https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:58:33 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers/page/2#post-1931763 Tue, 26 Jun 2018 00:42:42 +0000 jussie 1931763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just noticed this on the Jcrew website, also available in blush! Super reasonable price too.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers/page/2#post-1931191 Sun, 24 Jun 2018 10:44:57 +0000 Anonymous 1931191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I found a topper at a consignment store for $10 a couple of years ago and thought that it would come in handy for future dressy events. It was a Talbots cardigan type blazer that had a rose gold type satin under fabric with a grayish silvery type lace over it. ( never would have thought it would be a combo that works but it looks good and I like mix metal look in jewelry so doubly yay) . It looks like it was part of an ensemble but didn’t see a mate. It is not over the top but looks great over pants with cami or a solid dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers/page/2#post-1931039 Sat, 23 Jun 2018 17:57:56 +0000 Greyscale 1931039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also love the idea of full ballgown skirt, tee, and denim jacket. Very J Crew / Jenna Lyons </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1931020 Sat, 23 Jun 2018 16:53:54 +0000 Bonnie 1931020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would check out Stella Caraski's site. She makes some interesting lightweight toppers and coats. I have this one in black and it works well for me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930943 Sat, 23 Jun 2018 10:13:43 +0000 Jessikams 1930943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think a silky or satiny finish, or a delicate lace or sheer fabric, or a pretty print, all could be key elements. My problem is I tend to have only solid toppers, and then when events pop up I am stuck. I dream of finding a beautiful bomber ... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930898 Sat, 23 Jun 2018 02:21:26 +0000 Sal 1930898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I struggled with this and have decided a small selection works best. I have (in order of usefulness)<br /> - olive cropped cotton jacket<br /> - black floral satin bomber (new)<br /> - cream soft tuxedo style jacket<br /> - two kimonos<br /> - black bolero<br /> I feel pretty sorted now- would like a long cardigan too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930894 Sat, 23 Jun 2018 01:59:05 +0000 cjh 1930894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I almost bought a navy lined kimono type topper at Target the other day while I was shopping for a straw hat (which I did buy.) It seemed as if it would be versatile and useful, perhaps bridging casual-dressy outfits. It was rather big, but I may have tried the plus size option. I might go look at it again.</p> <p><a href="https://target.scene7.com/is/image/Target/53154711?wid=1400" rel="nofollow">https://target.scene7.com/is/i.....1?wid=1400</a></p> <p>I do have two 3/4 sleeve black sweaters, one with a lace layer on the front and one with applied georgette flowers and beads around the front neckline, which are my options for the dressier outdoor summer events. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930734 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 17:07:56 +0000 Angie 1930734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SUCH great responses from the ladies. I'll add the Summer kimono top when it ISN'T cool.&nbsp;</p> <p>This is what I would wear from my closet: </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930700 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 15:23:00 +0000 Diana 1930700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I just remembered that I have this cape/jacket hybrid sort of thingy that is useful but doesn't go with a lot of dress shapes or colors. &nbsp;</p> <p>Second photo is my red linen jacket which works for some outfits too. &nbsp;It's hard to see here but the sleeves are lace, which helps with dressiness.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930698 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 15:01:22 +0000 SarahD8 1930698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>^^^ I just had exactly the same thoughts as Suz as I was reading through the responses:<br /> -how about your tweedy jacket?<br /> And<br /> - metallic linen something or other </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930696 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 14:54:50 +0000 Suz 1930696@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was thinking of your little tweedy jacket when I posted that Zara bejewelled one! I wonder if it works with any of your dresses?&nbsp;</p> <p>Another option would be a linen sweater with silk or shine.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930690 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 14:31:55 +0000 Elizabeth P 1930690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>What a good question.&nbsp; I'm not sure what I do... I guess I grab a lightweight cardigan.&nbsp;&nbsp; I wore my pink leather jacket to a wedding one September, but it was an inside reception (outside wedding) so it came off for most of the evening, and I just wore it for the trip home.</div><div><br /></div><div>Following with interest!<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930687 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 14:21:57 +0000 LaPed 1930687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I love waking up to a thread full of pretty things!!</p> <p>Chris -- the Finger Lakes wedding you describe is *exactly* the sort of event I end up at pretty much every summer. It's why I have so little in the way of an "event" capsule. I would like to push myself to dress up just a little bit more, even at events where there's no dress code. </p> <p>bj1111 -- those two outfits you describe sound amazing -- love the idea of evening gown plus Uniqlo puffer!! Ball skirt plus graphic tee would definitely be fun and appropriate for most of the events I go to. </p> <p>viva -- that outfit looks great and I think the embellished clutch will take you out of July 4th territory in a more garden-party direction. I run into this a lot in the summer, too. I like red, I like white, I like navy -- have to be careful not to end up in all three together all the time. (My usual approach is to swap out an earth tone for one of the three -- rust in place of red, olive in place of navy -- so I don't feel too patriotic or too preppy.)</p> <p>SarahD8 -- you make a good point about versatility and jackets with a lot of embellishment. I tend to skew in the other direction -- very minimal prints and detailing -- and most of my dresses are either solid or striped. If I could find an embellished jacket that worked with at least a couple of them, it might turn out to be a great completer piece...</p> <p>bijou -- that is an enviable topper collection!! Love the idea of capes, and that olive velvet is to die for. </p> <p>gigi -- yes, I always relied on my sheer metallic cardigan, without even realizing it. It's only now that I've been without it for a season or two that I'm noticing I should keep an eye out for a replacement. I didn't recognize its essential function 'til just now!</p> <p>KL -- yes, toppers for fit-and-flare is tricky, because they have to be just the right length. I'd love to find a cropped, not-too-classic cardigan as a topper for full midi skirts as well. The trick, for me, is finding something that doesn't read as too literally vintage a look.</p> <p>jussie -- yes, I was just looking at cropped, drapey trenches! (see Finds below)</p> <p>greyscale -- I've definitely borrowed DH's jacket before. Luckily we're close in size. I was actually just saying I ought to find myself a seersucker suit for summer parties -- then I'd always have a jacket (I think guys are lucky in this regard, with their ready-made no-brainer suits). Brooks Brothers has a nice one... ;)</p> <p>BrieN -- those finds are great! I hadn't thought of leather/suede. That might be something to keep on my radar.</p> <p>Joy -- the two scarves fastened together sounds totally intriguing. I'd need to see a picture to understand how it works. :)</p> <p>Diana -- exactly! Winter toppers are much easier, and never look out of place. Finding a summer topper that looks intentional is hard. I'd love to find a dressier linen jacket. It's not an inherently dressy fabric, but it is one of my favorites...</p> <p>Suz -- thank you! What a great selection. I definitely think this is a case of needing to build up a capsule with some versatility and longevity -- I'm not interested in buying any one-trick ponies. I think I do need to find a new metallic sweater of some sort, and you've reminded me that I do have my little tweed jacket that I picked up over the winter. I almost always dress it down, but I should remind myself to dress it up once in a while.</p> <p>Style Fan -- those are great Finds. Love the polka dot blazer, looks like a good possibility for me. I'll have to go peruse Anthro...</p> <p>Sterling -- this is a rare use case for me, too. Maybe once or twice a year. That's why I haven't put a lot of thought into it, but my everyday wardrobe is in a good place, so I may as well take the opportunity to tinker with my event capsule.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930666 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 13:22:01 +0000 Chris987 1930666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have nothing to offer, I don't feel I've been all that successful at this sort of garment&nbsp;and it comes up extremely rarely in my life. At things I might consider "events" I am, like you<b> La P</b>, likely to see a lot of fleece.&nbsp; The last wedding I attended &nbsp;was at a winery on the shores of&nbsp;one of the finger lakes in NY (forget which&nbsp;one), the groom wore cargo shorts, a&nbsp;white linen shirt, brown flat sandals, and the bride was in a&nbsp;simple white short dress and also brown super casual sandals...and it was so hot and humid into he evening&nbsp;that everyone ducked indoors into the AC to get some relief.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am going to bookmark this topic for future reference. Loving all the suggestions from everyone, from structured to flowy and everything in between, and <b>Suz</b>, great reminder&nbsp;about the concept of wardrobe longevity being something to remember for this type of piece. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930660 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 13:02:20 +0000 bj1111 1930660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was at a black tie event where one of the women wore a ball gown skirt, something sort of a tee shirt shape and a denim jacket, fitted in a slightly faded wash. It looked stellar.</p> <p>Another black tie event, a table mate wore a Balenciaga dress under a uniqlo puffer. Also stellar.</p> <p>But that sort of juxtaposition really appeals to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930645 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 12:09:04 +0000 viva 1930645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great question and something I realize - RIGHT NOW - that I have to plan for. My daughter's wedding in four weeks is outdoor and evening! Of all the ideas posted here, I love the trim kimono idea (posted by Style Fan). It's not so big and flowy as other kiminos - there is a trimness to it that looks sophisticated.</p> <p>But to be honest, I will probably take along a special blazer that is already in my closet. (Outfit pieces below. Jacket only for the cold, and probably worn on my shoulders a la Angie. Sandals are really a Chinese red, very pinky, but I realize I've got a little Independence Day thing happening. Hoping the little floral bag will offset this somewhat and tie things together.)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930642 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 11:53:39 +0000 SarahD8 1930642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>- a vintage-y beaded cardigan<br /> -an apres-ballet style wrap cardigan<br /> -a silk/brocade jacket (a little trickier because these tend to be patterned, so harder to match with your dress esp. if you want the dress to have enough interest to stand on its own when you are not wearing the topper) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930595 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 05:41:22 +0000 Bijou 1930595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a cropped faux fur and a cropped jacket that I wear if it will be too cold for a cape. I like wearing my capes most of all. When it is really chilly, I wear a velvet coat. My cropped jackets, coats and capes are in finds. Obviously I run cold </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930594 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 05:40:14 +0000 Gigi 1930594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a lightweight cardigan that I rely on for these kinds of things. It's not your typical cardigan and doesn't look too librarian-ish. It's a little sheer, and the fabric is very fine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930591 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 05:34:47 +0000 Keix 1930591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I prefer to wear fit-and-flare dresses, and I run cold, so I can empathize with your problem! Once I had a wedding to attend and needed a topper, so I booked a personal stylist session at Anthro and ended up with this mauve cardigan (in Finds). The sides of the cardigan actually snap together, and you can keep them snapped together while not wrapped around you, so it just sits on your back like a cape. Then I carefully fold up the sleeves into a neat 3/4 scrunch. It's a bit fussy and I never wear this cardigan otherwise... but I remember how it was a lifesaver for that wedding outfit and I've kept it around in my closet.</p> <p>I'd also wear cropped open blazers over a dress in this situation; the second Find below especially, because it has a sparkly patterned lapel. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930582 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 03:52:21 +0000 jussie 1930582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh another idea: what about a light trench coat- I’m thinking in an interesting colour.....mmmm yes..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930572 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 03:25:07 +0000 Greyscale 1930572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There's always the classic look of borrowing your date's blazer once it gets chilly! Guys seem to have the opposite problem with outdoor weddings - too hot during the day for the requisite suit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930556 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 02:29:19 +0000 BrieN 1930556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the idea of these too </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930546 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 02:19:22 +0000 BrieN 1930546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a metallic suede relaxed-blazer -- it has kind of a "living finish" where the metallic part is oh so slowly rubbing off, leaving just the super-soft leather underneath.&nbsp; For some reason, I like throwing it on with a cocktail dress and it seems to work.&nbsp; It's a little luxe but not fancy.&nbsp; I can just as easily wear it with jeans. Kinda of like the one below</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930544 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 02:14:35 +0000 jussie 1930544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree this is a very stubborn problem. I personally think the best choice would be a short-ish kimono..... but it so much depends on the dress.<br /> I have a light weight black cropped blazer with leather details that works ok as a summer topper-but it’s better in the evening than outdoor/daytime.<br /> Also in the past I have had some little cardigans with beads/sequins/metallic thread which have worked pretty well as dressy summer toppers.<br /> Perhaps an ordinary blazer could be dressed up with a brooch of some sort? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930536 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 02:05:49 +0000 Anonymous 1930536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ack, I must have lost my first post. I like an open linen knit long cardi or poncho. I am also thinking of something a local shop owner has, two long identical scarves made into a light topper by arranging them length -wise.<br /> Leaving an opening for the head in the middle, the sides are fastened together with buttonholes and pretty buttons. The bottoms of these sections are also closed in some way to make sleeves. I could not decide on which color and plan to return with a dress I would want to wear with one of these. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930535 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 02:02:01 +0000 Diana 1930535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha well as you know I have this issue too. The white blazer that I’m planning on wearing w/my cruise party dress does seem a little too officey to me, although that’s mitigated slightly by the fact that it has some ruffle details. But still. I think a non collared (or at least no classic looking lapels) and cropped jacket is a little less officey. I have a couple of black ones that fit this description but alas no white or light colored ones. I also have a red linen princess cut jacket with lace sleeves that works with summery outfits but it’s not very warm. I agree with you that wraps are often not warm enough either, although I do often default to them. Anyway I’m thinking no lapels, maybe dressier fabric or lace, fitted shape might be things to look for. It’s a lot easier with winter jackets, I have to say, because the fabrics seem inherently dressier. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930533 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 01:56:07 +0000 Suz 1930533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some more options at various price points. Zara has a sale right now and it can make sense to rely on fast fashion for this type of piece.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930530 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 01:31:56 +0000 Suz 1930530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is indeed a difficult problem. In hot and humid southern Ontario, even outdoor evening events rarely require a topper in high summer -- but indoor summer events often do, because of AC. And in the shoulder months -- June and September -- we do need something in the evenings. Plus, if you're farther north or just out of the city, you need protection from insects. So...</p> <p>I have yet to find a perfect solution, but here are the options I have used/ tried. Most of these work best with a shift or sheath dress, or a drop waist dress. Or dressy culottes. It is more difficult for me to find suitable toppers for fit and flare style dresses.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Option 1</b>: A short tuxedo style jacket. This is a versatile piece that works with most of my dresses (and also is fun with jeans). It was an inexpensive piece but is quite durable and packs well. <b>Lesson</b>: Check NAS and other sales for this type of piece and remember, it has wardrobe longevity.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Option 2</b>: Structured vintage Biba kimono jacket. This one is not as warm, but offers enough protection in summer. It has a wide belt that can also be worn. I will probably never get rid of this because it is so unusual and useful. <b>Lesson</b>: haunt vintage and consignment stores for this type of piece or for avant-garde options that will not date.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Option 3</b>: patterned kimono. I find this a bit unstructured for my taste but it can be useful if you want to add a bit of pattern. It is particularly nice over a solid colour sheath. Works with skinnies, too. Lesson: Even if it's not your usual or preferred style, it can be worth experimenting.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Option 4</b>: Longer tuxedo style blazer. I rarely wear this with dresses and skirts but because of its fabrication and cut (sharp shoulders, nipped at waist) it has a certain dressiness that can turn it into part of "le smoking" for some events. <b>Lesson</b>: workhorses from other capsules can be pulled into this capsule.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Option 5</b>: Cashmere sweater -- not quite duster length. I tend to reach for this in the fall. <b>Lesson</b>: Luxe fabrication goes a long way.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Option 6</b>: Foil sweater. I don't really wear this with dresses but have been known to wear with a tube or pencil skirt. <b>Lesson</b>: shine is your friend.&nbsp;</p> <p>I would like a light coloured dressy cropped jacket (maybe in linen) for summer.&nbsp;</p> <p>Overall, I think it makes sense to think in terms of a dressy <b>CAPSULE </b>and consider <b>ALL</b> the items it should contain -- meaning dress (or jumpsuit, or skirts/ tops -- whatever), topper, jewellery, shoes, bag, etc.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-outdoor-events-dressy-toppers#post-1930529 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 01:26:39 +0000 Roxanna 1930529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Because I run cold and weara lot of dresses, I have a specific set of blazers for this - short enough to be worn with a dress and not ruin the shape of the dress, or blazers that nip in at the waist. I also find blazers in cream or white look dressier and work well with summer dresses. I'll post pics when I have a moment... </p>