Need help with special occasion outfit ETA Update II - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Need help with special occasion outfit ETA Update II

Astrid

Veteran

Sorry for my absence these last few weeks, life's been busy... At the end of January we have a special occasion coming up, my Dad's 50th birthday. The celebration will be in a restaurant in the evening, with family, friends, neighbours, colleagues... Quite a few people. My dad's definitely going to wear a suit with necktie, maybe a three piece suit. The evening will be mostly sitting down inside. My mum might wear a skirt suit, my brothers probably suit pants and a button down shirt, no idea about my sister.

I don't have a fancy dress and I'm wondering if I need to buy one. I have a new pair of shoes I'm going to wear, the Clarks in pic #1. I was wondering if I could maybe get away with basically wearing outfit #2 just with a lighter colored pullover. They have the navy one I'm wearing in the picture also in a lovely green that I think would go well with the outfit, if the color turns out similar to the green in #4. They also have that same color in a turtleneck, so that would be another option. Both would probably get a lot of wear in everyday life too. I could also change the tights and additionally put some money in a bag. Maybe I could do something with jewelry too?

The other option would be to search for a longsleeved dress, but I'm not sure I'm going to find anything on short notice and I really don't want to spend the next three weeks shopping and ordering and returning. I could also look for a dressier skirt to wear with either the navy or the green pullover.

What do you think? Would that be dressy enough? Any idea about dressing it up? Or should I look for a dress or skirt?

All suggestions welcome.

This post has 5 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Dressing

112 replies

Latest reply was from Astrid

unfrumped

Veteran

Betsy birthday wishes to dear dad!
For sit down event like tgat I think the cocept is" festive" and not cocktail, even though that would be find if you had it
This is a great time for nice face- framing jewelry-necklace or earrings-shine or sparkle but not red- carpet. Could you even borrow something?
Hsndbag is fun but doesn't " show" much in this setting. Lighter top might photo better, not sure--

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hmmm. The sweaters are lovely and could be dressed up with the right accessories. But will others be wearing something a little less like their ordinary daily wear? I am wondering if a silky blouse or even a peplum top to go with the skirt might be an option. I know you do have some limitations and can't just rush off to H&M to buy given your fashion goals -- though if you could, I'll bet you'd find something festive at a great price. I am just thinking it would be nice to inject a bit more femininity into this outfit.

I keep wanting to see lighter hose, too, or more sheer at least. And the shoes, while fantastic for your daily life, do not look "dressy" to me. Having said that, I do think with the right combination of other items they could work really well.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I think you are right to focus up top since it's a sit down dinner. And I agree that shopping for a new dress with a tight timeline isn't ideal. The green sweater looks nice but could use some jewelry to make it more festive. Maybe some nice sparkly or shiny earrings and a bracelet? I have trouble wearing shorter necklaces with this type of neckline but if you wear long pendants, that could work.

Diana

Veteran

I would do a "fake dress" like this outfit of mine below. It's not a real dress, but a tube skirt + shell. Do you have a plain black skirt? You could maybe even pair it with the black pullover in the original outfit. Then pop a colorful blazer or wrap over the top. And maybe some sparkly jewelry.

I think the lighter sweater + patterned skirt would be a nice pairing but may look a little too casual or everyday, compared to what you describe others will be wearing.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Anonymous

I think you need something a bit dressier, but I guess it depends on what the other women are wearing. The check in the skirt reads quite casual to me.

Astrid

Veteran

Unfrumped, thanks! Yes I think "festive" is right. Good reminder to focus on the top part of the outfit, it probably won't make much sense to look for another skirt. As for the bag, I might finally splurge on one of those bags I posted about a while ago, if the rest of the outfit turns out to be not as expensive. I don't really own any sparkly jewelry, I don't have statement pieces either. But shopping for a necklace might be fun...

Thanks Suz! I guess others will wear something less ordinary, but then they dress way more casual otherwise. I think Unfrumped is right and I don't need a cocktail dress, I would have looked for a dressy day dress. I did think about buying a silky top I could tuck into the skirt, but then I'd need something to wear over it too. Right now the only thing I have would be my grey cardigan, but that's definitely not as festive. I can definitely buy a patterned hose with a sheerer pattern and layer over nude hose, that should be warm enough. But I'd pick based on the rest of the outfit, so that should come first.

Thanks Texstyle! Earrings are a bit problematic because I can't wear fashion jewelry earrings, but I could definitely see a pendant necklace with the pullover. I think you're right and a shorter necklice might be difficult to get right.

ETA

Thanks Diana. No black skirt unfortunately, in fact I don't have any solid colored skirt right now. And I don't have a blazer that fits well either. My wardrobe really is rather bare.

Thanks Smittie. I agree, the checks might read a bit too casual...

Helena

Veteran

Astrid, at the risk of being a bore, this sounds like an "if in doubt, wear black" moment ... if it was me, I might stick with outfit #2 with the black top, then add some sparkle or shine, as per your preference, in the way of jewellery, purse or whatever. I just find black has that magical quality of looking the right amount of dressy, even if you are technically a little underdressed relative to others. Just a thought Enjoy the occasion!

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks. The pullover in #2 is navy, but I know what you mean. And my family is usually rather casual, where I'm coming from you don't wear cocktail dresses besides when you go to the dance. Family Christmas dinner for example usually means a button down shirt and a decent pair of jeans. So I don't think dressy everyday clothes would be too much of a problem. What makes it maybe too casual in my case are the fabrics, especially next to a suit.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I think you should get a long sleeved dress for the occasion - or at least try to get one. Effort is a good thing! These pullovers seem too casual for the dress code, despite the idea of a dressier skirt.

El Cee

Veteran

Hi Astrid -- I can relate to your concern as I, too, have a rather casual lifestyle. Spending lots of money on party/special occasion clothes makes no sense for me. Although I have developed a small dressy capsule for weddings and semi-formal events, for less fancy occasions I often choose to dress up what I already have in my everyday wardrobe. Where I live (Connecticut, USA), a lot of ladies dress up their plaid/tartan wool skirts for holiday parties using accessories (statement necklaces, layered pendants, long pearl strands, luxe velvet scarves, fancy clutch purses and sparkly brooches). Perhaps this strategy would suffice for you for this occasion. Tried to find a couple of examples (below).

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Angie! I'm going to see what I can find, maybe I'm lucky. It would be great to have a nice dress.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks El Cee! I think I'm going to look for a dress (dressy but not cocktail) and also try to work on an alternative with the skirt. I think I'm going to order the pullover, which will be useful in any case. And maybe look for a lovely statement necklace/pendant at the same time as I'm looking for a dress.

rachylou

Veteran

I'd try for a dress too. It's a good excuse and if you don't find one, whatever! I like the idea of the darker sweater with a sparkly pin or pendant. More svelte.

Diana

Veteran

How about a slightly fitted sweater dress? It would be easy to dress up or down for different occasions, especially if you got a dark, solid color.

catgirl

Veteran

Do you have anything matchy you could use to create the illusion of a dress? These are nice outfits but look more workday practical than party/celebration. Or add some bling if you can find something cheap or borrow a sparkly piece.

Astrid

Veteran

Rachylou you're right, it is a good excuse. And I just ordered another pullover, but a charcoal so it's more of a column of color with the skirt above. This one also has a deeper neckline than my navy pullover. I'll post some pics when it arrives. And keep you all up to date on dress/necklace shopping.

Thanks Diana! I'm not sure if a sweater dress wouldn't look just as casual, but if I find one that looks promising I'll try it on.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

El Cee

Veteran

Ooooh! I like Diana's idea of a sweater dress (perhaps in a dark solid color). They are so cozy (feel like PJ's to me) but can still be dressed up. I just got this one from Old Navy in November -- very inexpensive. I have worn it multiple times -- to both dressy and casual events, just varying the footwear and accessories. (I believe that Karie has the same dress.) You probably do not have Old Navy available to you where you live but perhaps there is a similar alternative.

V-Neck Sweater Dress

View Info

Top Pick

2

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Una! Yes, not really party... If I end up with skirt and pullover I definitely need some jewelry, plus maybe fun nailpolish and hose, to make it less "office".

El Cee that one looks lovely, great color. And you're right we don't have Old Navy, but I think there should be something similar out there. Although I think I'd want the dress to be more dressy, maybe with a nice pattern, if I really buy one for the occasion.

unfrumped

Veteran

I think there is " try" and there is backup plan.
It is likely you can make use of just the right slightly dressier dress if you can find one. So Angie's " effort" makes sense in that this TYPE of occasion allows for dressier garb. Second idea is a dressier sweater- fairly easy to find. Plus some jewelry but again, if you're buying, then it should have some staying power.
So this may be a wardrobe hole that you'd like to fill if you could.
What I don't want to do is encourage you( or others) to buy something not good out of pressure or rush and conventions and feeling meh that what we have is not good enough and has to be fixed now. That works against building a quality wardrobe.

Joy

Veteran

Astrid, you always wear scarves so well. As plan B if you don't find a dress, how about a festive scarf to brighten your outfit? It would be on top for the dinner, so on display. You might look for a silky indoor scarf for this event.. Wear more and brighter makeup than usual, especially for photos. For a similar even for my parents I ended up wearing a jumpsuit and that got lots of compliments...just a thought.

Astrid

Veteran

Unfrumped, you're so right! Agree completely. I would like to have a dressier dress in my wardrobe that isn't a summer dress, but I won't buy just anything just for the sake of wearing a dress instead. Same for the jewelry, I'm not going to buy anything just to have something. Only if I truly like it and can see myself enjoying it on other occasions too.

Joy, that's a great idea! Also with the make up. I agree that just a little bit can make big difference, especially because I normally wear almost no make up at all. The pic below was taken a few days ago, my oldest friend was visiting and we decided spontaneously on an evening at the opera. I usually do my eyebrows nowadays but nothing otherwise, this time she convinced me to add mascara and some lipstick. Even I can see the difference.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Runcarla

Veteran

I'm noticing a trend, Astrid! This is not the first time you have posted about the challenge of dressing for a special occaision and not having an option in your closet. I think you have a lovely floral dress, but it might be too summery for this occaision? I'm thinking you need a special occaision dress that is still simple enough that it can be changed up with accessories, etc - or that you love and is just plain fab on its own. (My fallback LBD is 5 years old.)

Maybe a dark velvet dress (black, navy, eggplant)? Once you have such a dress in your closet, you might find you reach for it more than you think!

viva

Veteran

I am also advocating for a dress for your wardrobe, Astrid. it would be so nice for you to have one to bring out at times like this, and if it's not too fancy -- like a sweater dress -- you can get some real wear out of it. Dress it up with a silk scarf or necklace, dress it down with opaque tights and boots. (I've added two beautiful dresses from Aritizia -- a sweater dress and a winter floral. I could see you in either type. I couldn't get Collect to work - sorry!)

And, I must say, do your makeup for this party!!! You are always a beautiful young woman, but your "opera face" is STUNNING. That alone raises the bar and makes you party-ready. Have a wonderful time!

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I also think you need to find yourself a nice mid-level dressy dress. I was thinking the Vince silk one that everyone bought in the fall would be perfect. A sweater dress is a great idea.

But if you don't find something in time, I think you could make your pullovers work, with a nice silky drapy scarf. Tied loosely around your neck, not hanging down. And maybe with a nice brooch. And sheerer hose.

lyn67

Veteran

If finding a dressier dress for the occasion would be still an option then each time when wearing again you would be able to recall that you wore it first time on your DFather's 50th Birthday!!! And this would be so freakingly amazing!

Inge

(website)

I like all the tips for dressing up your skirt and pullover with scarf or jewellery and sheer hosiery, Astrid. And your opera make-up is gorgeous, definitely do that on the night of the party too;-)

I agree though that finding a great dress would be ideal. Special occasions are bound to come up once in a while, and you could also wear it for fun evenings out, or even for daytime with more casual support acts. I know it can be hard work and time-consuming to find the right one, but as January is Winter sales month in our neck of the woods, this might be perfect timing;-)

I've added some dresses below to see what you think.

Jurk Met Etnische Borduursel

View Info

Top Pick

0

Jurk Met Etnische Borduursel

View Info

Top Pick

1

Jurk Met Print En Ceintuur

View Info

Top Pick

0

Jurk Met Steekzakken

View Info

Top Pick

1

Jurk Met Steekzakken

View Info

Top Pick

2

Stretchy jersey jurk met print all-over

View Info

Top Pick

0

Sparkly Velvet Dress

View Info

Top Pick

0

Combined Lace Dress

View Info

Top Pick

0

Jurk Met Bloempatroon

View Info

Top Pick

0

Jurk Met Bloempatroon

View Info

Top Pick

0

View Info

Top Pick

1

View Info

Top Pick

0

View Info

Top Pick

0

Astrid

Veteran

Runcarla, you're totally right, it wasn't the first time! I usually look, don't find anything in time and then wear something else. And afterwards I can't bring myself to invest into it and use the money for more sensible everyday stuff. I do have the floral dress I wore to the wedding, but you're right that it's definitely a summer dress.

Viva, thanks for the two dresses you looked up. I really love the second one. I think I'm looking more for something like this ove a sweater dress, even if a sweater dress might be easier to dress down. I think I can always look for that kind of dress as soon as I have my first one. If I do buy something for the occasion it's alright if it's a bit more special - just as long as I can see myself rewearing it for other special occasions! And thank you for the compliment. I'm definitely going to do some makeup.

Elizabeth, mid level dressy is definitely what I'm looking for and the Vince dress is lovely. I'll keep my eyes open for a nice scarf that would add some color to the dark ensemble when I look for the dress. I haven't bought a new scarf in some time!

Lyn, that's right! Didn't think of it that way.

Thanks Inge! I do think I have a good back up plan settled, that definitely takes the stress out. I'm down with a cold right now, so I'm not sure how soon I'll be able to go look for a dress, but you're right that with the sales right now it should be a good time. And thanks for looking up those dresses for me! Mango usually doesn't fit me well, same as with Zara, but you did remind me of Boden. I should have a look at their website. I think I want either a pattern or something with texture, no plain smooth jersey or ponte.

Anonymous

I think you've already found your direction with all the helpful comments above..I'm adding that while you are so young and lovely your adorable presence would be a plus at any occasion, in any attire, that because you are so young and lovely you should have some things you can wear for special events. If you're open minded about what the item/s might be, three weeks should be time enough.

Jules

Veteran

Astrid, I know this idea is bit outside your usual, but I love the idea of a crisp white button down blouse, with the skirt, lighter hose as suggested and the oxfords - a feminine take on menswear. A simple necklace or earrings to finish it off.
PS I respect not wanting to buy junk jewellery, but assuming you have a nickel or other allergy or sensitivity, I've heard you can coat them in clear nail polish to mitigate the effects. Haven't tested this yet.

12…4