https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 02:51:11 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2061154 Sun, 15 Sep 2019 18:51:36 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2061154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not to push you—I’m not big on motos either, but I did like the one Bijou posted—this one is petite. <a href="https://www.asos.com/us/noisy-may-petite/noisy-may-petite-faux-leather-biker-jacket/prd/10365129?affid=10607&#038;pubref=1248&#038;transaction_id=102c7d81585640f25261bd45d56cba&#038;currencyid=2&#038;istCompanyId=467dd896-9a62-42c2-84d9-be2d13921f66&#038;istFeedId=b9693013-5186-4e7a-b34a-4d8302e13a63&#038;istItemId=wrqmrrpix&#038;istBid=t" rel="nofollow">https://www.asos.com/us/noisy-.....8;istBid=t</a></p> <p>If you really want to push yourself, but don’t want to decide between fuzzy and leather, then don’t decide!<br /> <a href="https://www.asos.com/us/asos-design/asos-design-reversible-crop-bonded-borg-jacket/prd/12339922?affid=10607&#038;pubref=1248&#038;transaction_id=102fb74d582a244769cfb996890565&#038;currencyid=2&#038;istCompanyId=467dd896-9a62-42c2-84d9-be2d13921f66&#038;istFeedId=b9693013-5186-4e7a-b34a-4d8302e13a63&#038;istItemId=iwtxqwqal&#038;istBid=t" rel="nofollow">https://www.asos.com/us/asos-d.....8;istBid=t</a><br /> I kid, I kid with this last one!</p> <p>Btw, I’m sure it’s a pain always insisting on petite instead of taking what’s there, but you always look great—I’m sure getting the right cut/fit is a huge part of that. I didn’t notice one way or the other at the other places I mentioned, but ASOS has several petite leather motos </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2061120 Sun, 15 Sep 2019 17:32:03 +0000 karen13 2061120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brooklyn - that is such great vibe - thank you!!! If need be, echoing the studded boots somewhere in belt/accessories will definitely tie them in better. And so much easier to pack a belt than a moto.&nbsp;</p> <p>Fashintern - thank you for the links - I have never been a moto person, but apropos of Runcarlas post on risks, maybe it is time. I like the first two you linked and wonder if they would work on a petite - I am 5'2" and short-torsoed and armed. I will have to ponder.</p> <p>Jenni - thank you so much for the lovely compliment on the Met outfits - made my day. I wish I had more reason to wear those and am making effort to find more occasions. You are right about the cardi being too casual.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2061022 Sun, 15 Sep 2019 12:56:22 +0000 Helena 2061022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Brooklyn, what a great styling photo for this outfit!</p> <p>Agreeing with others that the outfit is gorgeous but the boots don't quite work ... however, playing with this sort of styling might just do it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2061000 Sun, 15 Sep 2019 12:02:21 +0000 Brooklyn 2061000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Karen. I had some further thoughts about your outfit. Check out this McQueen outfit. What if, instead of making a belt, you wore stacked leather belts and then added some kind of black bracelet (it could be leather but it could be anything black eg a black and silver Art Deco style bracelet). It would tie in nicely with the tough boots. Save the sash for another occasion! It may not be your style of course but I thought I’d put it out there </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2060985 Sun, 15 Sep 2019 10:10:05 +0000 Jenni NZ 2060985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry Karen I don’t think that cardigan is elegant enough with the lovely dress.<br /> I agree that muddling through is better than getting something that is not right. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2060960 Sun, 15 Sep 2019 07:51:16 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2060960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I went looking for motos for you and found that ASOS, Sax off Fifth, Forever21, and TJMaxx have piles of short black leather (some real, some faux) jackets under $50. Also came across a couple blue, for if you get the new boots </p> <p><a href="https://www.elcorteingles.com/en/fashion/A28256391?wgu=9709_74409_15685337890756_6a9fddd77f&#038;wgexpiry=1724053789&#038;source=webgains&#038;siteid=74409&#038;aff_id=wg" rel="nofollow">https://www.elcorteingles.com/.....;aff_id=wg</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/VERO-MODA-Womens-Oxford-Leather/dp/B079SL2NSF?tag=lyst09-20&#038;ascsubtag=466389317" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/VERO-MO.....=466389317</a><br /> <a href="https://mobile.yoox.com/us/41837556OG/item?utm_campaign=tZkYzve9Cvk&#038;siteID=tZkYzve9Cvk-8SjqnPDJDMKiiCB.tN6ZUQ&#038;utm_content=10&#038;utm_medium=affiliazione&#038;utm_source=linkshare_us&#038;ranMID=24285&#038;ranEAID=tZkYzve9Cvk&#038;ranSiteID=tZkYzve9Cvk-8SjqnPDJDMKiiCB.tN6ZUQ&#038;tp=11333#cod10=41837556OG&#038;sizeId=&#038;sizeName=" rel="nofollow">https://mobile.yoox.com/us/418.....;sizeName=</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2060945 Sun, 15 Sep 2019 06:11:06 +0000 karen13 2060945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you everyone for your helpful responses! As always, YLF wisdom is so worthwhile! I will make a self sash tomorrow and re-pin the hem. I almost pulled the trigger on these Bella Vita beauties, until I came to my senses &nbsp;- the point was for versatility AND comfort! Not 2" pointy heels! They aren't really even my style, but darn they would look good with that outfit.</p> <p>So I decided to splurge and use the expiring Nordstrom Notes (I really haven't been shopping much) to try the Aquatalias. After all, water resistant for travel and mountain.....AND the dress was "free" (fashion math FTW). I hope they fit - I have no experience with Aquatalias and the reviews were a bit all over the map. So I sized up a bit for socks and am now waiting impatiently. If they don't fit or look right, I will muddle through with my metallic studs for the next trip, because I would rather be less than perfect than settle ( and I may find a packable petite moto). Keep your eyes out for a WIDE (D width) navy or dark grey refined boot with a 1.25-1.5" block heel.</p> <p>How might this cardi look as a topper? I have been eyeing, but it doesn't come in petite so I fear it would be far too long to look right. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2060865 Sat, 14 Sep 2019 21:17:01 +0000 Carla 2060865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great, versatile ‘dress’. You can split up the ensemble, and wear the top with black trousers for an alternative pm look, and likewise with the skirt. Shorten the skirt 2-3 inches. I kind of like the sparkly boots, but agree that balance is needed with your topper. A leather moto or faux fur teddy jacket are fashion forward solutions. A shawl or pashmina are more conventional choices, and would need a more delicate shoe option. </p> <p>I like all your waist treatment options, but something about the belted version appeals to me the most. It really comes down to your preference. I think you are very close to being sorted. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2060856 Sat, 14 Sep 2019 20:44:20 +0000 Jenni NZ 2060856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey I just read the old post about the Met opera and the cruise and yes I see that you did mean those Kate Spade earrings because they were similar to the chandelier at the Met. Yes, those are gorgeous. I don’t know how I missed that old post at the time because you look beautiful there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2060855 Sat, 14 Sep 2019 20:44:04 +0000 Chris987 2060855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a gorgeous dress and so cool that it's inexpensive and crush proof fabric yet also looks very glam! I agree with Janet and Angie on the footwear and length of the skirt,&nbsp; and those earrings would be great. No opinion on the waist treatment...all the ideas would work.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2060854 Sat, 14 Sep 2019 20:34:21 +0000 Jenni NZ 2060854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay, Angie said about the length what I thought! Jenni gets good marks in the fashion exam!<br /> I understand what Janet and Angie are saying about the boots, I think that’s obvious that the outfit cries out for a more refined shoe, but I think with your packing challenge it will still be perfectly fine to wear the boots with the outfit. I agree with FashIntern to please not cover the bling. That’s the best bit!<br /> Honestly there are so many choices of topper. Pull out most of yours and show us some pics of the whole outfit on? I would be trying a shawl or pashmina, or a fur, or a cardigan, or a tuxedo jacket, or a moto jacket. ( Not that I own all those options, but several.)<br /> And yay for free x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2060819 Sat, 14 Sep 2019 18:15:57 +0000 Angie 2060819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>GORGEOUS two-piece dress! Hem needs a slight hack though. I'd like to see a shorter midi length.</p> <p>I'm 100% with <b>Janet</b>. Booties look too heavy - unless you layer a black moto over the outfit. That would create visual balance. You need a more refined, lighter bootie or shoe.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2060756 Sat, 14 Sep 2019 13:27:54 +0000 Janet 2060756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great solution! It looks nice and the color is beautiful. </p> <p>To my eye, the boots are not quite right with it — they look a bit heavy and casual. Perhaps if the dress were a little shorter that would help the balance, but I’d rather see a lighter colored (metallic perhaps?) or dressier or simpler boot with this ensemble. Something fitted to the ankle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2060748 Sat, 14 Sep 2019 13:15:58 +0000 smittie 2060748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look so elegant!<br /> I’m with Brooklyn in liking the sash.<br /> I like it with the boots.<br /> The length looks good to me, but I’m not at all picky about length, and almost always think the length looks fine.<br /> I like Bijou’s idea of a leather jacket. That would work well with your footwear.<br /> A big scarf might also work well for travel (doesn’t take up much room<br /> In the suitcase). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2060728 Sat, 14 Sep 2019 12:40:41 +0000 Bijou 2060728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Karen, I love this on you, the colour is so pretty, #1 with the fabric sash is beautiful.</p> <p>I would wear this with a cropped jacket - one that I could wear with other outfits. I have travelled with a leather moto (in Finds) and worn it with a sequinned dress to a black tie event and with my jeans and dresses during the day. Versatility is key when travelling. The fact that your outfit is a two piece is fantastic, as you can wear the skirt with a knit during the day or the top with jeans or pants as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2060725 Sat, 14 Sep 2019 12:35:17 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2060725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Please don’t cover up the bling on the boots! I hear what people are saying on the dressiness of the self-belt vs buckle, and see they’re right. But I also think it’s fine not to have every single bingle thing do multiple duty, as long as most stuff is flexible. Cutting down on the number of shoes frees up a ton of space. Surely you can take the chandelier earrings and only pull them out for that one event. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2060721 Sat, 14 Sep 2019 12:23:28 +0000 Brooklyn 2060721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The dress is lovely. You are so clever! I agree with The Cat that I’d like to see it shortened by about 2 inches. I actually like the dress as in pic 1 with a sash. Could you do that? Could you make it a little longer so that it comes down almost to the hem of the dress? I wouldn’t go for rhinestones or bling on the belt. You have bling on your feet!<br /> What bag are you planning on? A metallic bag in silver + silver bracelet might be nice </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2060667 Sat, 14 Sep 2019 04:19:38 +0000 karen13 2060667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the comments and suggestions. I'm please the "dress" meets with approval because it will solve a dilemma and was free!<div><br />Fashintern - I'm becoming a tucker - I should learn to never say never. I will pin a shorter length and take a look - I didn't wear dresses for years for a variety of reasons and struggle with calf exposure. Not sure about the comfort of thigh highs - they sound fussy - but it is an interesting thought.</p> <p>Jenni - Send me your fabric! It was actually very easy to sew once I dispensed with the pockets, although the velvet is fussy.&nbsp;&nbsp;The sash look is growing on me - sleeker, and a super easy (and again, free) solution as I have extra fabric. I temper Bijou's topper - good for home but probably too bulky to pack.</p> <p>The Cat -I like the shawl idea - very practical for travel! You are so good at steering me away from my dark cool color comfort zone. Copper sounds intriguing. And light moss.</p> <p>suntiger - Thank you! I agree the boots casualize it a bit, but I'm hoping to get away with it as this way I can pack one pair walking shoes and wear these boots with pants and this dress for evenings. I may tone the studs down by coloring them with a navy Sharpie. I can't justify another pair right now, but if this works, I will be on the lookout for a more refined pair - wide width, maybe waterproof perhaps like this Aquitalia pair (pricey even on sale). Do you think that would improve things?</p> <p>JAIleen - thanks for the affirmation I'm on the right track. I'm realizing a belt may not be the way to go. I am struggling with trying to do double and triple duty on everything in the suitcase, so I have to figure where to compromise.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2060640 Sat, 14 Sep 2019 00:58:40 +0000 JAileen 2060640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the dress would be fine for the opera. The belt looks kind of sporty. Accessories will ramp up the dressiness - statement earrings would be great. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2060633 Sat, 14 Sep 2019 00:50:16 +0000 Anonymous 2060633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So pretty and yes to a faux fur topper! Make me a dress too! To me the boots look too casual with the dress though. I'd like them more with pants. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2060624 Fri, 13 Sep 2019 23:42:20 +0000 The Cat 2060624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a beautiful two-piece dress! You look stunning in the version with the fabric sash. The dress length is ok, but the outfit might look more chic if the dress were 2-2.5 inches shorter. Chandelier earrings will be fine.</p> <p>For a topper, I suggest a pashmina style shawl, or, if you need something warmer, a thin long cardigan. You might want to bring both, as they are versatile, packable, relaxed elegant, comfortable, and very useful when traveling. Colour suggestions for toppers: cream, gold, peach, copper, light purple, mint, or light moss. I imagine these colours would look great with your colouring as well as your navy dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2060621 Fri, 13 Sep 2019 23:20:40 +0000 Jenni NZ 2060621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And a cropped faux fur topper maybe a bit like Bijou’s pink one? ( check her recent post, sorry can’t link on my phone) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2060620 Fri, 13 Sep 2019 23:16:46 +0000 Jenni NZ 2060620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This looks so like a dress not a top and skirt- gorgeous and versatile! I personally prefer it with the fabric tie in pic 1, looks most streamlined like that. I think a rhinestone or similar buckle might take away from that? -but if you want to do it, then match earrings to the buckle. Chandelier earrings ( not shown, right? ) are dangly in my book ( like a chandelier) and look elegant. I do like the Kate Spade ones shown.<br /> If you are going to wear those gorgeous studded navy boots, which I love, then I think it needs to be slightly shorter proportion wise although not certain and would defer to Angie.<br /> Please come down to NZ and make me a dress? I have fabric I have stored for over 30 years for one... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2060619 Fri, 13 Sep 2019 23:03:32 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2060619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a terrific idea. You will feel like your fab self, traveling the way you want to go and looking stellar. I vote for tucking and some fancy pearl or the lime for the belt buckle. Your sewing skills are enviable.</p> <p>In the first couple pix, the length looks good, but then in the side view in #3, it looks a bit on the long side. What about getting some thigh highs to wear with it? There are orthotic shoe places here that sell compression thigh highs—I can’t imagine compression socks falling down. Maybe you can find something like that there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-packable-versatile-dressy-outfit#post-2060613 Fri, 13 Sep 2019 22:54:26 +0000 karen13 2060613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't been on YLF as much as I'd like this year - crazy life and lots of travel. I have been trying to figure out a dressy outfit that works with carry-on only travel. I have the gorgeous dress and jumpsuit the Forum helped me pick last year for my cruise/NYC opera trip (in Finds), but they require specific shoes (not distance-friendly) and gentler packing treatment than I usually do.</p> <p>I have been inspired by some of the two piece dresses on YLF (thanks <b>ChristinaF</b>) and some boot/dress combos. I already own the boots and I made the drape neck top top last year. I had done a similar idea for the summery graduation outfit in fuchsia floral in Finds and really liked it, but had forgotten about it. Then I found leftover navy stretch crushed velvet fabric in my craft room reorg, so I was inspired to make the skirt. It is an incredibly inexpensive fabric, but super comfy and packable, and I can wear the top and boots with other more casual outfits when traveling, and walk for miles. I was going to buy a nicer fabric and this was going to just be a test, but I may just go with this.</p> <p>A)&nbsp;Would&nbsp;<b>this work for opera/show or nice dinner in a big city?</b>&nbsp;Envision it hemmed, pressed and with a nicer belt - #1 is a too-thick scrap of fabric as a sash and #2/3 &nbsp;is just a Hipsi invisible belt to get an idea. #4 is untucked, but I think it is dressier tucked.&nbsp;I might make a tailored self belt. Thoughts on whether I should keep all the same navy stretch velvet for a self covered buckle , or go for a blingy rhinestone or pearl buckle if I can find one?</p> <p>B)&nbsp;<b>Is this a good length?</b> It is just pinned right now. I want it long enough for warmth and to wear knee highs if I'm not feeling like pantyhose.</p> <p>C) <b>What length of topper? Other styling suggestions?</b>&nbsp;I was thinking my Sputnik earrings that look like the chandeliers at the Metropolitan Opera, but don't know what else. I welcome any feedback. Before YLF, I just would frump my way through in black sneakers and travel pants and feel underdressed, but you all have inspired me to up my game and shown me it is possible to comfortable and chic at the same time. But I really don't want to check a bag! </p>