Ball skirt lab! - YouLookFab Forum

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Ball skirt lab!

Runcarla

Veteran

The brief: I'm attending a family wedding New Years Eve. The setting is a country club in Atlantic City. The ceremony at 7 pm, with dinner and dancing afterwards. I know the maids are in gold and the mother of the groom is in navy. Long gowns with sparkly tops.

After a long search, I settled on an Adrianna Papell taffeta box pleat mermaid ball skirt. (I love it!).

I have styled it with 3 tops from my closet - white cotton button downs and a heavy cotton lace tank. DH likes the look with the button downs best. I was wondering if they work, or if I should go shopping for a silky version with more shine, or drape? or possibly a sequinned top?

I do still need accessories, so if the button down look is the one, I'll need a bunch of pearls.

#1 and 2 BR top(closer fit-lighter fabric), #3 RL to(straighter fit -heavier fabric), #4 AT top
#5 close up of AT top
#6 Adrianna Papell taffeta box pleat mermaid skirt
#7 Anne Taylor top
#8 inspiration

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41 replies

Latest reply was from Thirkellgirl

em

Go to Jo-Anns and replace the buttons on the shirt with sparkly rhinestone ones.

em

The AT top does the skirt NO JUSTICE. Shelve that idea.

Tanya

Veteran

I like the button down idea, but would prefer if it were a bit more fitted. Maybe wear it unbuttoned, wrapped and tucked for a closer fit? With lots of bling/pearls, of course.

Jules

Veteran

It's an amazing skirt! I love the button down idea, and the first one seems to be a better fit as the other is puffing out at the sides. Did you tuck it into your undies? I like Tanya's suggestions. I'm sure people with experience in this will chime in. I don't think you want a princess seamed shirt for this look, but maybe a size down from your normal would be more fitted while still classic?

Anonymous

Wow, the skirt is fabulous and I love the concept of a white shirt with it. But I'm with Tanya In thinking things need to be more fitted. The BR top is the most fitted but I think it needs to be even more fitted.

I am wondering if you should also explore sequin options just for fun. There are so few occasions where you can wear sequins!

I don't like the AT top as much because it takes away from the very long line of the skirt (so fabulous).

Tisa

I agree with everything smittie wrote.

The AT top is beautiful, but it covers the skirt too much. How does it look if you tuck it into the skirt?

Joy

Veteran

I like the idea of the buttondown best but wish it were a dressier fabric...maybe satin or lace or something sheer. Even with pearls, I don't think a cotton shirt will work for this event unless the fit is perfect and it can create some drama.

Anonymous

Also agree with smittie. 1 is better than 3.

Chris987

Veteran

Another vote for the button down, maybe a more fitted version. I'd add a pile of pearls but keep the buttons as-is. This so Caroline Herrera, such a glamorous look that not everyone can pull off but you really rock it! Maybe add some sort of blingy bracelet. The sleeveless top might work tucked in but IMHO it will never be as fab as a white shirt with this skirt.

Beth Ann

Veteran

I love this with #1, particularly. I've been searching the blog archives for a Angie outfit from about 5 years ago -- she wore almost exactly what you're wearing here -- but added pearls. She was going to chaperone a high school dance with Greg and another couple. I actually thought that was your inspiration! Her blouse was not fitted more than yours, and it was quite crisp.

Can anybody else find Angie's post?

The AT top creates an unconventional silhouette, but I think you have a long enough "column" with your height to make it interesting and lovely.
Which makes you feel most like an elegant version of yourself?

P.S. Since Angie's on a weekend getaway, I will say what I'm thinking ........ this is killer, and I'm so thrilled to see the way you look fab in Tri gear and dressed for a formal wedding!

Bennett

Veteran

I apologize that I have not taken the time to learn how to add Finds to my posts yet, but I am very close to purchasing this button down for my dressy separates capsule: purecollection.com item LW-H98

It is beautiful jacquard patterned fabric that dresses up the classic shirt beautifully.

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

I like shirt #1 the best. Maybe it just needs to look its crispest. If you continue to shop for a top, I'd look for one that is of cambric/batiste, so almost sheer, fine, and crisp.

ETA--it's a lovely skirt and the Carolina Herrera look is so elegant!

Vix

Veteran

Hi RC --

Gorgeous skirt on you and I love the idea of putting your spin on the CH outfit BUT your color palette is so much richer than the white. I think a silky version in one of your shades would be great.

IIRC Sharon Stone also did this look with a t-shirt for some big event (Oscars? Golden Globes?). So you could explore a short sleeve sequin or lace top too.

The key seems to be tucking and you look great modeling that look so no worries there!

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I like the Carolina Herrera look

El Cee

Veteran

Love, love, love the idea of the Carolina Herrera look. Found the post that Beth Ann was talking about: http://youlookfab.com/2011/05/.....h-friends/

Angie describes her fab ensemble -- "I tucked a basic white, non-iron Brooks Brothers shirt into a stretch black taffeta Todashi Shoji maxi skirt complete with fishtail."

I think you could achieve this same look with a slightly dressier and more fitted white cotton shirt. The BR one (#1-2) comes pretty close. Perhaps Tanya's suggestion will work to make the top a bit more fitted. Or it may just be worth your while to hunt for a slimmer fitting button-down... and pile on some pearls. If you dare, try Sharon Stone's open plunging neckline.

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cindysmith

Veteran

Love the first one. It looks amazing on you! Like, WOW
That lace top is too long, it screws with the lines of the skirt IMO.

Anna

Love the first picture. You look so so elegant!

Brooklyn

Veteran

I agree the first shirt is best with some added bling. It's a great look. The lace top is too long. You need to show the waist line. I like Tanya's ideas too.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I feel like the white shirt is not special enough to stand up to that fab skirt. I would look for a beautiful silk shirt with a wonderful sheen to it -- and maybe in a color in your palette rather than white. The lace top is pretty, but it is too long.

Runcarla

Veteran

Wow! Thanks a lot for suggestions, advice, and endorsement of the idea. The skirt really is lovely. The box pleats kick out at the back giving it an elegant, long line when I walk!

DH likes the CH version the best, so I am going to stay true to my original idea of a button down. I am going to see if I can find a finer button down - silk, satin, fine cotton - with a better fit. I am wondering if a top with a body suit bottom might be an idea for keeping things smooth and tucked. (Is that what you meant, Jules, about tucking it into my panties?)

I'm intrigued with the idea of a coloured top, and not adverse to trying one out. Of course I will fill the neckline with a pile of pearls! I need a clutch, too!

Greyscale

Veteran

I LOVE the CH-inspired looks. The first white shirt is better than the second, in my opinion. I've worn a similar look with a slightly fitted Theory button down, their classic shirting fabric that's cotton and nylon. Somehow it stays crisper than my regular cotton shirts.

I think silk might drape too much to get the right effect but it's worth a try. I believe Angie has also done a similar look with an Anne Fontaine shirt, along with the post someone tracked down? I've never tried those shirts on but they do seem more architectural.

And yes, piles of pearls. Or really blingy crystal earrings. And like someone mentioned earlier, see if you can get away with unbuttoning one more button.

Your hair is perfect for this look.

Eliza

Veteran

What Janet says. You look stunning in that skirt, RC. Such a true to you dress -up moment! Have fun.

El Cee

Veteran

Here is Angie in her lovely, crisp Anne Fontaine shirt (with a pile of pearls) -- the one Greyscale just mentioned: http://youlookfab.com/2011/09/.....nd-pearls/ Not paired with ball skirt in this thread, but I can totally picture it worn that way.

And here she is in the same shirt (sans pearls), this time paired with a skirt for a more formal event (rehearsal dinner): http://youlookfab.com/2012/03/.....o-wedding/

The link for Anne Fontaine white shirts: https://www.annefontaine.com/the-white-shirt

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Jules

Veteran

No, I meant literally tucking the shirt into your underwear or tights, to help keep it in place. Ok I've never actually done this - I'm short waisted and hippy so tucking has never been my friend -but I know I've seen/heard of it. Worth a try?
http://corporette.com/calling-all-tuckers/
Read the comments - some ideas about folding techniques to make a shirt seem more fitted too.

Sal

Veteran

I love the new skirt!! I think your ideas are terrific and perfect for your look and personality.

I could also see sparkly jewelry working here.

I love the drama of the white shirt, cream would also work, and I think it needs an element of crispness rather than softness.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

I love the first look and could see it working well with a pearl necklace, a bangle, or a statement ring. The look could probably stand on its own with the right make-up, though. Amazing find.

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

Yes--as Jules notes, you can stabilize your shirt by tucking it into your hosiery. I have done it and it's worked for me. The only problem, for me, is if the top if the hose becomes visible over the waistband of the skirt/pants such as can happen if you wear your pants lower on the hip or wear (as I used to do) the kind of pencil skirt that doesn't have a band at the waist.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Stunning outfit. I am with those who say you need a new white button down. I have the same no-iron Brooks Brothers that Angie's wearing and it is very crisp and fitted. So that might work -- you can try on at BB when at work, no?

Another really great option, I think, would be a stretch silk white or off-white shirt. I found a striped version at Ann Taylor (Finds) but it probably isn't dressy enough for this occasion. Maybe for another, though.

Or you could try this...

http://www.winserlondon.com/silk-shirt-2524.html

Striped Silk Blouse

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

Look! Some easy to order and return (if necessary) options:

Lauren Ralph Lauren Cotton Poplin Bib Tunic

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Weekend Max Mara Silk Shirt

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Polo Ralph Lauren Pleated-Bib Silk Shirt

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BCBGMAXAZRIA Kathryn Wrap Bib Shirt

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