What kind of top? Help needed.

I don't want to be inaccurate :
I've described the matching blouse as a saree one , but it's actually usually much looser and known as a choli .
Tightly fitting saree blouses look great on slim girls , but on more ample ladies they don't look that wonderful !
This isn't solving my problem - I need to go shopping !

Hoping that you have a really wonderful evening .

https://signal-corridor.live/uploads/talk/202404/medium-490962-1000018882.jpg%3C/span%3E https://signal-corridor.live/uploads/talk/202404/medium-418292-1000018881.jpg%3C/span%3E https://signal-corridor.live/uploads/talk/202404/medium-138892-1000018880.jpg%3C/span%3E

I would definitely wear long for a black tie do.
Have a look in charity shops or on Vinted.
As you are a size 10 there will be lots of inexpensive options.

Just spent less than 5 mins on Vinted ? No idea what you like but here are 3 (see photos) one is a genuine 1970s dress.

Actually I like both the top and the skirt, and they could go together at a push, especially if it is a sit down event where people hardly see the full effect of top and bottom.

I do like Gransnet, people are so helpful and kind, even when pathetic people like me are getting their knickers in a twist over something as juvenile as what to wear for a 'bit of a do'.
Thank you everyone.

ExDancer - just had another look at your skirt and top.

I think maybe you could find a good long plain black skirt to go with the blingy top... that might work.

Have a look at J D Williams they have some nice ‘classic’ dresses.

Germanshepherdsmum

Personally, I love a tuxedo suit - I would be lost without mine.

Yes, I have one too, it was very expensive but really worth it. I don't go to many formal events but I know it won't date so I can wear it forever.

Sago

Roman have a fantastic sale, dresses are as little as £30.
Here’s an example.

I agree. And Roman do a good petite range. Delivery is quick and cheap, easy returns so you could try more than one.
I wouldn't worry too much.

First think about your total silhouette . I doubt if the length of the apparel matters a great deal (although personally I'd choose to conceal my swollen ankles).

Unless you are unusually well proportioned for an eighty year old you may want to choose a loose top that does not cut under waist or stomach.

If you want to wear your skirt that you already have you will do best with a plain black top , maybe in velvet.

If you’ve got a good dept. store nearby, I’d ask for help in the fashion area to find a suitable top to go with your skirt - being specific about e.g. sleeve length or colours you wouldn’t want. Personally I wouldn’t buy a dress I’d very likely never wear again.

I think your top and skirt look great! It will be a dressy occasion so I think it will be wonderful….but only if you feel good in it.
If not, maybe the top with a longer plain black skirt…although as you’re short, like me, full length is always too long… Or a simple mid length shift dress with a shawl would be nice.
Maybe a charity shop is worth looking in. They often have little used special occasion clothes. Enjoy!

I absolutely hate dressing up, we are going on a cruise soon but will not be going to the formal night, I can’t think of anything worse, however I have bought a few sparkly tops to wear with smart trousers for the specially dining.
These were not expensive just from Temu but look more expensive than they were
I’m not going to spend a fortune for something I will wear once a year.

I noticed lsst week John Lewis are hiring dresses at £20 a time. Cheaper than buying.

@ExDancer suddenly last year I found myself at several black tie functions, unusual for me, and I noticed that not many women regard wearing full-length dresses or skirts as compulsory. Shorter mid-calf length is very acceptable, or jumpsuits.

I'd stick with the top that you have shown in the photo and buy a plain, full length, black skirt to go with it, maybe in velvet or some sort of silky material.
Whatever you wear enjoy the occasion, people are usually too worried about how they look themselves to notice much about what anybody else is wearing.

For formal nights on a cruise I wore a long black skirt with various silky tops. Kitten heels. All from ebay

I think the outfit you showed us looks perfect. The top may be glitzy but that doesn't just have to be about Christmas. I think it would work fine.

Well, as you do not say whether you are as flat as a board, or well-endowed with a beautifully impressive bosom, we can't really help, can we?

Pop the skirt in a carrier bag and take it with you when you go shopping for a blouse.

Avoid anything with gold as the skirt has gold stars and I suggest you either look for a sleeveless blouse you can wear under a bolero or jacket, or a long sleeved blouse that you can combine with and evening shawl or wrap.

I think the skirt (with stars) is more Christmas-looking than the top.

Keep the top and look for plain bottoms maybe.

If you have a little time to spend, try charity shops. I saw some Caroline Charles recently.

If there is detail in the skirt fabric then I would select a plain black top/blouse and wear a piece of statement jewellery.

Wear the Christmas sparkles. For goodness' sake - you're 85. You get a free pass. No rules. Wear what you like.

ExDancer

This is the best I can do with a photo. I felt the top was a bit too Christmassy - and a new blouse would be wearable at other times.
I can't afford something I'll only wear once.

That is a lovely skirt, ExDancer. Look online at Next, Zara, M&S, or pop into your local charity shops. I volunteer at one and some donations still have labels on. Many are from Phase Eight, White Stuff and other high quality shops.

Could you perhaps borrow an outfit from a friend or relative?

I like your sparkly outfit. It saves you buying something new.
If you do buy a new top, it doesn't have to be black. A strong colour would work.
It's a nice problem to have.
Enjoy the "Do"