https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:40:44 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-622205 Thu, 17 May 2012 16:18:49 +0000 rosee 622205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have nothing to offer but this is a fun thread to follow. I'm living vicariously through you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-622198 Thu, 17 May 2012 16:07:25 +0000 Angie 622198@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Got it, Tanya! Black patent shoes are on your shopping list. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-622191 Thu, 17 May 2012 15:59:07 +0000 Polly (thunalata) 622191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just to say I find this thread incredibly inspiring!</p> <p>One of the things YLF does so well - helping people work things out. Love reading about your ideas and plans - probably because I need to sort out something a bit like this for things I have to attend because of DH's job.</p> <p>I will follow your progress with interest! I love what you have so far! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-622153 Thu, 17 May 2012 15:07:12 +0000 Tanya 622153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I whish these shoes were dressy enough :(. While they are the right shape ( high heel, tiny platform for comfort, peep toe), the fabrication is not dressy enough. They are made of black suede and the heel/platform are tan wood. They are fun night on the town shoes, but I do not think they are dressy enough for embassy events. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-622105 Thu, 17 May 2012 14:19:16 +0000 Angie 622105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tanya, you are wearing dressy black pumps in the photo. Do you really want another pair? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-622047 Thu, 17 May 2012 13:17:22 +0000 Tanya 622047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would like to thank everyone who has helped me with this. I have analyzed your suggestions and came up with a following shopping list (I love making lists). There are three different categories based on the level of urgency/importance for that particular item. It will probably take me years to tick everything off, but it should be lots of fun.</p> <p>Level I ( which means get ASAP):<br /> 1. Dressy/fancy black pumps</p> <p>Level II (items that would work with my current capsule nicely):<br /> 1. Tuxedo jacket<br /> 2. Various tops for all the skirts ( sequins, bright color, etc)<br /> 3. More pumps: a bright color and something metallic/sparkly<br /> 4. More clutches: a bright color and one with a metal chain strap<br /> 5. Cocktail rings</p> <p>Level III (fun to have, when and if I stumble upon the right item)<br /> 1. Full skirt (ideally in a print)<br /> 2. Cream satin pencil skirt<br /> 3. Fancy maxi skirt<br /> 4. Fit&amp;flare dress<br /> 5. Lace dress<br /> 6. Various pretty cocktail dresses ( not skimpy)<br /> 7. Evening trench </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-621500 Wed, 16 May 2012 21:25:52 +0000 Tanya 621500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>He he Claire, you are too funny. I do not think I have the personality to pull of such a reply, but I will practice... Maybe I will once actually dare and do it :-p </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-621299 Wed, 16 May 2012 17:19:38 +0000 Anonymous 621299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ROTFL @RoseandJoan's "I'm European, darling" ! </p> <p>Tanya, you should say it with a Zsa Zsa Gabor accent with an elegant shrug of the shoulder than only European women seem to be able to master. Maybe some of your chic will rub off on them! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-621136 Wed, 16 May 2012 14:58:42 +0000 Tanya 621136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Angie!</p> <p>Trench: what do you think of the brocade one I posted? It doesn't seem to go that well with all the black though. Should I look for a dressy black one? Or a jewel tone/metallic?</p> <p>Tuxedo jacket: shorter for skirts or longer for pants? ( I hope for both eventually),</p> <p>Full skirt: I assume you mean something fun and patterned like your gorgeous Kate Spade one from the blog post today?</p> <p>Edited: Just saw your edited post. Loads of great info.</p> <p>Lace dress: Is the one I already have too revealing for these types of events and I should look for something more conservative?</p> <p>Maxi skirt: I assume it should be in a dressy fabric, like silk satin. I actually have one made of black cotton that I wonder if it could be styled properly. WIll post it later tonight. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-621127 Wed, 16 May 2012 14:51:12 +0000 Angie 621127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>GREAT start to a killer cocktail capsule, Tanya. </p> <p>How about the addition of an evening coat/ trench?</p> <p>A tuxedo jacket is a must. </p> <p>More colour? (Clutches!)</p> <p>Full skirt.</p> <p>Fit and Flare dress. </p> <p>Lace dress.</p> <p>Formal Maxi skirt - to wear with glitzy tops (although I wear mine with a button down and pile on the pearls). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-621022 Wed, 16 May 2012 13:09:09 +0000 Tanya 621022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you SO much for the further suggestions ladies! My head is swimming with ideas.</p> <p>Jenava, that is a great comeback. Yes, I am definitely thinking of adding a cream satin skirt to the list. Might bot be that easy to find, but still, it is good to keep that option in mind.</p> <p>Vix, a fun patterned skirt sounds lovely too. That goes on my list of possibilities as well.</p> <p>Harmonica, yes I have some statement necklaces: cream and grey pearls, chunky silver one in photo #2, some sparkly ones and some proper rhinestone chokers. Since I am a competitive ballroom dancers, I own a lot of rhinestone jewelry.</p> <p>RoseandJoan, definitely not once a week! Probably once a month, maybe even once in 6 weeks. While I love Angie's idea of white shirt, for these occasions I would prefer more festive tops, but I will keep that in mind. I already have a pretty nice capsule of those essentials: various bras ( strapless, backless, low back etc), hose and undies, so I am all set there. Also all sorts of hair stuff, that also comes from my ballroom dancing supplies. And yes, I am European, and that is another great response I will keep in mind. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-620985 Wed, 16 May 2012 12:03:13 +0000 lyn67 620985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautiful dressy capsule, love them all! And aggree a white(cream) satin skirt will jazz up things you already have. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-620932 Wed, 16 May 2012 09:30:00 +0000 RoseandJoan 620932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tanya, you already have some fabulous pieces so are well on the way to building that cocktail capsule!</p> <p>May I ask, how often are you attending these semi formal events? Once a week, once a month? This will help to gauge the size of your capsule.</p> <p>I think the suggestions above are great and I like your ideas for building around your existing pieces. I do think Angie's formula of adding a crisp white button down to your pencil skirts could work beautifully with the right jewellery.</p> <p>I also think it is important to build a stock of those essentials required for more formal events; such as your favourite hose, nude bra and hair clips to be set aside so that your capsule is always ready to go with little fuss.</p> <p>Are you European Tanya? If so 'I'm European Darling' would be my response to those who mention an outfit repeat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-620926 Wed, 16 May 2012 08:22:14 +0000 harmonica 620926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>how fun to build a cocktail capsule! you look absolutely stunning and my favorites are #2, #4 and #5. I support the other ideas here about shoes, color, tops and cocktail ring. Do you have some statement necklaces? I think they could work with the tops / dresses with open neck or strapless top / dress </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-620907 Wed, 16 May 2012 05:54:42 +0000 Vix 620907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great ideas -- especially for the shoes and cocktail rings (vintage ones are can be fairly cheap and fun).</p> <p>Since you have a fair amount of flattering solid items already, the only thought I had was for a printed skirt that would work with existing and/or TBD tops.</p> <p>[And I agree you look stunning in the color-colors you're showing.] </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-620899 Wed, 16 May 2012 05:07:17 +0000 Jenava 620899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I adore the idea of a white or cream satin pencil skirt! I think you could put that to great use...black and cream or white is SUCH a great evening combo!</p> <p>ETA - if any such comments came MY way I'd just say, "and I notice you NEVER repeat an outfit...you must spend a FORTUNE!" (-: </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-620898 Wed, 16 May 2012 05:02:31 +0000 Tanya 620898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much ladies! Lots of clever ideas here. So far it looks that:</p> <p>- 6 is too casual<br /> - I really need dressy black pumps and maybe another colorful/glitzy pair<br /> - a clutch with metal chain strap would be great to have<br /> - so would 1-2 fun cocktail rings<br /> - and a sequin top<br /> - some colorful tops are in order<br /> - and I could pick another neutral such as cream or silvery grey for another bottom as well as top to mix and match with all the black</p> <p>Alicat, that is very sweet of you, thank you! I am not particularly bothered by the comments, women tend to be very competitive here, and I do not even know that particular lady very well. I guess it just served for me to be aware that repeats will be noticed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-620879 Wed, 16 May 2012 03:52:47 +0000 Anonymous 620879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a lovely start to your capsule. I second the others' ideas to get some really fun shoes and a cocktail ring or two. What other color were you thinking of mixing in to your clothes? A champagne shade might be nice for a sequined top, and if you can find a skirt in the same general hue, you could wear them together, as a dress, and split them up to wear with your other pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-620871 Wed, 16 May 2012 03:22:15 +0000 Anonymous 620871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, good grief, Kate Middleton wears outfits more than once. Flee from these people who are making "ironic" comments -- "ironic" = rude in this context! You are a knockout. Sorry, this isn't much help, so cross that anyone has been so awful to you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-620858 Wed, 16 May 2012 02:31:48 +0000 velvetychocolate 620858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm liking the idea Jenava has of a big cocktail ring or two - would be perfect for this particular capsule. </p> <p>Meanwhile, you are very organized about all this - agree that you should be looking for more dressy tops to go with the skirts you already have, and a tuxedo jacket/suit would be ideal as well. </p> <p>You know what? I'm just remembering a post Angie had blogged quite some time ago, her party ensembles for around December, and I distinctly remember just how fabulous her black dresses looked with really dressy *red* shoes, and how it was (maybe, if I remember correctly) the other way around for a red ress (black shoes with the red dress). </p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/2009/11/23/party-wear-formula-the-timeless-frock/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2009/11/.....ess-frock/</a></p> <p>Looking at photos #3 through #11 (and even #2 to a point), it looks like some fab "party shoes" are in order too. </p> <p>I would focus on getting more fancy tops to go with the skirts you have (ASAP) and some more shoes while keep your eyes open for more dresses/the tuxedo jacket(s)/suit. Also keep an eye out for some fab cocktail rings as per Jenava's suggestion. I wouldn't stress about finding additional colours for dressy skirts just yet - just keep them in mind so that you're always sort of looking, on the chance that you find something really good. </p> <p>What fun! </p> <p>last minute thought - have you considered a cream coloured dressy skirt to go with some of your black skirts and/or cream tops to go with your black skirts? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-620822 Wed, 16 May 2012 01:47:12 +0000 christieanne 620822@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of options in your capsule so far - you have a lovely collection already so adding a few things should be fun. It's too bad that this social crowd is so judgmental as remixing seems to be smart at any economic level. </p> <p>For tops to go with the black suit or various skirts. What I think looks modern is a sequined tshirt or tank. Fully covered with sequins. I will put a picture up - this is Asos but I would think you could find maybe at H&amp;M or somewhere for less? Pair with the simpler bottom and you don't need much else.<br /> It's tempting to accumulate a lot of black for evening but you look great in color. I found two options just as examples of shapes mostly. Both are from Nordstom as under $100 level - Vince Camuto and Tahari. </p> <p>A great black pump would be a high priority for me as a switch from the strappy sandal.</p> <p>You have such fantastic style that once you apply yourself to this one, I hope it is fun for you. Leave no stone unturned - are there some decent consignment shops in your area? And ebay for basics like tux jacket. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-620782 Wed, 16 May 2012 01:19:22 +0000 Jaime 620782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm, you look amazing in the two black dresses above, and any ironic comments may have been jealously. I don't love the red cowl top but the rest looks fab. Your plan sounds good, as does your boyfriend's idea of fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-620773 Wed, 16 May 2012 01:11:53 +0000 Jenava 620773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you need some glitzy shoes to pull these off for cocktails.</p> <p>The dresses are all perfect. Can you try the shoes from #1 with the trouser outfits?</p> <p>#6 looks very "office to cocktails" to me, so that one I'd say is my least favorite.</p> <p>I do like the sequin skirt and the lace skirt, as well as the satin one. The tops that shine, are strapless or spaghetti strap are nice, and I like the sheer blouse as well.</p> <p>For the suit, I'd want it to be a tuxedo for cocktails, or you will look pretty business-y and serious about your cocktails! You have so many other options, why bother?</p> <p>For cocktails, I use a tiny metal bag with a long chain strap. Clutches hinder my cocktailing...(-:</p> <p>I also think you need a big ring (or two). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-620758 Wed, 16 May 2012 01:01:56 +0000 kmb1 620758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your outfits! I especially like the combinations you came up with for #4 and #6. A blazer over a dress is one of my easy fallback looks for nicer events, although I think a few skirts and blouses makes for a more versatile wardrobe because you can mix and match more. The jacket in photo 10 is cute, but I bet you'd get more "bang for your buck" with the jacket in photo 11. </p> <p>If this were my wardrobe I'd pick out a few colorful tops and a black jacket to supplement what you already have. I've had good luck finding tops at Banana Republic lately, although I haven't checked out their selection in a month or so. I always try to stay away from black at events if I can because usually at least half of the other women there are also wearing black. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cocktail-wear-capsule-long#post-620735 Wed, 16 May 2012 00:49:51 +0000 Tanya 620735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am starting to tackle something I have been avoiding to for a while - cocktail wear capsule. My (relatively new) BF likes to go to various nice cultural events, such as classic music concerts, and often they take place in embassies. And before you start imaging something really glamorous, these are open-to-the-public events that anyone can buy a ticket for, no jet-setting here Since I love dressing up I am quite happy with these opportunities. The dress code is always semi-formal and people tend to dress up a lot. Very often we will socialize with the same group of people so unfortunately buying a gorgeous LBD and styling it differently every time will not work. ( I have worn the same dress twice styled differently and received some ironic comments - it is a very judgmental scene). I do have some appropriate pieces, most quite old, but it is all a mish-mash and I would like to plan for a cohesive capsule. For the last two such events, I ended up looking for an appropriate dress the evening before the event ( as I was hoping to make something from my closet work, but it didn't), and I was extremely lucky to find something in Nordstrom rack or similar stores at a good price. However, I would really like to avoid such stress in the future and be prepared.</p> <p>I do feel best in a proper cocktail dress. However, I am quite picky and find it really difficult to find something I really like and that is affordable as I am on a very tight budget. Everything is too short, revealing, flimsy, too embellished or bad quality. I do not have any issue with sexy clothing - I will happily wear it for other going out occasions, but here I want to aim more for sophisticated and classy (for example, no dresses shorter than 2-3" above the knee). I will continue to look for discounted pretty dresses whenever I am at a place that sells them, but it seems wise to have a nice capsule of mix-and-match pieces in case I do not have a new dress at the moment and am going to the event with the same people from the last one will be present. I have decided to set a separate small budget for this, independent of the regular clothing budget. Obviously, this is going to be a long process, but it has to start somewhere, right :)?</p> <p>So here is what I currently have that I believe is appropriate ( feel free to correct me if I am mistaken):</p> <p>I Dresses: there are three, pink one I also wore to the Mad Men cocktail party (#1), an LBD you have also already seen (#2) and a more conservative black one (#3). All of these have been worn and re-worn to these events, so I would like to stay away from them for a while.</p> <p>II Black pantsuit: no photos as it is at the dry cleaner at the moment, but I have the Express blazer and Columnist pants (stock photo at the end) that I believe could be dressed up with glitzy tops and accessories. What are your thoughts on this?</p> <p>III Dressy black pencil skirts ; somehow I have amassed quite a collection: a lace one (#4), a satin one (#5), high waisted one with a ruffle (#6) and crocheted sequin one (#7). #7 also has a matching top that I am wearing with skirt #5. I have tried to wear them with tops I have that I think *might* work, but am open to suggestions. I would really like to get some ideas for the best tops for each of them, and am fully prepared to get a few. ( I will probably post a separate thread on this, as this one is getting huge). Skirt #4 works with both tucked and untucked tops, #5 only with with tops tucked in and #s 6 and 7 only with untucked tops as they have a bit of lower rise.</p> <p>IV Black pants: a flared tuxedo pair (#8)- needs untucked tops and dramatic wide legged high waisted pair (#9) that works well with tucked tops.</p> <p>V Strappy sandals: black, silver and gold . There is also a pair of red patent peep toed pumps. I desperately need a pair of dressy black pumps, ideally peep-toe or d'orsay style.</p> <p>VI Clutches: black, silver and matte gold. Nothing special, but the least of my concern. An addition in a jewel tone would be nice.</p> <p>VII Dressy brocade trench that needs new buttons and I have never worn.</p> <p>What I think I would like to get is:<br /> 1. Two black tuxedo jackets, a longer one to wear with pants/over short dresses ( even better if it comes with matching pants as a pantsuit) and shorter one for skirts. The navy one from Piperlime in #10 would be perfect if it were black.<br /> 2. A whole bunch of tops: possibly a romantic sheer black blouse, a silver sequin top, and appropriate tops for all the skirts.<br /> 3. Dressy black pumps as mentioned above.<br /> 4. Clutch in a bright color as mentioned above (low priority).</p> <p>Not sure if I should look for some dressy non-black bottoms- for example, something grey/charcoal to go well with the trench.</p> <p>I would more than appreciate any suggestion you have, as well as opinions on the tops I have photographed the bottoms with. Many thanks !!! </p>