Outfit help needed for Friday night date!

This Friday night I'm going out to dinner at a nicer restaurant but then after I'm going straight to a show at a theater to see a big-name comedian.

I have a black jersey wrap dress that I want to wear with a pair of boots that I own (fancy but funkier for the show?). It hits at mid-knee rather than just above my knee (not ideal for my body, but it works). It has elbow-length sleeves and a deep v-neck.

My boots are black knee-high boots from Aerosoles with a chunky 2"-2.5" heel and a squared toe. No zipper or adornments. These are the closest I can find to my pair: http://www.shoemall.com/produc.....de=SMJQ987.

I tried this look on last night and just don't know if it works... I'm considering getting rid of the boots all together because they feel so clunky on my size 9 feet. Maybe they're too clunky for the dress, too.

If I'm not able to wear the boots, would black 3" round toe pumps work? Or would that be too fancy for the after-dinner show? Is there a way for me to dress down the pumps and dress outfit after dinner or make it work for both situations? I was thinking about wearing a white cami underneath, but that might look way too casual. Would wearing a gray cardigan over the dress bring it down a notch?

Either way it's definitely apparent that I need to work on pieces for this area of my wardrobe... :/

17 years ago

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

I think both situations would call for the same level of dressing up, so I don't think you would need to change between, or dress down for the comedy club. IMO.

Pumps sound fine to me, but then I have no problem with heels in many sitations. Can you add a scarf or a cool clutch? Maybe that will help break up the black/black thing you have going on, and help you feel more comfortable...

katiwei

Active Member

I'm with you on the heels bit, only shorter ones. I'd normally wear my favorite kitten heels, but they can't be worn again until I get them re-heeled/soled. I'd feel much more comfortable in those.

I like your idea of adding color... I love wearing wraps as scarves and have a pink one that looks great on me. That would probably add something that I feel is missing to the whole outfit. I'm glad to get confirmation that this outfit would be fine in both situations.

Dani

I second the idea of a wrap to add color, I think it would add some punch to the outfit. Do you have any metallic shoes? That might be a fun way break up the black/black. Also, I second a fun clutch in a metallic (but not if you do metallic shoes) or a fun color or print. Do you have any brooches? I don't think you will need to dress down the outfit for the show, especially (if I'm reading it correctly) since it will be at a theater instead of a club. Have fun!

shell

ok, here's my two cents -

1. black dress sounds fabulous! if it's a touch too long and there's not enough time to hem it, you could try taping up the hem. i know it's not very classy, but it would get the job done

2. i'm not a fan of the boots. square-toed chunky-heeled boots seem a little dated. im definitely not a boot expert, but thats just my opinion. i think the pumps sound like a better choice. pumps in a fun color would be nice if you have them. i particularly like peep-toes. a metallic pair could be very versatile for your wardrobe. perhaps something to consider for the future.

3. a cami would look nice. do you think one is necessary to avoid giving any free shows? i'd say if you can get away without one, it'll look more polished. but if you do wear one, perhaps something in a color besides white?

4. i don't think you have to dress down for the show. how is everyone else in your party planning to dress? if they're doing a wardrobe change or dressing less fancy, maybe you'll feel more comfortable following suit.

5. how are you accessorizing? i think a chunky beaded necklace, large pendant, or layers of pearls could look fabulous. perhaps a fab cocktail ring or bracelet too? these could be removed for the casual portion of the evening.

hope you have a great time! i'm sure you'll look fabulous with whatever you chose to do!

Anonymous

What is the venue for the comedian? (Opera house or sports arena?) Also will you be walking a long way from the car to your seats? Just something to think about considering the comfort of the shoes and whether you need a wrap of some kind for warmth.
I would love to see a picture of you wearing the dress, boots and grey sweater that you have so we can put our heads together on how well they work together. If they do work together, adding a brooch would be great. I'm so glad to see brooches coming in the limelight again. I just love them and they can add any type of color or feeling to an outfit with just one little extra added piece.

Wow, thanks for all the great responses!

It's my boyfriend and me and he plans to dress very nicely as well in black slacks and a dressy button down. The restaurant is only a couple blocks from the theater, so I'm good on getting there and back with this outfit. And yes, the comedian is at a theater (a great old theater in the middle of downtown).

I do have silver metallic pointy-toe pumps. I've never been sure if they really work with a black dress, but it sounds like it would. Would I be able to do the silver shoes, black dress and hot pink scarf around my neck?

I have to admit that I'm even more clueless about accessories than I am about clothing. I stick to the same smallish silver hoop earrings, a small silver ring, and either a delicate, small diamond pendant necklace or wraps worn as scarves for certain occasions. Every time I try on a long chain necklace it looks weird on me. I feel like I'm a short necklace girl and have always wanted to try the chunky beaded necklace but am totally intimidated by them.

It doesn't help that I had to start wearing my glasses (rather than contacts) about 6 months ago due to dry eyes. Before then I was always an earring girl. So now even more than before I feel like my glasses are my main accessory and much more jewelry is just too much STUFF. Big earrings are out and I feel like even my small hoops would be out with a chunky necklace -- yet, I don't know the last time I've ever gone a day without wearing earrings. They've been my mainstay since I got them pierced at 8 yo.

Oh, I do have a pendant of sorts. A multi-layered sequin covered felt flower from Gap a few years ago. I used to wear it all of the time on these two blazers of mine and then on a bag. That was the one an only time period of my life where I wore a pendant.

Antje

portrgirl, are you comfortable posting pictures of yourself? We'd love to help you with the accessory choices. I wear glasses and earrings (usually large chunky ones) together pretty much every day, so I'd love to gently challenge your assumptions about what can and can't be done

Your possible outfit combo of black dress, silver shoes and hot pink scarf sounds fabulous!!

I think I could definitely work up to becoming comfortable with it. I've been reading Angie's blog for over a year now and I've just recently made my first post here. I didn't realize how friendly and helpful everyone was! I could certainly use help in the glasses/accessories department since I've gone the last 10 years doing everything possible to avoid wearing glasses in public and now they're part of my face anytime I'm not sleeping or reading.

Thank you all for the help with my Friday night outfit! I feel pretty confident with my choice now. And to think I would have gone with all black otherwise and felt eh all night.

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