what to wear for date ? lift me out of high street gloom please!

[Rockall]

please help!

I have a first date tomorrow evening with a very nice chap. BUT my wardrobe consists almost entirely of Gap jeans and Tshirts and M&S linen trousers. I have very little in the way of decent "smart/casual evening tops". I want to look like a put-together, sorted adult rather than a knackered Mum!

I can go shopping tomorrow and would like to get something that is not designer-y IYKWIM but is at least a bit more upmarket than Gap and M&S. local shops include Kew, Whistles, Ghost and a couple of independent boutiques. What sort of thing should I buy? Am pear-shaped short-arse size 12.

thank you

bumping for you

How old are you? Where are you going on your date?

i'm 34. we're going out for dinner, he's booking it so I won't know exact venue until tomorrow. if it's posh, I can do posh, I have loads of really dressy things (that I never get to wear any more) but it's the bit in between posh and daytime Mum that I haven't cracked. also now it's dinner I'm thinking jeans, even good ones, won't cut it. bugger.

though about being taken out for dinner by nice man!

this leggings and heels?

you are a genius! not the sort of thing I would even notice - but yes it would be perfect. right, off to Whistles tomorrow.

thank you!

ooh, lovely choice - yay for Choo.

have a fantastic time!

quick update - date was fab, dress looked great, felt perfect and gave me lots of confidence - thanks again Choogirl!!

Fantastic - was thinking about you last night. Glad it went well.

I love stories like this. Hope you have a second date soon

hey there - second date last night, he is fab. keep your fingers crossed for me! think I will have to go on a bit of a spending spree to update the wardrobe and maintain standards!!

Oh, that's great, so good to hear a happy story