https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 05:22:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule/page/2#post-2375078 Tue, 26 Nov 2024 17:55:20 +0000 SarahD8 2375078@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a fun thread, <b>Runcarla</b>! I enjoyed seeing everyone's dressy capsules and yours is especially good. I bow down to your thrift karma -- a thrifted ball skirt, wow!!</p> <p>For myself, I'm a bit torn. On the one hand...<br />-I have a very casual lifestyle and family members who don't enjoy dressing up. So, while I would be ok with deviating from my family norm, I have little real "need" for dressy clothing.<br />-My dressy capsule tends to be, let's be honest, a bit of a hodgepodge that doesn't really hang together. A smattering of dressy items...but can they be turned into dressy outfits? Doubtful...<br />-This is both because I tend to deprioritize my dressy capsule when shopping (bc no strong need), and because I have so little experience dressing up that I don't really *know* what I need in order to assemble a functional capsule.<br />-Plus, a size change last year means that a number of my dressy items don't currently fit very well. So, what was the point exactly of buying them ahead of need?</p> <p>On the other hand...<br />-I am not good at shopping for specific items with a deadline!<br />-Case in point, that super-special dressy event that I posted about a while back is fast approaching. I bought a long silk skirt to wear but ran out of time/out of steam to assemble the rest of an outfit around it.<br />-I'll wear the skirt with a top I already had and a basic black dressy-ish support act I already owned . The result is fine but not spectacular. So I guess I'm...ready? Ready as I'll ever be!</p> <p>I think I may need to make a dressy capsule overhaul a little bit of a project next year. It will take some analysis (which you know I love), but analysis that leads to action (not my strong suit) rather than paralysis (my usual m.o.). I know this post is probably sounding rather negative but I'm actually a bit excited for this idea. I will begin by studying your excellent mix-and-match capsule in greater detail, <b>Runcarla</b>. That should set me off in the right direction at least! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule/page/2#post-2375045 Tue, 26 Nov 2024 03:37:01 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2375045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Slim cat, those earrings are fab! You have different festive moods covered.</div><div>Bijou, the Bao Bao bag and red shoes are divine. How fun to dress in white, too! Summer holiday chic. <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2375042 Tue, 26 Nov 2024 02:21:53 +0000 Bijou 2375042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My Christmas events are reasonably casual, but I like dressing up! I tend to wear a dress to most things and with our hot summer weather, wearing white is often my first choice.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have this denim jacket that has sequins in the fabric - it is a good topper to casualise my dresses and the white boots also help dress things down while being comfy. I always like a small cross body bag at these events.</p> <p>If I had something dressy to attend (will have to find an excuse to wear this one) - my trusty long black dress and red shoes will come out to play! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2375021 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 20:14:07 +0000 slim cat 2375021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love your smart holiday collection!<br /> I’m a bit envious of everyone having some places to go and dress up - very few opportunities for me this year ( almost the same as last one - lol ).<br /> I’m type of dressy black pants and leather moto jacket with some fun tops to add color or sparkle. Wearing fun sparkly earrings is my usual thing for holidays ( a have a few big and slightly heavy ones that rarely see the light of day ). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2375019 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 19:56:44 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2375019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Your capsule looks beautiful, versatile, and classy, Carla. I am envious of your opportunities to dress up for the holidays. (Not envious enough that I would do anything like host a party, though--LOL!) Your trip, and Kate's, to Christmas markets sounds like so much fun. I looked at a river cruise like that, and it's on my wish list of trips. Just have to get DH on board, so to speak. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I have accumulated a capsule, or two or three, of outfits that will serve for most any occasion that would come my way. I am more than ready, with very few opportunities to wear what I have!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I've been to one early Thanksgiving dinner, this past Saturday, with my FIL, who is in assisted living. I wore my new designer blazer to that one, with a support act of cocoa-brown pants, grayed-white rayon blouse, black booties and bag. I felt appropriately festive for the occasion.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next day, I wore the blazer again, to a jazz history talk, over a burgundy top and burgundy flared cords, with my dark silver loafers, pewter bag, and subtly sparkly earrings. That felt like a good holiday combination.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For Thanksgiving day, I'm thinking of wearing dusty olive pants, a rayon tunic-length blouse, and a faux-leather moto vest, with my new designer matelasse striped coat. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For dressier looks, I have the dresses I got for my niece's wedding last May, which I can layer with jackets or sweaters for winter.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>And I got a silky rayon shirt from AllSaints that feels festive to me, which I can pair with one of my several black pants or the olive ones, with the black moto vest or my light olive moto jacket.</div><div><br /></div><div>My faux fur vest is also something that I can add to a lot of simple outfits to give a cozy, festive look.&nbsp; <br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2375012 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 18:02:58 +0000 Roberta 2375012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Bonnie's</b> comment reminds me that I too go to a fair number of performances, and might as well dress up for them! That would bring my dressy things out of the closet for sure - and tall boots in the winter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2375007 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 17:45:30 +0000 Bonnie 2375007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's fun seeing everyone's dressy items. You have a great mix and match capsule. I've been adding dressy items for the past ten years and wear them from October to June because we go to a lot of performances. I have worn all of them at one time or another during the holidays, too. That is except for my new red dress which I plan to wear for an early January wedding.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374999 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 16:54:27 +0000 Kyle 2374999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If something were to come up I have a dressy black dress, and black trousers with a few different tops and jewelry to jazz things up. I can’t say I have a dedicated holiday capsule because I don’t really need one, but I think I’d be able to put together a suitable outfit should the need arise.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374994 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 15:35:29 +0000 cat2 2374994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Last year I did more of a holiday refresh than I usually do; I added a couple of clutches for evening, new metallic flats and added black velvet and black wool trousers. I am set for the season. We have a mix of Wine Country and City events, and a trip to the snow. For Thanksgiving I am wearing the same ecru cashmere sweater and wool pants as last year, but with some ecru kittens this time. The rest of the Thanksgiving trip will be jeans and lightly sparkly sweaters in tan and a mixed taupe knit, and some ancient silk tops. I raided a Lilla P sale for the knits a few years ago, The tops are ancient but very lightly worn Lafayette 148. I think I bought them when brown was a thing? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374986 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 13:31:31 +0000 ChristelJ 2374986@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm excited about your ball skirt! I could see that combo with the mesh top looking smart. And probably many other options too. Love the idea of you adding a bit more gold bling.<br /> For years I have had no holiday events other than family dinners where everyone wears flannel shirts, but all of a sudden I'm invited to a dressy party, and while I'm traveling, too!<br /> I panic bought a shiny flounced dress but don't have the topper and footwear for it. It I don't find those easily I will return the dress and go for a column of dark green, pants and blouse, with a bit of gold jewelry I already own. I've been totally caught off guard! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374985 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 13:31:08 +0000 RobinF 2374985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautiful new ball skirt - how fun!&nbsp;</p> <p>We are very casual here with just a few family gatherings. I like to add a bit of bling or velvet and have some from past years but they are getting a little bit shabby. I would love a new velvet shirt and may end up getting something like that to wear with my black pleather pants. I should decide soon because it is coming up quickly!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374977 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 11:21:52 +0000 Brooklyn 2374977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well done thrifting a ball skirt!</p> <p>I think dressing up for Christmas might be more of a northern hemisphere thing. Because Christmas here is in summer, and it’s hot, it’s pretty casual. We usually have a BBQ. Some years we have had a picnic or hired a boat and sailed around Sydney Harbour. Lots of people go to the beach. I have a few get-togethers to go to before then and they are all casual outdoorsy affairs. I am definitely ready for the season </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374975 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 09:48:57 +0000 Lisa 2374975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That’s so great that you have occasions to get dressed up for the holidays. You have a lovely and well rounded capsule here. You’re ready for a fun holiday season!</p> <p>I’ve seen lots of pretty sparkle and shine in the stores but I have to pass them by. Like many others have mentioned I’m another person whose days of office parties and dressed up family gatherings have passed.&nbsp;</p> <p><div>Any events I have are all very casual now.&nbsp;So I’ll be pulling out my trusted Life is Good graphic tees with Christmas and winter themes and pairing them with jeans and hoodies or jackets. :)</p> <p>Have a wonderful trip! </p> <p> </div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374972 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 07:32:54 +0000 Sal 2374972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Loving everyone’s outfits. The ball skirt is fab Carla.</p> <p>We only have a few more casual functions - drinks and bbq and that type of thing.</p> <p>I have been to a couple of shows recently and got a bit dressed up although in both cases it was a rush after work! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374970 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 07:12:56 +0000 Kate 2374970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have a wonderful trip, Carla! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374967 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 04:24:40 +0000 Carla 2374967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Woohoo! &nbsp;So much eye candy!</p> <p>@ Roberta - faux leather pants for the win on cold days!</p> <p>@LJP and Jenni NZ - this year is different than previous. &nbsp;Amongst our friend group there’s been some retirement parties, and a bit of a YOLO attitude with folks wanting to host parties over the holidays! &nbsp;</p> <p>@Kate - just about everything in my dressy capsule (not the ball skirt) is going in the suitcase for the Christmas Markets trip DH and I are taking. &nbsp;We fly out on Tuesday! &nbsp;</p> <p>@ Suz - the new skirt is fuller and falls from the waistband. &nbsp;It’s very beautifully made. The previous one was slim through the hips and to mid thigh, with inverted pleats. &nbsp;The fullness was lower down - sort of a modified mermaid. &nbsp;Yay red! &nbsp;I’ve been wearing my red turtleneck sweater quite a bit since it turned colder, but still toting the merlot bag. &nbsp;</p> <p><div><br /></div><div>@JAileen - what a beautiful ensemble! &nbsp;You have a great eye for the finds.<br /><div><br /></div><div>@ Angie - I adore those gold booties! &nbsp;I’m keeping my eyes open for an evening bag. &nbsp;Gold?&nbsp;</div></div><div><br /></div><div>I’ll be styling the ball skirt when I get back from the Christmas Markets trip, but tentatively was thinking of wearing it with the mesh t-shirt and the cropped jacket with gold threads over. &nbsp;Maybe something gold and sparkly? &nbsp;The thrift stores started bringing out the bling after Remembrance Day (Nov. 11th). &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Ooops! &nbsp;I think those in the US still have Thanksgiving coming up! &nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374965 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 03:36:02 +0000 Jenni NZ 2374965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This post makes me sad that I don’t have enough events to go to! I think it’s mainly a life stage thing. I used to complain about how there was so much to go to when the children were younger- ballet concerts, prizegivings, various break-up events, and then until 2008 we were churchgoers as well so there were maybe concerts and special services for that. So I should be happy there are fewer I suppose! I just love the dressing up part though.<br /> One set of friends used to host a Christmas Eve party for a number of years but they are also in their 60s and seem to have stopped since the pandemic. I can’t cope with hosting one myself. I would host extended family Christmas every third year but we did it last year. This year we were very concerned the 93 and 88 year old in-laws would not be alive for Christmas but they seem likely to be now, although in poor health.<br /> Having said that… there is the Royal New Zealand Ballet performance on 7 December, and two work dinners. And we were lucky to have the Art Deco ball recently. I have a heap of dressy clothes and often wear red on Christmas Day itself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374960 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 03:16:40 +0000 Anonymous 2374960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your pieces. &nbsp;I like having a festive red wool suit with red or black ribbon for dress up and a plain leather belt for every day. &nbsp;December will find me wearing lots of reds and greens with black or grey.some sparkle will disappear at new years. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374957 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 02:02:52 +0000 Angie 2374957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I forgot to answer your question:</p> <p>I have plenty of festive items to wear for the holidays! They aren't items reserved for the holidays - (accept the Yorkie reindeer jumper! ) - just dressy items I haul out. They are worn throughout the year too.</p> <p><b><i>The first three items are new: </i>navy polo sweater, red skirt, and gold boots.</b> That's my Christmas Eve outfit, and I'll pop a red coat over the lot. Lots of pearls! Non-neutral eyewear. I'll wear it to a few other parties too.&nbsp;</p> <p>The rest is old, and very old. I much enjoy the items, though! They are familiar, and do the job with playful dressy comfort. Keeps me warm! Mix and match well </p> <p>The red Frame velvet pants are on their last legs - balding patches on the knees. Haven't been able to replace them yet.&nbsp;</p> <p>*all the dark items are navy</p> <p>* the gold bag and small cream bag are in storage :(&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374956 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 01:47:00 +0000 JAileen 2374956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have some lovely pieces. &nbsp;I used to have several dressy events. No more. &nbsp;Even family events have gotten more and more casual. &nbsp;I was considering a great muddy olive outfit at Macy’s, and it’s even on sale! &nbsp;But it seems too dressy for my current life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374955 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 01:30:01 +0000 Angie 2374955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The ball skirt! Woohooo, <b>Carla!</b> That’s my favourite item of your hard working and lovely holiday capsule. And the brooch! Maybe throw in a small bag to match.</p> <p>What are you wearing with your ball skirt? :)</p> <p>Fun to see everyone else’s fun holiday items too! There’s a great range of dress codes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374954 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 01:29:25 +0000 Dee 2374954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That Holt Renfrew ball skirt is a such a unique find, should be so much fun to wear. </p> <p>There's no more work parties for me either these days, I no longer even have a true dressy capsule anymore. Dressing for the season now only requires some dark trousers or jeans , a nice sweater and some jewelry. Its been decades since I wore anything truly fancy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374952 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 01:13:25 +0000 Suz 2374952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also, wow, you thrifted a new ball skirt!! Is it a lot like the old one? I hope you will show us pics of your outfit! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374951 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 01:12:08 +0000 Suz 2374951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have a nice collection of items, <b>Carla</b>, and since you are a resident YLF queen of the mix and match, I'm sure you will come up with happy combinations. The sparkly brooch is a nice addition, along with the red bag. I'll bet you are happy to have some red back in the closet again. (Says the Red is Best spokesperson...)&nbsp;</p> <p>Like <b>Lisa</b> and <b>Irina</b>, I'm not sure I'm going to have too many festive occasions outside our home this year. But I have already gone to one concert (wore the red velvet pants and cream top) and I am attending another, and a friend's book launch next week. (Will wear the velvet shirt to at least one of these, and probably the velvet pants to the other.) And I'm going to a holiday drag performance on Dec. 15 -- it is a brunch -- so that will be at least one opportunity to pull out some stops. </p> <p>I feel prepared, with a holiday/ dressy winter capsule, including a few new items, and even if there's nowhere else to go, I do dress up a bit at home over the holidays. Like your capsule, mine is mix and match -- most bottoms can potentially work with most of the tops. depending on the level of formality or fizzy, more casual fun, or at-home coziness desired. The sleeveless tops need a topper in winter weather under most circumstances, and the little knit military jacket does a lot of duty there.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374949 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 01:08:35 +0000 Kate 2374949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very nice holiday capsule, Carla. I haven't even thought about mine. My main goal for the season is to light up the 4 big trees on our property before we leave on our winter vacation in two days. Almost done, thanks to my husband.</p> <p>We will be in Europe (Budapest, Vienna, Prague, and Nuremburg) returning on the 10th of December. I may throw in a velvet top as a concession to the season, and I do have a bright red bathing suit for Budapest's wonderful thermal baths. I'm really looking forward to that, and to the Christmas markets in all the cities, but especially Nuremburg.</p> <p>Two days after coming back, I have back surgery scheduled, so Christmas festivities will be local to our neighborhood after that. Should still be a lovely holiday season. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374946 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:42:06 +0000 Jaime 2374946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A ball! I have never been to a ball and am fine with that - but hope to see your outfit when you attend yours! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374944 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:22:55 +0000 LJP 2374944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As Irina said, days of holiday business parties and big cocktail parties with friends are now in the past. &nbsp;As they are for most of my friends. &nbsp;We hosted one for years, maybe decades now? - but no longer host as of 2 years ago. &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;Is your new ball skirt the black one near the bottom of your finds selection? &nbsp;It's beautiful &nbsp;and what a great find ! &nbsp;</p> <p>I keep a small little capsule of black pieces in cashmere , velvet, paillette sequin and silk pieces that are there if I need them, which hasn't been in a few years now. &nbsp;I too have the perfect pair of black wool trousers on my HEWI list - I seem to settle for placeholders that are unsatisfactory. I did buy a pair of black wool blend &nbsp;barrel cut trousers from Massimo Dutti that are interesting, and they will do if I need something dressy to wear. &nbsp;We are a casual family - as small as it is, and while we dress nicely for dinner and brunch on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, jeans are usually the bottom of choice &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>This makes me miss the days of entertaining and getting dressed.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374942 Sun, 24 Nov 2024 22:21:23 +0000 Irina 2374942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice collection, Carla. That silky camel skirt and a matching sweater are my favorite.&nbsp;<div>I have a few tops that I consider as the sort of “evening wear”. I wear them with black jeans, navy or black wool pants. A good cut and quality pair of black wool pants is my long time HEWI. Sometimes I add a black wool blazer or a black cashmere v-neck sweater. I mostly use these pieces when attending concerts.&nbsp;</div><div>Days of office holiday parties and big celebrations with friends are gone, it’s not my lifestyle at this time. Aside from finding black pants and maybe an interesting skirt, I’m not looking to extend my holiday capsule. We dress nicely but casually when getting together with close friends and family.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374941 Sun, 24 Nov 2024 21:55:52 +0000 Carol 2374941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Now, that diamond pin really captures the imagination. I am now inspired to go find some things...if not in the stores, then in my closet.</p> <p>I am confused by which is the ball skirt, Runcarla? Roberta--those leather pants are exactly the hole in my wardrobe, and a smart choice for winter dress-up.</p> <p>I have not even really thought in this direction--not much going on beyond hanging out with family. Have a grey and pastel fair isle sweater for that, as well as a graphic red and black one.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ready-or-not-the-dressyfestive-capsule#post-2374940 Sun, 24 Nov 2024 21:39:35 +0000 Roberta 2374940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This year I'll be partly outside for my festivities, so I think it will be last year's top wth a warm liner, faux leather pants, boots, and my faux fur. Probably earmuffs or a headband. I have a red leather bag that I will dig out. </p>