https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:08:17 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready/page/2#post-1763730 Thu, 29 Dec 2016 14:42:16 +0000 DonnaF 1763730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hah! Dressy clothing for me is close to never wear for me, but I have a beach wedding to attend in 2018. Or at least I do unless they discover that it is not feasible. I have two dresses from 2012 that might work if they still fit; one fit'n'flare and a jacquard sheath they end up in a church. I just don't have dressy events in my life and pretty is not my style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready/page/2#post-1763713 Thu, 29 Dec 2016 13:13:19 +0000 April 1763713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>AH, I do see your point. &nbsp;</p> <p>Part of mine was "make sure the dress-in-waiting always fits" -- so if your weight changes a lot, try that dress on seasonally! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready/page/2#post-1756695 Sat, 03 Dec 2016 10:40:53 +0000 Andrea H 1756695@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sometime in the late 90s/very early 2000s, I was in an Ann Taylor outlet with a friend and I tried on a black velvet sheath dress just for s&amp;gs. &nbsp;Well. It looked stunning on, it was ridiculously marked down, and my friend convinced me that I would be a fool not to buy it. Surely I would need a winter cocktail dress at some point. That dress hung sadly neglected in my closet for years. When the day came that I had an event that I might have worn it to, I'd lost a little weight and it was now too big. I eventually donated it with the tags still on. &nbsp;I hope someone somewhere eventually wore it, because it was a beautiful dress.</p> <p>I feel like keeping an outfit in reserve that you may or may not need for a couple/few years works much better for people whose weight does bounce up and down 10-15 pounds routinely. It's why when I recently bought the dress I've mentioned in other threads to fill the "conservative semi-dressy occasion in freezing weather" hole in my wardrobe, I went for a sweater dress, knits being much more forgiving of weight fluctuations than, say, dress pants or a blazer. And it's why I won't buy another cocktail dress "just in case", no matter how tempting.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready/page/2#post-1756554 Sat, 03 Dec 2016 00:18:37 +0000 bj1111 1756554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just got my brocade pants shortened to a more fashionable ankle length...should last another 5 years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready/page/2#post-1755919 Thu, 01 Dec 2016 18:37:33 +0000 LaPed 1755919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fair enough -- environmental norms are a big factor. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready/page/2#post-1755865 Thu, 01 Dec 2016 16:32:36 +0000 April 1755865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>But see, LP, I think you're doing just what I'm suggesting, in a way that makes sense for you.</p> <p><i>"I have some simple, streamlined dresses that can be dressed up or down. I have a dressy-enough black coat for winter events." &nbsp;</i>And therefore you are ready for an event to come up. &nbsp;I wasn't. &nbsp;I didn't have anything that could sub in for an event, I was thrown into a panic, and my solution has been to keep "event wear" at the ready. &nbsp;</p> <p>Where I live, "event wear" is significantly dressier than a simple, streamlined dress, which would be what I might wear on the daily, as the kids say. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready/page/2#post-1755862 Thu, 01 Dec 2016 16:19:49 +0000 LaPed 1755862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chadya, this was me too. I used to have a formal dress because my grandmother felt it was important; ended up not even needing it for my HS or college graduations, never did get worn. I have some simple, streamlined dresses that can be dressed up or down. I have a dressy-enough black coat for winter events. My feet have gone up half a size since having a child, so my old dressy footwear had to go, practically unworn. Would like to replace those, but I have picky feet (and eyes!) so it takes a while to find something. Even in a simple frock with just a necklace and flats, I'm often the dressiest person at family weddings and memorials. If I needed a cocktail dress or similar, I would check the high-end consignment shop in my town first, and would use rental as a last resort.</p> <p>DH is in a similar situation. The old suit his parents bought him roughly a decade ago is too formal for his industry, even for conferences, and now it reads as very dated -- like, "that one suit I bought just in case but never wore." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready/page/2#post-1755797 Thu, 01 Dec 2016 13:38:27 +0000 chadya 1755797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Going to be the contrarian here and say I don't keep the dressy dress on call.&nbsp; by the time I need it again it's out style.&nbsp; So I consign or donate. </p> <p>I also learned my lesson on the "black pant"&nbsp; I have about 3 pairs that are either too big/small that I bought <b>because</b></p> <p>So you need to be aware of what you/I need more than anything.&nbsp; </p> <p>I live within 10 minutes of the most shopping malls around so I am lucky that I can go shopping for what I need, so that is a factor as well </p> <p>No rules </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready/page/2#post-1755795 Thu, 01 Dec 2016 13:33:36 +0000 Summer 1755795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutely right, April.&nbsp; Although my lifestyle is fairly casual, it's important to me to be appropriately dressed for any occasion that may crop up.<br />This probably sounds a bit morbid, but recently I've spent time and effort putting together a funeral capsule. If ever there were a time to avoid a last- minute- panic situation, that&nbsp; would be it, I think. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready/page/2#post-1755774 Thu, 01 Dec 2016 12:21:15 +0000 April 1755774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm going to be what Angie calls "a mare" about this and insist that <b>when your life doesn't call for dressy very often,&nbsp;</b><i><b>this is when it's really important to keep that outfit in reserve. &nbsp;</b></p> <p></i>If you dress up all the time, the likelihood that you will panic when a dressy occasion arises is low. &nbsp;It's those of us who live in jeans and boots who will not have a go-to source for dressy clothes, who will not own the right evening shoes, who will not own an evening bag, AND who will not be likely to own a dressy coat to go over your dressy outfit if your event falls in the dead of winter. &nbsp;(Ever notice how many dressy dresses are sleeveless? &nbsp;Not great when it's January in New York. &nbsp;And you're 53, with 53-year old arms.)<br /><i><br /></i>Janet, all your points are spot on, so I'm suggesting that it's important to keep the dressy outfit ready-to-go. &nbsp;Try it on, get it tailored if need be. &nbsp;Make sure you have one for warm weather and one for cold, if applicable. &nbsp;Get the right shoes and the right bra. &nbsp;<br /><i><br /></i>This is a fire drill, ladies. &nbsp;Don't wait until that heavy envelope shows up in your mailbox. &nbsp;Sure, you'll probably get a wedding invitation two months ahead of time. &nbsp;But there is no guarantee that in those two months, anything seasonally appropriate will be in the stores. &nbsp;<i><br /></i> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready#post-1755458 Wed, 30 Nov 2016 18:32:00 +0000 Keix 1755458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been known to buy occasion dresses 6 months in advance of weddings and holiday parties, but I have the same fit-horror problem with shoes. I wear a special size and have fussy feet, plus my existing collection of dressy shoes is often not the right height or color for my new dress... I definitely need to remember that an outfit requires SHOES, not just a pretty dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready#post-1755410 Wed, 30 Nov 2016 15:26:57 +0000 Sisi 1755410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very smart, April! I would be happy&nbsp;to see your "occasion outfits". And you made me laugh with your "shopping nightmare"! (also for me, shopping can&nbsp;be a nightmare sometimes). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready#post-1755375 Wed, 30 Nov 2016 14:09:18 +0000 Chris987 1755375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm loving this posting, and it's perfectly timed for me. I posted some possible holiday outfits for this year on a different thread , and realized that I could use a couple more dressy separates. I don't wear dressy stuff too often but right now I have only one or two pieces plus two dresses that are too special-occasion for what I want now. I am not in a panic, I can go with what I have, but a few more choices would be good. </p> <p>Suz I have to thank you for posting your finds. I am not naturally drawn to dressier items and seeing your&nbsp;set if very helpful. I'm going to use these words to inspire me...."dressy fabrics like lace, silk, and velvet,&nbsp;add some shine or texture, soft colors&nbsp; (dark or light), and flowy or fitted silhouettes that feel very dressy to me". </p> <p>I still have a little time to do some shopping, and have quite a few malls nearby, so I think I'm going to look for a dressy skirt or dress to work with what I already have. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready#post-1755368 Wed, 30 Nov 2016 13:58:45 +0000 Glory 1755368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so so smart and takes away considerable stress. I have done the same at Angie's recommendation and have a warm and cold weather option including the shoes.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready#post-1755361 Wed, 30 Nov 2016 13:31:03 +0000 Janet 1755361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find each year brings fewer and fewer occasions to dress up. Hubs has been selling his company, and we no longer have a corporate holiday party or fundraising gala to attend, so my main cocktail-dress occasions are not a factor. The last one we went to, three years ago, was right after I had surgery, so I pulled together an outfit of separates from my closet and looked perfectly appropriate. I could do the same today if pressed, I think. </p> <p>In my holding zone, I still have one beautiful timeless beaded cocktail dress (it may be a little tight now), and the long formal gown I wore to an inaugural ball 8 years ago. That's it. I can't envision another scenario for that gown (if the election had gone differently, it may have come in handy), but I can't let it go. </p> <p>The problems with keeping occasion wear for years without opportunity to wear are: 1) you change size and the item doesn't fit, 2) your taste or style changes and it doesn't feel like you anymore, 3) time marches on -- what looked great at 40 doesn't necessarily look great at 50, and some things do indeed look dated a few years down the road. I think I'm about to sell or donate a pair of occasion shoes because they are looking dated to me. </p> <p>Plus in my area, occasion wear really needs to be season appropriate -- what works in winter will not work in summer, or even in summer or fall. For me, the solution is to keep some separates that can be dressed up for each season. I have appropriate outfits for weddings and funerals in my closet, but if I got an invite to a formal or evening wedding, I would have some shopping to do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready#post-1755357 Wed, 30 Nov 2016 13:11:44 +0000 Helen11 1755357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have a special occasion wardrobe, either. &nbsp;My casual town and lifestyle doesn't call for dressing up. &nbsp;I hope that if I'm invited to a wedding I'll have enough notice to shop for a dress!<br />However I do have an outfit suitable for a funeral, which I am much more likely to need, than, say, cocktail attire. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready#post-1755326 Wed, 30 Nov 2016 11:11:13 +0000 approprio 1755326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My rule of thumb for dressy occasions is if I can't wear a trophy jacket and statement shoes then it's probably best avoided. I have a few bits and pieces that could probably be wheeled out for a summer wedding, and if I ever had to meet the Queen I think I'd want to make something for it. I can't say I'm fully kitted out, but contingency plans are in place. A summer LBD wouldn't go amiss.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready#post-1755321 Wed, 30 Nov 2016 10:42:18 +0000 Anonymous 1755321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I absolutely see the wisdom in this strategy. &nbsp;Yet I can't follow it. &nbsp;My life style has taken a <u>very casual turn</u> over the course of the past two years. &nbsp;I do have some great dresses in my wardrobe ..... but it has been several years since I've tried them on. &nbsp;And they were quite fitted when I originally bought them. &nbsp;I don't know what I would do if a special event suddenly appeared on the horizon. &nbsp;Panic, for sure. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready#post-1755298 Wed, 30 Nov 2016 06:29:13 +0000 Gigi 1755298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I've got a couple of outfits to wear in a pinch also! It has saved me more than once. It is definitely a relief. I don't have a clutch to go with them, but I know that I would be able to find something suitable if the need arises, since it's not the same as clothes shopping (I can identify with the paucity of options in-store). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready#post-1755277 Wed, 30 Nov 2016 04:57:10 +0000 Anonymous 1755277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie's advice to have a dressy capsule is so brilliant. If possible, I prefer that this capsule be made up of mostly separates. They feel easier to tweak for levels of dressy and adapt to different seasons. My lace bomber jacket can work as a topper for a dress, skirt or pants (or culottes). My dressy skirt can BR dressed down with a graphic tee or dressed up with a sequined top. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready#post-1755255 Wed, 30 Nov 2016 03:00:27 +0000 BrieN 1755255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This post is a good reminder for me.&nbsp;</p> <p>I put together a fall/winterish dressy outfit earlier this season with so much help from YLF. It took <b>a lot</b> of time and energy to get it right. But now I have a lovely outfit for the cocktail party/fundraisers.&nbsp;</p> <p>But I have nothing for Spring/Summer dressy. I will add that to my "Looking to buy" list.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready#post-1755213 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 23:12:10 +0000 shedev 1755213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm slowly looking for dressier pieces that I can dress down. I haven't had a need for a cocktail dress in my adult life. At the moment, I don't have a suit, so I think I'll start looking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready#post-1755209 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 22:46:20 +0000 Aquamarine 1755209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>April, Angie's advice re: a dressy capsule is one of the most useful nuggets of wisdom I have gleaned from this site. Of course, everyone has a different list of possible or likely dressy events, necessitating different levels of dresswear, but it was truly eye-opening for me *to plan ahead* and have some possibilities so there isn't a last-minute panic. And for me too, shoes are a big part of that capsule and the most difficult. Still working on that as my foot needs evolve (hello, 50s). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready#post-1755185 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 22:22:35 +0000 Anonymous 1755185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's the dress I got. I had black riding boots on when I tried it on, which showed me I could dress it down. In the summer, I tone down something dressier with wedge/cork sandals. My dress doesn't have an asymmetrical hem as shown in the pic though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready#post-1755183 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 22:17:04 +0000 em 1755183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My favorite LBD was improperly stored and eaten by a moth. I haven't been able to find an affordable replacement. Like my favorite pair of pants. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready#post-1755175 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 21:41:55 +0000 Author Linda 1755175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a subject dear to my heart. It's a fact well-known that shopping last minute for a special occasion is a project doomed to fail. When I don't need a dress/skirt/glittery thing I am guaranteed to come upon at least five that fit perfectly and make me look wonderful. When I simply must get something (anything!) I find... nothing. Nothing fits. Everything looks hideous on me. </p> <p>It could be simply a matter of how relaxed I am versus how stressed. No matter. The last time I went shopping and found five dresses that fit, I bought two. I'm ready!</p> <p>One other thing I've learned... having a few dressier items in the closet has encouraged my husband to take me to nicer restaurants on those special occasions. Sometimes a graphic tee just doesn't cut it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready#post-1755174 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 21:26:31 +0000 April 1755174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, Suz, I have decided to let the "gown" go and rent one if the need arises. &nbsp;</p> <p>A couple of years ago, we actually got invited to the Kentucky Derby and I had to find a "lady dress" and a big fancy hat. &nbsp;That was actually kind of fun (except for the shoes, never fun for me) but then the horse we were invited to see ended up not qualifying so we didn't get to go and I returned my hat. &nbsp;</p> <p>BUT -- and this was when Angie's words of wisdom began to seep into my consciousness -- I kept my dress. &nbsp;A lovely Badgely Mischka number that I still haven't worn&nbsp;<i>but it comforts me to know that I have it in reserve for a wedding, a party, an evening event, or maybe one day, another invitation to the Derby. &nbsp;</i>It's classic enough that it won't look silly if another couple of years go by and I still haven't worn it. &nbsp;</p> <p>Better still, inspired by our Delurked, maybe I should stop saving it and just start wearing it! &nbsp;(But then what happens to my special occasion capsule?) &nbsp;Hmm, dilemma...</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready#post-1755168 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 21:05:20 +0000 LaPed 1755168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>cynthiawalkersmith I'm in your boat -- the rural, casual boat. I wouldn't worry about it -- you know your own life best, and it's not worth buying for scenarios that are likely never to occur. If I were a person who could reasonably anticipate having even one or two semi-formal events per year, I would keep a capsule. As it is, barring a major job/life change, I have none, so such a capsule would be a waste of time, energy, and money for me, personally. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready#post-1755147 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 20:34:39 +0000 Suz 1755147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You (and Angie) are so right. I definitely need occasion wear for multiple seasons and of different types as well. I don't yet have a "gown" of any description, but the chances of needing that are very low and if the need arises I'll have several months, I think, to find one. In the meantime, I have a 2 &nbsp;cocktail dresses for warm weather, one for medium weather (silk with sheer sleeves) and one more conservative sleeved one for winter that would double as wedding or funeral wear if required. I also have shoes and bags and jewellery to complete these looks.&nbsp;</p> <p>In addition, I have some "sparkly" and otherwise dressy separates that can go to different types of party. A pair of sequinned culottes, a silver sweater, a tuxedo style jacket (which works with black trousers or skirt), a sparkly top (not pictured), and a full "taffeta-like" skirt with a portrait neck black cashmere sweater. &nbsp;In summer I have even more (slightly less dressy yet still festive) options.&nbsp;</p> <p>I can't tell you how much better this makes me feel. Although each of these dresses may only get one to five outings per year, they are more than worth their closet space because they save me from so much stress.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes-not-keeping-occasion-outfits-at-the-ready#post-1755146 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 20:32:58 +0000 Sara L. 1755146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I completely agree that last minutes shopping is not fun.&nbsp; It's so much easier to find the perfect dress when you aren't stressed for time.&nbsp; I have outfits that will work for most dressy events that I anticipate having to attend (weddings, funerals, office parties, etc). </p>