YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Outfit lab: Dressy-gala directions (long)

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Outfit lab: Dressy-gala directions (long) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-dressy-gala-directions-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 05:13:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php unfrumped on "Outfit lab: Dressy-gala directions (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-dressy-gala-directions-long#post-1380983 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 16:45:08 +0000 unfrumped 1380983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Susie, I hear that. The comments, and the photos, and some comparisons of what I'd really love to wear if I could, and some tincture of time have helped a lot. Thank you, Angie and Diana. And Firecracker's discussion of dressy skirts, which again is more gala-gown-like than the pants outfit. I think the placeholder try-ons helped me see that I really like these pants both for work and for fun-dressy, such as holiday party or going out at night because  I still freeze even indoors, so I am more cozy in pants outfits than in dresses if I have my choice. I think that will be fun, so that I can get in more wear time over the coming months, before the pants are "out". But I agree, for the gala I think I will feel more appropriate in a dress or dress-like outfit (  based on not having the HEWI dressy tuxedo outfit in view). Thank you all for taking time to critique! Diana on "Outfit lab: Dressy-gala directions (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-dressy-gala-directions-long#post-1380931 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 15:59:21 +0000 Diana 1380931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think you need a dressier top for the pants outfit.  I have a vision of something in cream silk satin, some kind of material with both sheen and body.  (So not like a soft sheer silk blouse.) Angie on "Outfit lab: Dressy-gala directions (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-dressy-gala-directions-long#post-1380922 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 15:52:22 +0000 Angie 1380922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love the idea of adding sparkle to a tuxedo - top, shoes and bag must be bling. That's a great look for a cocktail party, the theater, or a less formal occasion.  I do feel that this particular trouser suit isn't Gala appropriate. It's not sparkly and dressy enough. I'd rethink the outfit and try a frock.  Susie on "Outfit lab: Dressy-gala directions (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-dressy-gala-directions-long#post-1380882 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 14:52:58 +0000 Susie 1380882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think it's terrific when we can use what we have as it feels like a waste of money to buy something specifically for a special occasion. To be honest, though, I would feel under dressed in those pants. But that's based on the galas I've attended here where very dressy and often sparkly cocktail dresses are the norm. When I attended a formal event last year (gowns), I managed to find my version of a tuxedo look with a velvet jacket and long skirt. For a less formal gala, I wore a chiffon dress with crystal trim. Both occassions called for dressy shoes and bags. Pants can be a great look, if they are in a dressier fabric like chiffon, satin, silk or velvet. Paired with a sparkly top and dressy shoes and bag they would work well. That being said, some areas are definitely more laid back and a less dressy look might be perfectly fine. Or If this gala is a more professional occasion, then the pants could be totally appropriate. Sorry, that's probably not much help, is it? unfrumped on "Outfit lab: Dressy-gala directions (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-dressy-gala-directions-long#post-1380855 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 14:10:53 +0000 unfrumped 1380855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Sharan. For some reason I have a frump-fear of long skirts and it may be because it's hard to get the top proportions right-need a short boxy top worn out or alternatively  a high-waisted skirt with tucked in fluid top, that might work the way the "80's" high-waisted pants work. I'll also review some of the dressy capsule/occasion posts for more inspiration. This rears its head every so often so it clearly speaks to the dilemma of real/everyday vs. intermittent lifestyle needs (or wants) . Firecracker (Sharan) on "Outfit lab: Dressy-gala directions (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-dressy-gala-directions-long#post-1380656 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 05:53:08 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1380656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Maybe your straight skirt would work, unfrumped. Give it a try. A full skirt just came to mind; it might be more dramatic than you'd like, but I do think it would be great on your figure. I also just remembered something about trumpet skirts coming back in style. I think that shape is so elegant in a long skirt. unfrumped on "Outfit lab: Dressy-gala directions (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-dressy-gala-directions-long#post-1380583 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 02:35:49 +0000 unfrumped 1380583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Firecracker, thanks for the ideas! I'm glad you think I could combine some " sparkle " items because it might take more drama to dress up the pants. I have long straight skirt (" satin" poly) but it became kind of an orphan. Haven't ever tried long and full. Dressy capsules are so frustrating because I seldom can find all the " parts" at once but then if it takes so long, some part becomes obsolete, and back to square one ! I love how you see something to get the right fabric or color or print needed. Firecracker (Sharan) on "Outfit lab: Dressy-gala directions (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-dressy-gala-directions-long#post-1380472 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 00:06:47 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1380472@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like 1-3 and 6-7 for dressy occasions, certainly. Those would work for most dress-up events, I would think, especially with sparkly jewelry and clutch. I'm not sure you could have too much sparkle, actually, if you want to amp up the pants look for a gala. I mean, the jacket sparkle is subtle, and the clutch is shiny but not sparkly, so I think you could add a sequined top, for example, and wear the outfit to a gala. I think the dress may read a little less dressy for a gala, although with sheer dark stockings, silver clutch and festive jewelry it could work, too. I agree with you that the pinstripe blazer looks a little long for the pants, at least as dressy-occasion wear. I'd wear it for business, though, certainly. And I think the neutrals-mixing would be great, too, for daytime or dinner out. Have you thought about a dressy maxi skirt and sparkly ballet flats? That's one way you could wear flat shoes for a gala. You could top a full taffeta skirt with a sparkly dolman sleeved top (as you suggested for a standalone top with the pants) or with a silk shirtwaist blouse. unfrumped on "Outfit lab: Dressy-gala directions (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-dressy-gala-directions-long#post-1380460 Tue, 21 Oct 2014 23:40:47 +0000 unfrumped 1380460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not sure this is   typical Outfit Lab since I don’t have the actual outfits for some of the ideas shown. I am using" place-holder: items so I’ll be fully clothed! 1-3   Possible outfit direction with AT faux-leather waistbandhigh-waist pants and pumps. Shown with a BR T (it’s slightly metallic) just to get the idea of a simple top, if worn with a jacket. Would look for a silk top,   perhaps sparkly, but   refined. Shown with   a short ¾ sleeve jacket , black with some sparkle. Pumps I've kept in limbo land as I can actually walk in them. There is a heel gap I cannot make go away and don't like, hence saved just for long pants, where it does not show. Note, have shown sparkle in the jacket,   necklace, shiny clutch as ideas for the dressy aspect, not all to be worn together and especially not if either the top or jacket were amped up.   --I think this type of outfit would be great for lots of usual going-out occasions but not sure if a new top, even a jacket will  skew it to Gala-correctness (black tie optional, lot of cocktail dresses, some gowns). Other shopping possibilities is to find a stand-alone top for these pants—imagining a dressy fluid sparkly Dolman sleeve top tucked in, or something. Whereas if a collared jacket is worn, then a simple shell style  top seems best. 4-5  Same high-waisted pants   with a relatively new Tahari blazer I got ( before the pants)   as a generic topper for trousers, , because I liked the fit,  and it’s kind of off-black due to a pinstripe. Has   faux leather collar and pocket trim ( not knowing I'd get pants with similar trim). Tossed it on for fun, but I'm thinking  it's a lot of dark for this outfit, with the volume of the pants, and long for the high waist. However, does it look more “tuxedo-ish”. Also the colors—navy pant, black waistband and shoes, pinstriped black blazer—please weigh in on its being way too mix&match vs. inspired "combining neutrals" !  Again, I can see this type of outfit as fun for the theater or date-night but not sure it’s gala-worthy even with the right top and accessories. Thoughts? Can be whether to skip the pants for gala, can include general thoguhts on styling for non-gala occasions as well. In general, if I did a dark jacket, would need something very lightening for the top, or if had a light jacket (pewter metallic, say) then could do column of dark color. And what jacket styles  work best with these pants. 6-7 Next up, more traditional--I almost forgot I had this matching WHBM dotted black peplum top and pencil skirt, which I did specifically get last year to wear both as separates and together! I think it could work as a LBD though the fabric is ? cottony-rayon blend with stretch. Problem is these ARE my dress pumps and not likely to get much better and still walk, so it looks rather sedate. Also, the neckline is kind of jewelry-challenging, but I would like to wear something to break up the black. Could shop for something new there. It IS all black up top, which is harsher than ideal but hey, it’s evening, low light, can use makeup to look alive. Find: Try to shop for a new dress like the Tracy Reese but less pricey. It's statement, though and not what I need which is a Little Burgundy Dress or something. I think the WHBM can be a  fallback safety outfit. Appropriate. I bought it because I liked it, after all.  I might shop for tops for the pants just to see what's out there and because I could use a dressy top for non-gala winter occasions anyway. I might noodle at the dresses in the dept store. Then see how it goes. But, what do you think ? Save me from myself! Thank you for reading and for any comments.