SYC: Stuck on Partywear Separates

As part of the "Shop Your Closet" challenge, I am digging in my closet to put together an outfit for an upcoming afternoon winter wedding and evening reception. The invitation says "cocktail optional" - is that referring to my outfit, or letting us know it's a cash bar? Anyway...

I have a couple of fancier skirts. I usually dress them WAY down with a fashion or dad sneaker, moto or military jacket and a tshirt. I am not sure what to put with them that would be appropriate for this event. One hurdle is my coat - I have a burgundy wool knee length coat, a thin black leather trench, or an olive parka. I'm not sure any of them really go with these.

Could you tell me how YOU might style them so maybe I can find something in my collection that will work?

#1 is a copper taffeta midi skirt. Has a lot of metallic shimmer to it that is hard to see in the photo. I thought of putting this with a dark olive bodycon turtleneck or a velvet black turtleneck and a black suede OTK boot (#2), but it feels off somehow.

#3 is a deep green Zara midi skirt. The skirt has a heavy feel like a taffeta and a sheen to it, but not as shiny as the copper one. I have a navy boatneck sweater with metallic thread and I thought to put it with my Boden ankle bootie (#4), but I noticed today that the metallic threads in my navy sweater are an aqua color, so I don't think that will work.

Are there other colors or styles of tops I should be looking for that might work?

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6 years ago

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I’d pair the green skirt with a sparkly or silk top and dressy shoes that aren’t boots. I’ve always felt a little “off” when I’ve tried to wear even dressy boots to a cocktail-dress event.

Diana

#1 is quite similar to my tomato red trumpet skirt, except for the color. The photo below is how I styled it for a dressy-ish event (an evening banquet). It's a simple black sleeveless shell, silky fitted jacket, and flat pointy booties. Plus a blingy necklace for some sparkle. I'd wear my mid-heeled pointy booties if I wanted to dress it up a little more, and obviously hose (sheer black or nude) if it was cold. Photo #2 is just so you can see the booties - I actually almost always wear boots or booties to formal events in the winter time. I don't see why you can't be comfortable, warm, and still look appropriate in them. You could also wear pumps or dressy pointy flats, of course.

You could probably also wear a similar thing with the green skirt, just so long as the shell is fitted enough and not too long. (or you could tuck it). A fitted long-sleeved dark sweater would probably also work. Definitely add some bling if you have it! Metallics or sparkles always help dress things up.

Edit: I think a trench coat works with most dressy outfits so long as the colors don't clash. I usually wear one of the two coats (both trench style, the grey wool one is pretty warm) in finds with dressy outfits.

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Single-Breasted Wool-Blend Trenchcoat

nemosmom

Thanks, Jenn! I have a couple pairs of pumps I can play with.

Cute, Diana! That gives me some ideas. I tried a couple of turtlenecks but they didn’t work with my jewelry. I’ll look through my shells and blazers.

ChrisM

How about the copper skirt, fishnets, the Boden bootie, your black moto over a black sleeveless turtleneck, big copper earrings, and maybe a metallic wide belt? Big cocktail ring and a healthy dose of attitude -rock star cocktail......

ETA: I presume the booties are black.

Jessikams

Ilove the ideal of a fitted turtleneck or mock neck with a skirt. Maybe a fuzzy one or a sheer one?

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