Analyzing various types/capsules of going out clothes

Tanya

Mamapicklejuice mentioned on my recent thread that she feels she needs two different types of going out clothes, one more ladylike and polished the other one more sassy and fun. In my case, I have realized that the number is much greater than two, since there are quite a lot of different activities I end up doing. So, even for going out, there are many types of situations that have quite different dressing requirements:

1. Social dancing: this is something I do a lot and requires very specific clothing as one needs to be able to move a lot, while looking dressed up. It is usually either a stretchy, but dressy pair of black pants with a fun top or a jersey dress with a fuller skirt. Skirt and top is also possible, and I do have one appropriate skirt, but I do not seem to wear it that often. Either way, I am always on the lookout for appropriate items at good prices - one can buy such clothing from dance retailers but it is usually very overpriced. I am pretty well covered at the moment . For salsa dancing, which is in a more club-like setting, there is some overlap with category 2.

2. Traditional going out - to a club, lounge, bar etc. with BF, which also happens on a fairly frequent basis. Here it is about more sophisticated version of clubbing clothing: shorter formfitting dresses or 'special' skinny jeans with a nice top. I have just purchased a pair of python print skinnies as I was wearing my black coated ones all the time. Appropriate dresses and tops are fairly easy to find heavily discounted. I am also fairly well set in this category, though I could use a shortish black skirt for variety.

3. Casual nights out - movies,casual dinners with female friends or BF. This calls for 'dressed up jeans' types of outfits, as in Angie's recent post here. I do not shop specifically for this category, as a lot of every day clothes work well. However, I recently found myself thinking in terms of "musical" tops. This is another well covered category. However, I would be more than happy to add a perfect printed tunic if I ever found it.

4. Dressier nights out - dinner in a nice restaurant, theater, concerts. No jeans here, it is more about nice dresses or skirts with pretty tops. I also do not shop specifically for this category. Many items that work here can work in other categories as well.

5. Real semi-formal, or cocktail attire. BF likes to go classical music concerts, receptions or other dressy events in various embassies in the city which always call for more formal dressing. A proper cocktail dress, very nice skirt with dressy top or dressed up suit would work. I think. This is the category that I need to work on a lot. I have some pieces, but would like to (eventually) end up with a nice working capsule. Will be posting a lot on this topic soon.

6. Formal attire, e.g. long gowns for events such as formal balls. Have one such dress and have worn it quite a few times, on average twice a year. If there is a new occasion of this type I will need to get a new dress, but I do not intend to look till and if such occasion is on the horizon.

How about you? What types/capsules of going out clothes do you need?

13 years ago

Dressing

10 replies

Latest reply was from Tanya

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

That's quite an assortment, Tanya!! You really need lots of fab stuff

I have:

1. Smart Casual Going Out (seeing friends, going to casual restaurants, movies). I often just keep on my work clothes if we are heading out during the week.

2. Dressy Going Out (Fancier Eateries)

3. Formal Going Out (weddings, occasions, events)

I am almost always dressier than everyone else - accept for when I go out with my friend Phoebe

13 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

How my life has changed! I used to need formal for the symphony, ballet and occasional opera and black tie dinners; dressy for theatre and dining out; and dancing/clubs/nice lounges. Now I don't need any of that. Not only do I not need those things, every thing is jeans and a jacket. Gosh, I mean sandals are ok at the office even.

13 years ago

Jjsloane

Veteran

Completely envious (to a point) of your need for going out capsules. Going out? Married with small children = going out very rarely. Actually blessed with family babysitters.

I think my going out needs are:
1. Date night (means anything I would not wear to work, sequins most likely for me as this is the best chance to wear them)
2. Rare Girl's night out (dinner at a nice restaurant) is nicer jeans and a fancy (sequin) top most likely

That's it, but I think like Angie I am usually dressier than everyone else just by nature because I like to dress up more. I'm at the age where not too many contemporaries are getting married so few wedding opportunities. This will shift in a few years I think when nieces and nephews start marrying.

13 years ago

christieanne

Veteran

Inspiring! I need more occasions for going out lol!

1. School/kids based events. Kind of MOTG wear but no sneakers and a little more dressed up for school plays and things.

2. Club events/fundraisers and dinners. We belong to a few associations that have nice dinners and parties. I tend to go two ways - dressy trouser with a "musical" top or a fancier fabric skirt with a simple top. I also have a satin tuxedo blazer I use for this and a red satin raincoat. I can vary this capsule for weddings and showers too.

3. Date night. DH is not a dressed up kind of guy but luckily dark denim can go nearly anywhere we would venture too. (He also does not do formal dining well lol) so I counter that with dressed up jeans, sparkly or fun shoes and colorful top. Variation on the MOTG night look.

4. Clubs/Music events. We have a few bands we tend to gravitate to that typically play in midsize clubs or bars. Jeans, lightweight but fun (and washable - too many people tend to spill on me) tops and boots are my norm.

I could use a new "musical" top. I like that term! And if I have an actual formal event to attend I will most likely panic.

13 years ago

Meredith1953

Veteran

My list is short. I have a couple of cocktail dresses for parties and that is pretty much it. I haven't mastered the art wearing jeans in a dressy way, although I would love to and I don't really have a need for formal wear.

13 years ago

Jilly

Active Member

Hmmmm, at first I didn't think I ever dressed up, but the more I think about it, I'd say:

1. Church: this usually involves dressy casual, like casual type dresses, and a black pencil skirt, that I wear with a lot of different tops.

2. Weddings: this is usually only once a year or so, and involves heels and dressier dresses.

3. Company Christmas party: I'm listing this separately because I usually wear black to this and don't wear black to weddings.

4. Girls' day out: instead of a night out, it's usually a lunch or something like that:) I'll usually wear nice jeans or cropped pants with a dressy top, and nicer shoes than usual. I also tend to wear more jewelry/accessories than I would otherwise.

Also curious- would you wear black to a wedding?

13 years ago

Anonymous

I have a few different going out needs as well

1. Dinners with friends or date night: dressy trouser jeans, jacket , sparkly top

2. Mu husband belongs to a service club, they have various events..I seriously lack outfits for this as I am the youngest and don't feel true to myself. I feel like I should be in a pantsuit but will wear a dress or skirt and cardi,

3 again work events, some are black tie or formal and I struggle. I will wear pencil skirt and 'evening' blouse or velvet jacket in the winter for formal summer events are harder. I do have several cocktail and evening gowns

4 weddings: I have navy and brown dresses as I do not love black near my face...saying that, I was at a wedding last fall and I was one of the few Not in black.

This is clearly something I need help with

13 years ago

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Like many Mum's with small children I only have need for a small capsule of going out clothes:

Date Night/ Girls Night - This would usual involve pieces borrowed from my smart casual wardrobe with added glitz or higher heels. This capsule is topped up fairly frequently because of the cross over with my business casual and smart casual/ MOTG capsules.

Semi formal - Work cocktails and weddings mostly. I topped up this capsule recently.

Hopefully, when the children are a little older I will have the need for a few more pieces!

13 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

Good for you for getting that sorted, Tanya!

I'm one of those people whose going-out needs are varied but infrequent. I feel quite guilty about shopping for what is almost a fantasy life (mostly involves pretending to be a certain kind of person, as a hotel/hospitality/restaurant reviewer) --- so I end up with slightly scanty options in each category, and then scramble at the last minute!

My real lifestyle calls for:
(1) Movies or smart-casual dinners: The dressed-up jeans or Indian tunic and pants work well here.
(2) Musical evenings, book readings and launches, and theatre: Again, mostly covered by above, though a little dressier in terms of the specifics.
(3) Dinners and cocktails at friends: Same level as above, but more comfy lounge-y clothes despite dressiness (sarees work quite well here)
(4) Weddings and engagements, the odd precious anniversary or birthday celebrated in a formal setting: Sarees, usually, though sometimes a cocktail dress or very elaborate tunic is mandated informally and leaves me at a loss because again, Bollywood is So NOT My Style!

My 'pretend' work calls for:
(4) Smart restaurants or hotel launch events: Cocktail dresses or formal Indian tunics (silk etc) or saree. I have only a couple of dresses and 2-3 tunics that qualify. Do have 3-4 sarees that qualify but rarely wear them as I tend to be more 'active' than the average guest, popping into a kitchen or such sometimes!
(5) Resort/nightclub/embassy/ballroom-oriented evening dos: Have nothing that actually fits correctly here, as too far from own lifestyle. I don't go clubbing so don't have a clubbing capsule. Means I end up scrambling here. But really not sure what could cover this category. Slinky tops and short dresses are just not me, though the norm for this sort of situation here.

13 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

I am really enjoying reading everyone's answers! Dressing up is fun, and just reading about it is fun as well.

I am also almost always the most dressed up one.

Jilly, I think it depends on the type of wedding. I wouldn't wear black to the afternoon wedding on the beach, but certainly would to a formal evening one.

Manidipa, for your category #5, how about slim cigarette pants in dressy material (e.g. satin) with a loose flowy top, maybe in sheer silk or with sequins?

13 years ago

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