https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:23:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2284289 Tue, 04 Oct 2022 11:32:54 +0000 Bijou 2284289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's been fun seeing the lovely toppers and how to dress down cocktail dresses with less formal toppers. </p> <p>Jaime - I had to stop myself ordering a caplet too!</p> <p>Stag Fash - you made me laugh with the lawyer; she is so cool.</p> <p>The Cat - your cream cape sounds beautiful and so luxurious.</p> <p>Joy - getting the right amount of coverage with formal dresses can be tricky.</p> <p>Unfrumped - Le Smoking is a beautiful and classic formal look, comfy too.</p> <p>Suz - you look stunning in your Snow Queen coat.</p> <p>Sally - a moto jacket is a great way to stay warm and they go with anything. I often wear mine with more formal dresses just to get more wear from the dresses.</p> <p>Suntiger - such a great collection and takes you from a lightweight cover-up to very warm. I love your burgundy faux fur.</p> <p>Sal - yes getting a formal topper on discount is generally easy and they stay in the closet for years without dating.</p> <p>Bella - a tux is such a classic topper and yours is beautiful.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2284285 Tue, 04 Oct 2022 10:35:16 +0000 bella 2284285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a black and white tuxedo jacket from when they were trendy and easy to find. I&nbsp; pulled it out this summer for a formal occasion, and I still like very much how it looks on me. I also got a few positive comments from my colleagues, so my tuxedo jacket is here to stay.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2284261 Tue, 04 Oct 2022 04:58:50 +0000 Sal 2284261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Formal toppers could well be an excellent thing to pick up on deep discount....</p> <p>On my 2023 list is a "cool" casual jacket (since I won't be spending as much time on the sports sideline (I am very sad about this) I won't be wearing ,my sports manager coat.&nbsp; But keeping an eye out for a feather or metallic topper is a smart idea (cropped seems to be a benefit here). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2284151 Mon, 03 Oct 2022 12:37:41 +0000 Anonymous 2284151@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thought I responded to this before, but I guess I didn't.<br /> Mine are (from mild to very cold weather)- black lace blazer, velvet kimono, black velvet blazer, burgundy wool coat, and burgundy furry coat.</p> <p>I don't attend anything super formal, but would only buy sleeveless for summer. Cold weather events I stick to velvet! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2283764 Sat, 01 Oct 2022 04:13:40 +0000 Sally 2283764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have some beautiful pieces.&nbsp; I am not a formal dresser and wont wear a formal dress unless it is a formal occasion such as a wedding.&nbsp; My last formal was my nieces wedding and it was in a rustic setting in a hot environment (and I ended up borrowing my sister's dress).&nbsp; In saying that this is one of the hardest things about dressing formal...a bag to carry and something to put around your shoulders to wear if it gets cold.&nbsp; I guess I would wear my moto jacket if I got stuck or a shawl.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2283761 Sat, 01 Oct 2022 03:34:40 +0000 Suz 2283761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's not easy, is it? I think you have a FAB assortment of items for different situations.&nbsp;</p> <p>I haven't had to think about formal events in so long I can barely remember what they are like. But I do have a few toppers for dressy events that I have used in different circumstances. </p> <p>1. Vintage Biba jacquard kimono. Can be worn belted or loose. Pros: Perfect summer weight topper for a sheath dress. Cons: doesn't work with full skirts.&nbsp;</p> <p>2. Textured tuxedo jacket. Pros -- easy to use to "dress up" less dressy items and also works with a sheath. Cons: does not work as well with a fuller skirt because it is not quite cropped enough. However, it can be used in a pinch.&nbsp;</p> <p>3. Hilary Radley wool coat. It's outerwear and warm and soft and luxe feeling. But knee length so doesn't work with longer dresses.&nbsp;</p> <p>4. Theory trench -- easy to throw on, works with many styles of dress because of its cut. But not warm for winter.&nbsp;</p> <p>5. "Snow queen" fake Max Mara coat. Pros -- super dressy and fun and flattering, works with lots of styles of dress. Cons: outerwear but not that warm.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;I would like to add a silver puffer jacket, short. And a longer (midi length) wool coat. But they are not immediate priorities because I simply don't have the occasions for wearing them enough as things stand.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2283757 Sat, 01 Oct 2022 03:25:11 +0000 unfrumped 2283757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JAileen, I had a pewter metallic jacket from BR that I loved - wore over a column of black. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2283678 Fri, 30 Sep 2022 14:45:16 +0000 JAileen 2283678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Your things are just lovely. &nbsp;Your silver jacket is especially fun.</div><div><br /></div><div>I&nbsp;used to have events to attend, but no more. &nbsp;I had a thrifted white fake fur jacket, a thrifted silver metallic blazer, and a black shrug. &nbsp;The metallic blazer was so great because all it needed was a black supporting act. &nbsp;And I never got cold in it!<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2283639 Fri, 30 Sep 2022 10:44:10 +0000 unfrumped 2283639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great collection!</p> <p>I used to have an about once- a -year formal event at which semi-formal/ cocktail was allowed— elsewise they would not have had enough attendees.<br /> In my 30’s I had a strappy gown or 2 and tried the silky wrap thing indoors and froze/ too fussy. For awhile I “ collected “ dressy wraps found on sale before finally realizing they were not practical. I had a nice long wool black coat for getting to and from- did have to check it.<br /> After awhile I wore only cocktail type dresses with sleeves- very hard to find enough length, even just over knee.<br /> So then did pants &amp; dressy jackets &amp; had a velvet jumpsuit at one time.<br /> So yes, lack of warmth has been big for me, for dressy events.<br /> I liked the faux fur/ dressy pile chubby jacket trend- I might have tried a burgundy or something. Nowadays, footwear would also be hard.<br /> I currently have one pair of pants &amp; a light jacket that could work with enough bling and just, who cares. If I had a really<br /> special event I might go shopping. Probably only if it were really personally important, some type of family thing.<br /> Or, since I love toppers and warmth, and generally they’re easier for fit/ comfort than shoes, I’d like more of a fun/ statement capsule for juxtaposed outfits -sort of if smart casual and Le Smoking had a baby—for theater, dining that could be more of my real life at some point. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2283628 Fri, 30 Sep 2022 05:56:31 +0000 Anonymous 2283628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The biggest thing that stops me is short dress length. &nbsp;I want a dress to cover the knee and not be too bare on top either. &nbsp;Lack of sleeves does not stop me. &nbsp;A topper helps. &nbsp;I often use an Indian dress or an oriental kimono or an EF cardigan with lace trend.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2283562 Thu, 29 Sep 2022 22:27:54 +0000 The Cat 2283562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love your gorgeous collection. And understand your pros and cons. :-)</p> <p>I actually prefer dressing in layers, so I will not say no to sleeveless formal dresses.</p> <p>I have a collection of beautiful shawls, which I can wear in different ways--if it is enough to cover my shoulders and upper arms. If not, I have often worn long-sleeved chiffon shirts as toppers. In winter, I have sometimes worn a black cardigan embellished with shimmering black stones. </p> <p>Outerwear? Well, for nearly 40 years, an offwhite, almost knee-length, cape has proved to be very versatile. (The one I have now is my third one.) It looks great with all colours and all dress lengths and can be used year round. On cold winter nights, I can easily wear my black cardigan or another extra layer under the cape when travelling to and from a party. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2283543 Thu, 29 Sep 2022 21:28:35 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2283543@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are all great. Now I want a life that requires dressy toppers! </p> <p>Off-topic, I had to think of you when I saw this.<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChxES6HrIGP/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/reel.....MyMTA2M2Y=</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2282813 Sun, 25 Sep 2022 02:09:27 +0000 Jaime 2282813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gorgeous collection and want a capelet now! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2282640 Sat, 24 Sep 2022 08:48:53 +0000 Jenni NZ 2282640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How great that you got to go to a ball! Her poor husband missing out.<br /> I have just photographed my 7 toppers- it doesn’t show them at their best but FWIW.<br /> 1. 1995 thin black “tuxedo jacket” now with “frog” closure.<br /> 2. 2014 green velvet duster, also has a “frog” closure.<br /> 3. 2014 cream/gold/black duster, this is a bit big on me now but can still wear it.<br /> 4. Sparkly red Sabatini cardigan 2012<br /> 5. Sparkly diamonds short bolero 2010<br /> 6. Gold bomber with sheer sleeves 2016<br /> 7. Cobalt jacket 2017.<br /> I think at least 5 out of 7 were on sale.<br /> I notice writing this that the word sparkly features a lot!<br /> Of course I love both your pink shoes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2282637 Sat, 24 Sep 2022 08:32:29 +0000 Bijou 2282637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni, the dress and topper were bought on deep discount from one of my favourite Australian designers. The topper is surprisingly useful, I have worn it with black jeans and a camisole out to dinner. I hope you find some lovely pink sandals. I have my glitter pink pumps and my more casual pink slides that I like to wear with the dress and topper. I have only attended one ball this year, but did get to wear the feather jacket, pink dress and glitter shoes. My friend's husband woke up with a sore throat and so she called me to see if I could attend the ball with her that night - I had a wonderful time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2282636 Sat, 24 Sep 2022 08:18:52 +0000 Jenni NZ 2282636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your beautiful one that matches your dress is wow! You could do fuchsia shoes?! I want some! Have been looking online for some because with my weight loss my lovely 2011 pink sandals became too loose on my feet and were not comfortable. They were perfect for a wedding once </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2282635 Sat, 24 Sep 2022 08:14:46 +0000 Jenni NZ 2282635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I own an absolute heap of them! They have been collected over a period of decades actually. The oldest is from 1995 or so, a fairly thin black jacket of a slightly crinkly fabric with turn back contrast at lapels. It had a beautiful jet button. With weight gain from about 2007 I could not do it up but fixed that with a frog closure. Both my girls borrowed it in their teens for formal events too. Will try to take pics in a bit.<br /> Also have the green velvet duster and cream/black/gold duster from 2014. In lighter ones there is a sparkly red formal cardigan 2012, black/silver sparkly diamonds bolero 2010, gold bomber with sheer sleeves 2016 and cobalt jacket 2017.<br /> Sometimes in mid winter in the past I would layer a lighter topper under my black and white tweed winter short coat to get into the event. Needless to say most of these toppers have been languishing in recent times. I still like them all and have managed to wear 2 out of the 7 this year- only once each :(<br /> I do put quite a lot of thought into each event- or did, when there were more of them. Haven’t been to a wedding since our daughter’s in late 2019! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2282628 Sat, 24 Sep 2022 05:44:28 +0000 Bijou 2282628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The caplet is indeed beautiful. I don’t find pashminas useful either, they provide a low level of warmth and are fussy to wear. </p> <p>Jessikams, I have the same issue with aircon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2282624 Sat, 24 Sep 2022 04:56:56 +0000 Jessikams 2282624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the capelet ideas! Haven’t tried that. But it could solve the annoying sliding-off-shoulders thing that pashminas do.</p> <p>It is so irritating that formal dresses are so bare, given that formal events are usually in the dead of winter and/or in very air conditioned rooms. Honestly, I wish the invite would stipulate the a/c setting in the room! I vividly recall having to clench my teeth to keep them from chattering at one event where I was just frozen solid. </p> <p>But I think now there are more stylish options with sleeves that don’t look too “mature.” </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2282593 Sat, 24 Sep 2022 00:32:31 +0000 Zaeobi 2282593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You're mostly sorted @Bijou BUT I would be tempted to swap out your patterned organza topper for a plain/ solid one instead (if you think that would get more wear). </p> <p>This is actually an area in which I've had to start restraining myself, because toppers are such a quintessentially British weakness, but I have to keep reminding myself I no longer live in a British climate </p> <p>Right now, I have one 'half' dressy coat - a belted Mia Melon teal wool coat (thanks to @Diana for the YLF brand shout-out!) with a detachable hood. Better for my current lifestyle (people wore Adidas t-shirts to my HK wedding - so I've had to adjust my usual 'South Asian' weddingwear expectations, lol!) </p> <p>As for dressy toppers, I prefer cropped &amp; collarless - one rust wool blazer jacket, a chocolate leather jacket &amp; some cotton cardigans (more like open boleros). I thrifted a gorgeous raw silk dupioni cropped jacket in old gold (with matching trousers!) but so far haven't worn it because I'm scared to hack off the collar. Need a reputable tailor! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2282567 Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:37:12 +0000 LJP 2282567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have never had occasion to own a formal dress , never mind a topper for one ( and I hope it remains that way - I’m too awkward for such a thing ) but here’s what I’d wear if the world turns upside down and I wore such clothes : ( also the world would have to turn upside down for me to pay $3k for a little cape , but still ….how gorgeous is this. ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2282555 Fri, 23 Sep 2022 17:19:40 +0000 cat2 2282555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hobbs supplied a solid navy topper for evening in a short cut. It’s pretty versatile. I don’t know how to describe the fabric but it’s very dressy. They have an evening jacket collection. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2282552 Fri, 23 Sep 2022 16:43:16 +0000 rachylou 2282552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I have my *formal puffies,* lol. I guess I usually spend my time zipping and unzipping, taking them on and off. I think I often also abandon them on a chair and then later there’s an *entertaining* hunt for them. 2000 may have been the last time I went ballroom dancing, so this is no longer an issue.</p> <p>I used to try doing the pashmina shawl thing… completely insufficient. They may have all been given away now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2282545 Fri, 23 Sep 2022 15:34:00 +0000 Sal 2282545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Stunning capsule! I love the feathers! I do think different dresses and occasions call for different toppers.</p> <p>This year to the only formal occasion I have had I wore my sons black tuxedo jacket. It felt just perfect. But it was borrowed so this is not a long term option.</p> <p>Aside from that I have a gold bomber, a wool coat, a cream jacket, a faux fur or a few wraps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2282539 Fri, 23 Sep 2022 14:32:58 +0000 Roberta 2282539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"Formal" might be a stretch, but I have a teal velvet calf-length coat that works with a shorter dress, a navy faux fur hip-length jacket (for jumpsuits and the like), and a black floral Desigual poncho for most other occasions.</p> <p>If it is truly winter I wear a black full length faux shearling and pretend I am Omar Sharif's lover. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2282534 Fri, 23 Sep 2022 14:21:37 +0000 Angie 2282534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those are beautiful, <b>Bijou</b>! I say you're sorted.</p> <p>I have a few formal toppers - some more formal than others. I wear them casually too. Wool coats, capelet, and sweater jacket.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2282508 Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:32:44 +0000 Janet 2282508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always find this kind of thing challenging, but haven’t needed to think about it in three years, so…</p> <p>I usually end up going with a cropped leather jacket in black or metallic. It usually works well enough, given my style preferences. I’m not inclined to invest heavily in a piece with this sole function since it’s rarely used. I do have a faux fur capelet-thing, which is sort of tan and coordinates well with my Rockstuds even though it’s not my absolute best color. And I have a couple of sparkly shawls that help for covering arms while seated but don’t work for dancing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2282505 Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:08:24 +0000 anne 2282505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can be a challenge for sure (DD 16 has just recently been to a wedding, first time as a guest invited on her own account. I just asked her tonight if she had a picture of the dress she brought new to wear, but it was mostly covered up by the sweatshirt she was wearing because it got cold) anyway I love your pieces, particularly the new silver moto.</p> <p>And I have felt the lack of a coat like that going to concerts and plays in cold halls, specially when I lived down south.</p> <p>I have one cropped black formal jacket, a few cropped cardigans, or just wear my trench coat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2282500 Fri, 23 Sep 2022 11:27:55 +0000 approprio 2282500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have recently inherited a mini capelet. Long story short: I am slowly getting the measure of it and it is more versatile than I expected. I am tempted to call it a left field classic. If you can find the right piece, it could be a useful addition.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-dress-toppers#post-2282498 Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:42:30 +0000 Bijou 2282498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Getting a good formal dress topper can be challenging. I love dressing up and so tend to find excuses to wear more formal clothes, but usually formal dresses are quite open, and I want a topper, either for warmth or comfort. These are the formal toppers that I currently have and the pros and cons of each:</p> <p>1. Feather bolero - pros: fun and very warm<br />con: very warm - cannot wear dancing or in warmer temperatures.</p> <p>2. Velvet coat - pros: warm and I love the velvet<br />cons: covers formal dress and so I wear it to and from the event, but generally not inside and have to worry about checking in my coat.</p> <p>3. Silver leather moto (new - so yet to put it to the test): pros: fun and dresses down items, without being too hard edge<br />cons: not great for very formal occasions and can only be worn with dresses and accessories that work well with silver.</p> <p>4. organza light jacket: pros: matches the dress and is lightweight but gives coverage (photo is of the same jacket in solid black)<br />cons: patterned, so really only works with the matching dress and my black dresses</p> <p>I would be interested to know what formal toppers you use and whether the lack of sleeves stops you from buying a formal / cocktail dress. </p>