https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:50:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2318597 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 17:48:15 +0000 LaPed 2318597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I *love* the viola-inspired purple/yellow idea. We call them Johnny jump-ups here!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2318574 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 15:50:49 +0000 BlueJay 2318574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your purple floral dress <b>Carla </b>and the idea of a feathered purple hairband. The yellow shoes would be fun with them! Also fun to maybe shop when you're in England!&nbsp;</p> <p>I tried to see if I could let out and hem this lilac dress from when I was Maid of Honour at a wedding 24 years ago (1999)! I wanted to wear it again with a silvery crocheted cardigan as I thought it was a very pretty colour and flattering on me. I was hoping to wear it for DD's Communion. Unfortunately, the seamstress didn't think that once she opened the seams there would be enough leeway to make it fit. (I need another 1.5".) I think I'm doing separates these days. I've been looking at dresses online, but nothing is really grabbing my attention, or it's too long (and not suited to hemming), or more than I'd like to pay. I was hoping for something mid length around the knee (either higher or lower) and a happy colour (pink, red, lilac, or multi). I have also cleaned out my closet from "just in case" dresses, as I don't really like them, or they make me feel less than fab. I'll keep looking.&nbsp;</p> <p>Plan B is to wear this navy linen button through shirt with multi-strand white pearls and pearl earrings with this navy floral skirt and silver shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2318552 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 11:50:13 +0000 Janet 2318552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carla, that purple floral dress is beautiful on you! Great find. </p> <p>Dressier clothes are tricky. Sometimes I’ll think I’m all set because there are a bunch of items in my downstairs holding zone that also holds occasion pieces, only to realize upon review that some of them either don’t fit or don’t suit me or don’t feel true to my style anymore, because they’ve been tucked away so long! </p> <p>Other times I get a pleasant surprise, like when I was able to rewear my red ball gown from 2009 that I thought was only a sentimental closet ornament. Yay for inaugural balls! :-)</p> <p>I mostly rely on a mix of separates to get me through occasions of moderate dressiness, with a couple of dresses that serve for other more formal occasions (weddings mostly). The majority of my dressier separates and even a couple of dresses can be styled to dress them up or down. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2318549 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 11:44:10 +0000 lyn67 2318549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have plety of dressy items so not really planning to update, but loved the link with styling the bias skirt-which I have a few, but was not wearing them for more everyday/casual yet. Will have to take measures!:-) Cannot wait to see your's styled your way and then, I loved your bl&amp;purple floral dress, too-wow, stunning! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2318547 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 11:40:23 +0000 Star (Lise) 2318547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your thrifted dress is gorgeous.&nbsp; May be just right with yellow accessories for the wedding as mentioned by others.&nbsp; Do you know CHAPS is a Ralph Lauren Brand?&nbsp; I have a thrifted CHAPS pale yellow knitted cabled jumper.&nbsp; It would go with your shoes :). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2318546 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 11:34:19 +0000 Staysfit 2318546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is almost the opposite of what I have been thinking recently. &nbsp;I need to update my casual dresses and clothes. &nbsp;I have noted that my workplace and community has taken a turn towards more casual attire in every situation. I have a staple of dressy clothes that fit. &nbsp;It’s harder if I have to travel with the item. &nbsp;Does anyone else choose something different for travel vs. occasions near their home?<div><br />Dinner out, summer concerts, theatre, and even Sunday brunch in my community are casual. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2318544 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 11:03:29 +0000 anchie 2318544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just saw this on Zara site and thought of you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2318533 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 04:25:31 +0000 Bijou 2318533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the new dress, it looks like a great option if you can't find the perfect dress for the wedding.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have a large collection of cocktail dresses, acquired because I love dressing up and in my prior job had to attend formal events regularly. Since 2020, having changed employment, I have been far more limited in when I need to wear dressy items and consequently don't need to update this part of my wardrobe.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2318479 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 21:09:13 +0000 Tanya 2318479@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chiming in to say that Hobbs dresses, as gorgeous as they are, are way too short-waisted for me.&nbsp; I am 5'6" but with torso length of someone who is 5'8"-5'9".</p> <p>On the dressy capsule, I have more than I need, because I naturally gravitate towards dressier clothes.&nbsp; &nbsp;I haven't tried my two evening gowns in a long time, but aside from that, could probably put together an outfit for most dressy occasions, unless it is something very formal or very unusual.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2318452 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 19:10:49 +0000 Jenni NZ 2318452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually SarahD8 you’re totally right! That is the exact colour of certain violas- one of my favourite flowers. Maybe it could be done? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2318450 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 19:03:44 +0000 SarahD8 2318450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That IS a great dress! But maybe it *would* work with the yellow shoes...and a yellow fascinator? Viola/pansy palette? I feel like if ever there's a time for going so literal with one's color scheme it's an outdoor spring wedding.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2318449 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 18:57:50 +0000 Jenni NZ 2318449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh wow that’s a beautiful dress Carla! Won’t really work with your yellow shoes LOL. Great job thrifting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6#post-2318430 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 17:06:48 +0000 Angie 2318430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>cat2</b>, FWIW and if it's helpful to others, I'm not short-waisted! I'm regular waisted. Hobbs dresses fit me really well - and so do L.K.Bennett dresses, actually. That said, <b>Tanya</b> has a challenge with Hobbs dresses because she is long in the waist and rise, so I understand your concern. L.K. Bennett dresses have longer rises.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Carla,</b>&nbsp;let me know if I can help you with UK sizing. At the moment - the Hobbs US site reflects UK sizes and I have alerted them to that. They are fixing it. Generally, UK sizes run smaller than their equivalent US size.&nbsp;</p> <p>And Greg and I also do well shopping abroad! HIGH FIVE ;)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6#post-2318426 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 16:33:24 +0000 cat2 2318426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>RC, just FYI for planning Hobbs dresses are for the short waisted. L.K. Bennett is more long waisted. My Spring-Summer wedding guest dress is past season L.K. Bennett </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6#post-2318423 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 15:13:13 +0000 Carla 2318423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@&nbsp;<b>Angie&nbsp;</b>- the Hobbs dresses you’ve been collecting in Finds are gorgeous. &nbsp;I’m also interested in what I’m seeing at L.K. Bennett. &nbsp;I’m trying to get UK sizes sorted. &nbsp;Ordered from M&amp;S and had to return due to size (but also quality) issues. &nbsp;I like shopping abroad, and DH always does well when we travel </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6#post-2318422 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 15:03:33 +0000 rachylou 2318422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like that dress on you, Carla, a whole lot!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6#post-2318416 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 14:47:54 +0000 Angie 2318416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b></b>Kingston i<b></b>s very close to Richmond,<b> Carla</b>! I like shopping there, and know it well. Brother and his family live close-by. Not sure which stores survived the pandemic - but for dresses head to: <ul> <li>Hobbs</li> <li>John Lewis</li> <li>Jigsaw</li> <li>L.K.Bennett&nbsp;</li> </ul> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6#post-2318411 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 14:38:30 +0000 Irina 2318411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Carla</b>, you look stunning! This dress is so gorgeous on you!<br />I would love to see a lighter color shoe but even with the black the outfit looks perfect.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6#post-2318410 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 14:38:19 +0000 CarolS 2318410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get what you mean about wanting something in all ways lighter, but this really is a great looking dress, Carla -- with the added bonus, I suspect, of being easy to pack if it does wind up being 'the one'. I especially love the purple feathered piece. I admire your thrifting skills! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6#post-2318404 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 14:14:12 +0000 Carla 2318404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@&nbsp;<b>Jenni&nbsp;</b>- after ordering and returning several dresses, and striking out at local B&amp;M stores, I did find a dress I like a lot for $16 at thrift. &nbsp;DH&nbsp;<i>really&nbsp;</i>likes it - LOL! I’m still looking for something ‘lighter’ - in weight and colour, but not panic shopping! &nbsp;Need the higher neck and would prefer long sleeves. &nbsp;</p> <p>I’ve been scanning&nbsp;<b>Angie’s&nbsp;</b>Finds, because she’s been collecting a lot of beautiful floral dresses. &nbsp;Might even shop when in the UK since our agenda is very open - 5 days in Richmond and 6 days in Cambridge (2 days activities related to the wedding).</p> <p> <div><br /></div><div>If this dress ends up being ‘the one’ I will accessorize with headgear. &nbsp;In the photo (below) I’m wearing a simple black headband to get the ‘feel’, but I would get something more extravagant - like the photos in Finds.</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6#post-2318399 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 12:05:26 +0000 Dee 2318399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have any real dressy occasions these days, but I did purchase a pair of wide leg dress pants in a taupy brown/black and if I combine it with my white dressy peasant blouse, a string of pearls and some strappy sandals I should all be all set. </p> <p>These days it seems that dark wash jeans, a nice top and a jacket or cardigan topper passes for dressed up for most of my occasions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6#post-2318389 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 04:26:46 +0000 Jenni NZ 2318389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>BTW I just adore Brooklyn’s capsule! So many beautiful skirts.<br /> How is your dress search going Carla? The wedding you’re attending in England is at a very similar time to the one I’m attending in Saskatoon! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6#post-2318388 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 04:16:16 +0000 Jenni NZ 2318388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel I still have heaps of dressy clothing, mostly pre-pandemic. I tried on all my 9 summer dresses with forum help early 2022, of which 4 were arguably dressy. I kept 3 of those and edited one which was my husband’s and the forum’s least favourite. I have kept one dressy summer cardigan and two dressy summer jackets. I also have a dressy tunic and skirt.<br /> I have purchased one new floral summer dress for the wedding I am attending in Canada but will wear the existing vintage silk blouse and existing dressy silver sandals with it.<br /> For winter, I own 3 dresses which are suitable for formal events or parties, plus several pairs shoes. It’s a bit too black in colour range but think I can live with that. Perhaps a true winter wedding might need something less dark, but such an event is not on offer!<br /> As for date nights, I have a plethora of options. We seem to have got out of the habit of going on them! We enjoyed several while on holiday in Thailand though, but were not overly dressed up in the heat.<br /> I think I’m lucky that my weight loss was slow, taking about 3 years to gradually lose 12 kg, and maybe some of the clothing was loose fitting enough that it still fitted.<br /> I have totally grown out of my favourite mesh skirt which is now way too big but do have other options. It’s up the top of the wardrobe in case I could get it altered. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6#post-2318380 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 02:31:52 +0000 Jaime 2318380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun to see everyone's dressy pieces! I do regularly have dressy for me occasions but cannot think of anything close to a formal wear required ever. So dresses and skirts, yes, gowns no. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6#post-2318374 Sat, 15 Apr 2023 23:29:30 +0000 Suz 2318374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh, <b>Brooklyn,</b> what a gorgeous collection!! So fab.&nbsp;</p> <p>And <b>Style Fan</b>, that lime green dress is magic on you!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6#post-2318367 Sat, 15 Apr 2023 23:11:53 +0000 Brooklyn 2318367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have lots of separates that are plenty dressy enough for most occasions in my real life. I’m a big believer in mixing them up or down depending on the event and wearing them as much as possible. I don’t have any formal wear at all. But I don’t need it. As with all things, I find Summer is harder for dressy. Because jackets are hot and fabrics are natural and light. And I can never find any dresses. But I do have some silky tops and skirts. I also think that a blingy belt can amp up the dressy factor. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6#post-2318366 Sat, 15 Apr 2023 22:24:47 +0000 CarolS 2318366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have a lot of need to dress up these days, but I do want to have the option to at least do the odd "fancy casual" look.</p> <p>I sucked it up yesterday and ordered the silver Ecco Soft 7s because I have such a challenge finding proper dressy shoes. Can't hurt, can it? (I mean other than hurting my pocketbook -- GAH!! Almost $250 CAD!!! That had better be real silver on those things.)</p> <p>I've been hunting for a while now for a sequinned, silver lurex or lace top that won't break the bank. Came close once or twice but haven't found MINE yet.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6#post-2318359 Sat, 15 Apr 2023 20:48:20 +0000 Style Fan 2318359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I rarely need a dressy capsule. I have a dark blue bubble skirt from Mr. SF's 60th birthday (he turns 75 this year) ready for the right occasion.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />I would need a top and footwear for the skirt.<br />I also have a lime green dress that I have worn to a couple of weddings. Again, footwear is needed.</p> <p>But my most versatile outfit for dressy occasions is my Sarah Pacini black suit. The black drains against my skin, but the design is flattering and exciting. I can wear it to funerals, weddings, job interviews (not that I plan to go on any) and just about anything I can think of. It was an excellent investment.<br />I need footwear for cooler occasions.&nbsp;</p> <p>Picture of Lime Green dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6#post-2318354 Sat, 15 Apr 2023 19:47:15 +0000 Sal 2318354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t have black tie or gala options but I have a good dressy capsule for 50th parties, dressy meals out, award ceremonies, graduations, and potentially the races or weddings - although I don’t have anything planned in these last categories - and both grads were 2022 occasions so nothing there either.</p> <p>Not in finds us a second hand black tuxedo jacket on the way to me and some beige heels.</p> <p>The black sheath and lace dress are not trendy at the moment but so classic I think they are worth keeping. </p> <p>No plans to upgrade now- a winter long sleeve top that worked with the palazzo pants is probably one gap. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dressy-capsule%e2%80%a6#post-2318335 Sat, 15 Apr 2023 17:14:05 +0000 Anonymous 2318335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My life has been completely back to normal for a long time now! I quickly went back to my normal range of dressiness, which I'd consider midrange.</p> <p>Above that, I think of it as 2 seperate categories, business and fun. Business dressy for networking and presentations, which are a normal thing for me- and fun dressy for holidays, jazz concerts, and weddings. I could pull something together pretty easily right now except for if I had to go to a wedding or anything very formal. I just passed on the dress I wore to the last one (5? years ago), cause the neckline draped too low for my comfort. The chance of attending anything like that though, is nearly zero, cause most of the people DH and I know are in long marriages. There are a lot of fundraising galas in my area, but I've never been cause they're $$$. </p>