https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 02:20:38 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1027693 Thu, 12 Sep 2013 17:10:08 +0000 Anonymous 1027693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am late to this party but just wanted to say you look beautiful in that skirt! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024816 Mon, 09 Sep 2013 06:04:29 +0000 CocoLion 1024816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your outfit was beautiful. &nbsp;You got everything right. &nbsp;I did not weigh in earlier because I think my input would have come too late, but I'm glad you felt good about the event.</p> <p>On the topic of pedicures. &nbsp;Many years ago I was in the habit of "getting my nails done." &nbsp;Then I gave it up for a long time. &nbsp;This summer I decided to start going again. &nbsp;I am so happy I made this decision. &nbsp;I go to a place every two weeks. &nbsp;I get color on my toes but my hands are nothing at all or clear. &nbsp;Where I go&nbsp;the mani-pedi is just $30 (plus tip). &nbsp;And I get a nice foot massage included. &nbsp;I have had fewer problems with corns calluses&nbsp;etc this summer because my guy (I have a male manicurist) takes good care of my feet! &nbsp;It is my 1 hour, it's like therapy but cheaper than therapy. &nbsp;It's almost meditative for me. &nbsp;He has one of those massage chairs which I've also grown to like. &nbsp;Anyway as a new Mom I don't know how much you can get away but I do recommend this bit of pampering. &nbsp;Then every time you look down at your feet you can smile. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024810 Mon, 09 Sep 2013 05:55:32 +0000 Lantana 1024810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>cobaltblue, I am late to the party but I just wanted to say the outfit looks really stylish and I especially like the dainty sandals.<br /> When I talk with people who have a lazy eye, and there are three in my immediate circle, I look at the steady eye. I don't mind adjusting my behaviour to the other person's needs especially since I am deaf and find social situations to be super challenging. I do my best but I need -and ask -other people to help me out by making an effort too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024798 Mon, 09 Sep 2013 05:21:47 +0000 rae 1024798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Woohoo! High five for a successful event! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024701 Mon, 09 Sep 2013 01:08:01 +0000 Jaime 1024701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad it was a success! I agree with all the positive comments about your outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024693 Mon, 09 Sep 2013 00:53:57 +0000 Diana 1024693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay!!! I'm glad it turned out well, and it sounds like you had a good time.</p> <p>I have a lazy eye too, although its not as bad these days as it was when I was younger. One of many reason I wear bold specs - people notice the geek glasses instead of my eyes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024670 Mon, 09 Sep 2013 00:21:06 +0000 lyn* 1024670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad the event worked out for you Hopefully you will get to see these people over and over again over the course of your husband's PhD work, so they become friends and not just strangers </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024666 Mon, 09 Sep 2013 00:17:58 +0000 Suz 1024666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay!! So glad you felt well dressed. It's so important when meeting new people and this is a big life transition for you and your husband so I know it must have felt a bit fraught. Thank goodness for fallback fancy skirts!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024660 Mon, 09 Sep 2013 00:13:15 +0000 cobaltblue 1024660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lyn*, LaBelle, Suz, and MsThrifty, thanks for your kind words and advice. I'll definitely keep building this capsule. I'm so glad I kept this skirt, Lyn!</p> <p>Happy to report that I was among the best dressed at the event but not at all overdressed. There were indeed people in jeans (looked a bit uncomfortable and out of place), and there were a few lovely cocktail dresses, so I did fine. I'm really happy that I didn't worry about heels as the event was outdoors on grass, as it turns out. </p> <p>Thank you all for your tips and words of encouragement. I felt extra confident going out to meet new people since I had your stamp of approval. Going into a crowd where I know almost no one is tough. I always have embarassing problems with my lazy eye - people looking over their shoulders to check where I'm looking! I always forget that's going to happen, somehow, so it always catches me off guard. I usually mostly look away while I'm talking to people, but that's too rude when you're first meeting someone! At least the clothes looked good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024450 Sun, 08 Sep 2013 19:35:32 +0000 always trying 1024450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been in your situation-actually not 4 hours, but maybe a day or two in advance.&nbsp; I used to run out and buy something in a hurry, and these dresses,etc. were usually only worn once or twice.&nbsp; I have since learned to put together a capsule that can cover a spectrum of dressiness (if that is a word).&nbsp; <br />The skirt and top you are wearing looks like a good start to create something like that.&nbsp; Keep it black and white, with different tops, and even add a sparkley red cardi or something for a Christmas party.&nbsp; For your today function, you look very appropriate, and the outfit looks great on you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024444 Sun, 08 Sep 2013 19:25:55 +0000 Suz 1024444@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is completely appropriate and you look lovely! I would leave off the necklace. The lace is enough embellishment in itself. Do your toenails and add a bit of self-tanner, as Nancylee says...or find a topper to cover your arms. If there's air conditioning you might need it anyway. Otherwise, go in the knowledge that you look fab! Also, what LaBelle said. You could wear this to lots of occasions and look just right.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024431 Sun, 08 Sep 2013 19:13:26 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1024431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you look just perfect in this outfit!&nbsp; Perfectly charming, perfectly lovely, absolutely appropriate.&nbsp; &nbsp; Am I right in thinking you got there, and found yourself one of the best-dressed ladies present?&nbsp;&nbsp; You could wear this outfit to the theatre or ballet or a garden party in the ATL.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024421 Sun, 08 Sep 2013 18:56:59 +0000 lyn* 1024421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looks good skirt twin!!</p> <p>I think that you are right: we need an emergency outfit in the closet for occasions just like this!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024409 Sun, 08 Sep 2013 18:36:08 +0000 cobaltblue 1024409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Diane, Marie, and Kat! Nancy, will file away the self-tanner and colored polish ideas for future reference - no time to shop for them today! Right now I'm indulging baby guy and letting him nap on my lap so that he'll be rested and hopefully happy at the event. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024396 Sun, 08 Sep 2013 18:27:46 +0000 Kat 1024396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Becky -- If the academic world you're in is like the academic world I'm in, this is great. &nbsp;You don't look overdressed, but more importantly, you look comfortable. &nbsp;You look like you'll be at ease and able to have a drink and laugh and give a friend a hug or make a professional contact&nbsp;without worrying about wardrobe malfunction. &nbsp;People pick up on that kind of vibe (and despite what they pretend, academics too!!).&nbsp; My two cents,&nbsp;I'd say whatever jewelry you do in the end, keep it super simple and let the skirt pattern be the standout. &nbsp;Or skip the jewelry altogether, if it's not your thing.&nbsp; Agreed that shaping the toenails and a bit of clear polish will be just fine. &nbsp;I hope you have a great time! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024389 Sun, 08 Sep 2013 18:20:14 +0000 nancylee 1024389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think this look is very pretty and perfectly appropriate for the occasion. &nbsp;You look super! &nbsp;</p> <p>You could add some color on your toes just for a punch of color to this all-neutral ensemble. &nbsp;I usually sport a farmer's tan in the summer, too, so I use a little self-tanner on my upper arms/shoulders to even things out. &nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024387 Sun, 08 Sep 2013 18:16:07 +0000 Anonymous 1024387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes I think it looks good. Length of skirt is very on trend too! I think I would have found it hard to come up with something at such short notice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024377 Sun, 08 Sep 2013 17:58:51 +0000 cobaltblue 1024377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And thanks, Diana! I know the guys are wearing coat and tie, but it's so hard to judge the level of formality from that for women's wear. I hope you're right and that I'll be in the middle of the spectrum. Arty - that sounds good! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024375 Sun, 08 Sep 2013 17:56:55 +0000 Anonymous 1024375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes why not? Shape them nicely and a lick of clear polish. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024374 Sun, 08 Sep 2013 17:56:01 +0000 Anonymous 1024374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it looks great. I echo Rae's thoughts on the necklace too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024373 Sun, 08 Sep 2013 17:55:38 +0000 cobaltblue 1024373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Makrame and Rae, I'm so glad this seems to be hitting the right note re: formality.</p> <p>Rae, will see what I have in the longer necklace department. I know I have a geometric/Celtic knot pendant. I don't often wear jewelry.</p> <p>Also, my toenails are in pretty bad shape (no sandals in public at all this summer). Should I paint them with clear polish? I haven't done a color in probably 15 years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024371 Sun, 08 Sep 2013 17:55:14 +0000 Diana 1024371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think this is just perfect for the occasion. I've been to this type of event and I wouldn't go dressier than this.&nbsp; I think this has a little bit of an arty vibe which tends to go over well in the academic world.&nbsp; In my experience, some people always show up in jeans (not that I would advocate that) and nobody wears a cocktail dress.&nbsp; </p> <p></p> <p>PS - if you want other ideas, I think all of the outfits Nancylee posted here yesterday would be appropriate too.</p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dress-for-party-saturday-nightneed-help" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....tneed-help</a></p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024369 Sun, 08 Sep 2013 17:50:12 +0000 rae 1024369@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I definitely think this is appropriate. The lace and the length of the skirt have a formal air about them without going overboard.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like the idea of the sparkly necklace, but I think it is fighting with the neckline of the top. Do you have a long necklace? I think that would work better with the top and also raise the leg line a bit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024359 Sun, 08 Sep 2013 17:32:26 +0000 Makrame 1024359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you look great! &nbsp;Like it with the sandals. &nbsp;In terms of the level of dressiness, I think this is just right (plus, you'll probably have to chase after your little ones, so you want to be comfortable). &nbsp;I have been to events like this, and would not really expect cocktail dresses, at least not on everyone. &nbsp;I think "dressy casual", whether it is a skirt+dressy top, dressy pants+nice top, or a shift/wrap dress and a knit cardigan, would be appropriate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/urgent-surprise-dressy-event-in-4-hours#post-1024350 Sun, 08 Sep 2013 17:18:40 +0000 cobaltblue 1024350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Only my husband was scheduled to go to this event because we don't have childcare available, but we found out today that the kids are welcome and that I'm pretty much expected to come along.</p> <p>This is the official opening event for my husband's new department (he's a first year PhD student). I'm also newly affiliated with the department. The event is at an old mansion/restaurant; drinks and "heavy ors d'ouvres" are only the menu. 5-7 PM. </p> <p>A friend's wife is wearing, in his words, "a cocktail dress, but she overdresses." Not sure if that's just to make sure I don't feel pressure or what. </p> <p>This is obviously no cocktail dress - I do have one eggplant, sort-of-shiny, knee length dress with a faux wrap neckline and ruching that's my only other possibility. I'll feel better in it at my normal weight, about 5 pounds from now, but it probably looks ok. I'll show it if this is a nay.</p> <p>Footwear is a problem. I have no pumps at the moment. I could go a little funky with tri-tone Jeffrey Campbell spectators or my sbakeskin Petty's, but these sandals (I lied Suz! I do have a pair of sandals!) are the only other option short of hitting TJMaxx en route to the shindig.</p> <p>Please tell me the truth about this outfit. Even if I can't fix it for tonight, I obviously need to be putting together a capsule for events like this and could use any pointers.</p> <p>Eddie Bauer black lace top, nursing camisole under<br /> Anthro chevron skirt<br /> White sandals (Ann Taylor - bought for the civil portion of our wedding seven years ago!). Straps aren't fastened because baby was crying.</p> <p>Misc. notes: mighty farmer tan! Might have some lipstick or tinted balm stashed somewhere. Does the sparkly necklace add anything?</p> <p>Thanks, all!<br /> Becky </p>