Formal help, again - YouLookFab Forum

You might remember last year I built a formal capsule, since DH and I go to so many formal events over the winter. It worked beautifully and this holiday season I did not have to buy a thing -- I had something to wear for every occasion and felt pulled together.

We have one last event to attend in February. I have options in my closet but I was out shopping with DD#2 who's home on break from college. We were at TJMaxx and I found this awesome dress to add to my capsule...

The dress is Tart brand, if you are familiar with it. Attached is the closest photo I could find online, but it's not quite the same as my new acquisition:

1. It isn't a petite, for one thing, so the hemline goes elegantly to the knee on me rather than above it. The dress skims nicely all over, not too loose, not too fitted.

2. The lining is shorter than the lace overlay which hangs about an inch longer for interest.

3. The bell sleeves are way too long for me but I'm having them shortened -- this should not affect the bell shape. I will keep them on the long side, to thumb knuckle length.

4. The lace overlay is dark charcoal metallic, not black. So it has a subtle all over shimmer to it. LOVE!

THE QUANDARY -- how to accessorize???

1. Clutch: I have a ton of clutches but not sure they will go with this dress? Would like suggestions here, if I was to add yet another clutch, what would you recommend?

2. Jewelry: I'm leaning towards keeping in simple and wearing no jewelry at all, as the dress with it's lace + sparkle seems to be enough bling?

3. Footwear/hose: I'm likely just going to wear my trusty black suede tall boots with this (heeled, pointy toed, dressy), for completely practical matters. In February and at this venue it's FREEZING. I'll want socks over my hose and under the boots. I know this from long experience with this event. I think they'll look fine as the dress shape has a somewhat mod feel to it. But, what hose? Nudes? Black sheers? Other?

4. Coat: will be my black Burberry trench.

Suggestions???

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

8 years ago

Helena

Veteran

Shiny, what a great dress, and it immediately reminded me of Angie's lace dress from last winter: http://youlookfab.com/2014/12/.....-holidays/

Perhaps dark hose, and a metallic clutch, like Angie did? I agree with keeping the jewellery minimal; perhaps small sparkly studs ... anymore would take away from the impact of the lace imho

Mellllls

i would do sheer black hose if it is a formal event and you are wearing boots. as for a clutch, i think you scan go a few different ways…..what do you already have?

UmmLila (Lisa)

Black dress and black boots is a lot of black. I'd say definitely sheer hose, even if black, and think about adding in color with your bag and accessories. If it wasn't going to be cold I'd say do silver shoes and bag and nude for you hose.

JAileen

Sheer black stockings with your boots
Dangly earrings
Black clutch

shiny

Torontogirl, yes, it's similar but different shape -- strikes some weird balance, not quite a shift dress, not quite a sheath. There's no blush/nude underlay like Angie's; the lining is black. The lace overlay isn't black like in the photo; it's charcoal metallic. So it reads more dark gray than black? And more shimmery.

So, I'm not sure if a metallic clutch would work? Too much metallic? Velvet could be nice but if I'm doing suede boots, too much? If black clutch, too dark and all over black?

Mellllls, I already have:

1) White leather clutch. Haven't worn this a lot recently, but I still have it. I used to wear it all the time with giraffe print heels and pearls, black or grey outfit. I don't think of it as formal though, since I would wear it all the time for any occasion, occasionally for formals.

2) A white/cream snake skin box clutch with gold hardware. I don't think gold will go with the charcoal metallic? It is also on the small side, not as practical.

3) A black clutch with gold hardware. See above -- don't think gold will work?

4) Leopard clutch and an Icelandic fish skin clutch -- not going to work with this dress. Too busy.

5) Then I have solid color leather clutches I use for work purposes all the time: cognac, black, red. The red might work but would it read formal enough? Hmm. Maybe it would...

I've got pictures somewhere I could post here... would have to dig them up...

DonnaF

At Ross/similar discount place I recently saw charcoal metallic hose. I wonder if they would be warmer or at least allow you to double up (nude underneath) on the hose?

I would wear earrings. . . .diamonds or pearls?

Maybe it's time for a satin clutch? Red might read too Christmas-y, but how about a lighter color that would also go with other dressy outfits you own?

Nordstrom online has a number of dressy clutches, incl. a champagne satin and a number of metallics.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Since you're going to wear a black dress with tall black boots - I vote PILE OF PEARLS to break up the expanse of black. Happy clutch and strong lippie.

Amazon

Kenneth Jay Lane Bride Rose Three Row Statement Simulated Crystal Pearl Strand Necklace

View Info

Top Pick

Kenneth Jay Lane KENNETH JAY LANE-3 STRAND SILVER PEARL CLUSTER DROPS NECKLACE-14KT GOLD PLATE

Kenneth Jay Lane Glass Pearl Three-Row Necklace, 18"

Kenneth Jay Lane Multi-Strand Faux-Pearl Necklace

Shopbop

Choker Necklace

$50.00 $35.00

Sale

Kenneth Jay Lane Pearl Cluster Necklace

Countess Collar Necklace

$55.00 $38.50

unfrumped

Does the lace overlay give a sort of gray-pinky nude area in it? Maybe capitalize on that as a "color".
Echoing Angie's pearls, what about a sort of pearlized clutch or patent leather, pale pink/mauvey. Of course this is a what-if and may not be obtainable. Or a clutch with a large pearl knob (less versatile for the clutch capsule though).
Or lavender, orchid, periwinkle. I was thinking that red or typical silver are predictable and a pale color would hint at spring and these look good with the charcoal.

Now that the sun's up, here is a better pic of the dress so you can see it's more of a metallic grey rather than black, along with some clutch options in my closet. Any of these work?

- White leather
- Black sequin - I totally forgot I had this one; I've had it for eons. I rarely use it because it's so small.
- Red leather - birthday gift from my DD#2, she brought it over from Italy. I like how the red pops with this, but is this clutch formal enough?
- Club Monaco metallic clutch - too busy or could this work?
- BR calf hair Polka dot clutch - I'm kinda liking this one, but you tell me?

Not shown - black clutch with gold studs and white box clutch with gold hardware. I don't think gold will work with this dress?

I do have other options for footwear, including a pair of purple suede pumps, but if it's cold out I will likely resort to the tall black suede boots instead.

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

VioletMyra

Active Member

The BR calf hair polka dot clutch has my vote.
I'm enjoying all the textures you could end up with as I think this makes for an interesting and elegant ensemble.
Best wishes.

El Cee

Another vote for the calf hair polka dot clutch, especially if you choose to wear the black suede boots. I agree with ecteacher0000 that this will make for an outfit with much textural interest, even though the elements are primarily black. Beautiful dress! Enjoy your party.

Red clutch.

Anonymous

I like the red one.

Category