Advice for party tonight

We are going to Tony's work Xmas party tonight. It is a dinner dance and semi-formal. I bought a Tadashi dress that is almost identical to this one.

I don't feel like going out in the -30 to get accessories so need to put it together with what I have and would appreciate advice.

Shoes: I could wear the Okalas - they are the animal print with black strap/heels or plain black patent pumps.

Tights/hose: I could either wear black or nude fishnets.

Accessories: I was thinking maybe the long black pearls knotted or I could wear a pair of swarovski earings and a bracelet or a combination.

Bag: I could either do a small metallic clutch, a small black clutch or a bit larger eggplant Matt & Nat clutch that has some dark metal edging.

Suggestions are very welcome.

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12 years ago

Dressing

20 replies

Latest reply was from peacechick

Kim

Veteran

I love the Okalas with nude fishnets, bracelet and earrings (sparkly, right) and black clutch to let the dress shine, it's a beauty and will look amazing on you!

12 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

I second Kim's suggestions. Will you post pics once you decide?

12 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

I vote Okalas, nude fishnets, earrings, bracelet, and eggplant clutch for something different. Depend on how it goes with the shoes though. Sounds gorgeous, but I hope you'll be warm enough.

12 years ago

minimalist

Veteran

Third Kim's suggestion (love the Okalas on you!) and second Scarlet's concern about warmth. Would it make sense to have a wrap along just in case?

12 years ago

carter

Veteran

Everything you've listed would look great. I'm on the conservative side, so I'd wear nude hose, black pumps, crystal earrings and bracelet and the metallic clutch. If your long black pearls are long enough to wrap twice around your neck, I think they could be great with the dress's neckline.

12 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Kim, K, Scarlett, Amy and Carter. I like the okalas because they are more fun than the plain black SWs but am not sure about the black edging and heel with the blue dress. I am adding a few more pics to clarify.

The last one is closest to the real colors. I took the pics in a bright window that made the colors look brighter. The dress is that inky blue that almost looks black in dim light.

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12 years ago

carter

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Sticking with my original thoughts:-)

12 years ago

Suz

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OMG, that dress is gorgeous and you are going to look spectacular in it!

I love Kim's suggestions. I see the issue with the footwear - can you try them on and snap a pic? I think either shoe will be great, ultimately. I do worry you will be chilly! Do you have a wrap?

12 years ago

CocoLion

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Veteran

Okalas and black clutch for sure. If the black stockings are quite sheer that will work, otherwise nude. Sorry I'm no help with the jewelry. I agree with Suz, you need to think about a wrap or tuxedo jacket thrown over your shoulders for when it's chilly.

12 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

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Thanks Carter and Suz. I have a silver/grey metallic knit sweater that I usually wear for things like this but could also take a wrap. I have a few that could work. I will be bundling up in a coat and boots for the trip there and we are parking indoors in a lot attached to the hotel.

I am leaning towards the nude fishnets regardless of the shoes so will try both when I am close to ready.

ETA: I have a dress that is almost identical in a medium aqua and wore it to the ballet once with black opaque tights, black suede pumps and my black moto. It was a few years ago but I liked the look.

12 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

Love this dress! Another vote for Okalas, bracelet and earrings. I think there's a lot of detail in the neckline already, so I like the idea of no necklace.

Your aqua dress also sounds lovely, and, if it's a warmer outfit, perhaps you'd prefer that on a frigid night!

12 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The outfit came together very nicely. Gorgeous on you, Dianthus.

I have to ask though - and perhaps all the Canadians can help me out here (accept the Vancouver Canadians because Seattle has the same weather). How do you get your head around what I call a Summer Dress Outfit in the middle of Winter. Of course, I know you commute in sensible clothes and footwear to prevent frost bite. Despite that, I would need to wear something a lot more covered and insulting despite an indoor heated room. Am I just so much more sensitive? I have no insulation to cold, but tend to do well in the heat.

12 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

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Angie, do you mean the lack of sleeves? I have always found that evening wear has minimal coverage regardless of the season and have rarely come across dresses that are pretty and dressy that are weather appropriate for more than half of the year.

12 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for chiming back in, Dianthus. I mean lack of sleeves, lightweight fabrications, and open heeled shoes. I am assuming you will wear hose.

I wear the outfit here in Summer. Granted - no hose.

Long sleeved dressy dresses are harder to find - absolutely. But party separates are much warmer, and that's why I choose to wear them over dresses. I am so desperately miserable when I am cold.

Anyway, it's all very interesting. Clearly I do better in a warmer climate and am hyper sensitive to the cold. Have a super time at the 'do tonight. xo

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12 years ago

rae

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My personal vote would be black fishnets, black pumps, and the purple bag. I just find the pumps more semi-formal-appropriate. Maybe I just prefer a dressier look? Nude and leopard both seriously casualize to my eye. Horses for courses, I guess.

Maybe try the outfit on and snap a pic?

Angie, I am with you! And here I am in Los Angeles. My Thanksgiving outfit involved a turtleneck dress and leather jacket... can't imagine wearing open shoes and bare arms, even indoors.

12 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

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Angie, while I really like the separates that look more cold weather friendly, I am not sure that they would be understood or appreciated here in mid-Canada. It is also not that easy to find the right pieces locally. Perhaps it is also a function of our weather. I doubt there is such a thing as weather appropriate formal wear for -30C (today's temp) so we wear the usual styles and then bundle up in our down puffers and boots and change shoes when we arrive and check our heavy layers.

We also have a tendency to have the opposite of the over air-conditioned rooms - it gets very warm at many large events and if you are dressed too warmly, you end up having to sit out dances to cool off.

Its no wonder I find it difficult to do formal.

12 years ago

Suz

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It's so true that it is difficult to find a dressy, pretty party frock that has sleeves.

I would also worry about feeling chilly in that gorgeous sleeveless dress at this time of year -- but in truth, sometimes the venues are kept on the warm side. In fact -- believe it or not -- this dress might actually be more comfortable at this time of year than in summer's frigid air conditioning!

12 years ago

Vicki

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That's a beautiful party dress and, at first, I was in agreement with the playful Okalas (hello, shoe twin!) and then when I read Rae's post, I can see how the black heels with the black clutch would tip toward a dressier look. I don't know how dark the black nylons are, so I'd go with nude, depending how you feel when you try both of them on.

You can't go wrong, either way. Have fun and enjoy.

12 years ago

Mellllls

Veteran

I would prefer non-black accessories with that color dress.

12 years ago

peacechick

Veteran

Dressing in winter is very complicated, especially if you don't have a car. If you have a car, you don't need to wear much, maybe just throw on a puffer and warm scarf, hat, etc.

If you have to walk outside, then you need be bundled up. But I overheat so easily. When I get into the metro (which is not heated, it just has bad ventilation), I need to start taking off scarves, unzipping coats, etc. If I'm in the mall for a long period, I'll actually need to take off my coat + another layer, so this is why I prefer cardigans to sweaters.

If I were going to a party, I'll take a taxi and then there is no problem with summer style dressing.

And I almost forgot to say I love this outfit, and vote for nude hose, okalas, black pearls and either clutch.

12 years ago

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