Playing paper dolls: Chinese New Year gala, help me assemble my outfit ETA: Now with outfit photos

Here are photos of some wardrobe items with potential. As mentioned in a previous thread, I've been invited to a gala for Chinese New Year next weekend. Cocktail attire based on last year's pics. I wear a lot of black but have some red items, but I need help with how to put them together.

1. LBD, at least 15 years old and still going strong. There is a slight sparkle woven in (once daytime sparkle and juxtaposition became a thing, it got even more wear).

2. The matching coat. This makes a suit that works for banquets, court appearances, my parents 60th.

3. This duster goes over pants or skirts, or the LBD. I've pinned it to show the pattern better. I can also wrap and belt it, but wrap dresses don't flatter me.

4. I bought this recently as a backup LBD, not worn yet. I tucked the scarf in to show where the lace underlay stops.

5. This beautiful silk scarf is very "me". I'd be happy with this as the red accent to a black outfit, but not sure how.

6. Red satin blouse.

7. Red matte polyester blouse, not quite sheer.

8. Black lace gently A-line skirt with charcoal satin underlay.

9. Floor length raspberry shantung skirt. Bit of an outlier, but I always feel fab in it.

Not shown, because the light bulb blew in the off-season closet: A cap sleeved, back-buttoned blouse to match the long skirt, and a sleeveless shell in similar colour in shiny satin.

10. Lace shirt with satin collar and cuffs, for layering purposes.

11. and 12. Reversible quilted jacket. Beautifully made, with piped seams and faux-leather trim. The black side is cottony, the printed side is satiny.

13. Wild card thrifted today: embroidered satin vest.

14. and 15. The shoe options.

Not shown, the raspberry satin clutch my sister gave me for Christmas. It's coming.

How to mix and match?

This post has 14 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.

7 years ago

Vix

Veteran

Hi L'Abeille --

Sounds like such a fun event! A couple directions occur to me; I'm sure others will have more ideas. I will say it's always easier for me to "vote" when I see the proportions of things on (yep, a big pain I know).

-- The duster in #3 reminds me of Chinese woodblock prints, so it could be nice to wear that. Sounds like over the LBD in #1 would be the best option, unless you have dressier pants? I'm not sure how slinky the red scarf is -- would it work to tie it around your neck, or simply let it drape around your neck with the jacket over it (so a bit of the red peeks out)? Otherwise maybe you could find or borrow a red necklace or bangle.

-- the LBD with lace top does seem the most formal. Perhaps with the red scarf draped as a shawl?

-- I actually like the red vest, just trying to think what you'd pair it with -- seems like it'd be best with a simple backdrop. I guess you could try it over the new LBD (lace top) and see what you think of the proportions and lace with the print -- could be great to have that texture-plus-texture look!

rachylou

I like your vest, but I really love the idea of your long topper with the red silk scarf.

And jewelry!!

JAileen

How nice that you have so many choices! I like 4 with 5. And as Rachy said, add jewelry.

Ledonna N.

I agree with Rachylou. The topper is fab. I would also love the lace shirt under the red vest.

I cannot wait to see your fit.

Joy

I agree with Rachylou too. LBD, black and white print duster and red scarf.

Style Fan

I like #4 and #5 with lots of jewellery or #1, #5, #3 (I am assuming #3 can not be worn alone) with lots of jewellery. The scarf is beautiful.

Maybe your new clutch will work with your outfit. Sounds like a fun event.

L'Abeille

Here are the try-ons for tomorrow's gala.

1. The lace-topped dress alone.

2. The dress with scarf, which is not drapey but VERY stiff. I have worn it before nonchalantly tossed over the shoulders (bonus of IT) but that wouldn't feel comfortable and secure for walking around and eating.

3. The dress plus vest. I think this works.

4. Dress plus vest plus duster. Is this too much? It appeals to the gentlewoman side.

5. The dress and duster alone.

6. Dress, duster and scarf.

7 & 8. Duster worn as wrap dress, scarf as belt. The side view demonstrates why wrap dresses don't flatter me; my waist is not smaller than the rest of me.

#s 5-8 could also be worn with the sleeveless LBD, which is just above the knee, slightly shorter than the duster.

About proportions: My only full length mirror is very close, so it foreshortens oddly, making my torso look longer and my legs look shorter. (Not so with the workplace mirror.) My legs are relatively short though, but I find this JFE. I won't be wearing heels, but these dressy slipper flats (the ghillies stop above the ankle and would look unnecessarily leg-shortening with this, I think.)

This post has 8 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

Other questions:

What about hose? I suspect sheer black would look the best, but what with cars, chairs, zippered snow boots, and fingernails, I have never had a pair last the evening, and see no reason why this would be any different. I do better with lace or textured hose, but wouldn't that look too busy? That leaves me with sheet nude (they also run and snag, but less visibly) or opaque black. Suggestions?

Nail polish: Crimson or metallic? I have a gold, that is nearly nude on me, and a showy bronze (if my daughter returned it).

Bling: I don't do bling. All I have is some enamel brooches that wouldn't work at all. I think I can switch out my watch to one with a gold strap. I can switch out my tortoiseshell specs for black frames. That's it. I have a few blingy hair ornaments, but loose flatters me much more than up.

I like #1 best. Sheer black stockings. Black framed glasses. Red nail polish. Hair loose. You'll look great!

Robin

Active Member

I really like the duster with sash in 7&8 but only if you think you won't be too warm and won't be readjusting all night.

I love 6-8. Could you wear one of your brooches on the scarf or duster? Cuz that would be perfect.

greycat6

6 is my favorite. The sash in 7 looks lovely but, if it were me, I would be afraid it would shift around as I moved and would fiddling with it all evening.

Please let us know what you choose.

Oh 6-8 are lovely. The visual impact of 7 is the best to me.

My vote would be #5 with the raspberry satin clutch and sheer black stockings. Let the clutch be the pop of color. And the texture of the topper is subtle enough to add a hint of interest. I fear the scarf is a big statement piece that needs a column of black so not to distract from from all it's glory.

Caro in Oz

I love the duster - it looks elegant

Suz

(website)

#5 with sheer black hose -- gorgeous!

Category