Help with semi-dressy outfit - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

Help with semi-dressy outfit

marianne

I've been mainly working on my casual wardrobe since kids, so I still don't have many dressy options, especially for warmer weather. I am going to the opera next week and I need help putting together an outfit... nothing fancy, just appropriate, since there are very few things to work with. First, are white pants suitable for an evening event? Something along these lines:

http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....6854-1.jpg
http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....6857-1.jpg
http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....6860-1.jpg

I'd have to borrow a clutch from my mom, and I am still not sure what to wear over the button down if it gets cold.

There is also this pair of pants, and I could wear a white blouse and a black blazer. Or what about this top:
http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....6863-1.jpg
but I have no idea how to accessorize. (I would wear different shoes with these pants, I just didn't want to change)

Any thoughts? If it gets cold again, I guess I could also do black pants/white shirt with my houndstooth vest that has been featured here many times, except the vest is wool and might be too wintery. Oh and please excuse the hair!
Thank you very much!

Dressing

23 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

LoP

Veteran

I think all of it could be opera appropriate with the right hairstyle and make up. I love the white pants with the pearl necklace. How about wearing the last lacy top, the white pants and the pearls? For your hair, the lace and pearls would go well with a casual updo and make the outfit even more appropriate for the opera if you like putting your hair up.

tarzy

Veteran

Really lovely outfits (you make anything look good) but for me - I'm having trouble seeing the first three as "dressy." Maybe it's just that the fabrics are all such "daytime" fabrics? I like LegacyOfPearl's idea above of trying the lacy top with the white pants. I think you need at least one part of the outfit that says "dressy" or "evening" or just "special." Does that make sense? (And of course, I could be totally wrong!)

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

I agree about the lace top with the pearls and white pants. With your hair up it would be stunning. Maybe you could try that and post a picture? You do look great in everything.
I love just a bit more evening for the opera, although I know plenty of academics who would wear very casual clothes.

Antje

Veteran

I think these outfits are right on for Seattle. I love the white pants, and my favorite of the three outfits you posted is the one with the scarves. Absolutely try the lace top with those white pants as well (I'm not so enchanted with the second pair of pants.) You look terrific!

Maya

Veteran

You know my previous ambivalence about opera outfits Marianne. There is such a world of difference between an opera at the Met, an opera in a tiny theater in suburban NJ, and an opera in Seattle. Makes it rather confusing. I think as long as it's clear you made an effort, it's okay.

Given all my conflicting experiences, I think everyone else is right about hair and makeup. It can really make SUCH a difference. I'm also a fan of the lace top. It seems to have the right amount of "dress" to it that the black buttondown doesn't.

marianne

Thank you for validation, ladies. I am glad to hear that white pants are not limited to daytime. Opera here is overall fairly casual affair, but any outfit that doesn't include denim is quite challenging for me these days :). Legacy and Tara, I see what you're saying about the level of dressiness. I also haven't worn my hair up in ages, I don't even know where to start with that. Any tips on what to use? I probably have some hairpins somewhere. Sorry to be so inept!
Maya, I thought the dress code at the Met was a little nicer, but you could still get away with something very simple. Though I imagine an opening night is very different. From my experience, in Europe theater overall is a dressier event than in US, don't you think?

Inge

(website)

Here's another vote for the lacy top, white pants and the pearls (although I love the two first outfits as well - beautiful scarf!).
Is it warm enough to wear a dressy type of sandal with a small heel Marianne? I think that might add some extra flair to the look.

shana

Veteran

Ohh, I love opera! I agree with the others - black lacy top, white pants, pearls. I don't think you necessarily need to put your hair up (especially if it's something that will be a chore) but I think the appropriate makeup and some dressy sandals (maybe heels if you wear them) would up the style quotient of the outfit. Have fun!!

marianne

Thanks Shana and Inge! Shana, I love opera, too, but unfortunately, I haven't been able to go as much as I would want since kids. I am kind of surprised (pleasantly) that you all like the lace top. I posted it a while back in a keep/toss thread, but the picture was somewhat dark. I'll look into the shoe options. Meanwhile I'd appreciate any "updos for dummies" tips.

Inge

(website)

I hope you'll have a marvellous time Marianne!
(Can't help you with updo tips, sorry, I've never needed to experiment with that since I have a pixie cut;-)

hanna

(website)

why oh why am i always late to the party! this is another vote for lacy top, white pants and pearls, although i really do like the first three outfits - just not for the opera. make sure you rock those combos some other time though

Sihaya

Veteran

Hi Marianne - sorry, can't help with updo's - one of the reasons I've chopped off my hair! My vote goes to lacy top too. However, I did want to say that all the 3 outfits you posted with the white pants are KILLER. I have been a season subsriber to Seattle opera for over a decade now. Some of this depends on how you want to feel. The range is huge at the opera from people in shorts and t-shirts to ball gowns. If the range for dressiness were 1 to 10, with the ball gowns at a 10, I usually target a 7.5 and feel good about it. Also, I usually try to find one statement piece (like your pearls or killer shoes) that attracts the eye. Good luck with it - I hope you have a lot of fun.

susand

I looked at all the photos and I am so happy that my thoughts were echoed by many others (must mean I am on the right track!) I love the lace top, white pants and pearls.

My hair is about the same length as yours. If I am wearing it up, I would curl it first and then pull it back loosely and secure it with a clip of some sort. I am very fond of how many of the stars had their hair up this past award season. Not pulled back severely, more of a casual, elegant up do, soft tendrils around the face, etc.

Either way, I am sure you will look fab!
Susan D

marianne

Here is the final version per your advice, yay or nay?
http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....G_6922.jpg
What about these topper options? Is red too much?
http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....G_6923.jpg
http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....G_6924.jpg
I also tried putting together a rainy day option, since the weather forecast is questionable. Can I make it work?
http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....G_6927.jpg
Thanks!

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Very cute!
I don't think the red is too much at all, but the blazer gives it a more polished look. The rainy day option works, too.

marianne

Thank you CS! I see what you mean about the blazer.
Grr, it's actually supposed to rain now... white pants are at risk.
Any other thoughts?

tarzy

Veteran

Wow - those last few outfits look great! The last one would be a great option if you don't want to wear white pants (although would you be okay with flats in the rain?) Your legs look a hundred miles long in that outfit! Great job.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Is the red coat waterproof? Do you think that the white pants would be protected enough under it?

marianne

Thank you! The coat is not waterproof, but I could bring an umbrella. I am just a sloppy walker and would get splashes all over. I could manage as long as it's not pouring, but the backup outfit may need to come out.

Dani

Veteran

Marianne, I really like both outfits. I think you're fine with the backup outfit should it rain. I like the blazer for the topper for the first outfit (the red coat looks a little too casual for that outfit...maybe closed and belted might be better should you need the coverage?). I hope you have a great time!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Fabulous, Marianne! You did really well. I love the outfit with the blazer best. Walk carefully darling and you'll be fine. I'm wearing white pants tonight too

Your hair looks elegant and pretty tied back like that. Such a statuesque little lass you are!

marianne

Thanks for reassuring me, Angie! If you're wearing white pants today even in this weather, I'll try my best.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It's stopped raining and the sun has come out. Wooohoo white jeans!