The evening part of Saturday ETA Solution at the end - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

The evening part of Saturday ETA Solution at the end

Astrid

Veteran

Like I posted in the other thread I have had some problems to find a dress that fits. I was out trying dresses for five hours today and almost nothing worked. The only one that fit was this Esprit dress http://www.esprit.de/damenmode.....O1E023_364, but I would have to buy a bra for that neckline. Do you think I should get it? I'd go back for it tomorrow then and see if I find a solution for the bra problem. Shoes would be these ones http://www.diamant.net/de/dame.....27-064-040 (my dancing shoes) and maybe my black blazer.

Another possibility I just thought of (thanks Beth Ann for mentioning it on the other thread) would be to go with the hose, oxfords and black skirt I own like in #2 and add a really dressy top. Like one of those lace peplum tops or something like that. Do you think that would work? Or would that still be too casual? It would probably be cheaper, especially because I'd need to find a new bra for the dress.

Sorry for all this posting, but I thought it might be better to start a new thread instead of adding this to the bottom of the old one.

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Dressing

54 replies

Latest reply was from

amiable

Veteran

I'm not the expert but yes, I do think that this skirt with a dressy top and those awesome hose would work for a dressy occasion!

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I think it would work perfect to add a dressy top as you suggested. Plus, you would be able to actually get some good wear from the top I imagine. I hate buying something "investment" oriented when I'm in a rush. The dress/bra seems like much more of an investment. But I know it likely depends on if you loved the dress or if you can find a dressy top you really love. Maybe you already have one in mind...

Sara L.

Veteran

I think that a great top sounds like a better solution to the dress problem. You wouldn't have to buy a new bra and the top has the potential to get more future use. Did you see anything in your hunt that might work?

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Amiable.

Thanks Texstyle. I don't have a specific top in mind, but chances are good I'd find something like that in the departement store where I also found the dress. I could go and snatch the dress up and then have a look if they have a suitable top instead. I did like the dress, but it was more the case of being the only one that did fit than being blown away by it. I did have something other in mind, but after a while of trying stuff on I did get a bit disheartened and tried different styles than I would have in the beginning. I love the color and the shape of the dress, but I'm not a huge fan of the mesh.

Thanks Sara! I hadn't seen a top like that, but I didn't look for it either.

unfrumped

Veteran

Dressy top is a good go-to emergency fix.

Ask yourself, what can they do to you!

Okay, just kidding, of course you want to respect the event, but it will be okay to be less dressy than some of the attendees. That's how lots of these events work out, as they do like a good attendance and generally cut you some slack if you make a good effort to look nice, and anyway you aren't up there on the podium receiving an award. If you have any friend from whom you can borrow a sparkly clutch or necklace, or you find something suitable at the dept store that doesn't seem like panic-shopping only, that really goes a long way toward "the look", too.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Unfrumped! The whole event is private function, I'm only going to get in because I'm now on some list somewhere... Never attended one of those before. Of course you're right all the same. I am a poor student and my friend gets everything paid by her parents. And if you are the biggest shareholder in a company that big you go about dress shopping in a different way. I know that I'm out of the running outfit wise, but I don't want to feel inappropriately dressed either. Maybe the top and skirt combo is even the better one, it has more character. Because if I buy a cocktail dress it will be cheaper than the ones other people are wearing in any case. And I definitely want to avoid panic shopping.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Okay, that dress is seriously pretty and I'll bet it would look fantastic on you.

But I also like the top and skirt solution a lot. My only suggestion might be to try sheer hose and the dancing shoes vs. the oxfords for that event. Or maybe no hose, depending on if the top is sleeveless.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Suz. Thing about the skirt is that I feel it's just a tad too short to go with bare legs. I always wear hose with it. But I don't think hose would work with the dancing shoes. I could get lighter colored hose, if that would help with the look, but I'd have to keep the oxfords.

rachylou

Veteran

I'm voting for the dress. I am old fashioned about these things. I believe in evening gowns.

jlyns

If I were in a room with folks in evening wear, I'd want a dressier shoe than oxfords. I think it makes good sense to dress up your black skirt, but the shoes are a big part of taking it up a notch.

But maybe that is just the old-fashioned girl in me talking.

When you are dancing in your dancing shoes--are you wearing them with bare legs? Since the toes and heels are covered, it seems like hose might be okay?

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Rachylou. I get what you mean, but the dress is still quite expensive considering I hadn't planned for it and probably won't get the possibility to wear it again in the near future. I wouldn't hesitate if it was exactly what I wanted, but it's not. I'm going to try it on again tomorrow, then I'll see how I feel.

Thanks jlyns! I've not been dancing for a few years, but I always wore them without hose. They're peeptoes and I always thought they looked better without.

rachylou

Veteran

Oh, well I also don't believe in expensive. There are truly better things to spend money on.

jurocha

(website)

Veteran

(second time around, I wrote a long post yesterday night, but then the forum froze on my tablet and I lost everything!)

Even though I find your skirt+top+blazer (I LOVED the double polka dots: on the top and on the wonderful hosiery!) beautiful, I wonder whether you will feel comfortable being among the few not wearing gowns for this event. As you described your friend's shopping strategy and the preparation for this event, I got the impression it is rather on the fancier side of things...

If I were you I know I wouldn't fell comfortable if I wasn't wearing a dress (call me vain; it hurts, but it isn't untrue...). Keeping that in mind, I selected a few links for you:

1. H&M
A. A 40 euros dress that has a very similar material composition of your ESPRIT dress (more than 90% polyester), but cost obviously half the price. It is from the new Pre-Fall collection, so I guess you won't have problems finding it in the B&M shops.
http://www.hm.com/at/product/14014?article=14014-A

B. If you are confident about separates, I would still go longer. I'm emulating one of Angie's Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/pin/18577417183994324/) outfits tonight with this skirt. I vouch for the navy version of it: I assure you it pass the "eye-test" for quality material (it looks better than it actually is; it's a 100% polyester garment in the end!). For your event I would suggest pairing it with a black turtleneck sans any toppers.
http://www.hm.com/at/product/1.....le=13581-A

The dressy heels you have will go with both options.

Mango is on sale round here ATM. Do you have it in Berlin? They also have a long, cobalt blue gown for less:
http://shop.mango.com/AT/p0/ma.....;s=prendas.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Rachylou.

Thanks Jurocha! I do like the dress and will have a look at H&M, it's on the way. Not sure I could pull the dress off though, I need more structure in a dress normally. I like the skirt, but it would probably need shortening, same as the dress. But you're right that a dress would be the safe option...

jurocha

(website)

Veteran

How tall are you? I am sure you're taller than me: I'm only 1.53m and a regular (again HM) pump (8cm) does the job just fine. No shortening needed.

Astrid

Veteran

That's good to hear. I'm 1.61 m. Most of the time maxi lenghts are too long on me.

Astrid

Veteran

No luck with H&M, but I went back to try the Esprit dress and ended up buying a different one altogether. I'm going to take some pics as soon as I'm back at home.

jurocha

(website)

Veteran

Problem solved. That reads good enough to me.

Curious to see what you got!

Astrid

Veteran

Okay, back at home and exhausted. Unfortunately the dress I bought will go back. I tried it again at home in different lighting and with the shoes and I just don't like it anymore. I'm kind of fed up with all this right now.

jurocha

(website)

Veteran

Oh, what a pity! Go do something completely unrelated. Go for a run, play with the dog, something outdoorsy... or at least away from computers (to check shops online is just too tempting - and can add to the frustration mood) like cooking or reading a book.

Then go to sleep. Tomorrow you will hv a fresh set of eyes.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks and you're right, I'll do that.

Gaylene

Veteran

You know, Astrid, if you are getting fed up and frustrated, why not just pull something from your closet, fix your hair, find some pretty accessories, and wear your best smile. The point a social occasion should be to enjoy yourself in the company of others, not spend a pile of money on a dress that you'll never wear again. I'm sure that your invitation was meant in that spirit--and as long as you look like you are embracing the spirit of the event, I can't imagine your friends would ever regret issuing the invitation.

I know that this is a fashion forum and we all love to put our best fashion foot forward for the events like you've described, but, really, life is more about enjoying things like this when they come your way instead of stressing about having the right outfit.

missvee

Veteran

Oh how frustrating!
Can you wear the beautiful dress you bought for the wedding for the day session? Then maybe the black skirt and polka dot top with your dance shoes for the evening event? Both of these outfits looked wonderful on you.
Whatever you decide, try not to worry about it. Gaylene's advice is excellent.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Gaylene and Missvee! Wise words indeed. Well you all can stop worrying because - hold your horses people - I have an outfit! Thanks to Gaylene and Jurocha. Because after reading Gaylene's excellent advice I went back deep into my closet and found this top, tags still attached. I had bought it recently without an idea what to wear it with, just because it fit so well and was so cheap (it's the same brand as my dress and was marked down from 70€ to 15€). None of my skirts would have worked, but then I thought of the maxi skirt Jurocha suggested this morning. They didn't have it at the big prominently placed H&M I went to earlier, but they did have it in my neighbourhood H&M I went to just now. Although going to H&M hardly is the break from shopping you suggested, Jurocha.

Well, I really like this and I think it's appropriate and much more sensible with my budget than any other stuff I considered. I'm so happy and relieved! What do you think about it?

Now I just need a bag, any suggestions as to color?

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Sara L.

Veteran

Your outfit looks great! And I'm so glad that you didn't have to spend a ton of money.

rachylou

Veteran

Ohmigosh! Fantastic! A long skirt!!! Perfect!!!! Just stunning. I LOVE it.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Sara! I'm glad too, my bank balance says thank you.

Thanks Rachylou! I wouldn't have thought of looking at H&M if Jurocha hadn't suggested it. And it's a nice looking fabric with a bit of weight and lined too, it really swishes and doesn't look cheap.

Anonymous

Yes, this is perfect for you!

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Ceit! And I get some use out of this top now.

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