Outfit for tea at Palm Court and then theatre

Oh heavens, give us a starting point! What sort of clothes do you like, i.e. dresses, skirts and tops, trousers......................?

I have been a bit vague haven't I? Sorry! I mainly wear trousers, if I go for a skirt it's maxi. Size 12/14 5ft 3 ins, medium skin tone, grey hair. Is that better?

Don't like bare arms or really vibrant colours.

Black trousers, smart coat and silk shirt or posh top.
The coat's the important bit because you'll want to feel smart as you arrive there and transfer from Palm Court to the theatre. I have a just above the knee black velvet coat that I bought from Boden about twenty years ago - I only wear it abou once a year but when I do, it feels fabulous.
And don't forget accessories - gloves, possibly a scarf and necklace/bracelet. They will make simple clothes look special.

What about a nice dress with a matching , sort of floaty bolero top ?

beigey shoes , make your legs look longer , think KATe , but not so high of course!

I have one of those coats/ jackets jane! It is pale lilac, with discreet gold threads running through it, and, again, about once a year, it is perfect with black trousers and slinky top.

I found, when we were leading quite a hectic sort of public life, that the black top and trousers combination, with a variety of lovely jackets, served almost every occasion. (I have jackets from all over the world!)

The other thing I learned was to try to be comfortable at the same time, so shoes had to be the type in which I could walk, as well as looking good. Black, to concentrate attention on the colours in the jackets, and, occasionally, hats. But that is another co - ordination story!

Yes Ariadne I agree, comfort's really important! Clothes as well as shoes - and nothing's worse than worrying that you're about to suffer a wardrobe malfunction, so for a really special occasion, a good idea to wear the outfit for an hour or so round the house, to test it out

Definitely comfort and zips or buttons that aren't going fly open when you least expect it. I wouldn't choose anything too different from what you normally wear or you won't feel like you.

Start with the shoes, darling, start with the shoes! BTW That Ariadne is one smart lady!

Talking of a really smart pair of black trousers. Any recommendations? Rather like the elusive "perfect" white T shirt, I have endless pairs of black trousers which disappoint either in the fit, how they hang, the weight of the fabric etc I could go on. I don't like "modern" skinny trousers (as I am not) and older wide legs are beginning to look dated. So - who does a good straight leg trouser? (and not costing 3 figures if possible)

I just bought a pair of black trousers from Laura Ashley today. They are quite a warm wool pair and classic in style. I will have to shorten them by four inches or so but as they are parallels they won't lose the shape!

As I popped into the shop (in Chichester)I said to DH I am still searching for the elusive perfect black trousers for winter..he laughed and said they didn't exist! He was wrong!

Thanks for the suggestions. I must start shopping!