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Frustrated about Dressier Outfits

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I rarely have a need to dress up. My closet shows this. Painfully. Tomorrow night I am attending a special dinner at a nice restaurant. It's not in honor of me or anything, just a family event. Anyway, I am truly struggling on what to wear. I thought I had it all sorted. But now it's going to be like 98 degrees and what I thought I might wear feels like a lead weight in this heat.

I'd love to wear my linen grey slouchy trousers because they are coooool. I'd also love to wear a simple, non-clingy top.

This is what I've come up (note, haven't ironed either piece yet) with but I'm wondering if it's "dressy" enough. The restaurant dress code is "business casual" or "dressy business" according to reviews.

Dressing

19 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

DonnaF

Veteran

How much do you think you would be in the heat? Only from car to restaurant? Are restaurants super AC'd out your way or not so much due to skylights and the like? What I'm wondering is if it might actually be cool enough to wear what you had planned?

unfrumped

Veteran

Most restaurants these days are not very formal so the vibe you may be going for is to look like you made the good effort and look nice and festive. I think you could wear that outfit no problemo so I think you have a FFBO there and no panic is needed, but would you like to err on the side of being a bit more dressy/festive if you can SYC to do it? If the tank top and trousers are the base, they can make a good neutral backdrop and could be dressed up a bit more with accessories without being hot (temp-wise). Do you have some lighter and brighter items? More dressy footwear (since it's sitting-down event), maybe more fun summery jewelry, a sparkly belt, maybe a more refined bag, or lighter or brighter color ? Not necessarily all of those items together, of course.

Liz A.

Veteran

I think it would be wise to determine what other guests would be wearing... unless it's not important to jive with a certain level of dress. To me this looks quite casual.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

DonnaF - it is indoors but truthfully I'm not sure my other outfit was that much dressier, just more covered. But it is Texas and there is a certain amount of casual to everything here.

unfrumpted - yes, I thought maybe I would keep trying on making more of an "outfit" from this. I wonder, is it more the top and shoes that is not dressy enough or the pants, belt and bag as well?

Liz - I think there will be a range of dressiness after talking to some of the other family members. The men won't be wearing suits so it's not quite that dressy, but I'm sure some of the younger girls will wear dresses and heels. I could wear heels. I have black ponte pants but they didn't feel all that dressy to me either.

Beth Ann

Veteran

First off, kudos for you for filling your closet with clothes for you "real" life!

I suspect the outfit (which looks great) you're wearing here will be dressy enough for the event. If you want to kick it up a notch, I think heels would help, as would elements of shine, or festive color.

Oh -- and I would beware of A/C ---- perhaps a wrapper or light sweater/jacket in case you end up refrigerated!

Thistle

Veteran

What Beth Ann said!

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I have a very light black ruffled edge cardi that might work and might add the right touch of formal to this outfit - along with heels and more jewelry (I have some options there but was focusing on the basics first). Thanks ladies - you are always so helpful!

Anonymous

I think the basic outfit is just fine. I think heels and a dressier topper and jewellery will add the finishing touch.

And by just fine, I mean you look great!

pil

Veteran

I want your belt!!

This is lovely, the grays are quietly sophisticated. Nothing new to add, I like the idea of heels and your ruffled cardi. Have fun!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I think dressier shoes is all you need - these sandals do dress it down a lot.

Rambling Ann

(website)

Veteran

Too bad it's so bloody hot. The right cowboy boots and you are good to go, unless things have really changed in Texas

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You always look beautiful and casually elegant. And you have your real-life style completely nailed! I suspect maybe it is time to beef up the dressy capsule. (Something I've needed to do all of a sudden, too, as you know all too well!) For those of us who live mostly casual lives it can be difficult to justify the cost for those kinds of items, yet I do think it pays off in the long run to have a couple of outfits (a hot weather and a cold weather outfit, I would say) for dressiest occasions. But for now, you can make do with a version of this and never fear, you will look fantastic.

I think the pants would work just fine with a different belt and shoes and perhaps your cardigan. The pants seem like a nice simple backdrop that you could do a lot with. And that top looks great on you, too, but perhaps reads as casual because of its tank shape.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Ditto on fancier shoes being the first thought for dressing up this look. I also lead a very casual life, but am so happy to have a couple of dressy looks in the closet at the ready for such occasions.

Archer

Veteran

Ceit said exactly what I thought. Last thought tho - do you have a little bag with some spunk?

Scarlet

Veteran

I think heels with more jewelry sounds great. I know what you mean. I rarely need to dress up but when I do, I go back to some skirts and dresses that have been in my closet for years and I do love them when I have the chance to wear them. Ditto on heels. I am forbidden to buy any but I have a few old pairs that I love.

Deborah

Veteran

I think you have good advice and I can only agree that heel and accessories would add a special something. You look great.

Isis

Veteran

Do you think your linen blazer might dress this up? Probably cool enough in the restaurant for a topper.

K. Period.

Veteran

Yup. Me too. Heels. Accessories. Do you have a metallic belt yet? I love how mine is both dressy and casual. I'd love to see this with a silver or pewter belt. The gleam of metallic will read richer and dressier than the leopard, which I love for oh so many other reasons and outfits!

rachylou

Veteran

What Beth Ann said - kudos for filling your closet for your life!

I think, too, a little jacket and heels, and you'd be good to go.