need a low-key party outfit - to buy on-line. any pointers?

[hatwoman]

I'm a bit "out of it" clothes-wise...I think I have reasonable dress sense, but perhaps not so great fashion sense, iyswim. Since going freelance and moving to the country I've been living in jeans and have barely been to a shop in a year. I occassionally pop my nose into LK Bennet and White Stuff at St. Pancras but not much takes my fancy. other than that it's a handul of boden tops really

I can't quite bring myself to do skinny jeans. And, maybe it's just me, (or the people I see) but the short dress/long top with leggings thing imho looks trying-too-hard on many people my age (knocking 40).

so it tends to be jeans and a vague party-esq top...but I'm not convinced it's working.

does anyone feel like inspiring me?

I'm short 5 ft. size 8. proportionate boobs. slighly short-legged. long red hair.

suggestions v. welcome lovely ladies

could you bear to wear a dress?

possibly, and i think they're flattering for me - perhaps something that cd be layered, something that would work with different accesories for both day and evening? one of my problems is a slight tendency to always go for black.

what do you think of this? with black top and tights?? and what shoes?

I saw a lovely purple one on Uniqlo last night. Forgive me for not linking but the site drives me bonkers. Purple would be fab on your with red hair I imagine? was about £30.

I like that skirt - not seen it irl though.

I'm same height and build and have just bought this it looks really nice on
some one linked to this dress not sure if its your thing or not, could look good with opaques and high heeled shoe boots
grey silk
this comes in red or black, fairly simple

lawks, just checked out boden's latest and it's awful. really middle aged and frumpy. i know it's always got a bit of that but usually there's one or two tops or dresses that appeal, but not at the moment