https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:43:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1868211 Thu, 14 Dec 2017 22:50:37 +0000 Style Fan 1868211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am in a similar situation as you are La Ped.&nbsp; I have dog walking clothes (never to be seen on YLF), casual clothes, smart casual clothes to go to lunches, art galleries, etc., a step up if necessary from smart casual to go to dinner and something to wear to weddings and funerals.&nbsp; But I do not have much to wear to Christmas/Holiday parties.<br />I was thinking of adding a velvet blazer.&nbsp; I could see one working for you and your tartan pants.&nbsp; They would also go great with jeans.</p> <p>Jewellery can really amp up an outfit.&nbsp; One piece can make a difference.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867991 Thu, 14 Dec 2017 04:09:35 +0000 Suz 1867991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Count me into the club who took a long time to get my dressy act in gear. I kept thinking, oh, I only need it for twice a year, do I really need it? And then, oh, the misery and grumps when I did not feel right in my cobbled-together party outfits when an occasion did arise! Ugh.&nbsp;</p> <p>I never ever was a jewellery lover...apart from statement earrings -- and those are still my go-to accessory for "events." But...weird weird weird. .. I got a craving for a blingy bracelet for "occasion" wear. Got a cheap one. Enjoyed wearing. And eventually this translated into a simple but shiny watch that I wear daily. I never wore one before in my life! (I mean, I wore watches, but mostly very sedate ones. The current watch has no "blingy" detail but it does add shine and is oversized.)</p> <p>So you just never know where you will evolve with all this stuff.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am hugely in favour of adding velvet and/or shine to make the capsule feel more festive.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867972 Thu, 14 Dec 2017 01:10:03 +0000 SarahD8 1867972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was super interesting, La Pedestrienne. I love long, think-y posts.</p> <p>I share some aspects of your situation (messy winter weather, very casual location where anything from Merrells to cold-shoulder tops goes). And also the feeling of having a few <i></i>dressy<i></i> <i>pieces</i> that I'm excited about, but lacking the components to put them together into really effective dressy <i>outfits</i>.</p> <p>So I will be very interested to see how your efforts to develop your dressy capsule play out.</p> <p>A couple of ideas that I had while reading the thread:</p> <p>-For dressy shoes that you could get everyday wear out of, how about something menswear-inspired in patent leather? I just bought a pair of black patent tassel loafers, and was wearing them around the house to decide if I'm going to keep them. My husband and daughter were both like, "What's up with the fancy shoes?" :-)</p> <p>-For a cuff and/or choker, how about Sami jewelry? It fits the reindeer theme albeit a little less literally. I think it might mesh well with your style. Here is an example of what I'm talking about in case you are not familiar:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/AHANordicDesign?ref=l2-shopheader-name">https://www.etsy.com/shop/AHAN.....eader-name</a><br />(I would probably want to buy from an actual Sami artisan rather than someone who advertised as "Sami-inspired" but this was just a good visual example that came up in a quick search.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867848 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 17:19:22 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1867848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look great in tartans and you like them, so I’m not trying to talk you out of them, but I bet the Rose jacquard collection Angie posted about would fit in with this capsule too. Scrolling through her finds looking for them, I came across a couple dresses you might like too. <a href="https://youlookfab.com/finds/collections/?collection=4835" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....ction=4835</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867837 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 16:30:53 +0000 LaPed 1867837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, this thread has become a treasure trove! Thank you all. I am on my phone with shoddy wifi, so can't respond individually right now.</p> <p>Between Joyce and Fashiontern's suggestions, I'm loving the idea of some reindeer-themed jewelry. I'm off to browse antler-shaped cuffs and chokers. </p> <p>Too funny that Greyscale mentioned the red tartan pants J Crew offers every holiday season. I was very tempted by a pair i found at the consignment shop just the other day, but they turned out to be too big and long for me. Maybe I'll check eBay and see if I can find the smaller size. I was hoping to try on these black watch trousers at LLBean this morning, but they weren't in stock at the local store. And then there's this gorgeous plaid dress I can't get out of my head: <a href="https://amourvert.com/products/sasha-dress?variant=60680994835" rel="nofollow">https://amourvert.com/products.....0680994835</a></p> <p>I'm such a sucker for tartans; need to make a rule that I can't add any more til I have my sparkly support act in place! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867748 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 09:31:31 +0000 rachylou 1867748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think party shoes, wrist bling and a top would really do it. I can just imagine a ton of things that would ‘sew it up.’ Even, truth be told, just shoes and bling. I like the idea of a cuff bracelet a whole lot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867740 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 07:37:58 +0000 Greyscale 1867740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Madewell had some nice low-key party shoes recently. It's made me want a pair of dressier shoes.</p> <p>I like the plaid pants and silk tank outfit - I can also picture you rocking bolder red plaid pants, like J Crew sells.&nbsp;</p> <p>My one fancy-ish holiday event is tomorrow and I have no idea what I'll wear... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867725 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 04:35:31 +0000 Anonymous 1867725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are some interesting holiday accessories attached to headbands at Walmart. Felt reindeer antlers? Could also be worn (carefully) for deer season. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867698 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 02:26:37 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1867698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are the kinds of “unusual bling” I was thinking of:<br /> <a href="https://www.jeweladdicts.com/shop/all-jewelry/textured-leaf-wrap-upper-arm-cuff/" rel="nofollow">https://www.jeweladdicts.com/s.....-arm-cuff/</a><br /> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/103347557/gold-hand-chain-chain-jewelry-body-armor" rel="nofollow">https://www.etsy.com/listing/1.....body-armor</a><br /> And sparkly hair accessories, like bobby pins or this kind of thing <a href="http://www.ulta.com/wide-fashion-head-wrap?productId=xlsImpprod13221241" rel="nofollow">http://www.ulta.com/wide-fashi.....od13221241</a></p> <p>Any of those would be unexpected, so you’d get extra mileage. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867691 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 01:46:36 +0000 Angie 1867691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>NICE. I enjoyed the read. Fun to see you colliding into my colour palette!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>La Ped</b>, you are SO not alone in needing to amp up the dressy component of your wadrobe after years of focusing on casual wear. This happens to more and more of my casual clients.&nbsp;</p> <p>Since you don't like blingy jewellery - &nbsp;how about tops with bling? A fascinator? Cuffs, earrings, belt, nail polish, neck-tie or lippie? And a festive pair of oxfords.&nbsp;</p> <p>Liking <b>Lisa p's</b> suggestion of a velvet blazer.&nbsp;</p> <p>YES. I wear my holiday capsule off season too - styled in a different way. Why not. More on that later.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867680 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 01:15:57 +0000 3style 1867680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My most frequent holiday basic to regular wear crossover have been Banana Republic sweaters or turtlenecks in unusual colors. This year the quality is actually better at the Gap for washable merino turtlenecks. I got pale pearlescent gray and deep inky green. They are nice with jewelry and blazers for the holidays, but they look great with more casual clothing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867662 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 00:03:36 +0000 Anonymous 1867662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Black velvet - or any colour - blazer? &nbsp;There are so many gorgeous ones out there right now ...</p> <p>And I'm curious about Angie's post re: putting party pieces into rotation after the season is over. Can anyone link to that? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867655 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 23:43:59 +0000 Carla 1867655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shine and texture, La Ped! Try any plaid with something - velvet, metallic, silky.</p> <p>If you are not an accessory girl, then you won’t be comfortable. (I liked my pile of pearls for pm but they never translated to day-time). I don’t even wear my wedding ring! However, I could see you in a wide cuff bracelet - one on each wrist like Wonder Woman, with that plain silky tank and plaid trousers!</p> <p>Also, not every garment needs to cross over! The ball skirt doesn’t go to work!</p> <p>Would you do a plaid flannel top with a velvet trouser or a tafetta plaid something? Maybe a beautiful cashmere scarf/shawl for warmth? Plaid could be your signature....</p> <p>I could so see you in #2! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867651 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 23:28:41 +0000 LaPed 1867651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Runcarla -- yes!! Most of my items do crossover. I tend to buy with an eye to versatility, but right now I'm feeling like everything reads a little too plain. Like, it all goes together but there's no "wow!" factor. I suspect this comes down, in part, to my aversion to buying accessories. I'm just learning their place in my wardrobe. And toppers -- I've always bought toppers for warmth, not for looks. Realizing I might need one or two whose primary purpose is adding visual interest has been a turning point for me. My white denim jacket is a great example -- denim is a terrible insulator, but excellent at toughening up dresses. </p> <p>Smittie --you know me too well! Little dress with funky tights has always been my fallback. All my dresses right now feel more like day dresses; I have to think about if/how they can be party-fied. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867647 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 23:07:16 +0000 Carla 1867647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting thing about developing a party capsule, you might find certain items crossing over! That happened to me and I felt like I had broken some rule - until Angie posted how she puts her seasonal party purchases into rotation after the seasonal parties are over! The juxtaposition of party luxe and day-wear has become one of my favourite style formulas.</p> <p>Today I am wearing velvet brocade leggings that are my house party go-to. For parties I wear them with patent black kitten heels or silver pointy toe loafers and a silver foil T. Today for work I am wearing them tucked into tall boots with a long black turtleneck sweater! I’ve worn the silver foil T with cropped jeans and silver Cons! </p> <p>I’ve also used my everyday silky black embroidered bomber as a topper for a LBD and a black ball skirt! The main thing I notice is that other than the LBD, my dressy capsule is made up of separates. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867646 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 23:02:00 +0000 Anonymous 1867646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I could do see you in a little dress (plain), funky stockings and funky footwear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867645 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 22:59:10 +0000 LaPed 1867645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>3style -- I ordered my Nisolos through ShopStyle, using a free ship/return promotion last winter. I'm not sure how often/if ShopStyle offers free returns anymore, but maybe worth keeping an eye (the Oliver's are discounted right now, not to enable). <a href="https://www.shopstyle.com/browse/women/nisolo" rel="nofollow">https://www.shopstyle.com/browse/women/nisolo</a></p> <p>Emily -- I have a feeling I'm supposed to enjoy "fancy" shopping, but tbh I find it much more challenging than buying everyday garb. That plaid kimono is gorgeous. i have a plaid wishlist a mile long -- I may be rocking triple-plaid outfits for many holiday parties to come if I'm not careful!</p> <p>Fashiontern -- okay, your point about shoes is a good one. Do I want something fun that I can wear the heck out of for a couple years, or do I want something special that I just bring out a few times a year? Knowing my own dressing habits, any shoe with a heel will probably fall into the latter category --i don't reach for them without a good reason, so they might as well feel special!</p> <p>Ann -- I actually have yet another pair of cords otw to test out. I'm trying to be PPP (practical, picky, patient) on this one. And I've heard cords are supposed to be trending, just haven't seen it at retail yet. Maybe '18 will be the year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867641 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 22:41:13 +0000 Emily K 1867641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fashiontern, $795 &nbsp;:-O &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867640 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 22:34:05 +0000 3style 1867640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Clarification, I mean that I can only wear bracelets with a very small circumference because I have tiny wrists and forearms. As well as nothing too chunky/heavy because it hurts if it bangs on my prominent wrist bones. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867639 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 22:26:30 +0000 3style 1867639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fashiontern, yes that is exactly right about Francesca's. Far better than Claire's or Charming Charlie and not much more expensive. A few years back I bought a necklace from there which I decided didn't go well with my wardrobe and it is now my 65 year old mother's favorite necklace to wear to work. I mention this because the store window displays tend to be geared towards teenagers but one can find some nice adult jewelry there. I particularly like them for bracelets because they have a good selection of smaller ones, and most places don't. Even just about all non-custom artisan bracelets from places like Etsy or Novica are way too big for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867627 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 21:50:36 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1867627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>3style, thanks for mentioning Francesca's. I’d never heard of it, but it turns out there is one just 2.5 miles from where we live. I’m guessing it is not fine jewelry, but is a few steps up from Claire’s in the mall. Is that right?</p> <p>Emily K, you said “too rich for [your] blood”, so I was curious. Because it’s a custom find, the price isn’t given. :/ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867622 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 21:14:05 +0000 Emily K 1867622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So...I had to go Googling for kimono jackets...and look at this AMAZING one that I found from James Perse. &nbsp;It's a *bit* too rich for my pocketbook, but..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867621 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 21:05:29 +0000 3style 1867621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was enticed by your Nisolo oxfords. I've been looking for something like that for a long time. Are there any stores? I was just now looking briefly online and it looks like it is only online direct from them? </p> <p>I have a lot of thoughts about suggestions for you, but the quick and easy one is to recommend Francesca's for bracelets. Around the holidays it leans heavily towards sparkle, but the rest of the year they have a surprisingly balanced mix of styles and the quality is excellent for the price. For my glitzy holiday party I got three bracelets that I chose to stack up as a faux cuff look, because they nestle together nicely. And for less formal occasions, they each look nice on their own. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867620 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 21:04:38 +0000 Emily K 1867620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Everything you wrote rings so true for me, too. &nbsp;Angie suggested a kimono jacket for my upcoming dress situation--and that would be a perfect style for the dress! &nbsp;However, I'm leaning towards a nice pashmina because I think I'd get a lot more utility out of it--maybe easier to dress up or down? &nbsp;</p> <p>I'll be taking notes on how you approach filling this wardrobe shortfall ;-)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867618 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 20:59:23 +0000 Rambling Ann 1867618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much clarity, I'm envious.&nbsp;<div>Do you dress differently for travel (if you travel)? I tend to be a little dressier if I fly, not so much if we drive.<br />I put some effort into "date night" tops and it made a big difference.&nbsp;<br />Good luck on finding the corduroy pants.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867617 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 20:59:03 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1867617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like you have a great foundation here, and just need a little sparkle.</p> <p>I’m confused why you’d want the “dress-up” shoes to work for every day as well. Then they’ll get worn out and won’t be ready to go for special occasions. Do you want separate pairs for summer and winter, or something that works all year? </p> <p>Do you want unusual hand/arm bling, or simply nice bracelets? </p> <p>I joked with Joy recently about adding this find to her winter holiday set, but it has been hanging around the back of my head ever since, to use as a topper with something that has a well-defined waist. It isn’t available in stores, so I’d have to order it to check it out. Maybe it would work for you that way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holidayevent-dressing-and-2018-goals-long#post-1867612 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 20:41:12 +0000 LaPed 1867612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b> <p><i></i></p> </b> <p><b>tldr: My casual everyday wardrobe shouldn't need much help in the coming year, but dressing for the holiday season is making me aware of some holes in my festive/fancy/party capsule, so my goals for 2018 will address those holes. Bolder colours, bolder silhouettes, bolder jewelry.&nbsp;</b></p> <p>I’ve reached a miraculous point with my casual wardrobe where I can always find something I’m excited to wear, regardless of the season/weather, or what I’m doing during the day; where almost everything “goes” with everything else; where I can go a week or more without doing laundry and still assemble a decent outfit. I’m really not sure if I have any casual wardrobe goals for 2018, except to wear the heck out of what I’ve got (and find a great pair of corduroys).&nbsp;</p> <p>So, my goal for 2018 is to focus on improving my bare-bones “fancy” capsule. I don’t want to call this a dressy or formal capsule, because it's really not, because I just don’t have a need for formal wear -- and if a need ever does arise, I suspect I’ll know well in advance. We’ve had a couple Christmas/holiday events so far this year (office get-together at a local steakhouse, cookie swap at a friend’s newly-built home, Polar Express train ride for the 3yo).&nbsp;</p> <p>Even though the office party was an evening event (cocktails and hors d'oeuvres), it definitely did not involve evening wear. There was one woman in LBD and kitten heels, but otherwise it was a lot of long cardigans, ponte pants and ballet flats and similar. Couple women wearing trendy black tops (cold shoulder, peplum, etc) over skinny black pants. I was the only person with a clutch -- lots of women were wearing crossbody bags. New Englanders and their pragmatism! Menswear ranged from Merrells and flannel to bright red/green “novelty” outfits to full suits. So, really, you can wear whatever the heck you want as long as it’s not jeans-and-tee (which is pretty much the same as the office dress code).&nbsp;</p> <p>I wore plaid wide-leg trousers (the ones from L.L. Bean that Una/Alaskagirl got everyone so excited about on YLF a couple years back) and a black silk tank, semi-tucked. Wore a chunky square rose-quartz pendant on a thick silver snake chain, and I felt like I could’ve gone bigger with jewelry since the outfit was pretty sedate and the top was a solid colour, but I’m so averse to big jewelry. Because my arms were bare (and geez it was hot -- small room with like 3 fireplaces and 50+ people -- so I chose right climate-wise), I found myself wishing for some wrist bling -- a cuff, or some stacking bracelets/bangles, something. Oh, and shoes -- I was going to wear my silver mary janes, but they felt too flat and unstructured for the wide legs, so I went with black oxfords instead. A bit boring, but oh well. I have my eyes out for a better “party shoe” but it needs to be something I’ll get some everyday use out of too. Bag -- brought my black leather crossbody with the strap removed. I’m racking my brain for what kind of topper I would’ve added to this, had it been at a chillier venue, and I honestly don’t know. Not anything I have in my closet! Maybe a silky/satin bomber? Kimono-style jacket? Cashmere wrap in a rich colour? I guess fancy topper is a category I didn’t know I needed.</p> <p>Next get-together, the cookie swap: wore the new blue leopard pants, plus a simple navy silk blouse. Had navy snow boots and black wool coat for outside, and the aforementioned silver MJ’s for inside. Plus a handmade silver necklace -- geometric pendant about 1.5” long on an 18” chain. I was pretty happy with this, but felt a bit too monochromatic (did have burgundy mittens and a bright red beanie for outside, but once I took those off I felt a bit plain). Would’ve liked some sort of second layer to offset all the dark blue, and maybe tie-in with the silver shoes -- again, the necklace was not quite enough. I’m not sure what I’d add though -- a long vest/gilet? Bright/light cardi? &nbsp;</p> <p>For the train ride, I went with the plaid pants again, plus a burgundy sweater and burgundy lace-up boots, black wool coat, and white/grey knitted accessories. I really liked this one. More cozy/casual than dressy, but fun to wear, and appropriate for the event (they encourage everyone to wear PJs so it's more like the book, but I hate pajamas-in-public, so I figured plaid pants would be a fun riff on the theme). A dose of red/burgundy makes me so happy in the winter, I’m thinking it might be worth seeking out some dressier red/burgundy tops to wear in place of the black/blue in the previous outfits. (I'm so sorry I don't have WIW pics of these, but there just hasn't been time to snap them! Plus, we're about to paint the bathroom with the full-length mirror, so no WIWs unless I can find the time to relocate the mirror -- probably not gonna happen!)</p> <p>Some possible goals, based on what I’ve learned wearing these three outfits:</p> </p> <ol> <li>&nbsp;Build out my dressy tops collection a bit, and focus on happy colours like red/burgundy (for cold weather -- I'll have to wait til it's warmer to see how I feel about my warm-weather "party clothes") and interesting standalone shapes.</li> <li>Look for a small bag to add a pop of bright colour. Top choices would be turquoise or sky blue, but would also consider tomato red or citron/chartreuse (Angie colours!). Colour-blocking with one or more of those colours would be very appealing…</li> <li>Add some wrist bling. I don’t own a single bracelet, and haven’t worn a watch since… middle school? This year is the first year I ever felt like I wanted just a bit more jewelry, and something like a silver cuff would’ve been perfect. (I don’t have pierced ears, so earrings aren’t really an option.) I could also keep my eye out for a bolder/larger/longer statement necklace.</li> <li>Possibly add a pair of “party shoes” -- metallic or other interesting fabrication (velvet/brocade/etc), ~1.5” heel, comfortable and versatile. Could be an heeled oxford, loafer, ankle boot, or even a comfortable block-heeled pump. Looking for something that won’t date too quickly, since they’d probably be in my closet for quite a few years.</li> <li>Figure out what “my” dressy toppers are. I’d eventually like a couple, for different times of year/different proportions/etc. Some options I’m pondering: cashmere wrap, long vest/gilet, silky bomber, lightweight kimono-style jacket.&nbsp;</li> </ol> </p> <p>I probably won't accomplish all of these in one year, but even just tackling a couple and finding a some key "signature" pieces would help me feel better about getting dressed for get-togethers.</p> <b> <p><i></i> </p> </b></p>