https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:04:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions/page/2#post-1927633 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 20:08:51 +0000 3style 1927633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As so often happens, YLF has identified a wardrobe hole. I can do casual party (birthday on the back porch) or go up to evening gown or cocktail dress.</p> <p>But I totally have a “nicer day dress” hole. In the deep winter I can get away with business clothing and lots of bling, but for milder weather all my dresses are way too big on me now and look like nighties. </p> <p>I have 3 skirts and a very nice pair of velvet trousers which I could wear in a pinch, but finding dressy tops (as opposed to casual or business casual) that don’t drive me bananas to go with them is more challenging than actually buying whole dresses. It’s the usual IT with a large chest short narrow waist and long arms problem. I can only bother with alterations for clothing if I have just about exactly a two month window to prepare. </p> <p>Anyway I’m also too tired of looking at my old dresses to want to take them in. So I’m wearing them as lounging wear. This is why I’m so often down-grading clothing. Can’t seem to stay the same size for more than two months. </p> <p>Zappos to the rescue. I’ll post a new thread if I like IRL the dresses I ordered. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions/page/2#post-1927613 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 18:06:39 +0000 Anonymous 1927613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bows to <b>RunCarla</b>.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions/page/2#post-1927588 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 16:34:56 +0000 Janet 1927588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And yes, now that I read further, I feel the clarification for daytime events makes a huge difference. I can dress for a graduation, bridal shower, or a non-formal afternoon event out of my closet with little trouble. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions/page/2#post-1927586 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 16:33:15 +0000 cindysmith 1927586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My philosophy for my sister's wedding was to freak out and ask for help here. Angie and all you fabbers led me to something completely appropriate, completely comfortable, and completely usable in the future in a more dressed down way. If it hadn't been for y'all, I'd have bought something that got worn once and then it would have mocked me from my closet until I worked up the nerve to donate or consign it (which is pretty much exactly what happened when my brother got married). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions/page/2#post-1927585 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 16:31:35 +0000 Janet 1927585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh gosh, I haven’t even read all the responses yet, but I really find myself agreeing with what Gaylene said! </p> <p>Off to read the rest... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions/page/2#post-1927564 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 15:23:40 +0000 Anonymous 1927564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The more context for a quote the better!</p> <p>My favorite "attributed to Oscar Wilde" quote is "Be yourself, everyone else is taken".</p> <p>And I think we can still be ourselves in occasion wear, new or not.</p> <p>Thank you to Suz for calling Runcarla to the table, and thank you&nbsp; Runcarla for sharing the exact components of your special wear, so interesting and so smart. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions/page/2#post-1927537 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 13:54:57 +0000 Angie 1927537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you don't have the right occasion outfit -<i> you need to get it</i>. Buy, borrow, sew or rent. If you can shop your closet - so much the better.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions/page/2#post-1927535 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 13:52:11 +0000 Suz 1927535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Carla</b>, you are right -- a happy day dress would be a perfect addition. But your capsule is fabulous and worthy of emulation! Thanks for posting it.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'd absolutely dress for wedding showers, graduations, brunches, funerals and the like -- and date nights, and public appearances at night, too -- from my existing closet. But then, my existing closet includes a couple of casual and a couple of dressier day dresses for each season, as well as skirts that could be pulled into service with a variety of tops and toppers to create different looks. It also includes a few cocktail type dresses (two for warmer weather, one for cooler). In addition, I have some dressier shoes and sandals, and toppers. </p> <p>In other words, I'm prepared. And the preparation was hardly "effortless." I had to put time, energy, thought, and money into the purchase of those items and consider whether they'd truly work for me. Without those items in the closet, my usual work-from-home casual jeans and sweater or simple t-shirt dress or shorts/ top would leave me feeling woefully underdressed or wrongly dressed for such occasions. I know this because I used to be in this position and it drove me nuts! Reasoning that I rarely attended such events, I wouldn't allow myself to purchase anything for them in advance, which meant I'd go into a panic every time an event arose.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Jessikams</b> asked:&nbsp;<b><i></i></b><i>But what about the idea of showing more skin? How does that fit in? &nbsp;&nbsp;<br /></i><br />I don't think a person <i>needs</i> to show more skin with dressy attire but you easily <i>can</i>. &nbsp;For example, if you normally dress in jeans and a top, you could switch the jeans for dressy trousers and wear a top with a slightly lower neckline than your usual. Or some interesting skin-baring back detail. Or off shoulder. Etc. Or keep the jeans and do that (depending on the event). Switch the sneakers or booties out for pretty sandals. Etc. Think in terms of the silhouettes that make you feel at ease and follow those.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions#post-1927525 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 13:09:28 +0000 Carla 1927525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Happy as I am with my dressy capsule, I do have a 'wardrobe hole' to fill before it is complete. I would like a 'happy' day dress for daytime celebrations on sunny warm days. Though black ankle pants, a coloured lace tank, and strappy sandals would work just fine - it could be a little somber. Also, I do find that I am wearing a lot of jeans or trousers since I retired, and I am craving a dress! </p> <p>My one day dress (I did say I was a minimalist!) is looking a little tired. Also, I don't really consider it 'dressy'. I almost pulled the trigger on Angie's BR high/low midi eyelet dress - but it wasn't quite me. Since we are in the midst of a great dress season, I am optimistic that I can fill that particular wardrobe hole! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions#post-1927511 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 11:36:24 +0000 Liz 1927511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, that does change my view. In my circles, especially, those type of daytime events do not call for super dressy clothing. I have plenty that would work just fine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions#post-1927493 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 09:25:46 +0000 rachylou 1927493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, yes. I must say that changes my thoughts. ‘Dress nice’ is good enough for such occasions. But VERY nice. And school children - I’d say they should get a special outfit for their graduations, like Echo’s daughter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions#post-1927492 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 09:14:48 +0000 Jenni NZ 1927492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes it does change my view for daytime events. The "ball" dress was for an evening event. For weddings and graduations I pick something nice I already own. When I come to be MOTB though ( possibly late 2019) then I probably will want a brand new outfit. There should be plenty of time to choose. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions#post-1927490 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 09:12:24 +0000 Jessikams 1927490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am totally in awe of Runcarla’s amazing mix and match assortment of dressy wear!<br /> I have a terrible time with dressing up, even for a dinner date. I seem to default to clothes that look too business-like.... blazers etc. Then I realize I want to look sexier, so I put on a short dress and feel ridiculous. I must try this idea of wearing one’s normal preferred styles or cuts, but in dressier fabrics.<br /> But what about the idea of showing more skin? How does that fit in? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions#post-1927485 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 07:50:30 +0000 anne 1927485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like the season - yes thanks for that clarification. I must admit I for one answered rather hastily!&nbsp;</p> <p>Indeed, I would be very unlikely to get anything new&nbsp;for those sort of events&nbsp; ie wedding showers, graduations, brunches. </p> <p>And evening with daytime weddings, I have tried to get dresses that I could wear for other things.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions#post-1927481 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 07:18:19 +0000 Sal 1927481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me there is a balance between: <ul> <li>feeling/look special/elevated,&nbsp;</li> <li>my budget&nbsp;</li> <li>my ability to wear clothes again</li> <li>feeling like myself&nbsp;</li> </ul> There are not many special occasions I buy a dress specifically for - and with the exception of one bridesmaid dress and one wedding dress I have worn all my occasion wear several times (at least five times).&nbsp; If starting from scratch and feeling unconfident I do agree elevated versions of your usual looks is a really good starting point as Carla showed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions#post-1927479 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 06:44:17 +0000 Like the Season 1927479@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the thoughtful responses, everyone.</p> <p>I should have mentioned in the original post that Alyson was responding to a question about how to dress for daytime events -- wedding showers, graduations, brunches.&nbsp;</p> <p>Does that change the way you view her advice, or do you have the same reaction? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions#post-1927477 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 06:25:59 +0000 Jenni NZ 1927477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, the one time I really bought something new and expensive was for a truly formal "ball" in 2013 when black tie was specified. The dress has not been worn again. I did choose to do that, could have managed with something else that was not full length but I did feel better and happy to meet the brief. I would still fit the dress should something else crop up.<br /> I was and am well aware that I was lucky/blessed to be rich enough to happily pay $350 for a new dress for that occasion. But I also felt that I don't usually buy new for weddings, don't dye my hair, have cheap haircuts etc and must easily save $350 quite quickly due to those other factors. Some choice is involved on what feels important to each of us. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions#post-1927457 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 04:39:06 +0000 BrieN 1927457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>She lost me at "effortless style"<br /> That entire quote rubbed me the wrong way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions#post-1927450 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 04:06:10 +0000 SarahD8 1927450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Runcarla, your formal wear capsule is an absolute inspiration. Versatile, stylish, suits your individuality to a T. It’s exactly the sort of thing I hope to assemble one day.</p> <p>FWIW, Runcarla’s approach is how I interpreted Alyson Walsh’s comment — the idea that you would have a set of dressy clothing that you could mix and match and sometimes combine with your “regular “ wardrobe to hit different registers of formality. By “occasion wear is dead” I think she means that you are no longer obligated to buy A New Dress for every Event that must be from the Occasion Wear section. (This interpretation somewhat influenced by the fact that I followed Alyson’s blog for a while and this was very much her approach.)</p> <p>I mean, if you enjoy shopping for a new dress or what have you for events as they come up, obviously, go for it! Every time I have tried to do that it has been an abject disaster. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions#post-1927445 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 03:27:37 +0000 3style 1927445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Growing up in Chicago in the late 1970s early 1980’s every winter the streets would be filled with stressed out women rushing around to special events in their real fur coats, nylon stockings, and stiletto sandals! I’m pretty sure that particular version of formal wear is dying out, if not already dead. So in the sense that impractical regimented style is passé, I’m agreeing with her observation. </p> <p>However, special occasion ritual clothing has existed pretty much since people began to form structured communities. I love looking at ancient Egyptian beads and Native American headdresses, for just a few examples. </p> <p>Ritual clothing has always existed, and the natural order of things is that it will always evolve. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions#post-1927436 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 03:01:57 +0000 jussie 1927436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it depends on what kind of occasion it is. I agree that feeling like the best version of yourself is a worthy goal, and being comfy is super important! I don’t think occasion wear will ever be dead though. However I really like the fact that there’s so much freedom now that we can pretty much wear what we like to most parties and events. I usually enjoy getting dressed up for a wedding or suchlike. Part of the fun. However when I was younger dressing for nightclubs was stressful because super tight, short dresses were never my style so I felt a little daggy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions#post-1927435 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 02:57:25 +0000 anne 1927435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another one who likes dressing up! I like my special occasion dress and where else am I going to wear a one shouldered dress?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions#post-1927431 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 02:33:29 +0000 Echo 1927431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene put things perfectly. The idea that everyone wants to look like they didn't make an effort is ridiculous. I actually take pride in looking like I made an effort, and realistically, we ALL know no one woke up looking the way they do (well, usually), so why the pretense? Special occasion clothing can convey respect for the venue, the occasion and other patrons, and that's worthwhile. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions#post-1927423 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 02:04:09 +0000 Like the Season 1927423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a lovely capsule, Runcarla! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions#post-1927420 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 01:47:48 +0000 Anonymous 1927420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ditto what Gaylene said. Mostly, it is sad when people don't look like they have made an effort and go too far to the comfy side. I find that, I like to get new shoes and maybe accessories to feel up to date, but a long dressy shirt will take you to various venues. So will a Le smoking or tux outfit. I doubt they ever go out of style and are great for events in cold weather. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions#post-1927419 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 01:41:07 +0000 Carla 1927419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Though I have a minimalist closet, I do have a dressy capsule that covers most events, including black tie. My capsule is black based and predominantly separates for mix and match-ability. The capsule consists of:</p> <p>Black halter style LBD<br /> Black full leg long velvet trousers<br /> Black slim ankle pants<br /> Black velvet jaquard leggings<br /> Wool/silk pencil skirt (black, white silver)<br /> Ivory silky button down shirt<br /> Silver foil long sleeve t-shirt<br /> 3 lace tank tops (blush, navy, French blue)<br /> Black silky bomber jacket with floral embroidery</p> <p>My style is classic with a strong sporty element and this carries into my dressy capsule (t-shirt, jacket). </p> <p>Some of the items from my dressy capsule cross over into day-to-day wear. I've worn the velvet trousers to work and the silver t-shirt with white jeans and silver sneakers to Sunday brunch! I do not mind being the dressiest person at an event, and would rather err on the side of being MORE dressy rather than LESS dressy. I see it as a sign of respect for the occaision. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions#post-1927416 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 01:25:03 +0000 Aquamarine 1927416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Gaylene said! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions#post-1927409 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 00:07:08 +0000 binkle 1927409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think these are wise words to live by, but...<br /> I have so few special occasions, that I love buying a new piece (or two!) if possible. I mean "few" as in years apart, so I might have a big change of weight or style. But yeah, I can't really justify buying too much stuff that is just going to sit in the closet. Good idea to keep it simple! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions#post-1927407 Sun, 10 Jun 2018 23:53:53 +0000 Suz 1927407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel a bit alienated, too, <b>Isabel</b>. Because my daily regular wear is definitely not suited to formal occasions!&nbsp;</p> <p>But, I do understand the suggestion that we should stick with what works. <b>Runcarla</b>'s formal wear is a great example. I hope she'll pop on and post the photo. IRL, she wears button down shirts and jeans or jean skirts or pencil skirts really well. Her style is basically modern classic with some "pretty" and some "sporty" elements. So for a formal event she got a fabulous silky button down and a taffeta-like skirt (sort of a Carolina Herrera look) and it was <b>perfect</b> on her -- classic, crisp, feminine, yet a bit sporty -- exactly like her regular style except amped up.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/special-occasions#post-1927400 Sun, 10 Jun 2018 23:23:01 +0000 rachylou 1927400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My goal is to have fun. I say: Dress to the Nines. Baby! </p>