https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 05 May 2026 04:43:13 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1817282 Wed, 21 Jun 2017 16:29:01 +0000 Rambling Ann 1817282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Donna - Foot injury? There's a good idea. And LOL our cruises have been more like back-country try-not-to-die rafting adventures in Alaska and Canada, but there's always Paris...</p> <p>Greyscale - you have a life beyond manicures, ergo cannot be a WAG. &lt;rant&gt;Does anyone ever talk about men like that? BAHs? No they do not. &lt;/rant&gt;</p> <p>I am focusing on the actual friends that will be there, and am going to juggle the place cards at the table if I have to.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1817190 Wed, 21 Jun 2017 06:58:45 +0000 Greyscale 1817190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oof, well, I'm glad you've got a sympathetic group of all of us to vent to! I hope you find something you feel fab in, and it sounds like a good thing he's retiring! (And I'm laughing at your apt description of the divide between the dressed-up WAGs and the frumpy female academics -- been there, done that! On both sides of the divide.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1817137 Wed, 21 Jun 2017 00:53:28 +0000 Suz 1817137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope that jumpsuit works! It will be amazing. I'm with <b>Sal</b> in thinking that the best thing you can wear is what makes you feel fantastic and him feel happy. Go, enjoy to the extent you can, and know that he will be so pleased to have you with him.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1817132 Wed, 21 Jun 2017 00:30:57 +0000 Rambling Ann 1817132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>minimalist - shoes I already own. Hopefully the jumpsuit is long on me and it doesn't much matter. I'll be sitting at a table anyway. The number of painful black shoes for his events that I have purchased and donated over the years makes me sick, my feet are really fussy. I have some black flats that won't be perfect but will do. I also have some 1" black pumps with silver heels that are less comfortable. And some purple Ed Hardy sneaks if I get really saucy. (said that just to make Angie cry, I'm a hopeless case)</p> <p>Sal - exactly. It's not like the WAGs ever gave a care about what I thought over the years. And I am very proud to be standing beside him. Mostly I just want him home. I'm past done with the last five years of him commuting to the city 3-5 days a week.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1817131 Wed, 21 Jun 2017 00:22:58 +0000 DonnaF 1817131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I quite sympathize and am grateful that I've never been in your situation, but that's probably because DH was a blue collar worker AND didn't have a retirement party (that I know of).&nbsp; The good news is that it sounds as though you won't encounter these WAGs again so it is not as big of a deal if you are an outlier.</p> <p>I hope the jumpsuit or drapey black pants work out.&nbsp; Next, you'll have to book a cruise since where else will you wear such stuff?&nbsp; </p> <p>If footwear will be a problem, maybe you will injure your foot or ankle.&nbsp; No one will question your choice of footwear if you are also sporting one of those horrendous boots and are hobbling around. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1817130 Wed, 21 Jun 2017 00:21:22 +0000 Sal 1817130@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I probably can't offer too much information in terms of what is appropriate in that setting. &nbsp;But given your emotions I would prioritise choosing something that you feel good in and that your husband likes over what a very soon to be ex-colleague group will think. &nbsp;You want to go along feeling proud of hubby, proud of yourself and have as good a time as you can.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1817122 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 23:59:19 +0000 Emily K 1817122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh...I hope so much that the jumpsuit and choker outfit works out for you--it sounds fantastic! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1817117 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 23:41:46 +0000 minimalist 1817117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Black jumpsuit with that silver &amp; malachite necklace sounds vavoom! What footwear will keep you happy? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1817114 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 23:26:01 +0000 Rambling Ann 1817114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Should have ordered the ivory one this morning, it's gone. The black one is coming in two sizes.&nbsp;</p> <p>So is the blouse. I was planning to copy Angie's dress over jeans idea for the daytime affair, but if I like the new blouse better, I might do that instead. I'm going to be doing a lot of returning when I finally drive up to the city for this weekend of festivities. </p> <p>And I already decided if the black jumpsuit works, I'm wearing a silver and malachite choker I bought myself for the very first event with this crowd back in 1993. It's dramatic and reminds me of a circle of shark teeth.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1817047 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 20:06:01 +0000 LaPed 1817047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ann, your DH sounds an awful lot like mine. In the time we've been together, he's worked for two different companies (both tech industry), three different offices, in three different parts of North America (one of which was intermountain west, so I totally get the idea of casual-beyond-recognition cocktail attire!). I'm constantly trying to grapple with new dress codes, norms, expectations. Every office party is a guessing game, and DH never has a clue. It drives me crazy. I'm more or less identified as a "creative" now so, for better or worse, I feel like I can get away with a little more quirkiness than some. I'm next to useless when it comes to formal wear, but I love the idea of a jumpsuit. You'll blow all those sheath dresses outta the water. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1817041 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 19:54:40 +0000 Rambling Ann 1817041@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Barbara, I love that top too. I just might get it as my "retirement" present. In my real life, I could wear it a lot of places. &nbsp;</p> <p>What will he wear? That is a good question. Cowboy boots, a sport coat. In between? Dress slacks (thank you heavens not Dockers) and either a black tee like Steve Jobs or a dress shirt and tie. Doubt he'll decide until it's time to go. He's unpredictable and he doesn't much pay attention to these details. He once told me black tie for a party for this group and it was not...I was not happy. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1817040 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 19:52:35 +0000 JAileen 1817040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rambling, I live in the intermountain west too, and went to a cocktail party and none of the women wore a "cocktail dress." In fact, all wore dressy jean outfits. So I think what you're envisioning is fine, especially blinging it up. And if it turns out you're at the less dressy end of the spectrum, well, someone has to be, right? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1817039 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 19:43:59 +0000 Barbara Diane 1817039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am OBSESSED with the top. LOVE it. One of my favorite finds of all time. Not an expert at all, but it does sound like a non traditional definition of cocktail attire, so I would love to see the top work with dressy pants with sheen. I also like the jumpsuit. </p> <p>What is your husband wearing? Sometimes that helps us gague the level of formality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1817026 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 18:59:51 +0000 Emily K 1817026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While neither top nor sandals are formal enough for traditional cocktail attire, I totally understand "as fancy as you people get". &nbsp;LOL. &nbsp;I think the top could work in this context with dark cigarette pants and dark shoes as long as your jewelry is bold and polished. &nbsp;I struggle with the idea of linen in this situation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1817007 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 17:43:18 +0000 rachylou 1817007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the jumpsuit is fabulous! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1817003 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 17:32:06 +0000 Rambling Ann 1817003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The pants are ok, but I'm not seeing any tops at all that inspire. The jumpsuit is risky in terms of fit, but I like it, could see wearing it somewhere, someday. Maybe. It comes in black and ivory. Kind of liking the ivory better.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1817000 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 17:06:28 +0000 Rambling Ann 1817000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>tulle - I'm leaning toward monochrome.&nbsp;<br />rachylou - "fancy as you people get" is exactly it.&nbsp;</p> <p>The country club dress code is no jeans. I need to go do something useful like water tomato plants and quit worrying about this for a minute. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1816992 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 16:28:23 +0000 rachylou 1816992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I don't know. It *is* a silk top... add some bling and a shiny skirt... it could be enough. Esp if everyone else is going to be wearing solid colour sheath dresses. </p> <p>Or do you think by cocktail attire they mean 'fancy as you people get'? Lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1816988 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 16:22:58 +0000 tulle 1816988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I actually think that the full drape of those beige pants could look dressy, but maybe not with the patterned top.&nbsp; In my experience of "dressing up" a more casual look for a formal occasion, it works best to go close-to-monochrome, head to toe, with no pattern except the sparkle of some flattering jewelry. An interestingly draped blush or cream silk top or tunic could be comfortable enough to wear again in different ways.&nbsp; I get your frustration, and we move in similar circles, I think--mainly scientists and physicians.&nbsp; In general, the men get a pass on what they wear--they get points for just turning up--while the women are expected to dress for the occasion.&nbsp; There has been discussion about this on the forum before, I know.&nbsp; I always tell my husband not to worry, I'll dress for both of us. But I don't go overly formal, either.&nbsp; This past weekend we attended a champagne-tasting dinner.&nbsp; Some of the men wore jackets and bow ties (and looked fabulous) but most wore (ironed) shirts and pants. The women looked great, mostly in dresses of various lengths and materials. The weather was hot and muggy, so I chose a loose sleeveless dress made of pale hyacinth blue shirting cotton, cut in at the shoulders, with 3 yards of aurora borealis crystals looped at the neck, and opalescent blue pumps. I felt cool and comfortable in cotton, with the crystal necklace providing the "party" element.&nbsp; Setting aside what the other ladies will be wearing, can you find your own, western version of this compromise--something that feels like you and makes you happy? &nbsp; You may believe that you will never need a dressy item again after this retirement shindig, but I suspect you will still find occasions requiring something a bit more formal than everyday, so why not celebrate your husband's retirement by looking and feeling your best?. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1816976 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 15:15:33 +0000 Rambling Ann 1816976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>texstyle, it won't be "suit jacket required" for sure, the other half of his true academic colleagues "might" have a sport jacket somewhere in they closet. That's in a nutshell the problem: there are two sets of colleagues who have never blended, the true scientists who can't find a comb and the clinicians. DH's boss will be in a full suit; his oldest colleague and friend, we will be lucky if he's in a clean polo shirt. I never seem able to find the sweet spot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1816972 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 15:06:44 +0000 Angie 1816972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't worry! We'll help you get through the event with the right outfit.&nbsp;</p> <p>You need a dressier look. Pants and top are a smashing idea - but not the casual items you have here. No linen for the cocktail event. If you are going to keep the silhouettes loose and airy - go darker.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1816970 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 15:01:57 +0000 texstyle 1816970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, to me "Country Club" cocktail party could be a wide range of formality - from dressy casual to full out black tie. Which one is this is the main question to me.&nbsp; Is it a "suit jacket required" Country Club? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1816968 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 15:01:16 +0000 Rambling Ann 1816968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, &nbsp;WAG = Wives and Girlfriends, traveling with the pro rugby, cricket and football teams. I am not a WAG in that sense; many of DH's colleague's wives are.&nbsp;I am 25 years frustrated and at the boiling point.&nbsp;The whole idea of a cocktail dress dinner is the final straw.</p> <p><div>Cocktail in the intermountain west, at least interpreted by this medical/academic crowd, is men in sport coat and tie, WAGs in sheath dresses, academic women in frumpy. I don't fit in either category, never have. Frustrated is hardly the word.</p> <p></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1816962 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 14:51:57 +0000 Rambling Ann 1816962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Linen out of the question? I really like these<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.softsurroundings.com/P/Antilles_Gauze_Pants/">https://www.softsurroundings.c.....uze_Pants/</a>&nbsp;in taupe&nbsp;<br /><div><br /></div><div>I might get them as a reward for being a good camper.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1816961 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 14:51:14 +0000 Angie 1816961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What is a WAG? And you sound frustrated.&nbsp;</p> <p>Rambling Ann, I'm a little confused. Are you asking whether the top, pants, and sandals in the Finds that you posted would pass for cocktail wear? They don't. They are very casual. Perhaps you meant that for the day outfit?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1816959 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 14:41:24 +0000 always trying 1816959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pretty top, but IMO Too sporty for a cocktail event. If I were going to buy just one thing to dress up almost any kind of bottom I would suggest a lace top.&nbsp;&nbsp; bough a 3/4 sleeve white lace top at the end of season last summer.&nbsp; Wore it with black pants in hot August.&nbsp; Then again in the winter under a velvet jacket, and this spring under a tuxedo blazer.&nbsp; I am finding this top very versatile.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1816956 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 14:34:21 +0000 Rambling Ann 1816956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ordering the top. </p> <p>What about these pants? They are expensive (for this project), but I would wear them again and they don't have to be dry cleaned (no dry cleaner for 50 miles.) Cigarette pants are elusive so far except black.</p> <p>Bling, I'm covered.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1816951 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 14:31:21 +0000 Suz 1816951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agree with Joy. Photos will tell the tale. Do you have some bling? That will make it more "cocktail" ready.&nbsp;</p> <p>The top is really pretty and will look lovely and cool.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1816950 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 14:27:29 +0000 Anonymous 1816950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the idea of that top with cigarette pants. The palazzo pants could also be great if they drape well. Photos? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-we-make-a-cocktail-outfit-out-of-this-top-right-quick#post-1816948 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 14:14:35 +0000 Rambling Ann 1816948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FML. I just opened the invitation to DH's retirement dinner to find out it is going to be "cocktail attire" at a country club. Why, because in 25 years, he has not learned to pay attention or tell me these things in advance and because they still haven't figured out that he'd much prefer jeans and BBQ.&nbsp;</p> <p>Less than three weeks away and there's no way to get to the city to shop. Praise be that I opened the envelope this weekend. I resent having to spend money on this, but if I am, it's not going to be on a stinking sheath dress like all the other WAGs that I will never wear again, since this is the last blessed time I will ever be a misfit WAG. (I will work on my attitude, promise. This is not about me, it's got to be all about him.)</p> <p>There are two parties, the daytime thing we covered here a few weeks ago and I think I'm ok, and now this. I really was expecting a small restaurant dinner that a classy casual style that I have well covered would have been easy to pull off. Shamefully, I have gained enough weight these last few months that none of my fall-back "cocktail" outfits will work. (Note to self, fill up donation back with all my old WAG-wear)</p> <p>If I'm going to get something, I want it to be something I love and want to wear again. I was saving this silk top for July's Ocean Park post, surprise!&nbsp;What about this top with some cigarette pants? Palazzo pants? No pencil skirts, that is something I don't much like and will never need in our new life. Shoes WILL be flats out of my closet, probably these nude sandals. There are some olive d'orsays and some black flats or pumps too.&nbsp;</p> <p> <div><br /></div></p>