Momentary Panic re WtW to an Event - YouLookFab Forum

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Momentary Panic re WtW to an Event

MsMaven

Veteran

"Where's the reunion going to be again?" I asked Mr. Maven.
"Oh, some really fancy hotel in downtown L.A." he answered.

A few minutes later the panic hit: What am I going to wear?

It's been years since I went to an event at a fancy hotel or similar place, I can't even remember when it was.

During the the pandemic I've experimented with color, with casual styles, and lots and lots of shoes for my ailing feet. Shoes! Yikes--forget the outfit: what will I wear on my feet?

Okay--12 years ago went to Mr. Maven's 40 year law school reunion. Nice affair in the Faculty Club. I can't find the photo of what I wore then, but there were only 18 of his former classmates there out of a class of about 110. Now it's going to be his 52 year reunion.

Tomorrow I'm going to start trying on outfits, but today my panic was shoes. I've been wearing "comfort" shoes the last 2 1/2 years. I have one pair of nice shoes: AGL, many years old. Right shoe hurts foot now. Looked online, ordered 2 pair Munro from Nordstrom, one from NAS. Anyone tried these?

Because of my problem feet the planning starts with my shoes.

I think I'll wear some nice jewelry and take a Chanel bag.

Any advice on what kind of outfit to wear to a nice event at a fancy hotel during these almost post-Covid times? If you've been to such an event, what are people wearing these days? (Can't believe I'm asking this, but I've been staying home for a long time.)

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Munro Danielle II Flat

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Munro Danielle Flat

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Dressing

21 replies

Latest reply was from unfrumped

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

How about these. According to Angie’s review, these two pieces match. And the shoe comes in other colors. How about a (faux leather?) blazer that coordinates with the shoes? (Cinq a Sept makes ones with pre-ruched sleeves that don’t look too office-y)

Eileen Fisher Juku Pump

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RAILS Maya Satin Midi Skirt

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RAILS Yolie Sleeveless Mock Neck Satin Blouse

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Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I have no idea what one would wear to such an event, either. But I'll get the ball rolling with a question: Is Mr. Maven wearing a tux or a suit? That can give us an idea of the level of formality you'll want to strike.

JAileen

Veteran

I have an event coming up this fall with the same problem - what to wear. For your event I would wear slacks and a top or sweater and jacket in lux materials. The materials will feel dressy, and yet the outfit itself can be very comfortable.

My upcoming event is a landmark anniversary party. I still have a couple months to figure it out.

MsMaven

Veteran

UmmLila great suggestions. I do like that top. I’d have to try on the shoes.

Firecracker, he’s wearing his very nice Armani sports coat only worn a couple of times.

JAleen, I like the idea of pants for comfort, but don’t have a dressy top. I’m going to start looking.

DonnaF

Veteran

Divine MsM: Unless your husband's classmates/spouses are on their second or third wives, probably most of them are struggling with foot/shoe issues and haven't been out much at all in the past couple of years. Since we're talking LA, are sandals an easier and more comfortable fit for you? Maybe in gold or rose gold? IIRC, you're not a silver person.

I like the idea of separates.

notsaf

Veteran

Very much something to celebrate! I think all bets are off when it comes to footwear these days. Could you do a flashy dress sneaker (silver Ecco’s, or similar) with whatever you choose for an outfit (like Ul’s suggestion). I think that would look both modern and appropriate to the venue, no matter the age, esp if Mr M is in a sport coat. Just a thought!

MsMaven

Veteran

Donna, you are right. I keep reminding myself that all of us will be 52 years older than we were in 1970, and there will probably be some new faces.

By the way, there were two women law students in the class of 1970. Many changes since then.

We are funding a scholarship for one law student each year, so I expect we might get some recognition. Maybe our student will be there! I'd love to meet her in person.

I think I'll be better off with regular shoes. I have "medium" bunions and an overlapping toe--I don't want to have to worry about keeping it where it belongs.

Yes, separates. I'll try on my skirts tomorrow and see if any of them still fit. That will give me an idea of the right size.

Notsaf, his Armani jacket is pretty snazzy. I'll find a photo. I do want to coordinate with him. I have a pair of metallic gold Ecco slip on shoes. They are on the possible list.

Yikes, I do have a big hole in my closet.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I don't have any better suggestions but think it is lovely the event is funding a student and am sure you and Mr. Maven will look smashing! Agree completely to start with shoes - painful feet show on the face.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Sounds like you have a lot of leeway, then, on what to wear. Lots of great ideas here already! I hope you'll show us.

And that would be so fun, for you to meet the student your gift is supporting.

Bijou

Veteran

MsM - I went to a ball on the weekend, my friend's husband had come down with a cold and so she asked me if I would be her date. It was a fun night out, we laughed and danced the night away. My friend wore sneakers with her full length ball gown on the basis that she was going to be on her feet and just wanted to have fun. She looked gorgeous and flat shoes and sneakers seem more fashion forward that heels these days. I was envious that I hadn't done the same.

Wear your favourite comfy shoes, your Chanel handbag and killer jewellery and enjoy the evening. Don't be afraid to have your shoes being less dressy than your outfit, that sort of juxtaposition can really work - your metallic Ecco's sound ideal. You always look stylish and beautiful.

A dress from the US that I added to my Finds, simply because I love the style and cut is this dress from Emporio Armani. A dress like this is sooo useful because it can take you anywhere. It is sold out at NM, but you may be able to find it or something similar.

EMPORIO ARMANI Emporio Armani Techno Cady Knotted Shift Dress

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Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I like the spectator look of the toe cap on the first pair of Munros. Like you, I can’t picture wearing sneakers with dressy items. No shade on anyone who does though! Since Angie’s post included a blue slip dress the other day, they’ve been on my mind. You’ve got the figure for one, but they can come across as flashy so you might not be into it.

Very cool that you guys sponsor a law student every year, so she can go into any field she wants to, debt-free! I hope you do get to meet this year’s student.

Are there other people there who are not (spouses of) members of the class, or will it likely be a small gathering again?

rachylou

Veteran

I feel that in my neck of the woods, the uniform is Eileen Fisher, comfortable shoes - oxfords even, and a spectacularly interesting necklace is it… YMMV…(!)

avicennia

Veteran

Ms Maven — wonderful to hear that you’ll be sponsoring a student. I agree with the team, start with the shoes as comfort is a must!

cat2

Veteran

If it’s sportcoat territory for your husband, Boden has some pretty silk dresses that would work. If it’s more formal, Tadashi Shoji has short non body con lace dresses that are just gorgeous.

MsMaven

Veteran

Bijou, I love that dress! I like that it is more architectural, not clingy or puffy. Inspirational and would be great to have.

Stag, I expect a smaller group plus spouses. I checked and it's going to be at the California Club, a particularly stodgy old-time club, although they've been forced to modernize a bit. You're right, and thank you on the slip dress. I wouldn't feel comfortable on this occasion. I don't know if any of the faculty will be there.

Rachy, I think I know what you mean. Lately I've kind of turned on EF. Can't ever find anything I like there.

Avicennia, the second pair is sold out, so I hope the first will work. I wear size 11, which makes it harder to find something I like.

cat, I haven't looked at Tadashi Shoji for a long time.

Back to UmmLila's suggestion, I did order the satin top--not so sure about the high neck with my body, but I'll try it. I also found a satiny Vince Camuto sleeveless V-neck that might work under a jacket.

More shopping to do!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

MsMaven, as for shoes, I believe you have bunions? May I suggest these sites for footwear. The shoes could REALLY save your feet:

https://us.solebliss.com

https://callashoes.com/?gclid=.....gKxQfD_BwE

Don't know if you can get them in time for the event, though.

To answer your question, if I was going to an event soon, I'd shop my closet and wear a suit, navy lace dress, or tulle skirt outfit of sorts. Dress up the look up with a pile of pearls, vintage Yorkie brooch, and cream Furla clutch.

Can we help you find a dress?

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MsMaven

Veteran

Thanks so much, Angie. When I saw your suit I realized that I could really use a suit like that--it would work for so many occasions! Looking at dresses, I'd love to get a tuxedo dress too, but it has to be at least knee length. I've been thinking about it as a long term major investment, but haven't gotten serious yet.

Yes I have bunions and a toe that wants to cross over the big toe, and arthritis in some of my left foot joints and metatarsal. What irony, my bunions have never been painful, they just make it harder to find comfortable shoes.

I will have a chance to go shopping at the Stanford Mall next week. If I don't figure out anything before then, I'll stop into NM, Bloomies, and Nordstrom.

I'll check out the shoes you suggest. I do have a black lace skirt--hmm, maybe my black jacket could make a suit look with it. You're already inspiring me!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sounds good, MsMaven! Keep us in the loop so we can help you out.

A good pants suit is TRULY a handy thing to have when you enjoy wearing trousers.

YES. Let's see the skirt and jacket you have in mind - with the jewels and Chanel bag too

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

A pants suit sounds perfect for you!

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lyn67

Veteran

Nice reason to panic for:-), can't wait to see what you have come up with!

unfrumped

Veteran

I have similar foot issues but have been able to wear some ankle strap flats especially in suede, which is softer. Even with slight pointy toe, a kind of “ wide triangle “ works— also the strapping and higher heel cage keeps shoe on and lets me size up just a bit, more than plain flats.
Several styles that were working for me are no longer made. But EF Ingle flat still available from several stores, Nordstrom, Zappos and other. I have a couple EF styles that are better, flatter/ broader heel but no longer sold except Poshmark etc. And no more of my fave Paul Green.
These are not all- day shoes for me but ones I keep for special events.