Help for Fancy Soiree - YouLookFab Forum

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Help for Fancy Soiree

Patty

Veteran

My husband's college is celebrating staff and faculty with ten and more years of devoted service with a fancy appreciation presentation and dinner---> my stomach is already in knots---what do you wear to something like this??????????
I HATE this kinda stuff and he's not so keen either but we must be adults sometime and it's not about me--it's about my man and HIS 11 years of teaching the craft he is very passionate about-animation -and has a big reputation about just that at the school.

So what do you wear?? I need your experience ladies--from soup to nuts!!
I am not a make up person either so am stymied about that as well--I am already self-conscious enuff let alone adding the shellac!!!

General

16 replies

Latest reply was from Katiepea

HelenInCanada

Veteran

Patty, how about something like this?
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/je.....tback=1422

Or:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/do.....ltback=480

I think they're dressy and up-to-date but a little on the low-key side, perfect for letting your hub be the centre of attention!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Congratulations to your husband!

And relax. While the cat pee boots PROBABLY wouldn't be the best choice for this soirée, if it's a typical academic crowd, just about anything else could pass muster!

First, though, some questions:

1. Where will the event be held? Will be it catered on campus, in someone's home, or in a local restaurant?

2. How many people will be attending?

3. What is the formality level of your town in general?

4. How formal (or informal) do people tend to be around campus?

My husband's an academic, too, and I have also taught at the university and at our local college from time to time. I have actually attended an event exactly like this for him! In our city, I'd feel perfectly appropriate wearing any of the following to this type of event:

A not-too-sexy dress with a jacket or dressy cardi, to be removed or not, depending on heat. (This was my choice).

Dressy trousers with a blouse and jacket or dressy sweater and appropriate accessories.

A skirt-and-top combo that feels great, preferably with a jacket.

What I WOULDN'T wear, in my city, is a real over-the-top sexy cocktail type dress, or at least not one that I couldn't disguise a bit with a jacket. Where I live, this would seem like "trying too hard." Having said that, it would be good to find out more about this event if you can, because mores differ considerably from place to place.

As for makeup, if you feel best natural, go as natural as you can. No need for more than a bit of lip balm if that is all you usually wear!

Post some pics of your ideas so we can see!

Patty

Veteran

Suz --for what I know the evening is at the Oakville convention center--who knew Oakville had a convention center?? I don't know how many will be there but my best guess is lots. And I have no idea what the dress vibe is for these events --guessing again sorta formal/better than everyday---the campus is pretty casual--the course even more casual LOL.
Helen--thanks for the inspiration---I am sorta feeling like it is a dress event so have to try to get into that mind set.

And Suz thanks for eliminating the sexy over the top cocktail atire--I'd shoot myself first.

Patty

Veteran

I figure something with these shoes--that's a good start right??

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Elly

Veteran

I love your shoes. Maybe you should go a little audrey with a little sheath--- could be dressed up with some sparkle or down.

MNsara

Veteran

I love reading the advice so far I also like the idea of either one of your shoes with the Donna Ricco Shift Dress that HeleninCanada linked to. . .

It's classic in shape and style, and should be easy to wear.

I was also impressed by a dress that clearlyclaire recommended for anniep
http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.....atId=70660

I think you would look great in that style, neckline, length, sleeve length - and color. Your shoes would work beautifully with this also. Then a simple necklace in the neckline OR earrings, and a pretty watch or bracelet, and makeup is optional

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Suz has asked the key questions. But if you're referring to the Oakville that's near Toronto, is the town not a little more on the upscale side? That said, I see no reason to go competely crazy. If you have shoes, you're wise to dress around them. Find some sheer textured hose (microfishnets perhaps) and a dress, add a necklace and small bag and you're all set. If I were asked to turn up at this party in an hour, I would wear an eggplant sheath with matching bolero, pearls, microfishnets, black pumps and a touch of lipstick. Voila. Oh and a black clutch. If you don't ahve a dress and don't want to buy one, I'm positive you could come up with something appropriate using a pencil skirt and blouse. Which option appeals most in both practical and aesthetic terms?

Anonymous

A sheath dress in any flattering color sounds perfect for this event and something you can change a bit with accessories for future events.

Aunty

Veteran

The shoes ar gorgeous. Love the idea of a little Audrey number. LBD and some pearls? Or if not a dress how about some really lovely trousers and a jacket with just a hint of sparkle?

Deborah

Veteran

Hi Patty, all good advice here. A sheath dress is classic and would look lovely on your figure. Just wondered tho what you feel most comfortable in on a daily basis? I have a friend who wears mostly tailored trousers, flats and structured tops and or jackets ( and she always looks very stylish). I attended an event where all the women were in evening dresses and there was my friend in a dressy version of what she wears during the day. It was a stunning suit in a dressy evening fabric and seriously she was the most stylish woman in the room. So the point i am making is, is there a look you like and feel comfortable I. That you could translate into a special occasion outfit?

crwilson

Veteran

In my experience as an academic, even "formal" affairs have a pretty wide range of acceptable attire, so I second the suggestion of finding something that you feel comfortable in whether that's a dress, a skirt and blouse, or a pair of trousers and jacket. The only thing I wouldn't do is go all out cocktail, though of course, this does vary by university and geography. I love the shoes that you posted, and they look versatile enough to wear with a lot of different outfits.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Dress, heels, clutch and cover-up.

Get thee lovely self to a dress dept and snap some pics! I'm thinking straight sheath on the longer side. With or without sleeves. Try a blue or purple.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Patty, small world! I grew up in Oakville and my mom still lives there.

Your shoes are terrific. Either pair will work great. So...let's see some pics of what you're thinking of!

Patty

Veteran

Thanks so much ladies I so do need and appreciate your help! Please note that I get goofy when I am really stressed and I think it's showing here--more goofy than normal that is.
I do feel like this is a dress outting and not a pant suit/skirt and blouse kind of thing. I want to at least appear comfortable and adult like--I always think that pant suits on me look like a neon sign that reads "I hate dresses"--which I did coz I never had anything decent. I'd rather it read "please don't talk to me" LOL .
I thought I had something here but it doesn't work--a thrifted longer dress with no sleeves. I tried it on and now I know for sure I am going to need some kind of sleeve or at least something that more covers the pale front armpit crease. And a cover up is also a must because I freeze easily, my nose turns red then I get drowsy--not a good look! Also looking like a warm frumpy amateur is not the look I am going for either.
I will have a look around and will def post pics when I find something!

Michelle--yes it is THAT Oakville--childhood home of our Suz.. And yes they do like to do things up over there and it is making me a bit of a mess also--we don't run in those circles.
I want to get the worry of dressing over with so I can focus on dressing my man!! Knowing him it will be the good Hawaiian shirt and shorts.

stringy

Veteran

Your shoes are lovely!

Something that always helps me with formal events is seeing if there are any pictures online of events at the venue, or of earlier events with the same people. It gives you a feel for what's acceptable.

Also you might see someone wearing an outfit that you know you could manage without getting too far out of your comfort zone. There's a time to be adventurous, and this probably isn't it! You want to feel confident and supportive of your husband, not concerned about your outfit. Keep it simple and elegant rather than ritzy and glitzy, and you can't go wrong.

Katiepea

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I HATE feeling that way!

I keep thinking a black or dark neutral coloured, tailored and knee length dress with a lovely necklace. Maybe even thick chocker pearls or a-la Angie. I'm also thinking perhaps you could also take a pashmina/wrap with you to cover up instead of a jacket in a lovely colour as well as an additional accessory. That way it won't look like you are in a business suit. I am sure however, that whatever you come up with will be lovely, flattering and entirely appropriate! x