https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 02 May 2026 08:54:03 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours/page/2#post-1371581 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 23:35:04 +0000 Nebraskim 1371581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoyed reading this thread and everyone's comments and suggestions. We basically simply decline all invitations that require this level of formality. Not that we get many of them. My spouse retired two years ago, and I just retired in August so we'll not have work obligations any more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours/page/2#post-1371578 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 23:20:33 +0000 Pree 1371578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had a gala to go to last year that was short dress appropriate. I could not find the right thing to wear until afterwards so I added them to capsule to have for the future.<br /> - DVF black lace dress - bought at Nordstrom rack clearance for $40 after watching it last winter. Haven't worn it yet, but classic for years to come<br /> - navy sequin skirt form jcrew bought last year $60- worn to several events</p> <p>Also have<br /> - black sleeveless tory burch sheath - worn to funeral last year and several times prior<br /> -DVf chiffon dress for day weddings - several years old, but not dated<br /> - chiffon sheer sleeve wrap dress from NAS several years ago for baby/ bridal showers<br /> -several silk tops to wear with black pencil skirt for events that aren't so dressy</p> <p>Shoes - either black patent pumps or metallic slingbacks </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours/page/2#post-1371567 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 23:01:52 +0000 rachylou 1371567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My real strategy is to run out and buy a frock. I do have a fancy cocktail dress - blue and green shot with gold threads - for a total and complete you-have-30-minutes emergency, which I cannot ever imagine. It's due for the yearly try-on to see that it fits... The Season is always Winter, right?</p> <p>And then there's my cheap but not sleazy night on the town capsule... It has two outfits: one dress and necklace, and one gold lame leggings, sparkly sweater, and necklace. I have maybe gotten too fat for the lame leggings... but it's a ghetto fab outfit, so maybe not.</p> <p>I have a velvety suit for house parties. And some old Marc Jacobs pants and silky top in matching burgundy for weddings and nice dinners out at fancy, trendy places.</p> <p>Oh and a weird green suit. It's not so much weird as it's simply not a work suit. A sort of tea-party suit.</p> <p>I don't really need anything, but I was considering maybe season tickets to the opera. In which case, maybe I'd buy some new things for fun. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours/page/2#post-1370729 Mon, 06 Oct 2014 21:05:50 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1370729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was flailing around on the forum trying to figure out what to wear to my friend's wedding in Las Vegas next weekend, so you can tell I don't have this done and dusted. I thought that I had a few pieces that would be fairly versatile but they were mostly evening wear, and for the cooler months as well - what Miss Manners would call cocktail wear.</p> <p>What I do have right now:<br />a black wool pencil skirt with sequins, bought last winter on mega-sale and not yet worn<br />silver strappy sandals, ditto<br />a black ponte LBD, a little snug right now<br />a black woven tuxedo-inspired jacket which is quite dated in silhouette<br />black velvet drapey pants (good for Christmas/holiday parties with a sparkly sweater)<br />then I've got a few dresses and tops in my everyday wardrobe which could cross over depending on the event and time of year.</p> <p>The problem is that I don't really need cocktail wear, I need a day dress or two (not black or white) that would work for weddings, christenings, 'informal'* parties, that sort of thing, some semi-casual stuff with a sense of bling for holiday parties, and then an appropriate outfit or two for a funeral, just in case. </p> <p>*I say informal because that's what the etiquette mavens would call it, but it's the dressiest level I have ever needed to be in my entire life, excluding my own wedding and maybe prom. I've never been invited to a gala (I'd make a remark about meeting the Queen, but then Diana did!). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours/page/2#post-1370214 Mon, 06 Oct 2014 02:29:50 +0000 Sal 1370214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a few pieces in mine, but none of them new:</p> <p>Cobalt sheath dress<br />Red fit and flare silk dress<br />Cream/gold grecian style dress (knee length)<br />Raspberry sequinned two piece<br />Chocolate brocade dress&nbsp;</p> <p>Silver crop jacket<br />Black sequin cardigan<br />Vintage fur</p> <p>Silver heels<br />Gold sandals<br />Cobalt sandals</p> <p>About 4 evening clutches</p> <p>I have several pieces that can drift over into this area (kimono jacket, black wrap dress, Bailey 44 dress) and some accessories that can as well (black pointy heels)</p> <p>Next "big" party or wedding&nbsp;I plan to get a new cocktail style dress. &nbsp;I would struggle to purchase unless I knew what the event was, so I will wait as normally there is plenty of notice. &nbsp;If I was suddenly invited to a cocktail party tomorrow I would have options but I do feel some of my options have been quite well worn - for this type of capsule.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours/page/2#post-1370185 Mon, 06 Oct 2014 01:54:44 +0000 Anonymous 1370185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just realized that I have not gotten back to respond to this thread, although I have carefully read al,your replies and gotten some ideas. It sounds like many of you hang onto dressy pieces for years. I need to keep an eye out for dressy quality sale tops to wear with shirts. I like the sound of a great white blouse and dressy black turtleneck. I should also think about jewelry and shoes, although it might be best to keep those current. I have the dress that I wore to DS's wedding and a LBD in silk that can be dressed up, but would like to find a dressy suit with pencil skirt. I also have a black tuxedo pants suit and wild patterned sequined shell to wear with it, but have never worn it together, favoring skirts and dresses. A nicer lace pencil skirt would also be a good addition. I have a VC black on black lace tube skirt but it doesn't seem dressy enough. Maybe I should rethink that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours/page/2#post-1369709 Sun, 05 Oct 2014 14:44:33 +0000 Angie 1369709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>At the moment, I have these options, Joy:</p> <p>black lace skirt, black lace tops, black silk harem pants, full silk patterned midi skirts, dressy black turtleneck, fitted white shirts, tuxedo jacket, black Tokyo suit, grey pinstripe Theory suit, gold jeans, dressy black wide leg trousers&nbsp;and gold party pumps. I also wear my long shocking pink man coat over the pieces when it's cold. Or my shiny citron trench for warmer weather.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours/page/2#post-1369610 Sun, 05 Oct 2014 07:11:05 +0000 Louise 1369610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A creamy coffee colour chiffon dress<br /> Turquoise empire line dress<br /> Shortish (but still decent with tights) high low hem blurry star print dress<br /> Black jersey wrap dress (funerals but have dressed it up for dinner with a faux fur vest)<br /> Black &amp; beige polka dot high low maxi dress<br /> Mauve knitted cape<br /> Grey knitted shawl<br /> White fluffy cardi<br /> Black patent shoes<br /> Black ankle strap pointy shoes<br /> Nude ankle strap<br /> Metallic sandals<br /> White clutch<br /> Black clutch<br /> + various other clutch bags! about 3 I think?<br /> Most of these were bought on sale or from cheaper shops like New Look &amp; H&amp;M and several pieces I've had many years, the coffee dress is coming up for 10 years. I need to replace the nude and metallic shoes as they are too high. We're quite a dressy family, my Mum and Auntie love dressing up so I can wear a party dress to a home birthday buffet and not feel over dressed. I keep an eye out year round for dressy things as I can guarantee if I'm desperate for something I won't find it x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours/page/2#post-1369490 Sun, 05 Oct 2014 02:12:16 +0000 Greyscale 1369490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am increasingly happy with my formal capsule but it's not "there" yet. Then again, I rarely need it. I have a long fishtail black skirt and a silk top that goes well with it for really formal events.&nbsp;And&nbsp;a pair of Margiela trousers that I can dress up to be cocktail-worthy. Then I have two short dresses to wear to summer weddings (one patterned silk, one shimmery linen). I have a silk shirtdress that isn't formal but is definitely sharp enough for the sort of "drinks at a gallery opening" event we all like to imagine ourselves at.&nbsp;And now, finally, I have an LBD - but it's not a very formal one. Black wool jersey.</p> <p>I could use another fancy top or two if I'm going to wear the pants or skirt&nbsp;as evening wear. I love the look of Angie's Anne de la Fontaine shirt and long black&nbsp;skirt from a while ago. (That skirt is almost identical to the one I have.)</p> <p>Where I really fall down is shoes, though. I have no shoes that could be described as formal. I prefer wearing edgy, heavier leather things, so delicate shoes rarely appeal to me. (I guess I do have a pair of silver leather strappy sandals, but I hate them because they are SO not me.) On the rare occasions I've gone to formal events, I've added my personal twist with my "biker jacket" heels but they are far too casual. </p> <p>I want to buy these shoes to add something that could be dressy while still being VERY me. They're sold out in my size but supposedly they're re-issued each spring.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.unitednude.com/loop-hi-black-nappa-860">http://www.unitednude.com/loop-hi-black-nappa-860</a></p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours/page/2#post-1369480 Sun, 05 Oct 2014 01:47:18 +0000 DonnaF 1369480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gee, I don't think I attend ANY dressy functions!&nbsp; Well, I have a cocktail sheath from DD's HS graduation in 2012 (only time worn), and I'll ask her at Christmas whether it will be appropriate for her outdoor graduation in 2016.&nbsp; Not even sure it would be weather appropriate, however.</p> <p>Umm, I have my mom's full taffeta *New Look* midi skirt from the late '40s/early '50s and a waist cincher if the waistline is a smidge tight.</p> <p>A number of fancy velcro fastened belts(?) made from obi fabric.</p> <p>Black strappy velvet or something heels that would only work for me in warmer weather.</p> <p>I have a lichen colored shiny vest style top, but I would probably buy a new top.</p> <p>Tomorrow, our church will be formally calling our minister, and then we will be going to the party and an off-site after party.&nbsp; I plan to wear my sheath dress with leather lacing at the shoulders; not sure about topper and footwear.&nbsp; This is a (non-designer) jeans and comfort sandals crowd so I have no doubt that I will be one of the most dressed up people other than those on the chancel.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours/page/2#post-1369421 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 23:37:54 +0000 Caro in Oz 1369421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Joy, I think a three piece suit - pants, skirt &amp; jacket could be great too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours/page/2#post-1369118 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 13:44:30 +0000 Glory 1369118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great topic and boy have I struggled with this area. The dressy capsule for me is not frequently required which made it hard to feel current. I have very recently purged all of the items in my closet - loads of older party wear.&nbsp;<br />I kept 2 LBDs - one long sleeve warp and a ponte sleeveless. I honestly could get rid of the long sleeve as I have only worn it one time. The ponte is the go to for me now. I wear it to all my functions. It is very classic but due to the ponte fabric also forgiving. I have 3 toppers for it: white leather jacket, soft black and cream kimono for summer, brocade gold and black jacket for winter. <br />I pair them with black sandals in summer, boots or kitten heel pumps in winter.&nbsp;<br />I would love this same dress in turquoise for summer wear if I could ever find it.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours/page/2#post-1369112 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 13:30:56 +0000 bj1111 1369112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy, I tend to think of cocktail, black tie optional , black tie /gala/long dress required</p> <p>This is my party capsule<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holiday-capsule-with-shiny-pants" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....hiny-pants</a></p> <p>In a pinch, I have worn the wide leg pants with its matching tuxedo style jacket sans shirt plus fashion tape to an event where the hostess was in this magnificent blood red sequined gown and still felt appropriate ...of course I wasn't sitting at -her- table! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours#post-1369084 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 12:18:39 +0000 Jjsloane 1369084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>With my addiction to bling and sparkle I have quite a bit of dressy (not necessarily formal) separates and accessories. I rarely have occasion to wear them since they've done away with company holiday parties and my friends are all married. In my 20's and 30's I had a wide array of Ann Taylor cocktail dresses that got a lot of wear.&nbsp;I keep an eye out at the sale rack wherever I go in case there is a gem there to have "just in case". I have some vintage cashmere and velvet coats and a cape&nbsp;and beaded handbags I keep for special wear, but don't really consider that I have (or need) a capsule. I would probably be so happy to have a reason to get a new dressy dress I'd shop like a maniac.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours#post-1369070 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 11:01:42 +0000 Anonymous 1369070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very little in mine as I rarely go to 'special occasions' so it consists of :</p> <p>1&nbsp;black lace skirt</p> <p>&nbsp;1 pair slim black ankle pants</p> <p>&nbsp;1 pair black ankle strap shoes</p> <p>&nbsp;1 gold sweater</p> <p>1 coral pink silky blouse</p> <p>Not much else I can think of. I am more prepared for slightly casual dressy 'do's', so no cocktail dresses for me.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours#post-1369011 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 05:55:18 +0000 Jeanie 1369011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great topic....you are reminding me that I am lacking in this area and am supposed to be working on this. &nbsp;Last time one of these events came up, I was scrambling to put something together. &nbsp;I have a long gray fluted skirt with a high slit in front and a black a line skirt with some sheen but I need topper for these and would love to find the right long sleeve knit topper so I can keep it to 2 pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours#post-1368996 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 04:35:03 +0000 Suz 1368996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If it's a gala you are talking about where truly formal wear is required (i.e. a long gown) I don't have anything and would have to go shopping. I did have a thrifted skirt (still in my donate bag, come to think of it) but honestly, the waist was snug when I bought it, almost an inch ago.. And I only wore it to one costume party. So I think it's safe to let it go.&nbsp;</p> <p>In my special occasion capsule I have:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Sleeveless bright navy sheath dress, quite body con. (Nicole Miller, like Angie's). Bought on super sale at Nordstrom's. $150 approx. &nbsp;This is what passes for a sexy dress on me. Shows arms, is knee length. snug.&nbsp;</li> <li>David Meister sleeved soft navy sheath. Not as body con or "sexy", a bit more conservative, not quite as dressy as #1;&nbsp;can be dressed down a bit. &nbsp;Also purchased on super sale at Nordstrom's. Approx. $150.&nbsp;</li> <li>Sleeveless Kamalikulture black &amp; cream&nbsp;bottle bottoms ruched sheath. Not as dressy as #1; packs well; can be dressed down and de-bombshelled. &nbsp;(Purchased on sale for about $50.)&nbsp;</li> <li>Sparkly brocade multicoloured shell top -- thrifted.&nbsp;</li> <li>Halogen striped skirt. Crosses over with less dressy wear.&nbsp;</li> <li>Black jacquard kimono jacket, vintage Biba,&nbsp;bought on consignment.&nbsp;</li> <li>Black short&nbsp;tuxedo style jacket with reverse lapels.&nbsp;</li> <li>Navy tuxedo jacket. (But no pants to go with).&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Okala ankle straps. Burgundy patent pumps. Gold sling backs.&nbsp;</p> <p>Several inherited clutches -- silver, gold, pearl, black.&nbsp;</p> <p>It's not perfect, and not completely functional.&nbsp;(I could used some bottoms for the brocade shell and some tops for the striped Halogen if I want to wear them to "straight" dressy events vs. arty events where I'll pair the brocade top with jeans and the striped full skirt with a pullover). But I find I can do most of my (admittedly few)&nbsp;formal events in one of these.&nbsp;</p> <p>The sleeveless sheath takes me to: fancy dinner out; spring/ summer/ early fall theatre outings or opera (with topper for cooler temps); awards banquet; cocktail party.&nbsp;</p> <p>The sleeved sheath takes (or could take) me to: winter wedding; winter memorial or funeral; winter dinner out; or, in the unlikely event that I'd need to do this, some sort of corporate/ businessy party.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Kamalikulture sleeveless travels well and takes me to: work parties/ dinners out of town (with topper if needed); cocktail party; date night. With topper it has also taken me to a memorial.&nbsp;</p> <p>Brocade top can be paired with a black pencil skirt for dinner out. Usually paired with denim for an "arty" dressed up look. Add the tux jacket.&nbsp;</p> <p>Halogen skirt: Could take me to a holiday party, birthday party, dinner out.&nbsp;</p> <p>This is long winded. If you need to edit, I would make a list of the types of events you've actually had in the past couple of years, and those you can anticipate. Then consider probable weather conditions. And go from there.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think my "perfect" capsule for special occasion would include (in addition to what I have mentioned there, or upgrades to same) &nbsp;--&nbsp;</p> <p>One long skirt and/ or gown<br />One sequinned shell&nbsp;<br />One lace pencil skirt<br />One organza or similar blouse<br />One tuxedo suit.&nbsp;</p> <p>Oh - a couple of options for you to look at....different levels of dressiness and I deliberately kept them long and kept the super expensive ones out of this. There were some beautiful Tadashi ones, too.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours#post-1368994 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 04:21:59 +0000 Diana 1368994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have more formal wear than most but I seem to go to more events than most too. (5 weddings since May!) I have:<br /> Dresses - more classic style LBD, arty allsaints lace wrap LBD, gold stretch draped sheath, pink stretch draped sheath ( the Vera Wang dress), coral chiffon high-low dress, silky black/pink floral dress. Plus a couple of other dresses with some issues, like the super wrinkly blue vintage dress.<br /> Shoes - the hardest for me, I have 2 prs Naturalizer Prissy strappy sandals in silver and black, and Bruno magli pointy kitten heels. Plus a pair of uncomfortable nude peep toes that I should probably purge. In winter sometimes I wear my almond toe booties as well.<br /> Toppers - these all work in my regular wardrobe too. Most often I wear my shrunken Nanette lepore black blazer or my b/w bellatrix jacket.<br /> Purses - floppy gold clutch, floppy blue/silver sequin clutch, flat red clutch, small black patent handbag.<br /> Other - the British wedding hat!!!! Some handknit lace wraps and shawls. A big silver ball skirt that I've only had occasion to wear twice in almost 15 years, but I keep it anyway because it's awesome.<br /> And a bunch of jewelry I've amassed over the years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours#post-1368991 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 04:02:32 +0000 Dee 1368991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have many fully formal events (galas, balls, etc) but for weddings, parties and the like I have:<br /> 1) black peplum sheath dress<br /> 2) blue chiffon tiered dress, reminds me of a flapper dress<br /> 3) eggplant sheath</p> <p>And one recent purchase of a fairly body-con lace dress wth sleeves and a low back from banana republic. It was definitely a purchase for my fantasy life...</p> <p>What I really need is a blazer or tuxedo jacket to wear over them. I used to have a black velvet jacket and cream tuxedo jacket but both got purged after weight loss a couple of years ago and never replaced. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours#post-1368989 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 03:58:04 +0000 Elly 1368989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will start this off with complete honesty -- I don't think that there is such a thing as "underdressed" on a <i>social </i>level in southwestern Colorado. The last three weddings I've been two have been "jeans optional". </p> <p>For summer I have 2 blue, green, white and black print dresses I like to wear to weddings and semi-formal things with black suede open toe wedges. For the fancier stuff, I have a black chiffon and satin tuxedo style halter dress (but no shoes for it). </p> <p>For winter I wear my black pencil shirt with a black top for a two piece dress look and toss on a leather jacket. Texture, self-pattern pieces, shine, etc. go a long way. </p> <p>To me it sounds like you need to take yourself shopping for a fab dress for each season and call it good! boatneck and scoop back would both be stunners!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours#post-1368955 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 02:54:59 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1368955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My dressy capsule is mostly black, it seems. I would be woefully unprepared for a wedding. They seem to be a rare event for me, though. I've been to four weddings in my life, outside of my own, and in two of those I was wearing a bride's maid dress. Come to think of it, both of those were for the same friend. Hilarious? (She used to say of me, "This is Sharan. She's in all my weddings.")</p> <p>Anyway, I digress. My (somewhat) dressy, mostly black capsule: <br />-black arty taffeta-like tent dress with dramatic wired face-framing collar<br />-crinkly silk tunic with ice-like beading at the neckline (Komarov), to wear with skinny pants or perhaps over a long-ish skirt<br />-black satin-back crepe shift dress with sheer mesh sleeves, yet to be worn (made by me)<br />-black and gold print ruffled body-con sleeveless dress<br />-2 silver tanks/shells (but what to layer them under??)<br />-black&amp; silver lace-knit shrug<br />-black cocoon shrug in textured knit fabric<br />-black ballet shrug in plain knit fabric<br />-black knit harem pants<br />-large pewter clutch<br />-smaller silver bag with chain detail<br />-black short sweater dress with ruffled button placket<br />-long black coat with hood<br />-black and red reversible silk shawl with appliqued silk butterflies<br />-2 pairs black pumps<br />-2 long black dresses; who knows if they still fit or are remotely in style (why do I keep them??)</p> <p>I think I'm set for funerals in any season. </p> <p>I'm thinking of making a sequined shrug. </p> <p>I don't have much occasion for dressy clothes, and I'd be hard pressed to put something together for a formal event, unless the long dresses are actually something I'd still wear. </p> <p>I love Caro's solution of a tuxedo. How elegant! </p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours#post-1368944 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 02:43:36 +0000 MsLuna 1368944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gosh.... Special occasions are tricky for me. I've been a frock girl in the past but I could never found one that truly flattered. I defaulted to sheath dresses but never felt fab in them. I always purchased something completely new for the occasion and I need to stop!</p> <p>With the 12 lb weight loss though, I noticed I've been looking better in shift dresses. Legs and waist surrendering seem to be the way to go for me. I'll be looking into special occasion shifts! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours#post-1368936 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 02:29:51 +0000 jackiec 1368936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good topic, Joy. I'm doing ok in the formal capsule. I amuse admit I've been slowly working on it. We do have a fancy gala event for the boys' school every fall, so I tend to get something for that either every year or second year. Couple that with a wedding or two in the alternate years, I've been able to put together one or two warm weather looks, and a couple more wintery looks. Admittedly, I tend to just hit up The Bay in the weeks leading up to an event, and I usually hit a sale. I try on about 15 things and tend to walk away with some sort of sheath style dress. This year I was so excited to add a more drapey AllSaints dress to the mix. I'm already planning to wear it this weekend, and to the next gala. DH's work always has a holiday dinner which is less formal. I now have some slim black dressy ankle pants, a couple of black pencil skirts, a few dressy shells, and heels in black &amp; nude that work across the board. Jewellery-wise I have nice delicate stuff, but I've also been building a collection of statement costumey pieces that work with my dressy capsule. Sometimes a simple sheath needs a big bit of bling, depending on the occasion, and I'm finally getting there for that look. Goodness knows I get invited to, and host, a few jewellery parties each year as a favour to friends, so I try to be smart and buy things that will work with my fancy stuff so I'm not stuck at the last minute. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours#post-1368928 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 02:18:45 +0000 Anonymous 1368928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aida, you will look amazing in cream, gold/silver/metallic with black accents. Do you mind if I steal your plan?<br /> Ummlila, I know what you mean. I can never find what I really want when doing forced shopping. I try for timeless classics but then don't really love what I find. I have managed to find very dressy SW low heels in both metallic silver and gold but have nothing in black. I'm at the point now looking at my other pieces and thinking of donating and looking for something else.<br /> Caro, your capsule sound well thought out. I wonder if a dressy skirt suit would be dressy enough. Hmmm, maybe in silk and with an interesting silhouette. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours#post-1368924 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 02:13:04 +0000 Caro in Oz 1368924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've purged most of mine. The only things I've kept are: <ul> <li>&nbsp;a tuxedo jacket &amp; pants in black (would love to find one in&nbsp;my blue)&nbsp;</li> <li>some really dressy silk tops to go with the suit</li> <li>a couple of silk dresses that can be dressed up for really warm weather, as most of our parties/weddings etc. seem to be in high summer</li> <li>A velvet evening coat, which I need to&nbsp;post to see if fabbers think it is dated</li> </ul> I also have a skirt suit &amp; jackets&nbsp;that can go pretty dressy depending on how I style them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours#post-1368919 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 02:09:43 +0000 Anonymous 1368919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Always trying, your dress sounds perfect and versatile. What is the fabric. You have done a good job of pulling things together. SteinMart is a good idea.<br /> Sveta, you look stunning in everything. Your attention to fit and detail is something I need to emulate.<br /> Style fan, thank you for your great list. A silhouette out of the ordinary like your bubble skirt sounds like a wonderful idea and something to watch for.<br /> Janet, I can imagine that the festive arty dress is a rare find. I also find that weddings and such have gotten more casual but I sometimes still feel like the most informally dressed at some events...or worse, frumpy.<br /> Thistle, it sounds like you have your bases covered. I need to think about jewelry. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours#post-1368916 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 02:05:15 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1368916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very little. I don't have many special occasions to go to. I do have a pair of silver heels. Really I should have gold, because I prefer gold jewelry. clothes wise, I usually I will just buy something last minute if a need arises. And then a couple of years will pass, it will become unsuitable, get donated, and I will buy something else. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours#post-1368902 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 01:52:58 +0000 Aida 1368902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy, yesss my hubby is the same: he likes it when I wear shorter skirts, so that's what I'm trying to do with my capsule. And omg, pants? Unless they're super skinny I can't imagine wearing pants to any event with him I don't want too much black in mine, either. I am trying to focus on getting a lot of cream, silver/gold/metallic, and black accents. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours#post-1368895 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 01:45:45 +0000 Anonymous 1368895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, I can't wait to see what you come up with. You may be able to wear it with your sister on the red carpet.<br /> Staysfit, I like the idea of separates ( skirts and fancy blouses). I have mostly fancy skirts.<br /> Runcarla, I love the idea of white and silver. It would be a nice change from black, which tends to be my fall back option.<br /> Henley, I have a great LBD, navy sheath, nice black pants, but can't wear high heels and don't have the figure or youth for showing much skin, which makes this so much harder. A low neckline just reveals what is lacking. I'd love to adapt regular clothing.<br /> Abc, I can do business dress, most weddings and parties, but it's the stuff that is a step up that is a problem. What do you wear for a formal evening wedding or winter ball? Can you adapt what you have?<br /> Iron curtain, you have a fabulous wardrobe that sounds like it covers everything. How did you get there?<br /> SandyG, I have also picked up some things at consignment and thrift shops. Those are the things I am looking at because several have never been worn. I have a full length black skirt covered with black shiny beads, a long lightweight black wool skirt, a couple of floaty silk full length skirts, and a lovely AT long black velvet skirt. What I haven't found are tops or great jackets.<br /> Aida, you nailed a big part of the problem. I want to be wearing something that DH likes and he likes something that shows my legs...not a long skirt or pants. He is not that fond of blazers either. I also don't look good in velvet or shiny fabrics, especially black or jewel tones. I like the idea of sheer black hose, your ivory sequined cardigan, a black chiffon shirt and lace anything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-special-occasion-capsule-whats-in-yours#post-1368877 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 01:27:13 +0000 Thistle 1368877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mine is pretty small. I usually have one holiday party per year to attend, maybe two, and it's not gala level.</p> <p>I have a black lace pencil skirt, a black cashmere sweater, a black beaded sweater, and a black cardi with beads and sequins that is meant to be paired overtop of something or else as the sequins can be too itchy. If need be, I can swap in a regular black pencil skirt as well.</p> <p>I then add some festive jewelry I have collected. None of it was expensive - mostly Target purchases and the like. Enough to add some sparkle or a pop of color, and fine for the few times a year I wear it.</p> <p>For shoes, I have black smoking slippers that are super comfy. Would love to find a pair of low heeled pointed toed shoes, but none have worked yet for my fussy feet. </p>