https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:11:17 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style/page/2#post-2317676 Tue, 11 Apr 2023 21:12:45 +0000 Style Fan 2317676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You would look awesome in a dress.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style/page/2#post-2317615 Tue, 11 Apr 2023 13:18:02 +0000 LJP 2317615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A dress is a great option - must keep that in mind ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style/page/2#post-2317591 Tue, 11 Apr 2023 11:27:16 +0000 Olive Green 2317591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, cooking and hosting is a grease splash waiting to happen. I generally plan to have everything ready to go, a buffet if possible, and then change into a dress over pants or something like a longish tunic with a load of embroidery (Mexican blouses and dresses are great and hella festive).&nbsp;<br />I NEVER remember to put on the apron.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style/page/2#post-2317548 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 23:24:53 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 2317548@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, dressy stay in is usually a dress.I usually wear &nbsp;the same sort of thing &nbsp;in home and out, but in cold weather particularly I might take advantage of the opportunity to wear something I would be cold in if I went out (like slip dress and cardigan). However I’ve been liking this dress for staying in lately&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.nordstrom.com/s/7248719?color=698&amp;size=x-small">https://www.nordstrom.com/s/72.....ze=x-small</a><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style/page/2#post-2317546 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 22:43:16 +0000 LJP 2317546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can't wait to pull out my 2 POMP linen tops ! &nbsp;I love them and wish they had something a little different this summer but it looks like the same designs again. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style/page/2#post-2317541 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 22:05:25 +0000 Style Fan 2317541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look lovely in the blouse. The cake looks yummy. Perfect for Easter.<br />I am missing a dressy piece in my wardrobe for the cooler weather. I am okay with wearing jeans for Christmas dinner, but the top is always challenging. I have been looking for a blouse that suits my style. Something that doesn't break the bank.<br />In the summer, I wear an oversized white button-up with exciting details.&nbsp; Or I will wear the orange short-sleeved POMP linen shirt. I add some simple jewellery. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317531 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 20:41:45 +0000 judy 2317531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you look great...comfortable and dressy enough!&nbsp; To go dressier, I think eliminating very faded denim and sneakers goes a long way...and wearing blouses helps too.&nbsp; I like how you did a darker denim, lovely blouse and simple hoop earrings...and nail polish too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317530 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 20:27:09 +0000 LJP 2317530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Irina - we don’t either and I wouldn’t be wearing them for a family dinner . For entertaining , yes . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317521 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 19:14:46 +0000 Irina 2317521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting about shoes. We don’t wear shoes at home, so I can’t imagine being only one in a family wearing it at dinner. But that’s me :)<br />Hope the olive top from MD works for you.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317512 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 18:19:08 +0000 LJP 2317512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It did make me realize how much I could use a cream mule or loafer . I’ve been keeping an eye out but haven’t seen anything I like yet . Shoes do add an element of dressiness , I agree . I’d love to find a spring /summer weight olive knit and did just order an interesting piece from Massimo Dutti the other day . It’s sleeveless though , so no idea how it will look . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317511 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 18:10:34 +0000 rachylou 2317511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a serious question. I’m still thinking about it. My personal answer is wear a frilly but sturdy dress, but that doesn’t address solids and minimalism. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317459 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:51:34 +0000 Angie 2317459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What <b>Carla </b>and <b>Suz</b> said.&nbsp;</p> <p>I wear what I normally wear! Dressy. Pearls. Dresses and skirts too. But sometimes with slippers or just footies. With guests I put on shoes downstairs.</p> <p>But since I am cooking and hosting, I throw on an apron sometimes, and make sure my sleeves can be pushed out the way.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317437 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:15:04 +0000 Helena 2317437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, no brilliant thoughts but just to say I had the same issue hosting family yesterday ... I ended up in a light blue blazer just to add some lightness and colour, but it didn't really make sense and I took it all and was just in a white Tshirt and black jeans all day ... Doesn't scream spring festivities does it lol. My thought is that, having my minimal essentials in good shape, I probably need a few pieces that are occasion specific ... Similar to my "Christmas top" but one each for spring, summer and fall. </p> <p>I also find the current jeans look makes this trickier ... It was so easy to dress up dark skinnies, trickier with light baggy jeans, esp if one isn't into dramatic heels to balance them ... Haven't figured that one out yet ... Sorry I'm just adding problems to the list now haha!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317436 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:00:24 +0000 unfrumped 2317436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can really relate! Not so much for at- home, but some out of the house outfits where environmental norm is not at all dressy, but I myself want to look more polished without appearing dressy or fussy. </p> <p>So many of my casual tops are thin cotton, linen or rayon blends and a bit like T’s, LS even if some have a stripe. </p> <p>I agree that winter is a bit easier because.. cashmere, merino, velvet.</p> <p>I think the answer for me lies in upscale knits— thicker but not hot, so cotton, linen— or an elusive heavier weight or better quality woven silk or look-alike that somehow still is spring/summer. </p> <p>I have had some in the past , but in wrong colors or they shrank or other issues. </p> <p>For skirts ( midis) I need a slightly boxy shorter length but of course, not TOO short, not sloppy- boxy. So kind of a HEWI. This is also the one area I can sometimes get away with seasonally- confused lightweight wool, for indoor gatherings because, air-conditioning. </p> <p>I’m also realizing I no longer have as much use for “ cold spring “ heavier sweaters like cashmere in yummy spring colors, IF were not planning to wear during winter also, because that “ season “ is too short here. Better to have washable LS knit I could layer under. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317433 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 13:36:13 +0000 AndiB 2317433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>huh, people get dressed up for family dinners, go figure.&nbsp; My poor husband noted recently that he never gets to see me in all the clothes I buy.&nbsp; I dress for work, but have a fitness class (spinning or yoga) 4 nights a week right from work, so I arrive home in my gear.&nbsp; so he mostly sees me in my morning jammies, and workout gear as I throw dinner together.&nbsp; I am only half kidding.&nbsp; what I do to take things up a notch IS jewelry, or a scarf (small neckerchief, I gave away all my big scarves a few years ago).&nbsp; I've moved too away from big jewelry and have replaced with smaller gold pieces.&nbsp; Not original, it is what you see all over social media, but I wear either a medallion necklace (I have a very small one, of my zodiac sign that my daughter gave me that I cherish, and a larger one, like a coin).&nbsp; I wear the larger one alone, it is fairly short.&nbsp; The smaller I layer with one or two other chains. Now I am seeing chains with what look like fresh water pearls, not tiny, on a bit longer chain, and of course I want that now, too.&nbsp; Earrings, always, and I've acquired a couple "cocktail" rings, a smoky topaz and a synthetic garnet (again gifted by both my daughters) that just add that ... elevation . . . to an outfit.&nbsp; I wear these rings daily, to work, casual outings.&nbsp; I always feel "dressed" with that jewelry, even if worn per usual with a black top, darker denim on the bottom.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317431 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 13:31:08 +0000 RobinF 2317431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know exactly what you mean. I have several blouses that work for this purpose but don't get worn much because it is usually too cold or too hot. I am on the hunt for nicer sweaters but they can't be too warm either. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317393 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 11:39:21 +0000 Aquamarine 2317393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another fan of at-home footwear to elevate even basics. Since the pandemic started, I’ve amassed a small collection of indoor shoes that make me feel more “dressed up” than wearing (as Suz aptly noted) sloppy slippers. Even if shoes are under the table for most holidays, it does wonders for my psyche and to make me feel like my outfit is complete.</p> <p>I love Everlane’s Day Glove shoes/mules for just this purpose. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317390 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 11:28:25 +0000 jussie 2317390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’d wear a nice wool jumper. Probably merino. Some earrings. Annnnnd that’s all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317387 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 11:25:18 +0000 Janet 2317387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love that blouse on you and I think a bit of pattern and color serves you well — you do seem to crave it from time to time, so I think it’s worth having some carefully chosen pieces in your wardrobe for these moments.</p> <p>I really default to this same kind of formula for “nice casual” — jeans of some sort (or my black cargo joggers) + a patterned blouse. For my purposes, add footwear. It works for me, feels authentic, and is practical enough to entertain at home or go out for dinner, etc. I added some mix and match finds below. </p> <p>If I were restricting myself to solid color tops, I’d default to adding a scarf or some bit of bling — statement earrings or necklace — and that would do the trick. But I have such a weakness for prints that I usually have to force myself to buy solid tops, and I feel like it’s hard to find truly luxe looking solids at a reasonable price point — prints hide a multitude of sins! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317381 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 11:08:03 +0000 gryffin 2317381@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa - I have a small group of elevated basics. Instead of my black JCrew cotton tank, I swap out my black cashmere tank w black scattered sequins. Almost reads as polka dots but more elegant plus texture. My black lace tops too. A subtle upgrade. Instead of skinny blue jeans, I would wear my black coated skinnies or black velvet skinnies. I know you are not a belt girl but that’s my favorite area of bling. It’s about more upgraded fabrics, textures and formality with the same silhouette and color. If you don’t want to go barefoot would you consider a velvet embroidered smoking slipper? That, if it’s the right one, could give some oomph to any outfit but be plenty comfortable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317376 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 10:57:32 +0000 Bijou 2317376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this blouse on you and that cake is fabulous!</p> <p>Easy pieces that mix and match are what I look for and try to get something with a fabric, colour or detail to make it special.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317356 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 02:38:39 +0000 Suz 2317356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>At home, with family -- I do it with a top or with colour...<b>usually.</b>&nbsp;</p> <p>Different ones for different purposes and different seasons ...tonight I'm wearing a silk and cotton cardigan with jeans -- just we three, but a special dinner.&nbsp;</p> <p>You've seen the winter ones, in Carol's thread.&nbsp;</p> <p>But I remember my mother in the 70s had pants kind of like Sal's -- a few different pairs. Beautiful palazzos. And then she would wear a different top. It worked really well on her.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like Carla's suggestion for quiet at home elegance -- not black but one of your best colours. I do a column of navies of different textures for that effect -- with silver stuff -- whether that be earrings or whatever.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am also a huge fan of at home footwear. <b>NICE</b> footwear. Dedicated. It has been a game changer for me this past season. Wearing a structured shoe vs a sloppy slipper has made me feel human at home.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317354 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 02:13:58 +0000 slim cat 2317354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd do similar - pretty printed blouse ( Lucky Brand ) and jeans. Earrings, necklace and home slippers .<br />Love your blouse -nice shape with fun colors ( warm and cool ones together )! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317350 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 01:48:45 +0000 Jaime 2317350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting problem - you want to look a bit special, but not with different clothing, if I understand correctly. I have a separate wardrobe for these occasions of dresses, tunics with wide pants and skirts. Going monochromatic or tonal does seem like the most obvious no buy solution. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317333 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 00:05:58 +0000 Carla 2317333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ <b>LJP&nbsp;</b>- I see what you do with your&nbsp;<b>black&nbsp;</b>work uniform as being ‘quietly elegant’ on the regular. &nbsp;Spring madness notwithstanding, I suspect you will&nbsp;<b>always&nbsp;</b>feel the lure of colour in your non-work wardrobe. &nbsp;Quietly elegant in the context of a family dinner might be a column of colour in one of your&nbsp;<i>best &nbsp;</i>colours. &nbsp;Maybe a wide leg silky olive pyjama bottom and an olive sweater with interesting texture (but sleeves that stay out of the way!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317330 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 23:54:54 +0000 LJP 2317330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To the questions - yes, this is just a 4-person family dinner at home and no one is wearing shoes . I’d like to wear the same thing ( with footwear obviously ) , say , out for dinner or a drink with a friend . I’m wearing jeans because a dresser bottom serves no purpose and no one can see it anyways . I contemplated wearing my new linen top but the sleeves don’t lend themselves well to kitchen duty. Entertaining a group is a different animal - requiring shoes and dressier pants. </p> <p>Irina , I love your examples , and perhaps I just need to get used to a quieter- looking version of myself and wear what I have . </p> <p>Lol- I don’t think I articulated this well- half-formed thoughts etc . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317328 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 23:48:41 +0000 LaPed 2317328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think of my style as exuding quiet luxury, but looking at my dressy-ish capsule, it is very predominantly solid dark neutrals:&nbsp; <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/finds/collections/?collection=12814">https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....tion=12814</a></p> <p>It's something I've always chalked up to having absorbed a sober New England mentality. The handful of bright and patterned pieces don't feel out of place in the context of my wardrobe, but they do feel cheeky, which is essential to the way I dress up: I hate feeling like I might look like I take myself too seriously, so some element of rebellion is especially necessary in a "nice" outfit.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317326 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 23:41:04 +0000 Anonymous 2317326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been off most colors too these days - but leaning towards metallics, bronze or bits of gold like my Mikah top.<br /> Otherwise- silk/satin, lace, sheer fabrics + dressier shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317322 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 23:29:36 +0000 Carla 2317322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I want to ‘signal’ that the evening meal with just the 4 of us is a little special, I’ll do it with a top - just like you. &nbsp;Since I’m usually doing kitchen duty, I want that top to be easy care - even if I’m wearing an apron.</p> <p>If I have enough time, I’ll change up my jeans for something a little more &nbsp; &nbsp; elevated and run a brush through my hair.</p> <p><div><br /></div><div>If I’m&nbsp;<i>not&nbsp;</i>the one doing the meal prep, then all bets are off and I’m dressing up! &nbsp;(I’m actually kind of PO’d ‘cause someone asked us if we had tickets for the golf club Easter brunch and DH didn’t even bother to mention it! &nbsp;He’s at the club&nbsp;<i>all the time</i>! &nbsp;(Simulators and involvement with the senior men). &nbsp;Of course the tickets were all sold out…sheesh!).&nbsp;<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-up-without-sacrificing-your-style#post-2317320 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 23:26:37 +0000 Indigoprint 2317320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I rely on upscale ( to me) tunics with leggings. I have a variety..<br /> Linen for warm weather and velvet for cold weather.<br /> Today it is in the 40s (warmish for our region) I have on a linen knit knee length tunic with leggings..linen apron on top. It is just my close family but I like to dress "up" for holiday meals.<br /> Flip flops on my feet. </p>