https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 00:41:05 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own/page/2#post-996877 Fri, 02 Aug 2013 03:15:17 +0000 velvetychocolate 996877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am starting to think it's wise to have an 'emergency travel' capsule at the ready. Two summers ago, I rushed back home because my Mom had suffered a heart attack (she's just fine) - and I'd just gotten home from a business trip, so I was already mostly packed, just needed to run some laundry and get on the next plane. All the non-clothing items were packed, and I just didn't bother unpacking them. Things like toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, makeup, hand sanitizer, band-aids, Advil and so on. You know, the normal "stuff" you take on a trip (other than clothes). </p> <p>Seems it's happening again (no heart problem, but maybe something else). This time, I am *not* coming home from a business trip and turning around and leaving again. So I'm rather unprepared. I have a bunch of stuff that needs ironing and/or dry-cleaning. Nothing tucked away in a suitcase in terms of the usual toiletries and so on. I don't know that I will need to travel at all, but it's at the back of my mind, and this time - I am not prepared, which is unusual for me. </p> <p>I've traveled so much that I used to just keep half my suitcase packed with those kinds of things. Haven't traveled quite as much this year, so have slacked off on this. I've gotten kind of "comfy" in terms of not having everything at the ready (pressed/dry-cleaned and so on). Lazy, I guess you could call it. </p> <p>Thing is - it really helps to be ready to go at a moment's notice. </p> <p>So in terms of this thread - I'd recommend a carry-on bag or small suitcase already packed with <i>everything but the clothing</i>. I'd also recommend keeping on top of laundry, ironing and dry-cleaning/mending so as not to end up caught in a bit of a jam. </p> <p>Keep a spare set of inexpensive basics for your suitcase - Ponds cold cream, basic skin cleanser, eye makeup remover, spare pair or two of contact lenses, trial size contact lens solution, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen and so on. Get the drugstore stuff and it won't be too expensive to keep a second set of stuff packed in the suitcase or at least packed in a cosmetic bag that you can just grab and go. Keep on top of the laundry, ironing, dry-cleaning and mending so that if need be - you can just fling stuff from your closet into your suitcase. </p> <p>As an "Emergency Event Outfit" - I recommend being ready to travel at a moment's notice - and that means keeping spares of toiletries ready to go, and keeping on top of wardrobe maintenance chores so that if you have to leave and go somewhere suddenly (with no time to plan or come up with a nice trip capsule), you'll still be in good shape. </p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own/page/2#post-996599 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 21:17:58 +0000 cade 996599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always have a dark suit and/or pantsuit in my wardrobe that can span pretty much any season. That takes care of funerals/memorials that need to be shopped for in a hurry. Since I attend church pretty regularly, my christening/confirmation outfit is covered. I would not spend any money on a hypothetical wedding or other formal function unless I am planning to attend. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own/page/2#post-996574 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 20:16:11 +0000 unfrumped 996574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I kind of try to think by dress code also, overlapping with actual event, and by season. I agree with other posters on, say, fall-winter/spring-summer. I run so cold in winter that I really have to plan for sleeves, or a warm topper, maybe wool or velvet fabric,&nbsp;even&nbsp;indoors, &nbsp;and not the glam straps or sleeveless dress thing. Yet those look way too&nbsp; heavy in summer. </p> <p>So, "cocktail" for which you might do some sparkle and glam, then dressy non-sparkle (daytime weddings);&nbsp; &nbsp;and "holiday-attire-business is an annual thing--it overlaps with winter-cocktail, but&nbsp;might be less dressy. </p> <p>The good thing is that these can overlap on the basics but use different accessories. Funerals don't require black, you just don't dress as for a party. But if you "do" sleeveless, a sleevless black dress might work summer and winter for parties, with different toppers and footwear.</p> <p>I think "outfit creation" --meaing, try everything on together--is really part of being prepared, because part of what I get into is that I'm going somewhere a bit special, or with people from DH's office or mine or maybe meeting new people, and well, I want to look put together and want my outfit to look not only nice but interesting and stylish, in a way that fits me. &nbsp;So many times I have&nbsp;some &nbsp;of the "parts" but may not have really worked out the go-to whole outfit to&nbsp; have on reserve and not go into panic shopping. That means wardrobe review 1-2 times a year for this,&nbsp; &nbsp;to see if the outfit is still workable or needs something. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own/page/2#post-996564 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 20:04:20 +0000 Diana 996564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha, Ana, that is so true.&nbsp; Just last weekend I was spending the weekend at my in-laws' vacation house and realized <i></i>that I had no decent summer pjs (normally I wear things that are ... a little skimpy).&nbsp; So I ended up in flannel pants and a tank in the middle of summer.&nbsp; Luckily it was not too hot where we were, but I really do need to get some lighter PJ pants. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own/page/2#post-996552 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 19:49:40 +0000 Ana 996552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just thought of something else. Pajamas that you can wear in front of other people (or a nice robe to cover your regular&nbsp;pajamas), if you don't have these things already. They're nice for traveling if you have to stay in a hotel or with family, or if you have houseguests.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own/page/2#post-996035 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 06:26:59 +0000 christieanne 996035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Reminds me I should look at my funeral capsule. Got rid of most of my matched suits recently so I only have a summer funeral covered. I could use a new good black suit to mix and match anyway. Last funerals I went too, everyone was so casual that it makes me apprehensive being in a full suit unless I know the church/family real well. <br />Weddings and parties tend to have good amount of warning but I have gone to a very last minute black tie/formal affair and was lucky at the time to have had a burgundy velvet dinner suit. Perfect for winter in SF. Not sure I would be so lucky currently. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-996034 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 06:21:14 +0000 Archer 996034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IK - did you think about a FFB capsule for last minute invitation to a pretty casual party - but where you are wanting to make an impression of some sort? (professional or personal or whatever)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-996032 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 05:56:48 +0000 Elly 996032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interview and funeral wear for two seasons is a big one.</p> <p>Weddings I feel it doesn't hurt to have something on hand, but they tend to be very individual and have a long lead time. </p> <p>Work event/professional meeting/gallery opening . . .&nbsp; for me I have to have some more casual and some creative clothes to mix in with my interview capsule. I go to some just because of artist friends, but many of these are work functions or networking for me. </p> <p>Ethnic community event--- I work with a lot of Native American organizations, and my SO is a tribal government employee. We attend several events a year where I need a certain style of clothing. Sometimes modest and neat jeans and a button down will work, but depending on the level of participation I might need a long skirt, my mocs or cowboy boots, and a shawl. </p> <p>Dancing-- I generally don't wear anything appropriate for the club, so danceable dress shoes and a breathable sparkly top. Same goes for concerts.</p> <p>Something to wear to SOs work events and my own holiday parties. Ours are smart casual, but there is always the "how do you make it special/festive" thing. Occasionally he has a dress event but they are always modest and professional so I can wear my black interview skirt, shoes, and a top or button down. </p> <p>Another huge one for me is trying to keep a variety of gear on hand for the invite i get to do an activity I enjoy but may not have the equipment myself for (horseback riding, kayaking, ect) and making sure I have the appropriate stuff for camping and fishing trips even if I only go a couple times a year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-995867 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 02:08:02 +0000 Echo 995867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with the suggestions so far, but I have to add something to wear for an outdoor, summer event. For example, I received a call with very little notice to attend a county fair. I realize this sounds ridiculous, but I had next to nothing I thought appropriate to wear. I generally wear sundresses, sandals, white or light-coloured pants or shorts, and none of those things seemed like a good idea (no dresses for rides, no light colours for seeing animals and the general dust and dirt, no sandals because it is filthy and dusty on the ground). Workout wear wouldn't do, nor did I want to get my running sneaks all dusty. And a cross-body bag (which I normally do not like on me at all) would have been really helpful!</p> <p>I suppose this wouldn't be an issue for outdoorsy types, but it brought to light a big hole in my closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-995842 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 01:33:59 +0000 Marlene 995842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*lyn - when I lived in San Diego, after the first evacuation from oncoming wild fire, I decided to have an evacuation bag in place.&nbsp; It was handy the SECOND time we evacuated!&nbsp; So not really out of the question.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-995777 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 00:14:14 +0000 lyn* 995777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I was sick I kept a small packed bag in my closet that I knew my family could grab for me and bring to the hospital and it was the exact stuff I wanted - not really an outfit, perse, but definitely an emergency bag :)</p> <p>My dad also has an emergency pack he can grab out of the closet in case they have to evacuate the house (I dunno in case of zombie apocalypse or something). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-995754 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 23:57:48 +0000 Jeanie 995754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good topic! &nbsp;I have a lot of work to do in this area. &nbsp;I see so many ladies shopping last minute and I do it too and it can be stressful. &nbsp;Should be fun to put some outfits together. &nbsp;Thanks all!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-995706 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 22:54:07 +0000 Anonymous 995706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To the lists already posted I might add dresses appropriate for a bridal or baby shower (summer/winter), since one would probably want happy colors rather than darks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-995683 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 22:25:14 +0000 Anonymous 995683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Vildy, what a horrific experience! I hope your son got the treatment he needed and your family left with your dignity still intact. That boggles the mind!</p> <p>My wardrobe is neutral, conservative and pretty all-purpose. Where I get into a jam each year is with "festive wear" around the winter holidays. Festive wear, by it's very nature, is special occasion clothing. Not the same old things I wear every day. It irks me to wear cheap, scratchy clothing, yet I can't justify spending a lot of money on this category&nbsp;because it seems new items are needed each year. Even if I found the perfect dress, I'd feel the need to buy different shoes, jewelry and clutches to change it up and non of these items would really be able to earn their place as workhorses.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-995668 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 21:49:31 +0000 Anonymous 995668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, since all my friends seem to be in full procreation mode, I am always in need of cute outfits for kid's birthdays and baby showers. Funerals ditto, weddings I always have notice, so no ditto. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-995654 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 21:35:42 +0000 DonnaF 995654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm.&nbsp; I think in terms of my life and where I am in my life cycle, Isabel's post resonated with me the most.&nbsp; It is one thing to attend a memorial service (or three in one weekend as I did a couple of years ago), but another to pack a bag quickly and scramble because a close family member is dying/has died and you have to plan and schedule the funeral and viewing and attend the same for a family friend since you happen to be in that town anyway.&nbsp; Lot of funeral wear and a reminder always to stay on top of the laundry.&nbsp; With illness and death, there's not a lot of time or opportunity to shop.&nbsp; In my experience, other events have more lead time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-995624 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 21:06:23 +0000 Vildy 995624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Our son has hemophilia and we have spent a lot of time over the years in hospitals. I always keep something I feel confident in for holding my own if needing to argue with doctors.&nbsp; One New Years Eve he vomited some blood and our car was broken. The ambulance drivers pleaded with their home base to take him over the bridge to his regular Children's Hospital. They wouldn't allow it. The ER doctors where we ended up - theoretically a hemophilia treatment center - argued with each other because one of them felt this must be caused by my husband violating him in his throat and the other trying to persuade her that we obviously knew the diagnosis, had the clotting factor with us and it wasn't child abuse. (it was strep throat, bleeding from tonsils, we'd seen it before).&nbsp; So I like to look competent and of the same social class as the docs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-995588 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 20:18:30 +0000 jennifer 995588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As a side mention -for funerals where you are attending the burial ,or weddings held outdoors ,it's a good idea to think about what footwear .In one of the Real Simple books they recomended having a second-best pair of low pumps or dressy flats (well polished) for foul weather funerals,and wedges for weddings/garden party/teas etc. that way your best black pumps don't get wrecked by the mud and gravel around the cemetary,and you don't sink in the turf for outdoor galas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-995557 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 19:51:32 +0000 modgrl 995557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like to have one trendy wedding/bar/bat mitzvah outfit for the year. My outfti for the year is the Full On Janelle Monae: <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-full-janelle-monae" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....elle-monae</a></p> <p>I don't have the others - though I could probably cobble together a funeral and somewhat creative business casual interview outfit. </p> <p>These days my New Year's eves consist of getting my kids to bed at 9pm and going to bed soon after them, so I'm not sure if I am qualified to comment on this one... </p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-995410 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 17:16:42 +0000 Suz 995410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a fantastic question. And the answers already suggest that while there are some universals (the funeral or memorial appropriate attire) there are also going to be differences depending on lifestyle and climate. But wow, some of these are great reminders.</p> <p>Isabel -- my mother always reminded me to wear nice underwear in case of a car accident. But your post reminds me, my sleepwear/ loungewear&nbsp;capsule is horrific! I would never want to go to the hospital like that. And yet I&nbsp;remember buying my mother pajamas in a rush when she had to be admitted to the hospital for her cancer. OY! You'd think I'd have learned from that!&nbsp;</p> <p>For me, here are some of the key situations in which I might need a fast fallback:&nbsp;</p> <p>1. Funeral/ memorial &nbsp;(winter/ summer)&nbsp;<br />2. Wedding (winter/ summer)&nbsp;<br />3. Cocktail/ reception/ awards banquet (winter/ summer)&nbsp;<br />4. Guest appearance (informal or more formal; winter/ summer)&nbsp;<br />5. Business appropriate workout wear. (Now there's a challenge!)&nbsp;<br />6. Swimwear (business appropriate and casual)&nbsp;<br />7. Hospital wear&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't actually feel the need for a suit to wear to interviews. I can't imagining interviewing for a job that might require one. I <b>DO</b> want to buy a suit, but not for interview purposes. I would wear it for appearances and in other situations.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-995389 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 16:59:10 +0000 rachylou 995389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This isn't really an outfit - but I feel I'm always finding myself without a robe when I need one. Like having house guests or when traveling.</p> <p>These are the formal events that I keep a single dedicated outfit for: <ul> <li>Funerals (black dress, short with sleeves, silk)</li> <li>Job interviews (navy cotton suit with contrast stitching - I work in hi-tech, so that's why it's not a subdued suit in gabardine)</li> <li>Party formals (bejeweled cocktail dress)</li> </ul> Weddings I think of as an excuse for a new frock. Hehe. Nothing dedicated there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-995384 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 16:54:21 +0000 Janet 995384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kkards, too funny you mention the sports jerseys. This is definitely a thing for me. I have a Ravens football jersey (the underappreciated Ed Reed) and several Orioles tees. I did make a last-minute run to a local sporting good store a couple of weeks ago when my husband informed me we were going to the All Star game! I realized my only Os tee was in the wash, and we had two nights to dress for, the Home Run Derby and the All Star Game itself. I was lucky I found two shirts that fit me that I liked, but now I won't be caught without a good Os shirt, even if I go to games two or three nights in a row (which would not be unheard of, since I work a block from the stadium). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-995372 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 16:36:56 +0000 kkards 995372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>my 1st one is really dependent on the city you live in, sports team gear (ie football/baseball/hockey team shirt). i have lived in 2 cities were this was not needed, and 2 were is was. i hate having to go out last minute for a jersey because we are having a prep rally day at work.<br />active wear you can wear in to a company outing (this would include a swimsuit if needed)<br />and i agree that everyone should own a suit or conservative dress, that can work for an interview or&nbsp;funeral, with the proper footwear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-995351 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 16:21:21 +0000 Diana 995351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree, Isabel, plus I think I am going to be on the interview circuit next fall (2014) so I should probably start putting together my businessy capsule at some point soon.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-995348 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 16:18:42 +0000 Lisa 995348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great question. I wear jeans to work daily and have gotten caught more than once shopping last minute for a formal business meeting the next day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-995301 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 15:46:59 +0000 Isabel 995301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diana, in your line of work, I completely agree that having a suit is probably a necessity. Though it is a casual area of work, there are times when something happens and you need to show up a bit more "business-y". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-995273 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 15:23:59 +0000 Diana 995273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's what I think are the necessities:<br /> LBD (for evening and cocktail events, also black tie weddings)<br /> Non black dressy dress (for daytime weddings, also some cocktail events)<br /> Suit or business separates (for interviews, etc. if black or grey, for funerals too). Can also be worn in a pinch for most evening events, at least here.<br /> Something for funerals (could be the business stuff above)</p> <p>Plus appropriate shoes, of course.</p> <p>I have the dresses, and some business separates. I need to refresh my shoes. For funerals, I'm fine for cooler weather but I'm always a bit stumped for hot summer ones. I guess black skirt and shell, plus a cardi or jacket for the cold rooms.</p> <p>I have business separates, but I'm thinking I want a suit even though I don't need it for work. I'd probably almost exclusively wear it broken up, or mixed and matched, but it seems like a good investment. In some form, a suit would probably be appropriate for all the events we've talked about, especially if it was a dark color. Wear it with a dressy silk blouse for evenings (sans jacket for daytime weddings), as a suit for interviews, with a black shell for funerals, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-995261 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 15:15:12 +0000 Isabel 995261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It really depends on your life style. &nbsp;I would have NEVER thought of a formal company event...because I don't work. So Thistle's suggestion surprised me.&nbsp;</p> <p>The only things that I can think of, at least in my life (which will tell you A LOT about my life ) are a sudden death, an illness, or an emergency far away and you need to get there.</p> <p>So the funeral is pretty self explanatory.</p> <p>I have found myself in the hospital unexpectedly and then admitted&nbsp;( once for me, once for my son ) and it would have been really helpful to have some lounge wear, some sort of wrap to use when you cannot get your arms through sleeves due to IVs, and a nice lightweight robe. &nbsp;I slept in my jeans the two nights I was there with my son.&nbsp;</p> <p>It is also nice, if you have family somewhere besides where you live, to have a small capsule ( pre planned ) that you can throw in a bag and GO. &nbsp;</p> <p>I think that you are pretty much covered with a pretty dresses ( I have a wrap dress in grey and black&nbsp;), a nice pair of pants ( mine are black ), one nice top, a blazer and a nice sweater or cover up of some sort. &nbsp;And then a neutral pair of shoes. FWIW, I have a navy pair of ponte pants that are super versatile and can be lounge wear or dressed up or as heavy leggings when it cold and ponte wears really well.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-995258 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 15:09:17 +0000 Cindy 995258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Try to have a few options for each scenario. When I had two family members pass away within days of each other (one expected, one not) I was glad I had appropriate clothing for multiple visitations and funerals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-emergency-event-outfits-must-one-own#post-995250 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 14:59:38 +0000 Thistle 995250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Formal Company Event. </p>