Outfit lab: skirts/dresses for holiday capsule - YouLookFab Forum

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Outfit lab: skirts/dresses for holiday capsule

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Sorry to be a forum hog! But I had some time to play with my capsule of dressy items. I started with skirts and dresses, as I find these really challenging in cold temperatures (though I wear dresses a lot in summer).

1-2, a black dress made of scuba material which seems to fit fine at first, but over the course of the evening it gradually scoots upward and bunches horribly around waist, boobs, and neck. Donating.

3-a black lace dress. Waist is a smidge high but otherwise fit is good. But something about this dress makes me feel like a little kid. It does hide my arm tattoos, which is sometimes useful.

4 -an expensive suede dress from Theory that rarely gets worn because it also scoots upwards, so I have to tug at it occasionally. And here you can really see my challenge with dresses. It’s like, ok, the dress is pretty, now here I am wearing it, and...??? It just doesn’t seem to DO anything for me. What to add on top for warmth? And what shoes?? Clueless.

5-black crepe “wrap” jumpsuit. A little tight around the thighs, which causes the pockets to gape. Still acceptable for now, I think.

6-8 an old silver foil leather pencil skirt that I am just about ready to part with, but maybe will use for this one last holiday season. The material is beautiful but the cut is too straight - waist is loose, thighs are tight, and it’s not super flattering. This is actually the very last skirt I own— I’ve gotten rid of all the others because I find them such a pain to style.

Any tips or ideas? I really need help with this kind of clothing.

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Dressing

26 replies

Latest reply was from Gigi

rachylou

Veteran

I like the white boots. They add edginess. I feel, with these dresses, more is more...

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Keep going, Rachy.. what else would you add? What can one wear over a dress without making it too casual? Like, I could add a moto jacket but if it’s a dressy reception that isn’t appropriate... or is it? Am I old fashioned?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Okay. Two issues here. Things that are not working due to fit ( first dress — let it go) and things that bug you because you need to edge them up a bit for your style. Pairing the silver skirt with the plaid shirt is one way to do that. The skirt looks as if it fits but if not, is there any way to alter so that it works better? Because separates do allow you to ply around a bit with styling.

The lace dress looks amazing on you and is so pretty. But maybe it feels too ladylike? I might wear with simple sheer hose and the black pointy ankle straps. But maybe you’d feel better in a bootie or an edgier shoe.

I see the problem though. A moto would work but isn’t always appropriate. For your own special events I think lace dress and moto are a great combo. But how to juxtapose successfully for your husband’s events is the question. Maybe subtle juxtaposition will do it. Like putting a streak of brigh colour in your hair while keeping the rest ladylike or letting your tattoos show and wearing jewellery tha picks up those tones or carrying a hard edged type of bag.

That Theory dress is also gorgeous. How does it bunch. Again, wondering if alterations might help.

Sorry for typos. Tech issues.

Jane

Veteran

The white skirt looks very good to my eye and like it could give edge and drama - as I think it does with the plaid shirt and grey jumper. Rare to get good white leather / fabric in a skirt- would it help if the waist was taken in.

On the dresses, I would pass on especially the scuba one because of the fiddle factor!

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Suz, thanks for your thoughtful response. You’ve put your finger on exactly the “styling” problem: how to create outfits for events that are formal and stodgy (hubs’ work events). I want to feel like “me” but I don’t want to be disrespectful or attention-grabbing when the focus is supposed to be on the speaker or the ceremony or whatever.

In the past I’ve stuck with very safe, very dull business separates. That works ok, but I feel that as I learn more about style I would like to evolve in this area too. A moto jacket or tough bootie tends to feel like “too much” as it takes a dress into more casual territory. An edgy purse is a great idea!

Re fit issues: I wear the skirt and the dress only about once a year, and each time the fit problems seem to be different! I guess my body fat moves around?? That’s why I have never altered.

ChrisM

Veteran

I understand your pain about having the base item but not all the accouterments to finish off the look properly.

I think the color (navy?) and shape of the Theory dress look the most promising. I think if you keep everything conservative except for one zinger, you can make it work for hubs’ conservative event. So, black moto jacket, conservative hose, pumps, creative jewelry. The hose, pumps and jewelry keep it from being too casual.

Or, traditional cropped blazer, cool booties, fishnets - here, the blazer and jewelry offset the casual vibe of the booties - you get the idea.

Love the white booties - lighter colored topper, pearls.... offset the funky with formal.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Thanks ChrisM! I will try this method.

Anonymous

Queen skirt chiming in-the trick with pencil skirts in my experience, is they have to be cut to puff out at the bum to fit properly.
But, i had some other ideas. I see a combination of dramatic and gamine so you may want to check that on the truth is beauty site. Im thinking asymmetry-sleek not ruffled, or coated or brocade pants with your velvet jacket for a start.

Bijou

Veteran

I like these items on you, they are great bases for your more formal looks, it is just that they are more conservative than your usual style. Adding accessories (and ones that you will happily use often), seems to be the best way to go. Whilst Alexander McQueen is well our of my price range I love to get inspiration for how to wear elegant yet edgy items. I particularly love this wrap, which is stunning with jeans and would also look beautiful with a ball gown. Personally I would feel amazing wearing something like this and it adds warmth too.

Moschino & H&M have just done a collaboration and this evening bag is a little edgy and lots of fun. Again, this is something that is great with a formal dress, but could also be worn in lots of other more casual situation.

I like to wear my leather moto to cocktail events, but not to something as formal as a ball. A leather moto would work beautifully with your black lace dress and would likely make it look and feel more you.

You have some great foundation pieces, all you need to do is add some items with a bit more personality that you love to make them feel authentic to your style.

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RobinF

Veteran

I like most of these a lot. Love the lace dress but it is very lady-like and I totally understand you wanting to edge-it up. Love the jumpsuit and the white booties. You have a lot of good pieces to work with and some great advice.

kellygirl

Veteran

I love these kind of exercises. They're always so helpful. The lace dress and the Theory are terrific on you. I like other's ideas on how to make them your own by embellishing with some less conservative pieces. The white skirt with the plaid top is so unexpected--I would not have thought of that pairing but I really like it. I share your feelings about skirts. I'm not adding anymore without careful thought! You will be party ready this winter!

lyn67

Veteran

I like nr 3-6. Nr 3 is a bit pretty for your style, but love it with the cross ties black shoes (which are adding edginess) and perhaps you can shorten the sleeves a bit more, to 3/4-to reduce the amount of the pretty&lace. You can add a long to waist statement pendant, like a aluminum/transparent plastic one (like I wear in my last post pictie nr 2) for the harder edge? That one has a thick black rubber cord-and I just love the drama it occurs by wearing.

Then, I do do do LOVE the dress in nr 4 with the white booties-very glam, elegant and outstanding as it is. Nr 5 is great with both shoes and nr 6 as it is so why bother with nr 7&8! I hear dress in nr 1-2 has no sense-and so, better let it go.

Anonymous

Some sort of chanelesque topper? You might be able to create other looks with it as well.

I can see why you find your husband’s corporate events difficult. Your style is SO NOT corporate! I think just your hair alone is enough edge, but knowing your style, and can see why doing a plain outfit is difficult. I do like the suggestion of a clutch with personality.

anchie

Veteran

I am no expert in party dressing, but I agree with you that #1 should go. I like 4 and 5 very much but I am attracted to simple lines. Maybe some bolder accessories can do the trick. Do you wear earrings?

cindysmith

Veteran

I love #6 for things like your DH's work events. It's very luxe looking, and adding some edgy jewelry should maybe keep it from feeling too safe or stodgy for you.

I like the flannel with the white skirt for your non-stodgy events. It just resonated with me; maybe it's the juxtaposition of such a light color that takes a life of luxury (and a bank account of an Oprah to keep it stain-free) with the sort of lumberjack nature of the plaid and the boho feeling of tying the shirt at the waist. I just see a lot of contrast and interest in that outfit.

LaPed

Veteran

I am terrible at this kind of thing too. Festive-but-conservative? Agh.

I like the lace dress in #3; it fits well and is a visually interesting backdrop, and it looks great with the cross-strap flats. Maybe just add some big bold jewelry -- a geometric necklace and a chunky cuff or sparkly bangles?

Also, I want to see the pretty lacy peplum top in #3 paired with something edgier, like your pleather leggings. That, plus any of your awesome boots, could be a great outfit.

Oh, and have you thought about opera gloves? A pair of long satin-y gloves would add something unexpected yet elegant with the sleeveless outfits (I'm thinking particularly of the navy sheath in #4 which is just begging for accessories).

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I really like 3,4 and 5 the best in terms of style/fit/flattery. I think the white boots create enough edge and bookend your hair and fair skin beautifully. I think a large gold cuff bracelet would look great with the Theory dress and the jumpsuit. The lace has enough going on where makeup might be the only accessory I'd add - unless you wear earrings, then I'd wear something simple and gold. I'd probably pass on the white skirt and dress in 1/2.

Sara L.

Veteran

I think you've received a lot of great advice lately. I think the dress in #1 should go - too fussy. I LOVE the jumpsuit! I like both boots you show with it - the white is a little more unexpected and trendy right now. I think the dresses might feel more "you" with some funky jewelry and shoes.

Lynn

Veteran

Unfortunately, I am really bad at this so am following this thread with interest. I do love La Pedestrienne's idea of opera gloves with the sleeveless dresses and a statement type topper as Bijou suggested.

Re: the scuba knit dress. I really like the dress a lot but not with the fabric creep. Is it creeping because it is too snug in the hips or waist? If so, can it be let out? If it is not too snug maybe it is the undergarments. Poly knits like scuba tend to have a lot of static cling. Maybe a slip or wearing a shaper in a more slippery hand over the nylons might help. Just a thought.

kkards

Veteran

re the dress that won't stay down....wonder if you could see a tailor and have them add weights to help keep the dress down...

https://itch-to-stitch.com/mak.....autifully/

and love love love the jumpsuit...especially with the black boots, which IMO make the outfit read dressy....add a velvet wrap for warmth

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Jessikams, you need rad silver boots with #3 and perhaps a black moto vest (but not essential). Wear it over black cropped flares too. SORTED.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Oh my gosh, this group is just so helpful. I feel kinda silly that I need specific instructions like this, but I really do! I feel flummoxed by these dressy situations- maybe because my hair doesn’t seem to play well with “pretty” dresses. Being a bridesmaid was the absolute worst!

Opera gloves is something I had never thought of. Warmth and tattoo coverage! Thank you LaPed! That would totally work for an outdoor reception.

Big earrings I can do. Big necklace, check. I have a moto jacket and perhaps will keep an eye out for a vest too. Maybe a luxe jacket would help. And I think some fancy pants would make some other outfits work too.

Thanks also for your feedback on the skirt. I have always thought of it as silver-therefore gray-therefore dark, and have treated it accordingly. But in the photos and in your words, I can see that it reads as silvery WHITE. Duhhhhhhh. That will change how I work with it.

Traci

Veteran

I think a crisp white button up shirt would be a great addition here. Layered under the suede dress, with the silver skirt. Someone else referenced gamine earlier, and that's exactly what I was thinking of when I looked through your pictures. I think looking to gamine for inspiration might help you cross the bridge between your spunky hair and pretty or dressy items.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Thx Traci, I do have a collared shirt- off white, made of a soft mesh material, and I think it could slide under or over a lot of things to add some “structure” with the collar. Good idea.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Love the white boots with everything, especially the jumpsuit and think you can work with the lace dress as per the excellent suggestions above.

Gigi

Veteran

My clear faves here are 4 and 5. I love, love the Theory dress. One thought: If it rides up, that may be because it is too long in the torso for you and needs to be taken up at the shoulder. I would take it to a tailor and see what can be done.

As far as toppers for sleeveless things go, I love the NIc and Zoe cardigan. It's a very fine knit and is elegant enough for nice occasions. I let mine hang open in the front and don't tie it. You could also try a wrap--I think Janet used something like this recently. A fine-weave scarf could function as a wrap also.

With the Theory dress, I would prefer footwear that is low contrast with your legwear so as not to break up the vertical line too much.

With the jumpsuit, I would either wear white accessories to help tie in the white booties with the outfit, or I would wear the black shoes and add some very sparkly pieces of jewelry to brighten things up.

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