https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:42:06 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1421312 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 05:14:11 +0000 narendra 1421312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>dear Elly, i think each and every one have their own body structure depending on it the looks very from one dress to another dress. i dont think such a beautiful angel like u have got the same situation like all others.never give up on what you want try for the more various designs<br /> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1414680 Tue, 23 Dec 2014 03:06:40 +0000 Laurie 1414680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good for you!&nbsp; Glad you were comfortable and had a good time too :)&nbsp; I too work with mostly women - women who are required to wear scrubs.&nbsp; As management (and non-nursing), I don't.&nbsp; So I get to wear whatever I want (except jeans and casual stuff) everyday.&nbsp; I wasn't hurt at all by the comment(s) - in fact, I was rather amused.&nbsp; I was comfortable, my SO liked the look - for me, that was all that mattered. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1414601 Tue, 23 Dec 2014 01:14:35 +0000 Angie 1414601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wooohooo. Lets see a pic. I knew you'd come out okay, Elly. Well done.&nbsp;xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1414570 Tue, 23 Dec 2014 00:12:25 +0000 unfrumped 1414570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Terrific! Way to go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1414458 Mon, 22 Dec 2014 19:47:10 +0000 Meredith 1414458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like you had quite the night from beginning to end! I'm so glad the outfit came together for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1414457 Mon, 22 Dec 2014 19:40:13 +0000 christieanne 1414457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a good party (and nice of you to help out your friend - that must be so hard for her to see couples together) and a festive outfit. Hurray for putting together an outfit from your closet and for making do during a power failure.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1414418 Mon, 22 Dec 2014 17:15:20 +0000 Alassë 1414418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm very&nbsp;glad to hear it went better than expected, Elly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1414410 Mon, 22 Dec 2014 17:02:48 +0000 Elly 1414410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First-- Laurie, sorry to hear about the co-workers. Hopefully they meant well. I work in a tiny organization with all women (except an occasional volunteer, intern, or board member) and sometimes some of the members of the staff will joke about how I dress. I like to think I'm one of the nicer dressed ladies, but they like to joke about the colors I wear (lots of grey, navy, black, olive green). I know 3 of them are well-meaning, but the fourth one not so much. I try not to let it bother me, but that might have been why I was extra self-conscious about an all-black outfit. My mother didn't help --- she stopped by while I was looking for something and her words were "unflattering" and "secretarial". </p> <p>I will have to see if the SO has any pictures of the night. I left my camera at work (I was charging the battery, silly me). I would love to have a picture of the two of us anyway. The SO looked very studly-- I haven't seen him dressed up in awhile and he has recently lost over 20 pounds. We started off with a power outage at his house, so we took turns holding a flashlight so the other could finish getting ready. </p> <p>The suggestions about red lippie and nails were great!<b> (Angie, Torontogirl, Alasse</b>) I wasn't able to follow through because I can't wear either to work, and was not confident enough to apply with no lights! </p> <p>In the end, I gave myself a blowout, went for natural makeup with some eyeliner, wore my heirloom diamond earrings and a silver modern pendant that my hairdresser gave me the first week of december. I wore <b>Viv's</b> chelsea boots, my black slacks, and the black drape-front blouse (<b>Deborah, Meredith</b> and <b>Caro</b>, you were spot on!). I put <b>Janet's</b> leather jacket over the top, then my winter coat. </p> <p>I ended up feeling very nice and was very comfortable and ready for anything-- no one made any comments about my outfit except for the SO (positive!). As I mentioned before, I was probably sensitive since I had been receiving negative feedback about being the grinch in black at my workplace --- the SO works with mainly men, and I don't know their spouses well except 2 of the ladies. Almost all of the ladies were in some sort of cocktail dress, but the function was less dressy than last year. We hung out mostly with the gentlemen. We had a nice dinner and some fun dancing and talking with friends and then went out on the town with some of the folks from the party. My rayon and opaque chiffon meant that I wasn't too hot indoors, but I was super glad for the leather jacket, covered legs, and boots with wool socks outside on a crisp Colorado night. Plus, it ended up being very practical. A dear friend of ours (that helped introduce the SO and I) lost her partner a little over a year and a half ago (another co-worker) and over imbibed. Good, flat shoes came in handy helping to get her home safe (I was the d.d. as always because of my medical stuff). </p> <p>I was very touched by all the comiseration (<b>Dimity, Dianthus, Jeanie, Thimbelina, Suz, Firecracker, Sarah, Joy, Anne, and Unfrumped</b>)&nbsp; and all the wonderful suggestions here, it help a lot. I will keep a winter-appropriate dress and heels or warm separates outfit in mind for next year as I shop. Thank you all! </p> <p>Will update with a pic when the SO gets home from the gym. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1414209 Mon, 22 Dec 2014 01:09:00 +0000 Nebraskim 1414209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laurie, your story is heartbreaking. Your coworkers are kinda mean to say such negative things. I almost always skipped my office holiday parties but usually attended my spouse's. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1414207 Mon, 22 Dec 2014 01:03:26 +0000 anne 1414207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elly I will be interested to see how it turned out. I would be annoyed too at the change of information when you COULD have been prepared if only you had known!</p> <p>Joy I love the red suit idea! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1414203 Mon, 22 Dec 2014 00:50:17 +0000 Anonymous 1414203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elly, we have all had similar experiences and our thoughts are with you. Please let us know how the event turned out.<br /> After years of hating the idea of DH's annual holiday party, I stumbled on the red suit. While many women froze on cocktail dresses, I was comfortable and felt dressy enough in a pretty red skirt suit with lace or silky top under the jacket and sparkly jewelry and dressy heels. I sometimes wore a red satin ribbon "belt" over the fitted jacket.<br /> What I have on hand now for such occasions is a black tuxedo pant and jacket with sequined top. Maybe this will give someone some ideas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1414041 Sun, 21 Dec 2014 05:55:51 +0000 SarahTheWhite 1414041@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just once, I would dearly love to go to an event when the invite was super specific about the attire (with enough notice to plan)! I am also always conflicted about buying something that will only get worn once per year (at most). I'm sure that you looked way more amazing than you think. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1414037 Sun, 21 Dec 2014 05:34:54 +0000 unfrumped 1414037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elle, good luck and remember, it's just clothes ! I know how you feel. I started rebuilding a party capsule just this fall. Winter is tough for me to stay warm.<br /> Laurie, gah! What kinds of coworkers do you have, to make such comments? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1414036 Sun, 21 Dec 2014 05:32:35 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1414036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elly, I hope it worked out well and your SO gazed adoringly&nbsp; at you. That will make up for a lot of the angst about dressing for the event. <br />I'd be hard-pressed to put together a warm and festive outfit right now, too. Festive? Yes, I can do it. Warm, yes. But both, together??! That's what makes holiday parties so difficult, to my mind. It's the contradiction of trying to look beautiful and stylish while bundled enough for comfort. <br />Laurie, it sounds like you work with some hypercritical folks!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1414023 Sun, 21 Dec 2014 04:49:54 +0000 Laurie 1414023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had a similar dilemma for my work Christmas party.&nbsp; Last year I wore what I would wear to work: pencil skirt and a printed cardigan.&nbsp; I added a short beaded necklace, which to my mind anyway, made it dressy.&nbsp; A co-worker told me I was the only one there that looked exactly as I did at work.&nbsp; Point taken.&nbsp; Jump to this year - I'm still a uniform pencil skirt/fluid blouse or wrap dress wearer at work. Soo.. I figured I'd mix it up this year.&nbsp; Skinny jeans, fluid top and some Stuart Weitzman ballet flats with some sparkly ball like decorative things at the toe. &nbsp; Put on a couple of Tiffany bracelets.. figured I was "festive" I was told by someone that "you look better at work than you do at the party".&nbsp; So yeah.. I guess I don't have this party thing down too good.<br />&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1413953 Sun, 21 Dec 2014 01:08:01 +0000 Angie 1413953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bet you'll look gorgeous nonetheless. Bright nail polish, lipstick and bag will go a long way to dressing up the dark outfit.&nbsp;Lets see the outfit, Elly.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1413938 Sat, 20 Dec 2014 23:53:27 +0000 Caro in Oz 1413938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Try not to let one occasion make you forget the progress you've made (hard I know). What about your silk blouse or the draped one? They would look great with pants &amp; heels. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1413929 Sat, 20 Dec 2014 23:38:58 +0000 Suz 1413929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, Elly -- so sorry about this. I am sure you looked beautiful anyway, but I absolutely understand how you feel. It has taken me 3 years on YLF to have what I consider a decent holiday capsule. It's small, but includes a few sparkly or shiny items and a pretty skirt with wearable sweater. I thrifted the sweater and one of the tops. But for years, I couldn't find anything that worked with them well enough. Finally I have these things. I do think a separates capsule is the way to go....and maybe a bit of bling. Hoping you managed to feel as pretty as you are.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1413866 Sat, 20 Dec 2014 20:54:30 +0000 Alassë 1413866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm sorry there was such an enormous misunderstanding, Elly. I hope you can salvage your funeral attire with lipstick and hair like the others suggested so you can feel good in tomorrow night's outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1413821 Sat, 20 Dec 2014 18:14:27 +0000 Helena 1413821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elly, I am like you and don't have much in the festive wear department as I can't stand spending on things that sit in the closet 364 days a year. Just a thought that some well-placed bling can turn something officey into something more festive - is there anywhere near you were you could potentially pick up a scarf or costume jewellery with some sparkle? Or just pile on what you've got at home? Also red lipstick and nails? That's what I do anyway - it may not be perfect but it certainly does the job! I'm sure you'll look great, we are always our own worst critics anyway </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1413811 Sat, 20 Dec 2014 18:05:17 +0000 thimblelina 1413811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Elly I can relate! (And I'm nearly twice your age! What a loser am I?) I'm happy I've got my work/day wardrobe to a better place but next year I'm resolving to add a few fun special occasion items... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1413771 Sat, 20 Dec 2014 16:27:38 +0000 Meredith 1413771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What about your drape necked blouse? It's ver visually interesting and doesn't read funeral or interview. It wouldn't be warm, but neither would a cocktail dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1413767 Sat, 20 Dec 2014 16:24:05 +0000 Meredith 1413767@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh no! And you can't even desperately run to the store like most of us. I really hope you are able to do up your hair and makeup and find a way to feel great. I'm sure you outfit will fit and look good even if it's not as festive as you'd like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1413700 Sat, 20 Dec 2014 12:12:01 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1413700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elly, we all have those events where we go through our closets and try things on and find nothing. &nbsp;You are young and pretty so I am sure whatever you wore looked lovely. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1413679 Sat, 20 Dec 2014 09:53:34 +0000 Dimity 1413679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This happened to me once. I went to a fabric store and bought a black, downy&nbsp;feather boa (not the really thick, cheap looking&nbsp;ones. It was small and soft)&nbsp;and sewed it around the neck of&nbsp;my black V neck cashmere cardigan. Then I wore that with smart black pants. It was festive&nbsp;and I was warm and cosy while the women in sparkly cocktail dresses were freezing! Best wishes for your party. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1413673 Sat, 20 Dec 2014 07:23:24 +0000 Jeanie 1413673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Elly, I know how you feel. &nbsp;It seems that December comes around every year and I still am scrambling for something festive for the occasional holiday party or ballet outing. &nbsp;If I have a dress then I don't seem to have a cover up or shoes or hosiery to make it all come together. &nbsp;I decided that this was the year I was going to get in gear and not be in that boat again. &nbsp;It took some very dedicated shopping days with lots of trying to find the right sweater to go with a festive skirt I had been wanting to wear. &nbsp;I bet you can still add in some patterned sheer black hose or statement necklace and still feel a bit festive. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1413672 Sat, 20 Dec 2014 07:19:32 +0000 Deborah 1413672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elly what did you decide to wear? &nbsp;Can you show us. &nbsp;I think I have seen some great things in your WIW's that could be potentially pulled together for this event. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defeated-by-a-special-occasion#post-1413668 Sat, 20 Dec 2014 07:06:32 +0000 Elly 1413668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So, I was feeling really good about my wardrobe progress when it hit--- the SOs holiday party. Originally I had planned to look for a special outfit or dress, but the SO insisted that is was casual this year. Yesterday we found out that it was the same festive relaxed cocktail as always (men in slacks and button downs, ladies in mostly a mix of cocktail dresses and similar separates). The ladies in that group really go all out with eye-catching, skin and figure showing stuff. </p> <p>I tried on every dress, skirt, and pant in my closet with every sweater and blouse. I let go of every dress except for one summer dress I wear to weddings. I'm not in love with how my pencil skirts fit. I have 2 summer blouses that are less covered and look nice with slacks, but not for mid-winter. I have 1 transitional-weight blouse that is similar. I have my interview clothes and a turtleneck, but not festive heels things to dress those up. </p> <p>I'm set for a winter funeral or interview, am prepared for a transitional weather funeral or interview, but don't have lightweight interview or funeral clothes. </p> <p>The big hole, however, is gallery or dressy party clothes for WINTER. It may be too late for winter, but boy I hope I learn my lesson when I'm wearing funeral clothes to the party tomorrow night. </p>