Getting a good formal dress topper can be challenging. I love dressing up and so tend to find excuses to wear more formal clothes, but usually formal dresses are quite open, and I want a topper, either for warmth or comfort. These are the formal toppers that I currently have and the pros and cons of each:

1. Feather bolero - pros: fun and very warm
con: very warm - cannot wear dancing or in warmer temperatures.

2. Velvet coat - pros: warm and I love the velvet
cons: covers formal dress and so I wear it to and from the event, but generally not inside and have to worry about checking in my coat.

3. Silver leather moto (new - so yet to put it to the test): pros: fun and dresses down items, without being too hard edge
cons: not great for very formal occasions and can only be worn with dresses and accessories that work well with silver.

4. organza light jacket: pros: matches the dress and is lightweight but gives coverage (photo is of the same jacket in solid black)
cons: patterned, so really only works with the matching dress and my black dresses

I would be interested to know what formal toppers you use and whether the lack of sleeves stops you from buying a formal / cocktail dress.