would look really lovely for an evening at an upmarket restaurant. If a dress is still on the agenda, these are all in size 16 & some are really well-reduced (in the archive section).

Or even a jumpsuit? Depends on how you feel about jumpsuits though!

Lots of really nice tops too at Me+Em. I like a bit of demure pussybow/sheer sections etc.

And this lace top is just in. As is the blue dress, which is broderie anglaise. A bit more low key but you may prefer that.

Also love these long slinky skirts.

And, depending on the rest of your outfit, a sharp blazer or what Me+Em calls a "cocktail cardigan" (I await expressions of horror from the anti-cardigan brigade!).

And some great swishy trousers on Me+Em. Also like this skirt & top (if you like halternecks). Also adore the black dress but it's sold out in your (& my!) size, sadly ...

Shoe-wise, it depends on your outfit. Do you prefer flats or heels? With long trousers or skirts, I like these for evening wear. Lots of colours.

https://airandgracelondon.com/products/anais-gold-leather-pointed-t-bar-flats

They also have some good heels.

https://airandgracelondon.com/products/skylar-black-gold-t-bar-heel-sandals

Or pretty much anything from here, including their bags!! https://www.anoncph.co.uk

Another suggestion re separates. I love the Liberty silk dresses, but the skirts & tops are also beautiful. I really like this - it's the kind of outfit that I would feel good in. And especially if the top was angora or brushed cashmere - with the silk skirt it would feel really nice against the skin.

https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/peacock-manor-silk-slip-skirt-000854276.html

You want a spendy night out AND a spendy new outfit? Can I borrow a fiver? 😀

Don't like that at all. Looks like the sort of thing a registrar at a wedding would wear.

You don't look boxy in it, but it's not flirty in the least. It's suitable if you feel good, I can't think of many places that wouldn't be suitable as it's completely inoffensive, and the epitomy of safe.

Nothing screams less date night than a cardigan 😄

The Liberty skirt is lovely, but I’d go for a dress as you won’t see the lovely print when you’re sitting down

For camisole tops, someone once told me their rule of thumb was to go up two sizes, and I find that works well as the fine material means they don’t look square

I think you could find something more”date night” than the dress you’ve posted

I'm freakishly similar to you in shape and size. And have rinsed the internet for nice clothes to wear to a few events this year.
I always seem to circle back round to "Religion"
This
https://religionclothing.com/products/twist-beige-floral-maxi-dress
Is in the sale at the moment.
As are several others .
The do a nice line in dresses that are better cut for tall people, or like this one, for someone with shoulders.

You have a good figure, are lovely and tall and have nothing to worry about! If you are going out straight after work then your dress is great. If you have time to get ready at home then I love the dress suggestion by @665theneighborofthebeast and the long skirts and shoes by @EleanorMc67 You will look gorgeous.

I love this dress, it would be perfect, it’s special without being OTT

Want!

I would go for a nice pair wide leg jeans with a nice cami and one of those new sheer cape tops so you are covering any bits you might feel insecure about but still subtley showing a bit of skin. Make an effort with your hair and makeup, nice heels and bag, all things you can wear again seperately, fashionable but still comfy