help me choose a dress-up outfit

Occasion: 50th wedding anniversary, daytime, involving some form of ceremony and probably lots of eating.

I have to dress up so seldom I am always a bit lost. It is tomorrow, weather will be 40s-50s, i.e. much warmer than it has been till now. I am leaving today but will take several options with me hoping to get some input Sorry for the wet hair--packing panic.

Here are the options.
1.) fun, colorful paperclip motif pencil skirt (Tracey Reese). MIL fixed the zipper for me a couple years ago, so that would be bonus points for me maybe. I love this, but I don't know how much I can sit and eat in it.
2,3.) Jersey Trina Turk grey dress with matching military style overcoat. I love this too. It looks not quite as va va voom in real life and it is very comfortable.
4.) Hubby's favorite dress (a DVF), but I think the white buttons and cowboy style pockets make this a little less formal. Also I wear it more often dressed down, so I'd like to let some different horses out for once.
5.) Gorgeous wool midi with knife pleats (Poleci) at the bottom that give the most wonderful fishtail effect when I walk. Unfortunately I am afraid it still looks a little too long on me. sob.

This post has 7 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

12 years ago

anchie

Veteran

I would go with option 2 (Trina Turk) . It looks great on you. Maybe just add some color with scarf or purse.

Jjsloane

You look good in all of them and all seem appropriate for the occasion. My preference is #1 (unless you really can't eat or sit in it), or 2-3. 4 doesn't seem in the same league. The blouse in 5-7 is fantastic but I do think the skirt is a lot of length.

rute

I like 6/7! It has a vintage inspired style I love!

sarah

Oh, I love them all, but I'm really drawn to 5/6/7 first, and then 2 second. Have a wonderful time!

JennyAnne

(website)

You have so many great options! My favorite is the last one with the black dress a close second. I don't think you have to worry about the skirt being too long. It looks midi to me.

Lantana

I think #1's colour acknowledges the celebratory aspect of the occasion.

Meredith1953

They all nice but you show to great advantage in #2 (my favorite) and #7. Have a wonderful time!

Beth Ann

There are all wonderful pieces, Scarlet. For the party, I'd recommend the LBD (2) or the final option with the terrific hem. The skirt is a little longer than today's midis typically are, but it fits the retro feel of the skirt and you're tall enough to pull it off. Taking off length will also cause you to lose a little of the "tail" effect. I also adore the Tracey Reese skirt! Wear this often! Somehow, however, the color is making it read a little less dressy to me, at least in this photo.

teri

#2, but with a colorful pair of pumps

modgrl

I like 2 and 5. Could you do nude pumps with 5? That would resolve the length issue.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

#5 to #7 get my top vote. SOOOOO elegant! I like the length of the skirt.

I like #1 next.

Both outfits are k-word worthy.

Anonymous

I love 5/6/7 as is!
I find that the length issue is somewhat corrected with the pointy toe shoes but I like MG's idea on the nude pumps.

We just posted at the same time Angie!

We did, Zap! And our favourite outfit for sassy Scarlet is insync. High five!

Jonesy

These are all so gorgeous, Scarlet!! How I wish you would post my WIWs :).

I don't think you can go wrong with any of these, but my faves are the two with the prints: 1, and 5-7. The pencil skirt is so fabulous and seems bright and colorful and springy somehow; the houndstooth top is awesome and looks super duper chic with that amazing retro skirt.

Amy

5/6/7 gets my vote too. You look great!

Sveta

Fishtail skirt gets my vote!

rae

I actually love #2! I think it's a very "man friendly" dress, and given the occasion, that is a plus. All of them are appropriate and stylish, though.

Transcona Shannon

I'm crazy in love with the retro vibe of the midi and blouse in 5-7. I don't think the skirt is too long at all and is totally on trend. Plus your figure looks AMAZING in this outfit!

CocoLion

Outfit 5-7! I don't think the skirt is too long. All the other options look great as well.

christieanne

Love the Trina Turk dress/coat and the last skirt/blouse. Not too long imho.

That skirt n first picture is fantastic and the colors are very festive but if it's not comfortable for long sitting, then not as good a choice.

MsMary

5/6/7 for sure!! Not too long at all -- just fantastically fantastic!!

bj1111

skirt, skirt, skirt. so so awesome. your backside looks fantastic in that skirt. the heels balance out the length.

krishnidoux

1 or 5-7, with preference for the latter. So gorgeous!

Freckles

I'd be little worried about the cleavage in 2, 5-7 are fantastic.

Deborah

5-7 is a stunner. I love the vintage vibe and IMO it is perfect for a daytime event such as you are going to.

Elly

Midi!

Scarlet

Okay, well the bad news first. I was so sure that the last outfit would be nixed for length issues that I didn’t bring it with me! BUT I am so surprised and pleased that this outfit was so well received because I really do love that skirt and I never wear it. In the future, this skirt is coming out to see the world!
The good news, I wasn’t sure till the morning of, but in the end I wore the first outfit because it was the second most popular and seemed especially spring-y. I wore it with my black leather cropped peacoat and a quilted zebra-stripe purse. I did wish that I had some bright nail polish too to finish off the colorful look.

Some people pointed out great ways to liven up dress number 2 for spring, so I am pretty sure I really need some bright pumps now (looking at Teri).

Anchie, thanks for the quick response and good advice. I immediately grabbed a colorful scarf when I saw your post.

Teri, colorful pumps are such a good suggestions. You made me realized this is a wardrobe hole for me.

Angie, thanks for the advice and the k-ratings!!

Jonesy, I wish I posted more WIWs too Ever since we moved I haven’t really found a satisfactory place to take decent photos. Thanks for your comments.

bj, you always make me laugh. You know how important the backside is to me as a member of team riveting rearsider. Thanks for looking out for my backside.

Inge

Moderator

Thanks for letting us know, Scarlet, I hope you had a wonderful day. I love that colourful skirt on you, and I also love it that you paired it with a zebra-stripe purse. Delicious pattern mixing:-)

I agree that your last outfit looked stunning too. Extremely elegant, with a fun retro element. I hope you'll get to wear that one soon too.

Category