Should I wear this?
October 10, 2015 4:18 AM   Subscribe

I'm going out tonight and bought something to wear which I'm now totally unsure about and I only have a few hours to panic-buy a replacement if it's unsuitable. So fashion mavens of MeFi - should I wear this or, as always, am I All Wrong?

I got this black jumpsuit yesterday. (Note I am curvier than the model but it fits alright, though it's getting shortened as we speak so that the trousers sit just above the ground - I have short legs for my height and rather than the ankle-length shown here it was way too long for me.) Is this suitable for Saturday night out-on-the-town wear? For many reasons I haven't been properly drinks-and-dancing out for a long time, but I'm hosting some out of town friends tonight and said I'd take them somewhere nice, but I don't know what people my age (39) wear these days. I thought it was nice but now I'm worried it's too officey - I'm afraid of everyone looking glittery and fabulous while I look like I'm just out of a meeting or possibly funeral. I was planning to wear it with black heels, black or gold clutch and long gold earrings. Is this wrong? Should I wear a fancy necklace? I thought that would fight with the little gold belt plate but maybe it's too plain a neckline without?

I prefer not to show my legs (or arms if possible) so this was a better option than a dress, but have I gone too far the other way in terms of being covered up? I've lost quite a bit of weight recently so none of my old going out clothes fit at the minute and the thought of going shopping now is making me want to weep, but would I be better off trying to get a last minute replacement, and if so what? I shouldn't have to ask Dressing Myself 101 questions at my age but any input would be appreciated as I'm foreseeing a night ahead of being hideously self-conscious. Thanks!
posted by billiebee to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (21 answers total) 1 user marked this as a favorite
 
It's good for evening though my husband would point out that it doesn't show any cleavage. To make it more evening-y, wear fancy, sparkly shoes and carry a fancy, sparkly clutch. Also wear big, fun earrings and a matching necklace. I don't think that it will clash with the belt unless it's entirely silver tone. Colors or two-tone metals will look fine.
posted by amro at 4:26 AM on October 10, 2015 [3 favorites]


Ooh, I just noticed the back! That definitely tips it out of office wear and into nighttime wear!
posted by amro at 4:28 AM on October 10, 2015 [6 favorites]


I would have worn something like that a couple of years ago when I lived in Ireland along with fuck-loads of makeup, high heels, fancy handbag, and shiny jewellery (earrings sound fine) and been totally OK with that. The 20-somethings wear little girly dresses but I'm 40 now and my age-matched peers have moved on to something more like what you've linked but with going-out style accessorising. It will only look corporate if everything you pair it with also looks work-place stuffy.

I wouldn't wear something like that now living in Germany because no one dresses up that much here and I'd look overdone (jeans and a nice teeshirt are more appropriate here). So this does depend on where you live of course.
posted by shelleycat at 4:29 AM on October 10, 2015 [3 favorites]


It's a really cute jumpsuit and to my eyes looks just fine for drinks (not sure about clubbing/dancing, though? And disclaimer:US not UK here), but it does need more embellishment in the front. The necklace seems dicey because of the metal bar at the waist, as you say-- but could you instead wear another, much wider and bling-ier belt over top of the existing belt-- gold, or sparkly black, or something? Alternatively, perhaps a high-interest necklace that hangs out above the neckline, like a collar, or maybe a chain worn close to the neck in front and draped down the back instead?

Regardless, definitely consider wearing your hair up to highlight the low back feature (which is the one part of it that says "club" not "office"). And do some dangly earrings and chunky, sparkly bracelets for sure.
posted by Bardolph at 4:32 AM on October 10, 2015 [5 favorites]


It looks fine. Go for the big earrings and a vivid lip colour and yes, hair up (but not a bun) and you'll look great. Have an excellent night!
posted by h00py at 4:47 AM on October 10, 2015 [1 favorite]


Are you in NYC? if so you can never go wrong with black. Bright and sparkly screams "bridge and tunnel crowd" here. Lovely outfit, go with the jewelry and makeup suggestions others have made. If you normally do not wear makeup, maybe get it done at store with a makeup counter that does that.
posted by mermayd at 4:58 AM on October 10, 2015 [1 favorite]


Best answer: Breathe. It looks very nice, and on a curvy lady it might be spectacular. You're going to look fine. You're just out of practice and you're freaking out. Nobody is going to look at you in this and think you look overdone or underdone. It's just done enough.
posted by Ursula Hitler at 5:14 AM on October 10, 2015 [24 favorites]


It's cute! You've had great advice so far, but I'd like to nth that you'll look great and everything will be fine.
posted by hollyholly at 5:51 AM on October 10, 2015 [2 favorites]


Response by poster: Thank you everyone! I am so grateful to you for not making me go shopping again :) I've dredged out this sparkly box clutch from the back of my wardrobe so that will hopefully make it a bit more dressy, and while I'd like a necklace the belt plate thing is sown in and it's sitting in a weird position to cover it, so I'm just going to stick with earrings and a statement ring for jewellery. I'm just glad to hear it won't look horrendously out of place because you're right Ursula Hitler, I was freaking out, and now I will relax *deep breath* Thanks MeFi, I will drink a toast to you later!
posted by billiebee at 6:40 AM on October 10, 2015 [4 favorites]


It is ADORABLE. This is minimal chic and it just screams confidence. If you have leopard heels this is the time to wear them.
posted by the webmistress at 6:51 AM on October 10, 2015 [7 favorites]


That handbag will go perfectly, have fun!
posted by ellieBOA at 7:15 AM on October 10, 2015 [2 favorites]


My only concern would be practicality and not fashion - are you comfortable sitting in it? Getting in and out of cars/taxis? Using a public bathroom in a club? If yes to all of the above - rock on woman!
posted by NoraCharles at 7:27 AM on October 10, 2015 [1 favorite]


It's fabulous.
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 7:36 AM on October 10, 2015 [4 favorites]


I LOVE it.
posted by i_am_a_fiesta at 9:27 AM on October 10, 2015 [2 favorites]


Your profile picture indicates you're gorgeous, and that jumpsuit is exactly the kind of hot/powerful look I envy when I see it on other women. So, I think you're good.
posted by MadamM at 10:12 AM on October 10, 2015 [1 favorite]


Another vote for LOVE! Have fun!
posted by mochapickle at 10:15 AM on October 10, 2015 [1 favorite]


I think it's elegant and dignified and lovely. But... I just had this happen to me the other day... thinking I looked elegant and understated when I got dressed in a nice, understated, flattering but conservative dress to go to a party; and when I got there, realizing that EVERYONE (like, all the ladies in their 40s) was wearing something that showed their boobs, and I felt ridiculous, like I was there as the den mother. Apparently mostly-out-there boobs are the thing these days.

I think this outfit would be perfect for a professional evening function. I think it's tasteful and cute and fashionable. But I think you're going to feel kind of covered up and underdressed if you're out on the town.
posted by fingersandtoes at 12:58 PM on October 10, 2015 [1 favorite]


That's fine, you're fine, it'll be fine. Just go out and have fun and don't worry about it.

FWIW I suck at reading the room on "going out" clothes, and I always manage to have a good time and none of my friends ever shun me. Overthink about job interview attire, wedding guest attire, Halloween attire. Don't sweat having fun with your friends.
posted by Sara C. at 2:22 PM on October 10, 2015 [1 favorite]


Response by poster: Readers, I wore it. With bright pink lipstick and nails, gold heels and bag. I felt great, compliments were paid, gins were downed, and a great night was had by all. I effing love you guys! *slumps into bed with full makeup*
posted by billiebee at 5:16 PM on October 10, 2015 [33 favorites]


thanks for the update. I hoped you'd wear it. It is really beautiful!
posted by naplesyellow at 7:30 PM on October 10, 2015 [1 favorite]


One more bit of advice: never go to bed in full makeup! Not only is it bad for your skin, it's murder on your sheets.
posted by Ursula Hitler at 10:16 PM on October 10, 2015


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