YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Occasionwear capsule

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Occasionwear capsule https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 12 Apr 2026 19:30:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Sal on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule/page/2#post-2057158 Sun, 01 Sep 2019 09:54:22 +0000 Sal 2057158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fashintern - thanks! The heels have been fine to date. I actually feel more comfortable in dressy clothing but my life is not dressy. The second tier stuff gets worn more. I like your dress - the print is really good. I think a velvet jacket would be a great addition in the Northern Hemisphere. And yes I think occasionwear is a good second hand purchase - mine isn’t but I do keep an eye open. Stagiaire Fash on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule/page/2#post-2057154 Sun, 01 Sep 2019 08:49:32 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2057154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nemo’s mom, please do a post this fall about looking for snazzier things to tie your look together and possibly a tux. Have you seen the posts on le smoking that gryffen and LBD did a couple years ago? Bijou, love the drama in some of those! Missvee, having pieces you can move into and out of this category is smart. Stagiaire Fash on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2057153 Sun, 01 Sep 2019 08:36:45 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2057153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Aha—there’s the bunch I was looking for, in your “second tier” occasion wear. I was impressed last year when you had several events, including an anniversary party for your parents, and had numerous good options right there at home. Made me realize I need to shop my closet first, should something so fancy-schmancy come my way. Does your first tier feel like you? I ask because those are some heelsy heels you’ve got there. I can wear high heels, but have to be careful to make sure they feel like me. You might be the same. Most of my dressiest stuff is cranberry and forest green holiday wear, much of it in velvet. I realized last year that I need a topper of some sort, and that there are many in second hand shops around here. Maybe that will be the goal when I finally make the foray into second-hand shops I’ve been talking about. For summer I have a mint dress with an oatmeal crochet lace overlay and this dress, which I plan to wear this coming weekend for the “long night of museums”. I’m not sure if you can tell here, but it sparkles. There’s more back home in the storage locker, but that clearly isn’t my current wardrobe. The Cat on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056837 Fri, 30 Aug 2019 15:03:56 +0000 The Cat 2056837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal, thank you for your kind words to me. And how fun that you are able to "see" me in my long skirts and silver! anchie on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056816 Fri, 30 Aug 2019 13:16:40 +0000 anchie 2056816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a coincidence, my occasion wear capsule is exactly the same as Lisa’s Sal on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056662 Thu, 29 Aug 2019 19:53:23 +0000 Sal 2056662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Notsaf I really like your pieces - the dresses are great and you are well covered. And as you show with your skirt photo- occasion wear can be a bit edgier and fun too. I remember that article by Unfancy and I agree with your thoughts. Suntiger - I think you showed a pic of the velvet and I admired it then. In the Northern Hemisphere winter occasion wear pieces are perfect- with your holiday season. You have two great dresses here. And I love love dressing up for costume parties, formal parties, weddings!! As opposed to the practicalities of my job and daily life it is fun. Anonymous on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056634 Thu, 29 Aug 2019 18:01:34 +0000 Anonymous 2056634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks The Cat The Cat on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056633 Thu, 29 Aug 2019 17:57:04 +0000 The Cat 2056633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suntiger, your dresses are very beautiful and elegant! And, being solid coloured, they are probably easy to accessorize in different ways. Anonymous on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056631 Thu, 29 Aug 2019 17:52:38 +0000 Anonymous 2056631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I just have these- for summer and winter that I can wear to work too. Unfortunately I don't have any dressy events, so no need for any ball gowns. Accepting invitations to dressy events though notsaf on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056601 Thu, 29 Aug 2019 15:39:33 +0000 notsaf 2056601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Obviously, I'm late to the party (pun intended), but here is my little dress-up wardrobe! I have had occasion to wear the gown (purchased second-hand) only once, but hang onto it. The dresses have been to weddings and other fancy parties. I can wear any of the shoes with any of the pieces, which I love. They live in a clear boot box in my closet with two vintage clutches and the dresses live together in a garment bag. That said, most of my dressing up is more casual, and this fall/winter I'm planning to wear the outfit pictured for holiday parties and other occasions. (The fancy dress capsule is going into storage for the year, and should I have the need for something more dressy, I'll have to shop.) This post is quite old (and quite "junior"), but I remember it being helpful as I was thinking about investing in some of these pieces a while back: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.un-fancy.com/my-capsule-wardrobes/my-capsule-wardrobe-for-special-occasions-how-to-build-one-yourself/">http://www.un-fancy.com/my-cap.....-yourself/</a> Sal on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056465 Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:52:55 +0000 Sal 2056465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The Cat - I hope you get well soon.  I can see you in your long skirts in sumptuous fabrics.  I love that look.  Silver is definitely one of your signature colours. Suz - you have a fab capsule that works for you.  I also find occasions to wear these things - so few of mine have "worn out" over the years.  One red silk dress has some marks but it is still wearable and I will re look at it this summer (It may or may not fit!!) Thanks Angie - I know that lace is one of your favourites.  I am looking forward to 50 too - why not!! Jenni - black is versatile and easy to find for occasionwear, and to a degree practical.  I would like a bit more colour and I think my next addition will be a long sleeve dress in a colour.......I am not planning this soon but maybe for the actual 50th in June next year which is definitely winter!!  I also have a few dresses that are in that cross over party/wedding/occasion area but not true occasionwear. The Cat on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056357 Wed, 28 Aug 2019 14:27:25 +0000 The Cat 2056357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have a great occasionwear capsule, Sal! Can't show you pictures of mine, as I am recovering from some surgery yesterday and still feel rather dizzy, but I can tell you about it's content and how I use it. Party dresses have always been difficult for me. Most seem to have a deep decolletage and/or have other lines that don't harmonize with my figure and/or are in fabrics that feel unnatural to me. Well, I just received as a gift a beautiful long-sleeved grey-blue Italian dress in silk chiffon and lace that (sensationally!) fit perfectly. But generally, my party outfits are two-or three-pieces, which have plenty mix-and-match potential, so I can vary my outfits according to the occasion, season, and my mood. Through the years, I have collected six midi or ankle-length skirts that I use as partywear only, because of the fabrics, which are too elegant for my everyday activities. (Colours: two shades of pink, a print in navy and silver, light turquoise quilted with metal threads, silvery taupe, and black.) Plus one simple sleeveless black&silver lurex midi dress. These items are stored in a separate hanging cabinet in my attic, together with some tops (sleeveless, short sleeves and long sleeves), toppers and scarves/shawls. However, some of these tops and toppers will also be used as part of my regular spring and summer wardrobe. On the other hand, a self-patterned silver wrap skirt from my summer wardrobe, some spring and fall dresses and a couple of long-sleeved lace shirts/blouses from my regular spring and fall wardrobe will also be considered as partywear in winter (and will then be placed in the "party" cabinet). So you see, my capsule is rather flexible. At present, I have only one pair of shoes that I view as "party shoes only"--tall block-heeled silver pumps. And I am not on the outlook for more. In many cases, I will use ballet flats, pumps, nice sandals or sleek boots from my regular wardrobe. I agree with others that there might be few occasions for formal wear. However, I personally enjoy dressing up a bit when possible. I love an relaxed elegant style, so I often mix items from my party wardrobe with those from my regular wardrobe. Examples: an elegant ankle-length skirt worn with a turtleneck pullover and sleek boots; a bold silk blouse worn with black jeans and silver pumps; a velvet or shimmery wrap/shawl worn with a simple knitted dress. Suz on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056331 Wed, 28 Aug 2019 12:41:48 +0000 Suz 2056331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your capsule is fabulous, Sally. I especially love the lace dress and the jumpsuit.  I have a small occasion wear capsule as well as other items that mix and match to create different levels of formality for varied events, and although some of the items don't get much use, I love every one of them. I sometimes make up excuses to wear them...just dinners at home with Mr. Suz if nothing else! Why not dress up?  I completely agree that occasion wear tends not to date. Most of my things are quite old.  I realize that some of what I class as "occasion" wear might seem like a normal day outfit or work outfit to others. For me it is often about the fabrication and amount of shine and often in my environment, wearing anything other than pants feels and looks "dressy."  Angie on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056311 Wed, 28 Aug 2019 11:29:21 +0000 Angie 2056311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As long as you love your occasion wear and feel fab in it, you’re in business. And yours is FABULOUS, Sal! The lace dress is absolutely KILLER, and my fave. I especially love that on you :) I turn 50 with you next year. I’m excited! Jenni NZ on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056283 Wed, 28 Aug 2019 09:32:31 +0000 Jenni NZ 2056283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I will have to hunt for photos as they’re not on my phone. I have quite a few items I can wear. 1. LBD, think it fits, bought 2010 for Neil’s 50th “Godfather party” ( Mafia theme). 10 wears? 2. “Sparkly diamonds” black cropped topper suits the LBD, 2011. 7 wears? 3. Black “tuxedo jacket” about 1995, incredibly still fits after I removed the button and put on a “frog closure”. Maybe nearly 30 wears in 23 years. 4. Fancy black beaded Art Deco type long top, 2014. Expensive and only 3 wears- can wear with black “evening pants” with satin front 2014, 12 wears, or with pleated black skirt 2015 only 2 wears, which makes it look like a dropped waist 1920s dress. 5. My actual ball dress, 2013. Worn only the once. $350 per wear! Should have rented! Black with bling. I notice a black theme! I have several pairs of high heels I can still wear, but prefer lower heels these days. There is a second tier of dressy outfits that are less dressy than these, eg my green velvet duster and my red wedding guest outfit. Sal on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056273 Wed, 28 Aug 2019 07:47:46 +0000 Sal 2056273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachy - surely anything goes now....wear your heels and fur daily.. Lisa - haha!!  Love your pieces.  But surely they are a bit bare and cold...... Stylefan - it sounds like you could do with a gorgeous cream silk shirt to go with your skirts.... but I know about fit.  I could see you wearing one though with jeans and wide leg pants so it might be a good addition?  And actually I think sparkly or patent birks would be great with a long full skirt.  Or the right hi tops too? missvee - that sounds like a good approach.  Most of us do live casual lives now.   Cardiffgirl - I loved your red dress so please keep that....  mine has been slow and almost subconscious.  I am better at "dressing up" than everyday. I don't have many dressy occasions - this year my parents 50th wedding anniversary and I dressed up (maybe overdressed) for a couple of meals out.  I am happy to be the dressiest there if I can wear one of my favourites!! Sal on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056272 Wed, 28 Aug 2019 07:40:59 +0000 Sal 2056272@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sorry to post and run!! Carla - you have a great solution and 2 is one of my favourites ever.   Brooklyn - there are less and less formal occasions aren't there and I am pretty sure you could come up with great outfits for most occasions. Sarah - thanks!  I agree keeping an eye out for something that you do like casually is a good idea - but having an occasionwear capsule is not necessary at all. Shevia - I don't have very many truly formal events either.  This year I have worn the pleated dress once, and the black sheath once.  The lace dress has had three wears in total.  It is fun to have something different to wear sometimes isn't it! JAileen - not sure what I will do.  My birthday is in the depths of winter.  I had a big 40th that was not my favourite night (for mostly reasons outside my control and partly I chose the wrong venue).  Jon had a fab 50th though and I do love a party... notsaf - looking forward to seeing what you have.  I am going to attempt to wear the lace more casually (maybe with sneakers and a casual jacket). Bijou - you have a stunning capsule.  My favourites are the midi dresses with full skirts....gorgeous!!! Barbara Diane - I am mostly black too.  It does make it easier I find although I will try and add some colour next time. Nemosmum - your pieces look good to me.  But maybe more conservative than your style direction.  I could definitely see you in a Le Smoking variation - slim pants, great heels, sharp sparkly blazer or similar.  Or a long delicate pleated skirt too.... Carla on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056257 Wed, 28 Aug 2019 03:36:55 +0000 Carla 2056257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I totally agree with you Sal, that occaisionwear doesn't date as quickly as other clothes might. My occaisionwear capsule makes me VERY happy. It is mix and matchable and quite a few items cross over to day wear. I actually enjoy the juxtoposition of wearing something from my occaisionwear capsule with something uber casual. The silver foil t-shirt gets more wear than one would expect! Here is the list: -little black dress/halter style -little black dress/long sleeves -black silky cropped trousers -black taffeta ball skirt -cream button down shirt (soft/drapey) -silver foil t-shirt -lace tank tops in blue and pink -black light weight wool jacket -black silky embroidered bomber -silver clutch -gold clutch -low heel pointy toe patent leather shoe with grosgrain bow -point toe leopard flat I don't have a lot of jewellery, but I do have some real and some faux pearls, some over the top opal earings, some 'one of a kind' crafted silver earings, and some sparkly hair barrettes. Brooklyn on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056254 Wed, 28 Aug 2019 03:12:39 +0000 Brooklyn 2056254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am in the don’t-really-have-one camp. I have plenty of dressy items. But if I were invited to a proper cocktail party or formal event I would think about renting something. I will be content with drooling over everybody else’s capsules SarahD8 on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056240 Wed, 28 Aug 2019 02:19:43 +0000 SarahD8 2056240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a great set of fancy frocks, Sal! Thanks for starting this thread. I'm enjoying hearing about and getting a peek at other people's glad rags. At the moment my formal capsule is pretty much like Lisa's. I have very little need for dressy clothes, although in an ideal world I'd have a small selection that I could draw from to get dressed without panic when an occasion does arise. I'm not working on building that capsule yet, because I'm focusing on my everyday clothes right now. But I'm allowing myself to notice fancy items and think about how I might put together a capsule/outfits. There is a LOT of stuff available secondhand online!   Jaime on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056225 Wed, 28 Aug 2019 01:27:12 +0000 Jaime 2056225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a fun thread! (and to lisa p)! Although I don't get out much, I do have very regular holiday meals, occasional weddings or bat/bar mitvahs, and a few other family events sprinkled in. None of these rise to the very fancy category, but do justify my collection of pretty dresses and skirts that I rotate through and usually don't wear during the week.  JAileen on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056221 Wed, 28 Aug 2019 01:22:05 +0000 JAileen 2056221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal, 50 is a big deal. I hope you throw a huge formal party. My SIL threw a party for her 50th. notsaf on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056218 Wed, 28 Aug 2019 01:17:23 +0000 notsaf 2056218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just popping in to say that I love that lace dress (of course)! Will return later on with details about my fancy dressing capsule... Bijou on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056204 Tue, 27 Aug 2019 23:37:15 +0000 Bijou 2056204@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My occasion wear capsule is one I love and wear regularly as I have a number of work events and balls to attend. I do wear the more low key dresses to dinners and parties. No full length gowns because even at balls, we tend to be a bit less formal in Australia. For me the challenge is comfy footwear, but I have 2 pairs of shoes that are comfy. I can’t dance in spindly heels. Barbara Diane on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056185 Tue, 27 Aug 2019 22:24:12 +0000 Barbara Diane 2056185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have black separates that I dress up with accessories, etc. nemosmom on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056173 Tue, 27 Aug 2019 21:52:05 +0000 nemosmom 2056173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>I rarely attend anything super dressy, aside from a wedding reception or bar/bat mitzvah. I used to go to the opening night gala at the ballet, but that was long ago... My capsule is small and unexciting (and many years old, except for the faux fur), but it gets me by when I need a quick grab-n-go outfit. I find it a challenge to wear any of these dresses when it's cold out, or when I am asked to dress more modestly. The pumps are only 3" and easy to walk in for a while... </div>I tend to feel self conscious wearing a dress...  I have a couple of separates that are on the dressy side (satin midi skirt, basic silk shell tops, ugly couch blazer), but they feel orphaned for a truly dressy occasion. I feel like I want a snazzy shoe, dressy trouser, sparkly top..... or... something... that would help pull an outfit together. Not sure what those things are... Cardiff girl on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056165 Tue, 27 Aug 2019 21:21:08 +0000 Cardiff girl 2056165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have never really thought about an occasion wear capsule as I very rarely attend anything that requires any outfit above smart casual .l suppose I could pull together something for most occasions if pushed but like Racylou it’s all very casual here!I admire that you have put one together and that you have places to go to wear it. missvee on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056164 Tue, 27 Aug 2019 21:20:07 +0000 missvee 2056164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m not really into occasion wear, having fewer and fewer ‘occasions’ to wear it. Even the opera is quite casual now, and that’s disappointing. Even so, I keep a LBD on hand that can be dressed up with metallic shoes and some sparkly jewelry. I also have a printed sheath dress in a fabric with a soft sheen. I can dress that down or up. And finally, a sleeveless dress in pale yellow that looks very ‘special occasion’ worn with an embroidered shawl. For a while I had a pair of velvet trousers (until they wore out). They were great and I wouldn’t mind another pair. I almost forgot - I have a lace skirt too. That’s a workhorse - nice with a casual sweater or a silk blouse. All of these items are at least 4 years old and pretty classic styles so they haven’t dated. So to make a long story even longer, I like to buy items that can be dressed up for special occasions but are still wearable in more casual situations, Style Fan on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056163 Tue, 27 Aug 2019 21:17:07 +0000 Style Fan 2056163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank goodness I don't get invited to any fancy events.  My special occasion wear capsule is pretty lean.  I can scrape something together but I am getting tired of it all. 1/  I have a green dress that I have worn to a few weddings.  It is pretty memorable so when I wear it people do take note IYKWIM.  However, it fits me really well and is flattering.  It is 7 years old. 2/  I have a dark blue almost black bubble satin skirt.  I wear it with a cream shirt.  The cream shirt has gone.  I wore this outfit to some weddings, Mr SF's 60th birthday party and some other events.  It is 11 years old.  It fits me well and is flattering.  Unfortunately, I need to get a top to go with it.  I would like a nice cream or ivory button up shirt.  Dream on.  They never fit me. 3/  I have a brown and cream giraffe print satin skirt.  No top.  Long gone.  Again, the skirt is cute, fits well and is flattering.  It looks like I need some tops. 4/  And if for some strange reason I should need to wear a ball gown, well I actually have one.  For my wedding I wore a red satin strapless long gown.  I could pull that out.  Not sure I want to go strapless these days. My biggest concern is footwear.  I have nothing to wear on my feet.  I wonder how Birks would look? Anonymous on "Occasionwear capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/occasionwear-capsule#post-2056153 Tue, 27 Aug 2019 20:55:26 +0000 Anonymous 2056153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Here's my occasion-wear capsule: