The department “holiday” party is coming up and as usual I am behind the curve on my dressy/party capsule. The dress code is always “festive attire” , and people do not usually go all-out cocktail-blingy. Plus most of the attendees are much younger!

Here’s about what I may have unless I do power-shopping. Sorry pics are so dark with dark items.

Bronze lace skirt, from TJMaxx, bought randomly over a year ago thinking it would be a good basic for a dressy capsule and not a tragedy if not used much. Merino boatneck sweater. Pumps I can walk in. Clutch--? Is this gold one “too much”? Otherwise I have black.

One concern is whether what I see as a little bunching issue at the side seam is very noticeable. I think that is due to not-highest quality vs. too tight! Fabber footwear would be great, but don’t have currently—my fantasy-life shooties (stlll waffling over) have a large silver buckle and grayish reptile trim, and I don’t think that mixes well with the bronze lace. Was not adding necklace bling because the sweater has a cabled neck. Could consider bracelet (would have to buy).

I think it’s pretty sedate, but I'm not coming up with much else. I considered trying to do something with the Leith's, but don't have the right top, plus they have the drawstring--would prefer a more dressy slouchy pant.

It it presentable? Sorry for having such a low bar.Conservative is better than competing with youngsters or having a wardrobe malfunction at this type of event, but of course I would have liked to have assembled something with more...? personality. Temps can be wacky—below freezing or mild, this time of year.