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Planning ahead for two dressy events

Astrid

Veteran

I'm still on SYC and I don't plan to break it for more winter stuff, but I have two festive family celebrations ahead and I have absolutely nothing to wear. First there's my sister's confirmation in May and then my cousin's going to get married in June.

To my brother's confirmation three years ago I wore the grey suit I got for my graduation ceremony, but it's too small now.

I don't need to be super dressy for the confirmation, so it doesn't have to be a suit. But not too casual either. The wedding is going to be a classic church wedding and the first one in the family for years. I know my cousin's fiancée and I think she will definitely do the white dress and everything, although there hasn't been an official invitation yet.

Ideally I would wear the new things to both events, maybe with small changes. And because of my budget I definitely want things I can wear again later on (and I don't really have many dressy events in everyday life).

Any ideas? I'm just searching for inspiration right now.

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Dressing

45 replies

Latest reply was from Astrid

Isabel

Veteran

I am not sure....sorry. But I am bumping and will give it some thought. What will the weather be like there at that time ?

Glory

Veteran

Will also give some thought but am thinking along the lines of a lovely classic dress

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Isabel. The confirmation is early May and it could be quite warm and sunny already (maybe 73°F), but it also could be colder and rainy. It will definitely be that warm or warmer mid June for the wedding. But it's never completely predictable here. But a dress, thin hose and some kind of jacket/topper should be fine in any case. If it were a dress and it's warm for the wedding I have to think about shoulder coverage though.

Thanks Glory! What do you think of, a shift dress? I have a hard time fitting these.

Isabel

Veteran

Astrid, it is good to start thinking now because you can always have something tailored, like a shift dress. I like the idea of a shift dress. And there are so many options for shoulder coverage : a big cashmere wrap in a bright color, a shrug, a lined trench........

Are you thinking color ? If not you could do a lot with a navy dress and accessories...we will put our collective heads together. : )

Alternatively, what about something like this, or would it be to "memorable" ? You would probably need a second dress.

http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/.....Dress.html

bj1111

Veteran

that boden dress is lovely.

Astrid

Veteran

Yes, you're right Isabel! That's why I thought I should start now. The last time I tried to find something on short notice it was a disaster. You're right that I could tailor a shift dress, there's definitely time enough - I just have to look at the cost a bit, especially when I need to get a jacket too. I'm not sure about shoes, I have one pair of black ballet flats that I could wear, but not other dressy shoes.

A navy dress I could dress up sounds great, but color would be great too. I don't have a dressy summer dress at all, so a great colorful (and patterned) summery dress would be nice. Something I could later on wear with oxfords and a denim jacket maybe?

I do like the Boden dress you linked to, but I think I'd need a second dress then. Both events are with the same people obviously, although the wedding will be much bigger I guess. If I do a noticeable more dressy look for the wedding with the same dress that might be alright though.

#1 My ballet flats. They are fairly heavy looking though and I feel like I need darker colors on top to make them work. A very bright or light dress wouldn't work.

#2 My only somewhat dressy bag.

ETA
The paisley dress is sold out in the German Boden store.

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Astrid

Veteran

I do like this one from the new collection, it has a similar look I think http://www.bodendirect.de/de-D.....vGroupID=4 . Too bad it's 140€.

pil

Veteran

Astrid, you are always so darned cute in your cosy skirts and sweaters, what about a little lighter weight version for the occasions? I'm on my ipad so can't post pictures but maybe this link will work. Or maybe a cardigan over a shift dress.

http://pinterest.com/pin/22095854393005723/

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Pil! That would be a good idea. I could definitely see myself doing a dressy skirt with a nice top, it's my favourite outfit formula.

Isabel just sent me a PM with a striped dress from Express in it and suggested I look for something similar. I found this Boden dress http://www.bodendirect.de/de-D.....vGroupID=4. Not really a fit and flare, but it might work. Maybe in b&w to go with my ballet flats?

Isabel

Veteran

Yes ! I pmd you back. I love that dress. The possibilities are many with colorful belts, scarves, large cuffs ( on the cheap ) and it would be great with your black flats.

Astrid

Veteran

Yes, thanks! I agree that it would look great with the flats. And it's good if I don't have buy new shoes, I have a hard time finding ones that fit. I plan to buy some new sandals this spring, but more of the casual, everyday kind.

The dress is only availale in two weeks, but I could pre-order it. The only thing I'm not sure about is the price, it's 100€ for a jersey dress after all.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I think a wrap dress would look great on you - in a stretch fabric. You could layer it up later with tights & boots or wear it with sandals in summer.

L'Abeille

Veteran

What about this one? Maybe the long sleeves won't work for your purposes and maybe it isn't dressy enough, but on the whole site this was the only one that screamed "Astrid" to me. (Although maybe it was the way she wears it with the dark tights that looks so you)

http://www.bodendirect.de/de-D.....vGroupID=4

I actually went looking for something that fits my prairie-girl image of you, sort of Dr Quinn-Medicine Woman. If I do see something like that elsewhere I'll let you know. But I'm thinking shirtwaist or fit-and-flare dress, rather than sheath or wrap, and a bit midi in length (ie just below the knee rather than above)

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Caro! I do like wrap dresses, I'm not so enarmoured of stretch fabric tough. Or I just haven't seen a well made one yet. I've always the problem that I don't get a smooth line, especially when I wear tights. I would be alright if the dress were only a warm weather dress, it doesn't need to work with boots for me to consider it. I just need to be able to dress it down.

I was just browsing some more and what about this skirt http://www.bodendirect.de/de-D.....GroupID=13? It's cotton sateen so it looks a bit dressier and the yellow is a really happy color. Although yellow and black might end up looking to bee-like.

L'Abeille

Veteran

Love the skirt Astrid!

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks L'Abeille! I do like that one. It's sweet! Although waist-surrendering... I'm also thinking fit and flare, it's just more 'me' and I'm more comfortable in that silhoutte. I do like this one http://www.bodenpreview.de/de-.....vGroupID=4, but it's very casual.

ETA
Great to hear you like the skirt! I'm not sure if I should try it or not. It's on sale and they aren't that many left in my size.

L'Abeille

Veteran

Go for the skirt if it's on sale, for sure! The cut is wonderful (it gives that feminine fullness around the knees that flatters you, yet doesn't add bulk at the waist), and the fabric will allow you to dress it up or down quite a bit according to need. IE with the right top(s) it will work for your dressy capsule, and yet be much more versatile for the rest of your life too.
I love the shine of the black one, but you're right, the yellow looks so happy. If you got hat could you be brave and colour-mix like MaryK with say a bright teal top and pink wide belt? I'm a black-and-white girl myself so I'd be stumped.

Astrid

Veteran

Yes, I think you're right. I'm going to order it, I can always return if I think it doesn't work out. The black is sold out, there's only the yellow and the blue/brown patterned one left and I don't like that one as much. I do love color, but teal and pink might be a bit much for me too. That's one worry I have, that I don't find a fitting dressy top for it. What does Angie say? Only buy skirts you have already tops for to wear them with?

ETA
Okay, forget what I said, I won't order it. I've just read a review and the yellow color isn't like pictured. More like a greenish gold, that does't sound so great.

L'Abeille

Veteran

Don't give up yet! If it's a dark-gold or greenish-gold, you can mix it as you would olive. Think, with a burgundy or forest-green velvet blazer, or with tweed or corduroy. For dressy, it will go with a black cashmere-thickness sweater (no bee worries if it's gold) or an ivory silky blouse.
Although yellow has no place in my life, I've become really partial to gold this past season (especially subtle dull gold) and find it really versatile.

Astrid

Veteran

Okay L'Abeille, you've convinced me to give it a try. Those combinations you mentioned sound great. I'm going to order it now, we'll see how it will look IRL. If all else fails I could also sew my own skirt, I still have a pattern around that's similar.

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bj1111

Veteran

your superpowers never end...i didn't know you sewed. that is a great shape that is o you. how about a coppery sateen? itwould made your hair glow!

crow

I have no suggestions but just had to say that photo is simply glorious!

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Bj1111! I'm not that good, but I can sew some stuff if I take my time. You could say I don't have routine, but I know what to do with a pattern. Coppery sateen sounds nice! I'm going to wait to see if the ordered skirt works out first though.

Thanks, Crow. That's me and my grandma three years ago, she died last summer. I actually have this picture cropped and framed.

Astrid

Veteran

I just had a look through my Pinterest and here are some more pictures.

#1 Skirt and cardigan look. I like the shiny skirt and love the tonal colors!
#2 Another dressy skirt. Love the shiny stripes in the matte fabric!
#3 I also like eyelet, in a dress or a top.
#4 If I'd buy a suit again I'd love something like this, with texture. Although this might not be appropriate for the season.
#5 I also like lace tops and don't have one, it wouldn't need to be white though. I could see a blue lace top instead of the button down in #1 for example.

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Astrid

Veteran

I'm still browsing to see if I find something that appeals to me and came across this jacket http://www.esprit.de/damenmode.....P21488_402. I think that would look great over a skirt. Although it's a bit expensive....

ETA
There's a velvet blazer in a georgeous blue color and in neutral black on sale too http://www.esprit.de/sale/dame.....K21485_442! But probably not cropped enough.

Aida

Veteran

Astrid I love the idea of a shimmery sateen dress/skirt for you, like the first two inspiration photos you posted! If you got a dress, you could wear as a dress for one event and then for the second pop a cardigan (in a color and/or print) or lace blouse over the top and different footwear if possible. That could net you two very different looking outfits with the same base piece. The pattern you posted looks really pretty too, it'd also work well with this type of fabric.

EDIT: Just peeked at the velvet blazer, it's lovely! You'd had a velvet blazer on your wishlist for quite a while now, right? This could be a great opportunity to get one

pil

Veteran

The teal blazer and yellow skirt are both so nice, Astrid. The skirt seems like it would be very versatile and so you. Do you think the blazer might work with it? I could totally see you in that #3 pinterest dress but maybe in something other than black? I'm looking forward to seeing what you decide on : )

Glory

Veteran

What about somethiing like this? you could dress it up or down http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/W.....vGroupID=4

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Aida! That's a great idea. I agree that I might need different footwear, although I hoped to avoid it. I think I would wear my black ballet flats in May (when it's still colder anyway), definitely with hose too. For the wedding I could probably go with bare legs if I want to, June should be warm enough. Then I could look for some lighter and more refined shoes than the black ones. That would be good because then I don't have to think about 'balancing' the black flats with a topper in that kind of weather. Although I do think that a cardigan over a dress might not be warm enough for May. It could be if we are lucky, but chances are I would freeze. I definitely need some kind of jacket! As for the velvet jacket, I did have one on my wishlist, that's true. But I'm still on SYC and I don't really want to break it for anything besides this dressy stuff and a practical warmer jacket/parka/coat. I do have enough alternatives for the velvet blazer with my denim jackets. It's true that I need something besides denim to work with my jeans, but then it would be good if that would work for my dressy outfit too.

Thanks Pil! They are both lovely, I agree. I don't think the blazer would work with the skirt though, it's just not cropped enough at the length they have in the measurements. I'm shortwaisted and that skirt is flared and sits in the waist. The jacket would probably be a good length to wear with jeans.

ETA
Thanks Glory! I just had a peek and I do like it! But it would need tailoring, the measurements don't work for me.

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