The old ‘what can I wear for a big night out?’ question has been coming up a lot recently. We have been focusing more on casual wear of late – mainly because that’s what I wear 90% of the time and, as we’ve established, I write most of my posts with myself in mind. Selfish, I know. However, I do have a couple of events coming up that I need inspiration for. But let’s face it, if it’s a party, I KNOW I will end up wearing one of my three black dresses (one full-length, one mini, one midi lace), as they are always my fail-safe fallback and I tend to rotate them rather than buying something new.
I would advocate checking a rental site if you want something new-to-you for a big event. I know some of us will not want to spend £100 and have nothing permanent to show for it, but the prices on these rental sites often relate to the original price of the item so, yes, £2K high-end designer dresses are expensive to hire, but you can get a great Rixo or Ganni dress for a lot less. Try these sites:
- For all types of outfits, from high end to high street – MY WARDROBE HQ, Mywardrobehq.com
- For borrowing someone else’s wardrobe – By Rotation, Byrotation.com
- For all-round great rentals – HURR Collective, Hurrcollective.com
- For excellent accessories – COCOON, Cocoon.club
The ideas I’ve come up with here are for a slightly-fancier-than-normal night out rather than a really big do or a wedding. They combine everyday items with something a bit dressier, which is how I usually approach things.
JUST JEANS AND A NICE TOP
Let’s be honest: this is, and always will be, the first option for me when I’m going to a place where it’s deemed acceptable to wear jeans. I do in fact have one specific pair of jeans for these ‘need-to-dress-up-but-not-too-much’ occasions. A bit too long to wear with flats, they are my go-to jeans for when heels are the order of the day.
- Me + Em Silk Cotton Trellis Floral Print Blouse
- Oak & Luna Tyra Initial Medallion Necklace with Diamond
- Anthropologie Half-Moon Post Earrings
- Déhanche Hollyhock leather belt
- Hush Double Breasted Wool Blend Blazer
- & Other Stories Patch-Pocket Bootcut Jeans
- Esska Venice dark gold high heel shoes
A STATEMENT SKIRT
If you know me, you’ll know that I have an unnatural aversion to sequins. I generally find them a bit too ‘Ruth Langsford for QVC’, especially sequin bomber jacket or blazers. I think we can do better than that, ladies. We might be middle-aged but we don’t have to dress like we are. That said, M&S have turned my head towards a sequinned number here with their new silver tassel skirt. I would use it as the featured item in an outfit and pair it with a simple cashmere jumper and flats. Probably trainers, let’s be honest.
- COS pure cashmere jumper
- Anthropologie XL Pop Tab Necklace
- & Other Stories oversized wool blazer
- M&S Sequin Tassel Knee Length Slip Skirt
- Lily &Bean Jeanie Clutch Metallic Silver
- Uniqlo ribbed ankle socks
- Adidas Blue Suede Handball Spezial
A LITTLE (OR LONG) BLACK DRESS
I got this Ganni dress from The Outnet earlier this year. So far, it’s been to two parties on me plus one awards show on a friend of mine, and it’s very likely to get another outing next weekend, so it’s basically paid for itself already as it was bought at 50% off. Added to that, once I get fed up with it I will probably sell it on Vinted or eBay for maybe 50% of what I originally paid for it, so all in I think I will have MADE money (girl maths). It’s still for sale, by the way – but definitely go UP a size as it’s quite a snug fit!
- Accessorize crystal embellished square drop earrings
- Givenchy Le Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick
- Mango Structured wool coat
- Ganni Cloqué mini dress
- Monsoon Oversized Bow Metallic Bag
- Kurt Geiger Chelsea diamanté slingback heels
A LITTLE BIT OF LEOPARD
Another easy option. You don’t have to go full-on Bet Lynch (although she is an icon, so I have no issue if you do). I think the trick to keeping it modern is ‘less is more’. Add a top to black trousers, or wear a dress with simple accessories. You don’t need extra bells and whistles where leopard print in concerned.
- Ganni Cotton Leopard Print Blouse
- DeMellier Miami leather clutch
- ME + EM Slim Crop Forever Trousers
- H&M Jacquard-weave leopard print dress
- Cretuao Leopard Ballet Flats
- Gucci Horsebit slingbacks
A LACE SKIRT
This is a big trend this coming season, and a very easy one to get involved in. I would keep it all black for a night out, but you could do this in the daytime too with chunky Chelsea boots and an oversized knit.
- Albaray black roll back t shirt
- & Other Stories Long Crystal-Chain Necklace
- Mint Velvet Black Diamanté Studded Bag
- Black Satin Lace Hybrid Midi Skirt
- Whistles Black Natia Leather Overshirt
- Rhinestone Ballet Flats Mary Jane Shoes
A FANCY CARDI
Am I showing my age here by recommending a nice cardi for a night out? Possibly, but I’m talking about ones with a bit more to them. Look for ones with fancy buttons or a little bit of embroidery. Wear with your most flattering wide-leg jeans and chic mid-heeled shoes.
- Sandro Velvet-trimmed knitted cardigan
- Gucci Interlocking G chain earrings
- H&M Ribbed vest top
- Arket Cloud Low Loose Jeans
- Sezane Taylor leather belt
- Gucci Script leather wallet on chain
- Sezane Red patent leather Paul Babies shoes
I hope this has given you a few ideas for your next night out. Don’t panic, we will be back to casual wear next week. I’m thinking maybe a lovely CORDUROY special.
K x
