Casual/smart outfit needed for the weekend.

[TFImBackIn]

Hope some of you lovely women can help me!

I need some clothes for the weekend - I live near a big city and will be going shopping tomorrow or I can order online with next-day delivery.

I'm going to a meal where there's someone I want to impress. I'm in my sixties. I've been on the jabs for a couple of years and I'm in 12 or maybe a 14 if necessary. I don't want to wear a skirt or a dress.

I have 'summer' colouring so pastels, teal, that sort of thing. I need to wear something that covers my toes, so I could get new trainers.

My weight is held around my waist so I'd like something that hides that where possible!

I suit V necks, short sleeves or long sleeves (not sleeveless) and my usual uniform is jeans and t-shirts or shirts.

If you've seen any nice tops lately that you think might suit me, please would you let me know? I think I'll go for jeans - not sure which style to get or which shade. I can get to M&S and they seem to have everything but is there somewhere better?

Thanks.

I'm not sure jeans would count as smart/casual trousers for impressing someone. I'm in my 60s and favour wide leg trousers with a nice quality top or blouse. Do you have a John Lewis in your nearby city? They are great for trying different brands.

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?
https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-ruffle-neck-cap-sleeve-blouse/orange-cream/p115233150?size=14&tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

I have this blouse and team it with beige wide leg slightly cropped trousers and white trainers or birkies. It looks smart casual I think.

I think jeans would be OK for this lunch. I do have a JL near me so will go and have a look around. I hate not knowing what I'm looking for, though!

John Lewis usually has Levis in their stores so you could try them. I like 501s.

im a similar age and shape/size to you, I'm a great fan of M&S jeans in general as they fit me well. Until I found jeans too hot to wear i was wearing Eva bootcuts. I'd suggest treating yourself to a new pair, of jeans, maybe in a lighter colour as this is a hot hot summer? I'd consider pairing your new jeans with a long sleeve linen shirt, with the sleeves rolled up a little.
the rest of it I would suggest you just slightly upgrade your usual turnout, so for example your hair is done nicely, makeup better than usual/wear a little if you don't usually bother, a bit of jewellery if you have it etc etc. all subtle upgrades rather than a total makeover.

Honestly, your proposed outfit sounds dull. Nothing wrong with jeans / top/ trainers but unless you’re an actual Hollywood film star I can’t see that it’s going to impress anyone.

Hiding your toes, waist, arms and legs is perhaps not the most positive start. I’m also in my sixties and there are absolutely bits of me (knees) that I’d rather not have scrutinised - but I’m also aware that, particularly in summer, the people who stand out as good looking / well presented are those who look confidently uncovered. (I’m not talking about ‘showing off’ any particular body parts, which is irredeemably naff, just not looking as if you’re hiding under three acres of pastel viscose.)

At the moment I’m doing a lot of people watching in my city’s botanical garden. Right now, even well turned out linen shirt and jeans looks … staid. Non-denim Bermuda shorts, (so, in a nice fabric) or a devastatingly plain shirt dress, or balloon trousers are the outfits that actually ‘impress’.

Is your next day delivery from Next or Net-a-Porter? (I mean ‘what’s your budget’?)

Linen culottes are lovely and breezy in the summer. Easy to pair with loose shirt and cool.

Jumpsuit all the way. It's my go-to for smart casual. Jeans are boring.

I think this would be lovely with your jeans and maybe tan closed or caged sandals and a small basket bag? It’s v neck, has sleeves, will pull you in at the waist and is a great colour with denim, gets good reviews too - your fav jewellery and you’re done.
https://www.marksandspencer.com/linen-rich-seam-detail-waisted-top/p/clp60788040?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share&color=Peach

I'd probably keep it simple with a nice V-neck blouse, well-fitting straight leg jeans and clean white trainers. M&S is a great place to start, but don't overlook Next or John Lewis as they usually have some lovely smart casual options too. Most importantly, wear something you feel comfortable and confident in because that always shows.

I disagree with @TheMarriageOfAirAndFrock . I know many , women in their late 50s and older who look amazing in jeans - it is how you style them.

2 options come to mind. The first is a statement shirt - I bought 2 in Primark yesterday!!! They are trapeze style, hip length so cover my tum and have elbow length sleeves. I bought in pale blue and in white. They look like something from COS! Wear with a great necklace; straight leg jeans or straight leg trousers; I would wear either pointed flats or ballet pumps - just to elevate from trainers (. I love trainers but sometimes you need more). If you are feeling brave, some nice heels.

2nd option is wide leg jeans just covering some pointed flats. The jeans should be lightweight nearly flowing denim - expensive is best. Then a silky t-shirt and a Chanel type jacket. The silky t covers your mid level and the Chanel type jacket gives the jeans the smart casual you require.

I would happily lunch in a 5 star hotel in either outfit.

Maybe try palazzo trousers such as these from Roman paired with a white top and trainers

https://www.roman.co.uk/floral-leaf-shirred-palazzo-stretch-trouser-18070434?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17418965971&gbraid=0AAAAACsLkkJ_k2z7aeLpQBB4hcqa6HtY2&gclid=CjwKCAjwmozTBhAeEiwAkEGZzmQrfbmq0V2tVwchCNs5zjPZD6hZsP4lucRKGt9vHTkMSWEMGDx2GhoCkz8QAvD_BwE

I’d go for wide leg, high waisted trousers that flow from the waist and drape well (I’m a similar shape to you I think). are so comfortable and don’t crease too badly at all. Then a great top that drapes rather than clings and some Mary Jane’s rather than trainers.

Not sure the link worked! https://www.next.co.uk/style/su953812/w11395

I think that those wearing balloon trousers or Bermuda shorts will be wearing them in the full knowledge that they're fashionable right now. And I'm not sure if being fashionable, specifically, is high on the OP's list? (Though I may have inadvertently worn a "devastatingly plain shirt dress" myself today - as I was rushing to get out to a GP appointment & forgot to put on any jewellery with it! But it is long & beautifully cut, & I feel good in it.)

I too am struggling a little with what she wants, as trainers & jeans wouldn't be my first choice for impressing someone with my outfit (not that I wouldn't happily wear both with a top I like, but I think other choices would "impress" better!). However, she's asked for ideas on a nice top with sleeves (in cool pastels?) to go with jeans & trainers/non-toe-revealing footwear.

@TFImBackIn What height are you? And what's your budget (roughly)? And are these the sorts of colours you mean?

Do you know what the forecast is likely to be, OP? I know it's been sweltering everywhere, but that's about to change here in Scotland. Might you need to consider a jacket ...?!!!

From what you've said, I'm assuming (perhaps wrongly, if so my apologies!) that you're not necessarily interested in looking as if you're wearing what's absolutely currently fashionable - but would like (since you're buying new clothes) to look contemporary.

More boho-style tops with jeans/trousers can look very pretty in a casual way. But if you want to impress, I would aim to look a bit more streamlined/elegant/put-together than that? Also, I would choose more muted/cooler pastels or slightly darker/more neutral colours in your palette, rather than sugary pastels.

Boden had some really nice silk or cotton blouses earlier in this year in cool pinks, but have less of a selection now. I did quite like this though, & thought it would be a good colour for you as it's a mauvish-pink? And the lace makes it smart. I also like the tonal clash with the tan trousers, & the overall look of the outfit is something you might want to aim for? However, I don't think tan would be your colour? A great, well-cut pair of white linen-blend or heavy-ish cotton wide-leg trousers would work - as would indigo denim wide-legs.

https://www.boden.com/products/women-penelope-lace-shirt-pink-violet-t2200pin

Another Boden one I like, & that should be your colour, is this pussybow blouse. The style works well with wide jeans, as per the photo here. Makes it look fun not formal.

https://www.boden.com/products/women-clara-tie-neck-shirt-pink-maroon-tram-stripe-t2173pnk

If you're not bothered by creases, this colour should suit you? And would look good with indigo wide-legged jeans, or tailored wide-leg navy trousers?

https://www.boden.com/products/women-sienna-linen-shirt-deep-teal-t1736lgr

I like this Mint Velvet blouse, which would work with blue or white jeans.

https://mintvelvet.com/products/green-stripe-printed-shirt

I’ve tried this on and it’s hugely flattering if you want to hide a tummy.

https://mintvelvet.com/products/rust-ruched-jersey-top

I like both of those & would wear myself - but I think the colours are too warm for the OP? They're more autumnal?

OP - if you have the opportunity to look somewhere that's an actual jeans manufacturer, I'd try there first rather than M&S?

If you're unsure about shapes, I'd avoid this being your first attempt at wearing barrel/balloon/capri or anything deemed uber-fashionable right now. A really well-fitting pair of smart wide indigo jeans is contemporary & smart. Can you try a Levis store?

Make sure they're as long as you can get away with. And if you're going to wear low heels rather than trainers, that might mean slightly longer jeans/trousers than normal.

Also wear a belt with any jeans/trousers that have belt loops. IMO it looks unfinished if you don't ...

https://www.levi.com/GB/en_GB/clothing/women/jeans/loose/728-high-rise-wide-leg-jeans/p/0039B0016?camp=SHB_DR_GGL_UK_BRD_AOBF_FY25_AO_ALL_SHOP_ROAS_EN_CSE-Catch-All&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20673497666&gbraid=0AAAAACzFEi0xfL3WOdJfiM5I4seI_mTjV&gclid=CjwKCAjwmozTBhAeEiwAkEGZzraR3hOahvs2axhyWqXF_-PEtB59I33Y_CUCUvfwJ3d6QHjEfvSwZhoCasoQAvD_BwE

Would you wear shoes like this, OP? There are lots of options that are closed-toe but not trainers ...

https://www.marksandspencer.com/bow-kitten-heel-pointed-slingback-shoes/p/clp60777973?color=RED

I don't think OP has said who she is trying to impress or why and so far the only suggestions that would impress me are the Boden pussy cat blouse worn with the black Levi's and the kitten heels. Definitely the winner.

The teal-green shirt, if worn with navy or denim wide-legs, would work with these (just bought a pair in navy & gold & love them!).

https://airandgracelondon.com/products/anais-silver-metallic-leather-pointed-t-bar-flats?variant=56469226717558&country=GB&glCountry=GB&glCurrency=GBP&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19663856347&gbraid=0AAAAADlaMdGtk8Cm6yLwpScGbb7dFMAMK&gclid=CjwKCAjwmozTBhAeEiwAkEGZzmB4_Pd7g6rdDExq49cAxqH5E07g1B3kmW049D6TAYbWIuFAkSVpCxoCCXcQAvD_BwE