Suggestions for "Rock 'n Roll Black Tie?"

It's the age-old quandary - how to look hip and also "age-appropriate!" (I'm 52.)

My husband and I are going to the Grammy's, and it's "Rock 'n Roll Black Tie" (which in Los Angeles basically means anything goes.) Believe me - no one will be looking at me - but still, I don't want to feel out of place. I don't wear dresses (at all!) and at my age I need to stay far away from anything spandex or leopard.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to wear this long "Neo-Edwardian" jacket I got on sale from J. Peterman:
http://i387.photobucket.com/al.....t/2010.jpg
It hits me just a bit longer than mid-thigh, and makes me feel very hip and cool (it's all in my mind, but I'll take what I can get!) But what to wear with it?

I was thinking of black jeans, black boots, and maybe a long white tuxedo shirt? Any other shirt ideas? I have a long sparkly necklace from AT that would add a little bling, without being over the top. Any other ideas? (I can probably buy a shirt, but a whole new outfit.)

Thanks so much!

15 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Hi Tara!! You're back! And you're going to the Grammys! Wow!!

I am seeing white and ruffles. But this is a high-level-of-difficulty event so I'm going to watch your thread and see what the experts say.

Good to see you back

p.s. You must report in with all the fashion gossip after the event.

tarzy

Change of plans. I'm not wearing the J. Peterman jacket. I just tried the outfit, and it didn't seem right for an evening event.

So, now I think I'll wear my black tuxedo-style jacket. It's similar to this one:
http://piperlime.gap.com/brows.....=708566002

Maybe with black velvet pants, a black satin vest, and some kind of evening-worthy white top peaking out from the vest? With heels?

Hi Laura - yes - high level difficulty indeed for a commoner!

chewyspaghetti

What about skipping the vest, and wearing a sequined top?

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I like that tuxedo jacket, Tara! How about wearing it over a sheath dress? With long layered necklaces, textured hose and red heels. Or, the long jacket over the sheath dress. I can't remember, but I think you like red like I do?

I know what you're thinking: "oh boy, there goes Angie trying to get me into a dress again". Well.......you're right!

bella

Welcome back Tara! I don't have much to add but I hope that you will post pictures of your final outfit!

stringy

The tuxedo/vest combo you suggest sounds great, but if you can't get a white top to go with it, I like chewyspaghetti's suggestion of skipping the vest and getting a sequinned top instead.

RoseandJoan

Oh, your proposed outfit reminds me of Dolce and Gabbana. I'm a relative newcomer to YLF and don't know your style but thought I would post these for inspiration
http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion.....t/id,8168#
I hope you have a fantastic evening. Please report back.

Active Member

The Grammys! How exciting! I like the idea of a white ruffly top, or perhaps a white or silver sequined top (sans vest) as well.

Alecia

Tara! I've missed you. I hope all is well.

The Grammy opportunity sounds so exciting but I would be in a state of fashion paralysis if I were in your shoes. I think that tuxedo jacket sounds lovely, fashion forward yet very Tara. I like the idea of some sparkle and Angie's suggestion of red.

rae

Hm, I for one LOVE the idea of the luxe textures you mentioned (velvet and satin), although I can't picture the vest underneath. I could see something sparkly/bright on the bottom -- wide-leg pants in satin, a shimmery skirt, red slacks -- with any kind of white top... even a tee shirt, since it's rock n roll.

Debora

Welcome back, Tara, we missed you!

If you decide not to go the dress route, how about a pair of skinny satin cigarette pants with some reaaaally killer heels like Anne Hathaway and Katerine Heigl below:

http://www.shoeblog.com/blog/s.....ants-suit/

If you're not into the skinny pants look, scroll down and check out Faye Dunaway. Stunning!

shana

Hi Tara, nice to "see" you around! Does J Peterman still make those hilarious catalogs? I remember having a collection of them when I was in college just so that I can reread the crazy descriptions!

I really like Khris's suggestion for a sequin tank under the tuxedo jacket. Very hip, feminine and occasion-worthy - something along the lines of:

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../96217.jsp

I like the idea of this paired with a pair of cigarette pants and some killer heels!

Have fun!!

Deborah, ooh, that's exactly what I was picturing - Katherine Heigl rocks the tuxedo! I think the skinny satin pants are awesome but it depends a little on body type and the length of that tuxedo jacket. Is your jacket cropped, Tara?

Inge

Moderator

Welcome back Tara! I hope you are doing well?

That tuxedo jacket is gorgeous, and I like the idea of some kind of sequined tank underneath. But I'm definitely with Angie here, I'd love to see you wear it over a fantastic dress (we've seen you in one before, you looked stunning!-) And you can't go wrong with something red, red is totally your colour.

Let us know what you decide?

Lena

Welcome back, Tara!

taylor

I like the tuxedo jacket and sequins...We would love photo's of the event:)

Thanks so much guys! I knew you all would inspire me! I'm starting to relax about this, and see it as fun instead of "Everyone will know I shop at Target."

Debora - thanks for posting that article! I love the look of the black pant suit, and it is definitely "me." I wish I could get away with killer heals, but I don't think my back will allow it. Oh, to be a young starlet in 6" heels!

I looked for a glitzy top today, but didn't find anything really fab. I'm heading out tomorrow again.

For some "bling" - I was drawn to a sterling silver sparkly snake at TJ Maxx. I may have to go back and buy it! I think it would be great with a black suit. Subtle, but a touch of fun. It's similar to this one (but less expensive):

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com.....0rdNRhtOFA

Again, thanks guys. It's a bit daunting to attend such a luxe event! (And I just found out we're going to the after-party too! Yikes! What if Lady Gaga and I show up in the same outfit?)

Ha...I have missed your humor:)...what a once in a lifetime opportunity...the after party too. Did you attend last year also...sounds familiar.

Do you need a Pr. Person, make-up artist, hair dresser, someone to hold the umbrella.I could hold your chewing gum also:) Just kidding...have fun:)

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