I am starting to tackle something I have been avoiding to for a while - cocktail wear capsule. My (relatively new) BF likes to go to various nice cultural events, such as classic music concerts, and often they take place in embassies. And before you start imaging something really glamorous, these are open-to-the-public events that anyone can buy a ticket for, no jet-setting here Since I love dressing up I am quite happy with these opportunities. The dress code is always semi-formal and people tend to dress up a lot. Very often we will socialize with the same group of people so unfortunately buying a gorgeous LBD and styling it differently every time will not work. ( I have worn the same dress twice styled differently and received some ironic comments - it is a very judgmental scene). I do have some appropriate pieces, most quite old, but it is all a mish-mash and I would like to plan for a cohesive capsule. For the last two such events, I ended up looking for an appropriate dress the evening before the event ( as I was hoping to make something from my closet work, but it didn't), and I was extremely lucky to find something in Nordstrom rack or similar stores at a good price. However, I would really like to avoid such stress in the future and be prepared.

I do feel best in a proper cocktail dress. However, I am quite picky and find it really difficult to find something I really like and that is affordable as I am on a very tight budget. Everything is too short, revealing, flimsy, too embellished or bad quality. I do not have any issue with sexy clothing - I will happily wear it for other going out occasions, but here I want to aim more for sophisticated and classy (for example, no dresses shorter than 2-3" above the knee). I will continue to look for discounted pretty dresses whenever I am at a place that sells them, but it seems wise to have a nice capsule of mix-and-match pieces in case I do not have a new dress at the moment and am going to the event with the same people from the last one will be present. I have decided to set a separate small budget for this, independent of the regular clothing budget. Obviously, this is going to be a long process, but it has to start somewhere, right :)?

So here is what I currently have that I believe is appropriate ( feel free to correct me if I am mistaken):

I Dresses: there are three, pink one I also wore to the Mad Men cocktail party (#1), an LBD you have also already seen (#2) and a more conservative black one (#3). All of these have been worn and re-worn to these events, so I would like to stay away from them for a while.

II Black pantsuit: no photos as it is at the dry cleaner at the moment, but I have the Express blazer and Columnist pants (stock photo at the end) that I believe could be dressed up with glitzy tops and accessories. What are your thoughts on this?

III Dressy black pencil skirts ; somehow I have amassed quite a collection: a lace one (#4), a satin one (#5), high waisted one with a ruffle (#6) and crocheted sequin one (#7). #7 also has a matching top that I am wearing with skirt #5. I have tried to wear them with tops I have that I think *might* work, but am open to suggestions. I would really like to get some ideas for the best tops for each of them, and am fully prepared to get a few. ( I will probably post a separate thread on this, as this one is getting huge). Skirt #4 works with both tucked and untucked tops, #5 only with with tops tucked in and #s 6 and 7 only with untucked tops as they have a bit of lower rise.

IV Black pants: a flared tuxedo pair (#8)- needs untucked tops and dramatic wide legged high waisted pair (#9) that works well with tucked tops.

V Strappy sandals: black, silver and gold . There is also a pair of red patent peep toed pumps. I desperately need a pair of dressy black pumps, ideally peep-toe or d'orsay style.

VI Clutches: black, silver and matte gold. Nothing special, but the least of my concern. An addition in a jewel tone would be nice.

VII Dressy brocade trench that needs new buttons and I have never worn.

What I think I would like to get is:
1. Two black tuxedo jackets, a longer one to wear with pants/over short dresses ( even better if it comes with matching pants as a pantsuit) and shorter one for skirts. The navy one from Piperlime in #10 would be perfect if it were black.
2. A whole bunch of tops: possibly a romantic sheer black blouse, a silver sequin top, and appropriate tops for all the skirts.
3. Dressy black pumps as mentioned above.
4. Clutch in a bright color as mentioned above (low priority).

Not sure if I should look for some dressy non-black bottoms- for example, something grey/charcoal to go well with the trench.

I would more than appreciate any suggestion you have, as well as opinions on the tops I have photographed the bottoms with. Many thanks !!!