YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Formal capsule

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Formal capsule https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-capsule Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 05:55:48 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Vix on "Formal capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-capsule#post-1397797 Sun, 16 Nov 2014 20:12:55 +0000 Vix 1397797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Shiny -- Great capsule! Seems like you're pretty much set but can use the ideas upthread re pants and jackets to vary the look a bit more. I almost bought that RL sequin/netting dress for an event last year but opted for something a little more OTT. Naturally I had to check it out in low lighting too and it's SO pretty with its subtle shimmer...bet it's really gorgeous on you! One thing I don't see is bling for neck/wrists/earrings/fingers -- did you mention you have a good variety (pardon terrible short-term memory)? If not that could be a great way to add more color and/or sparkle to your outfits. Plus it's easy to get a good fit in jewelry! sopranomom on "Formal capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-capsule#post-1397550 Sun, 16 Nov 2014 04:40:11 +0000 sopranomom 1397550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Have you checked out the blog extrapetite.com?  She's from Boston, so has the same weather constraints as you.  Plus, she has a lot of great formal wear ideas and a cute figure like you. shiny on "Formal capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-capsule#post-1395488 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 20:14:23 +0000 shiny 1395488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Update - the black lace shift dress arrived and dang it's wayyyyy too tight - on the fence about ordering next size up because the lace is scratchy. It is deceiving as it is not a fluid fit/waist surrendering like you'd expect a sheath. Also I dunno... maybe lace is just not "me"?  I do want to try that AT tuxedo jacket but I am traveling for business in next couple of weeks so loathe to order anything online right now, since I won't be around to receive the package.  Suja on "Formal capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-capsule#post-1395463 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 19:45:33 +0000 Suja 1395463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks so much for this thread.  I also have a lot of formal events that range from business formal to cocktails to black tie.  So nice to hear someone else with the same issues.  I have been giving a lot of thought on how to add more fashion forwardness and personal style to these types of outfits. I basically have what you have, neutral knee length dresses and funky/fun shoes. Not sure if I have much to add other than I think juxtaposition works well to make these outfits fresh.  Something with hard edge or a different jacket.  Below is a dress I just purchased (and love) and two jackets that I think will add a nice juxtaposition (one military and one tux). I'm also debating a floor length gown.  Waving at you because we seem to be having the exact same challenges. Sal on "Formal capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-capsule#post-1393357 Sun, 09 Nov 2014 06:54:20 +0000 Sal 1393357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Here are a few pics. Pic 1 is my kimono jacket ( a friend made it for me), Pic 2 is one I found on the net that I liked. I wear my one with jeans, heels and a simple tee.  If I had a black very plain sheath or shift, or even a long black dress I might wear it with that, or with black slim fit pants. Here are some cool tuxedo jackets I saw in the Finds. Being in NZ I don't know the brands well at all! shiny on "Formal capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-capsule#post-1393271 Sun, 09 Nov 2014 02:18:51 +0000 shiny 1393271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Unmilla - thanks but I've tried and tried and tried and nothing at WHBM ever works for me. The proportions are just off. AE might work; my DD also loves that place, she's 4 inches taller and bustier than me, with much slimmer waist, but we do have somewhat similar builds so maybe I should check that out?  Joy - wow, thanks for that link. Love the kimono idea. Anonymous on "Formal capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-capsule#post-1393226 Sat, 08 Nov 2014 23:54:28 +0000 Anonymous 1393226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kimono ideas. In this brand you probably need an XS. A Small is too big on me but you have a bigger bust. <a href="https://citronclothing.com/sale/new-arrivals" rel="nofollow">https://citronclothing.com/sale/new-arrivals</a> Nordstrom carries this brand for spring/summer. Petite sizes are often available. UmmLila (Lisa) on "Formal capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-capsule#post-1393210 Sat, 08 Nov 2014 23:12:21 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1393210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ One last follow up ... I just got a White House Black Market holiday catalog and it pretty much has BJ and Kiwigal's suggestions covered. Maybe not the kimono. My daughter got a fab little summer fancy one at American Eagle Outfitters this summer, thiugh. shiny on "Formal capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-capsule#post-1393013 Sat, 08 Nov 2014 16:51:24 +0000 shiny 1393013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Unmilla - I neglected to include my RL dress which is that exact shade of emerald green! I've tucked it away for the season, as I considered it more of a spring/summer dress. I wonder if there's room for another emerald green dress? Cuz I love love love that fit-and-flare you've posted!  The print is awesome as well.  unfrumped - yes, sea of black is typical here, and I find that sometimes I do just want to blend in and go with an LBD + interesting accessories. But other times I am feeling bolder and want something brighter, which is one of the reasons I loved that cobalt CK. I think Unmilla may have found my answer -- emerald green! And yes, any formal capsule additions need to be investment pieces that can stand the test of time, and not go in and out of fashion too quickly. When I culled this Fall, I let go of dresses that still fit but I'd had for 10-15 years, even longer.... there was nothing wrong with any of the dresses from a fashion perspective; most were just too short or too bare for where I am now in my life at age 49, or didn't pass my increasingly stringent "comfort" test. I love the RL dresses because they are super uber awesomely comfortable to wear.  Zibbets - I like the idea of tartan. Or something in an interesting shape- geometric?  Bj1111 - me in a bustier? Never going to happen! I don't like to bare my shoulders. I have been on the hunt for awhile for a glitzy sweater.  Zibbets & BJ1111 - most (but not all) of these occasions are somehow connected to DH's job at the university, not mine. The rest are benefits for organizations we support, like museums, the public radio station, alumni associations, theater/arts. And then of course there's the usual round of holiday parties with family & friends. I can't remember the last time I had a work holiday party myself (who knows with this new job) -- I think it was way back around 2002 when I worked for a startup and the CEO threw a holiday party at his mansion. I wore a red Liz Clairborne shift dress, long sleeves, short and swingy. I just culled that one -- too short now. Funny how I can remember what I wore! bj1111 on "Formal capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-capsule#post-1392947 Sat, 08 Nov 2014 14:59:42 +0000 bj1111 1392947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ps...i want your social life. Please tell me these are not professional obligations. bj1111 on "Formal capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-capsule#post-1392946 Sat, 08 Nov 2014 14:58:51 +0000 bj1111 1392946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yep...agree with all the assessments. The next place i think should be a formal tuxedo pant (or sequined silk/satin pant?) and a couple of tops, say a dressy sequined sweater and a more glam bustier --degree of glitz linked to the pant. The tuxedo jacket would be even better. but hard to find. I did get one from f21 last year that ok, but it was short and i wanted something more bianca jagger, but in petite! Zibbets on "Formal capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-capsule#post-1392944 Sat, 08 Nov 2014 14:49:46 +0000 Zibbets 1392944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a great capsule! Your work sounds like it brings fun opportunities to dress up. How awesome! I like your idea of a red clutch. What about a tartan one for holiday time? I haven't seen what I'm thinking about, but I'm envisioning something red satin with a largeish print. What do you think? unfrumped on "Formal capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-capsule#post-1392938 Sat, 08 Nov 2014 14:30:52 +0000 unfrumped 1392938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not full of ideas, but I'm loving looking at your dressy capsule. I don't have nearly as many occasions as you do, but was recently faced with feeling Nothing To Wear. The actual event was a sea of black- just a smattering of colors or metallics. What I noticed was the huge range of styles of dresses-- makes sense if you are dressing your body type. I actually became more encouraged to keep eyes open, make periodic " dress forays" for cocktail attire and not worry as much about an item becoming dated IF I find great fit and good fabric/ color ( including neutrals). Of course style is about fit all the time, but to me my dressy capsule is even more about that compared with other life/ work areas where I'll go JFE or try a trend. So then at some level there are a few types of dresses that fit well and one can change up shoes( well, some ladies can!) or get a trendier clutch or whatever. So, your great RL dresses are an example of that, to me. UmmLila (Lisa) on "Formal capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-capsule#post-1392905 Sat, 08 Nov 2014 13:42:51 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1392905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree that a satin solid could look too bridesmaid. I like the idea of this green dress on you but I am sure it would be too long. And this is the sort of print I had in mind (it comes in both dress and two-piece). shiny on "Formal capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-capsule#post-1392793 Sat, 08 Nov 2014 03:19:44 +0000 shiny 1392793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Unmilla - I do think I'm missing some brights. But which bright? Satin's a bit more difficult. I like the CK dress a lot, it fits well, the satin-y material works for me but trend-wise it seems... bridesmaid? Which I'm too old for now. Lace is more on trend but I find it hard to do, for some reason. I may be over-thinking. Love the two-piece idea and had bookmarked a few such items way back before the season began. The trouble is my temperamental menopausal mid-section, which makes skirts problematic.  Kiwi - please send me some kimono jacket ideas/links! Totally intrigued. I can do slim pants. I have been looking for a tuxedo jacket forever. Not sure about jumpsuit because of petite & other fit issues, but yeah... love love love the idea.   Both - patterned dress ala Goldenpig - I do have a floral satin sheath, which reminds me of GP's dress. Dark background but instead of reds, more like fuchsia and cream. Midi length. I left it out because it's a bit snug at the moment so not in rotation. It survived the cull though! Just don't see it fitting me this season-- maybe by summer.  Sal on "Formal capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-capsule#post-1392771 Sat, 08 Nov 2014 02:28:28 +0000 Sal 1392771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love what you do have but will give you some ideas that may or may not appeal: - Kimono jacket to wear over the sheath dresses - Le Smoking look , black slim pants and a tuxedo jacket - Jumpsuit, probably black  I also like the idea of a patterned dress as Ummila suggested. UmmLila (Lisa) on "Formal capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-capsule#post-1392731 Sat, 08 Nov 2014 01:07:38 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1392731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You're very well set for accessories and shoes. How about something satiny and printed or bright? I liked Angie's two piece dress posted earlier this week, and added something similar in my finds. And Goldenpig had some nice red ideas. shiny on "Formal capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-capsule#post-1392678 Fri, 07 Nov 2014 23:40:56 +0000 shiny 1392678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ One of my fashion goals this year is to update/round out my formal capsule. When I cleaned out my closet this Fall, I was ruthless and let a lot of things (dresses) go. I've been slowly adding back, and have some items on order right now, as we I have our first event next week - a museum opening - "cocktail attire."  I think I'm okay for this event next week but I would love the Forum's help taking a look at the capsule as it stands right now, and making some suggestions of items I might add to round it out, and/or to take it up a notch -- and to think outside of my own box, because maybe I'm in a rut?  For example, I keep thinking "a red clutch would be a great addition!" What do you think? Pic 1 -  The whole capsule all together. Notes on the dresses (from left to right): - The black dress is RL and it's jersey and it's my "go-to" dress for nearly everything, including work, because I can dress it up or down. I have this in sleeveless as well.  - The long sleeve lace sheath is on order, purchased at the Nordie's sale last week. I am hoping it works out. It would be a replacement/upgrade for a piece I culled, which was shoddy but I liked the idea of having a dress that has sleeves, surrenders the waist (for days I'm not feeling slim) and shows off the knees. Cross fingers. - The silver metallic RL dress fits like a dream. Love it. - The navy is also RL same version but with shimmery netting/sequins  (yeah, I basically duplicated, Heh. If it works, it works!).  - The cobalt dress -- CK -- you've seen me wear a lot. It goes well with DH's tux. I have been wearing it in more recent years as a halloween costume (peacock, alien) so I'm kind of turned off by the idea of it as formal wear, but I leave it in here anyway. - Lace skirt is midi length.  No maxi's. I've been debating about adding one.  Pic 2 - Just the accessories, clutches arranged by approximate size. Shoes by coverage. I do wind up wearing the tall black suede boots quite a bit, if it's freezing out, the event isn't super formal, and I decide warmth overrules all &  I want socks!  Please tell me what shoes + clutch would you wear with which dress? Background:  For those who are new & don't know, DH and I wind up going to a lot of formal events each year. "Formal" here is defined rather loosely: we have occasions that range from cocktail receptions all the way up to black tie. That said, the black tie events are usually not red-carpet level events, and it's okay, even expected, to have a little fun.  Dressing for the weather: The season begins about now and goes through the winter. Rarely we have occasion to dress up in the spring/summer months, so bear that in mind. Most often I need to trudge through snow to get to the event. But I have that figured out: I just go ahead and wear sensible UGGs or cute flat oxfords to get there, and change into heels once I arrive. For outerwear, I have an extremely warm puffer coat with humongous fur collar. Yeah, it's a puffer. But it's practical when you are dressed skimpy underneath! I also have my cobalt Jcrew wool coat. And a cute cropped jacket that looks similar to this -- <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/80572280807294102/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/80572280807294102/</a> -- which works for fall/warmer weather. I welcome more stylish recommendations here but new formal outerwear is not a priority. What DH wears: He's got a closet full of attire, including tuxes (ultra formal and also one fun/funky one), and a couple of kilts, which he breaks out at any occasion possible. This is why you'll see I have shots of blue & green in my formal capsule - because it coordinates with him. But, I don't need to be matchy-matchy with him.