looking for a fancy topper for my LBD - YouLookFab Forum

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looking for a fancy topper for my LBD

Diana

Veteran

So I will be going to my fiance's work holiday party in the first week of January. It's an evening event and will most likely be pretty dressy but possibly on the conservative side (I have no idea really, he just started working there but it is a law firm in Boston). I think a LBD is probably the safest way to go. The one shown in the photos below is probably the most appropriate one I own, so unless i happen to find another dress between now and then it is what I will wear. My problem is that I don't have any appropriately dressy toppers to go with it. I've never worn it in the dead of winter and I'm pretty sure a shawl will not cut it. So please suggest some options for what I could wear on top! (I mean for indoors, obviously I will also have a big wool coat for outside.) I have a lot of blazers but they all make it look way too business-y and not evening or cocktail.

This Nanette Lepore green jacket might work but it's a bit out of my price range right now... but maybe something similar in lace?
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/na.....sultback=0

Or should I nix the idea of this dress altogether and try to find something with sleeves?

Please help! I am really at a loss here...

PS - the shoes are another issue, the ones I am wearing here are a bit dated looking I think but they are comfy and I have so many issues with dressy shoes, especially closed toe ones. I hope these are not too bad.

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Dressing

34 replies

Latest reply was from shiny

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs.....20CARDIGAN

Rabbit Heart

I think that all blazers would look business-y, especially all those that have lapels, so if you want something fancy, maybe you could try a pashmina or a similar type of shawl? The wrap in the first picture looks nice but too casual, so if you picked something fancier, it might look nice. I also like the flower brooch, but I wouldn't add the necklace. Hope this helps

rute

Veteran

Love this look:

http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs.....COLCHOADOS

Modern and chic! Maybe you could go for something similar. I find the shawl dated!

Jjsloane

Veteran

In love with both Zara suggestions, but also a lace, sparkly or embellished cardigan would be perfect. Cropped and 3/4, long or short sleeves. There is a ton of options in stores right now (but of course when you are looking for something specific you'll find nothing.) The shoes are ok if you're not in the market for new ones (I'd do metallic - but I'm Princess Magpie)

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I second Anna's suggestion -- not only is it a great modern topper for the dressy occasion, but it would also be fun to dress down with jeans and a tee. I love the idea of getting a jacket or topper that functions as more than just a special occasion piece, and that one is cool enough to work with your style.

Hard to see the shoes, but I'm not sure they read dressy enough to me. What's the heel like?

Debora

Veteran

Here's another sequined jacket:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/li.....sultback=0

And a lacy option:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fr.....sultback=0

Love the dress, Diana. I'm not sure about the shoes, either. Can we see a better look at them?

Glory

Veteran

I love the dress as well and think it will work very well for the event. I love the link to zara and the idea that you could get some additional wear out of a jacket like that. The idea for a glammed up cardigan is super and there would be many options. What are your thoughts on that idea?

Diana

Veteran

Thanks for the suggestions! I really like the idea of a sequin jacket or cardi. Will try to get to Zara soon to look at options. I really like the sequin jacket Debora posted too (plus the price is great!). They will all be pretty long on me though (the nordie's options are 22" so that is hip length for me); what do you all think of that length? Or should i look for a cropped option?

Rute, that is a really cool idea... reminds me a bit of Angie in her leather moto and ball gown! Unfortunately I'm pretty sure my moto is too casual - it's definitely more motorcycle and less refined than the one in your example. PS - I do actually have a ball skirt a la Angie but I don't have the guts to wear it to this particular event.

Rabbit, I think you are right that all blazers might be too businessy with this dress, since the dress by itself is not sparkly or embellished or anything. Just to be clear, I wouldn't wear the shawl in this photo to an event like this. It was actually for a wedding that I needed to dress down the black for a little bit. In any case, a pashmina is always an option but to be honest I worry I will freeze (January in Boston).

Re: the shoes. Here are a couple of snaps (with my webcam, lol). Best I can do right now, as my fiance stole my camera and I won't get it back for a couple of days. The heel is a skinny kitten heel. I think the toe shape is a little dated. I think these read as more business and less evening, but they are comfortable. Are they terrible? I have major fit and comfort issues with almost all pumps, so I am not confident I'd find anything I could stand to wear all night.

I probably *should* look for replacements though since, datedness or eveningness aside, these are quite old and the inside lining is coming off, etc, and need to be replaced anyway.

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

I agree that those shoes look too business-y and a bit dated. I think it's time to treat yourself to a new pair of fab shoes!

Debora

Veteran

Oh man, I can sympathize when it comes to finding comfortable pumps. It would be wonderful if you could find something dressier, though.

I wondered if those tops might be too long, too. Anthro has a few cropped holiday options. I would love to see you in something fun and youthful.

http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....ine_me.jsp

ETA: one more sequined cropped blazer at a decent price point:

http://www.ae.com/web/browse/p.....cat4260032

Diana

Veteran

Janet, for me shopping for dress shoes (especially pumps) is pretty much my least favorite thing to do ever. Much worse than bathing suits. But you are right. I need to do it. I would just much rather shop for sequin jackets. =)

shiny

Veteran

The dress is lovely and perfect for the occasion, especially since you can never go wrong with black when in Boston. (If you want to get an idea what people wear to events, keep an eye on Bill Brett's Party Scene here http://www.boston.com/lifestyl.....&cp=1).

You need new footwear, as those are looking tired. I'd recommend putting more effort into your shoe search and just pick a pretty pashmina for a topper.

At the most recent formal event I attended, I saw lots of platform pumps (nude is still popular), metallic strappy heels (worn without hose), and booties. I also saw quite a few women wearing dressy ballet flats, so that is another option if you don't like heels. I often wear tall boots to formal events held in the winter in Boston. I have a dressy pair, 2 inch heels, black suede. That way, I can wear warm socks underneath and my legs stay toasty. This year I may just opt for booties since that is in.

That Nanette Lapore jacket is gorgeous.

Diana

Veteran

Debora, love that AE jacket! And it's nice and cropped too. Will def. check it out.

Shiny, thanks for the tips! I might try this with my new booties. Ballet flats and pumps fall off my heels, especially with hose, but without hose I am cold and my toes rub. It's so hard to find nice looking sling backs or ankle straps with moderate heels. Sigh...

JuneBug

Veteran

I think a neat little blazer or fitted jacket (in jet black or sequinned) with a 3/4 sleeve, satiny lapels and possibly ending where your hips start , left unbuttoned might be go very well with your dress for a non stuffy, yet formal look.

Here's a link as an example:

http://www.charlotterusse.com/.....217758.uts

I cannot recommend the very piece as I haven't shopped at this store but this particular style might work with your outfit.

For the footwear, I suggest you try a new pair to go with your outfit, something black and closed. You could go with lower heels (2"-3") and add an insole for more comfort!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I sympathize on the shoe shopping thing! I have the opposite problem.

These popped up on the page of Anthro selections that Debora posted:

http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....194192.jsp

Maybe something similar to that? Those toes look a bit pointy for comfort, but I'm thinking that a metallic wedge mary jane style could be really fab on you. Something with some sparkle.

JR

Veteran

I wouldn't worry about a shawl not being warm enough. You can always wear a cardigan or blazer under your overcoat for warmth outdoors, and change it for a shawl when you get inside. I am hardly experienced in cocktail parties, but I am guessing that the room will be well-heated. Ladies often wear pretty skimpy dresses to these things.

I would wear one that goes down longer than the one in your photo though, preferably one with some sparkle or shimmer. That might prove to be more versatile than a party topper, but it's you who can best judge that.

This being your first exposure to this particular crowd, playing middle-of-the-road is probably the best way to go. We think of lawyers as being conservative, but there are some pretty quirky lawyers out there, so they might be more tolerant of individuality than we think. But it's best to play it safe in the beginning. No point in putting people off needlessly.

Diana

Veteran

What do we think of this? Too gold? would black be better? Actually I would love midnight blue too...

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/el.....sultback=0

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Diana, I think that's adorable, and I bet it would look great on you. I don't think it's too gold at all. Midnight blue would be really nice also.

JR

Veteran

It looks more silver than gold to my eye, no matter what the text says, but that might just be the photo. It's cute, in any event. I don't think you could go wrong with either colour.

catgirl

Veteran

I have a furry grey sequined cropped shrug/jacket from F21 that I've worn over a dress... I'd suggest something like that, fun, dressy and glam!

Debora

Veteran

Love the bolero! You're smart to be thinking of this now while there's such a great selection. You'll look fab, Diana!

Diana

Veteran

OK, I'm going to order the bolero. Hey, it's from Nordie's so it's a free pass if I don't like it anyway. I'm also going to try to see if I can find the cropped black jacket from AE that Debora posted further up.

Now for shoes... anyone have any suggestions?

JR

Veteran

Can you do strappy slingbacks? That would accommodate a narrow heel (I think, no experience there) and avoid the business-y look.

Diana

Veteran

JR, the original shoes are actually slingbacks too. I was going to look for those in any case. Like you mentioned, they are a lot easier to keep on my foot. The easiest thing for me to fit is slingback sandals (I have a couple of pairs already) but for this particular case I need a closed toe so I can wear hose and, you know, not look totally seasonally confused.

JR

Veteran

Somehow, I don't think the same seasonal rules apply to holiday parties. Hope not, because I've worn strappy metallic slingbacks to holiday parties. With sandalfoot hose.

But maybe I was just clueless.

moira

Veteran

Depending on when in January, after NYE the consignment stores are flooded with fancy clothes by women who only wear stuff once.
I would think regular retailers begin slashing prices on Jan 2nd as well.
Perhaps you could wait?
The dress is perfect, stylish and classy.
Yes. Treat yourself to some cute sexy new shoes.

unfrumped

Veteran

Because that looks like a kind of fit and flare style dress, I love the idea of a fitted short cardigan in a sparkly or vibrant contrast color in a dressy fabric. You have a lot of options since the dress is solid black without embellishments. Cardis are likely to be more affordable but you might also find a short boxy evening jacket that works--similar to what you just linked.

Now is the perfect time to browse brick& mortar if you have time. I've seen evening-wear topper items in just about every "line" of clothing in local large dept stores, plus WHBM, AT, & other stores. I'd actually consider wearing the dress, with a comfy jacket, tights and flats for shopping, so you can see exactly how the lines of various toppers go with your dress. Even if you still do more shopping on-line, it might give you an idea of the style/fit that's most flattering with the dress & help focus your selections.

You can of course use a pashmina or other wrap, a sparkly wrap, but I'd only do that if you're pretty warm-natured. I find I have to just stay wrapped up the whole time, and am a lot more comfortable in some kind of sleeve that stays put and looks like it's part of the outfit or a starring role in the outfit. It's so hard to find dresses with sleeves that I think it will just be my strategy to find great-fitting sleeveless dresses that lend themselves to perfect toppers.

Dressier shoes would be great, but I'm no help there--they're my nemesis. Once you find your perfect topper, then you can determine how much jewelry and little dressy clutch you add, depending on what's blinging or not.

Anonymous

Love the cropped jacket you ordered. Has anyone mentioned a faux fur stole for the warmth? You are young enough that I don't think it would come off as matronly on you. I second the need for a new pair of shoes (sorry). I like to try to save people money!

Diana

Veteran

Ah, ladies, I have a major poison eye for fur, both real and faux. Should have mentioned that earlier!

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