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Fine tuning wedding guest outfit

CarolS

Veteran

I'm fine tuning outfit options for my nephew's upcoming wedding (next weekend).

Black silk EF pants back from the tailor today. I should probably have had him take just a hair more off, but I'm hoping this length will pass!

The plan is to wear the pants and matching tank with a grey velvet topper. BUT I'm starting to think the fitted tank might still be just a hair too snug in the midsection for comfort, so am looking at a few options just in case.

In all of these I am wearing the accessories I will probably wear on the day -- subtle sparkly earrings and a vintage necklace I think might have belonged to my mother's great aunt. Also new black patent loafers -- I think they will be reasonably comfortable for my fussy feet. Heels are not an option.

Anyway -- the options I am considering as my backups:

1 and 2 -- Black lace blouse with an interesting shoulder
3 - a VERY simple black top with 3/4 sleeves that I have, out of habit, pushed up. It's shortish and squarish and has a bit of substance to it I am a bit obsessed with its simplicity.
4 - column of black with grey velvet topper.
5 - testing to see how the lurex tank from my earlier post works under the grey topper.
6 - closer shot of the lurex top -- does it work? Too much?
7 and 8 - for those who still think I should wear a dress -- this is a "semi dress" created wth a velvet skirt with the very plain top I am so obsessed with right now. With and without the topper. I think the shoes feel a bit orthopaedic when worn with a skirt/dress, but thought I would throw it out there for more objective eyes. I'm probably going to be be most comfortable in the pants, but it would be nice to know if this is a viable option.

Comments and suggestions welcome. (I have big challenges finding comfortable footwear, so all I ask is that you go easy on the shoes. I'd love something more refined but I have shopped my local market pretty hard and this is the best I have come up with that my feet will accept.)

Thanks for looking.

PS, my next project will be to slowly build a small dressy capsule that includes some non-black pieces!

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Dressing

29 replies

Latest reply was from Bijou

Kate

Veteran

My gosh, these are all winners in my book, but your killer smile and gorgeous hair steal the show. You are looking very glam. I love your gray velvet topper, and if I had to choose, I would probably plump for your plain top from #3—I totally understand your obsession with it—the newly tailored pants, which are splendid ,and the gray topper. My #2 choice would be the pants and beautiful lace blouse. That's a stunning piece. I quite like the lurex top; I'd love to have something like that, but I think it competes a little with the gray topper, when worn together. Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. You are spoiled for choice.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oooh, I love the lace! But honestly, all of these are lovely options. I'm with Kate re lurex with grey topper -- in the photos, at least, these seem to compete a bit. (IRL I know things can look different, so trust your own eye.)

The faux dress is definitely an option. It is true, though, that it reads less "dressy" with the flats. A flat with a lower vamp would work more easily, I think, but that could end up being an unnecessary extra purchase. The flowy pants look just as dressy, to my eye. (Though I do love the skirt!)

The Cat

Veteran

The black lace blouse is beautiful, but I am not a fan of all-black outfits for weddings, so I prefer the outfits with the grey topper. And I actually think the lurex top makes the grey topper look more festive--a great match, also with the jewellery. Love the skirt outfits and think the shiny shoes look fine.

slim cat

Veteran

So many pretty looks! Love the new shoes - looks great in every outfit!
Outfits in #2 and #4 looks perfect for the wedding ( the outfits with skirt are very nice in their own way ).

Joy

Veteran

I have a small wedding capsule that steers clear of black, white, and red and maybe pgreen. All are dresses in a light neutral like tan or a dark non- black like deep blue. I try to find dressy flats and sparkly jewelry and bag. This fall we are invited to a church wedding and I will probably wear blue. It is usually a safe color. Everything must be modest with at least a short sleeve for church.

Your lace and silk look pretty. I like them paired with something other than black as you have done. A general wedding guest does not have to be quite as careful except at a Chinese wedding ( do not wear red as that may be what the bride is wearing). Green means disapproval in some cultures, black can look more like mourning and disapproval of the new spouse if you are a member of the wedding party or if anyone will notice. Be ready to dance at the reception. Comfortable low heeled shoes and an outfit you can move in. You can also remove jackets or shawls for the reception. You can now go sleeveless.

Sally

Veteran

I think the grey topper livens/lightens things up, adds a bit of bling and I think it goes well with the lurex top so I would choose 5/6 or 4. I understand about the shoe situation. I can only wear flats or at a push platforms, and unless you plan to sit down all evening, your feet do need to be comfortable.

Star

Veteran

All are viable options! My favorites include the first lace blouse outfit. I prefer the 'simple' top with the skirt, with pants it looks too simple for a wedding. The lurex top definitely works with the topper, looks more festive. Shoes are fab btw.

Katerina

Veteran

All looks are really great! You look gorgeous in them all. FWIW - I think the pants’ length is perfect. My favorites here are no 4 and 1/2. These stand out the most for me. As for the lurex top - what Suz says.

lyn67

Veteran

Love them all but especially the last one, including the shoe choice-so sleek, modern non fussy vibe showing your amazing silhouette at it's most flattering way!!!!!:-)

Brooklyn

Veteran

I love the lace top outfit. It’s dramatic, dressy, interesting. But the others look good too. I think all of these are viable.

Anonymous

Love the lace!

Tanya

Veteran

I like all of them and think all would work. My favorite is with the lace top, so pretty and dramatic.

kkards

Veteran

Lurex , Patent leather, velvet, lace….all these in any combination say “dressy” to me….so I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the above

my personal preference is for #5, #7 and #8

Anonymous

The lace is wonderful! Love the sleeves

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I love the top in 1-2! That’s my pick for sure.

CarolS

Veteran

Thanks for all the kind comments, everyone. It will be good to know I do have options if I decide I need to make a "game day" substitution to the original plan!

Kate - thank you. I appreciate your appreciation of the simple black top!
Suz -- I think a shoe for dressy dresses is going to be a HEHEWI for me, but I will keep my eyes open for that hidden gem. We don't have to get dressy very often, but when we do, the lack of footwear options makes it challenging.
The Cat - yeah, I'd prefer something in a happier colour but it just isn't quite coming together. I agree the grey topper helps. I figure the lace blouse feels a bit less heavy because it does show some skin, but will see how I feel day of.
slim cat - thanks. I need that shoe boost!!!
Joy - I like that idea of having a small non-black wedding capsule. That may be something I try to build over the next while through thrifting.
Sally - glad I'm not alone on the flat shoe front! I like the lightness of the grey topper, tool In some lights it feels like I can get away with it with the lurex tops and in others it feels too much. I could wear a black topper with the lurex, but that spoils the lightness effect, so... Will see how I feel on the day!
Star- thank you for the shoe love!
Katerina - thank you for affirming on the pants! I think your favourites are also mine.
Lyn67, kkards - thanks for the boost on the skirt outfit. It's the one I feel least likely to wear because of the way I feel about the shoes with it, but it's good to hear other perspectives! I'll see how I feel on the day.
Brooklyn, suntiger, Tanya, Janet, Nikki -- thanks for affirming on the lace top! I'll probably keep this top whether I wear it to the wedding or not. I don't usually like a bell sleeve for practical reasons, but I really like the shoulder on this blouse and could see it getting quite a bit of semi-dressy wear - especially now that I have the black patent loafers.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Pic #2!!! Lace all the way

KILLER

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

kellygirl

Veteran

You can't go wrong with any of these but my heart skipped a beat when I saw the lace with fluid pants. SO fab. I really like the faux dress in the last two frames too. SO gorgeous!!

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Well I am with The Cat- which often happens! I love the lurex top with the silver topper.
Second choice column of black with silver topper. Third choice lacy blouse- I think I prefer pants to the skirt.
But really, all options are good!

CarolS

Veteran

Angie, kellygirl -- thank you! It's fun to see so much appreciation for the lace blouse, which is a bit of a departure for me! (but one I am looking forward to playing with.)

JenniNZ -- I'm with you on preferring the pants. (I've always adored flowy pants.) The lurex topper is a home on approval, but I will probably keep it to start building a teeny 'sparkly' capsule. I think it will accommodate a bit more weight loss without too much trouble. Big barrier to wearing it right away will be finding the right bra.It might take time to find one in my size. And will cost waaaay more than the top itself LOL!!

LaPed

Veteran

I don't think you can go wrong with any of these, but my favorite is #4. The silvery-grey velvet is gorgeous and the simple column of black lets it make a statement. Lurex top is fun too, but distracts a bit from the embellished topper. I'd love to see the lurex top juxtaposed with something menswear-inspired like a tuxedo jacket... The patent shoes are perfect too and really work seamlessly in all of these. The lace top is lovely and I see it has many votes of confidence, but will it be warm enough? I run cold and the idea of such an airy top in October is making me shiver.

CarolS

Veteran

Thanks, LaPed -- I am of an age where I run hot, so I suspect I will be quite warm once we are seated at dinner, but have considered possibly adding the grey topper for warmth. It's a bit 'competitiive", but less so than the lurex top in my opinion. (from a distance it's still just a column of black under the grey...) Too miuch?

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I love the lacey top and trousers so much that I am not giving any of the competition a chance. But I do like your other outfits for other days.

DonnaF

Veteran

I love your lace blouse, but I would wear whatever the weather suggests that day. I hear you on refined dressy flats. For laughs I thought I would share the combat boots that arrived yesterday. The sparkles are BLINDING. Totally encrusted. I’m thinking they should be my dressy footwear. They are so-o-o comfy.

Michael by Michael Kors Alistair Lace-Up Boot

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3

Jonesy

Veteran

I love the lace top, but the lovely gray jacket is fab too! You have lots of options, so go with what makes you feel the best on that particular day (taking into account weather, mood, etc. etc.).

CarolS

Veteran

Shevia -- thank you! The lace is clearly a strong contender!
DonnaF -- wow -- those boots are wild! Fancy footwear with attitude!! I'd like to see how you style them. Thanks for sharing.
Jonesy - this will definitely end up being what DH calls a "game day decision". Plus we still don't know for sure if there will be dancing, which might also influence choice.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

FWIW, I bought my first lace top last year and I LOVE it. I would get another -- seriously. The one I got is in vibrant royal blue; I'd now like a neutral one. It can be dressed up and down more easily than might first appear.

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Classic-fit lace button-up top

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CarolS

Veteran

Oh, Suz -- what a fabulous blouse, and such an unexpected and beautiful colour (am I the only one who "expects" lace in black, white, cream and maybe ecru...?) It looks sooo good on you, and I can see how it could turn out to be quite versatile. Thanks for sharing!

The one I have might be a tick less practical because of the foofy sleeves, but I could see it turning out to be pretty versatile nevertheless. It will definitely add some much needed variety to my closet.

Bijou

Veteran

You can't go wrong with any of these options, as you look fabulous and I LOVE those shoes...The lace top and fluid pants gets my vote as it looks stunning on you.