The contenders for 'dressed up casual' (with photos)

It's official, I don't have much at all for this sort of occasion I've also put the 7lbs back on that I lost so I don't like the way I look in these photos When I was going through my clothes I wanted to have a full-on toddler tantrum because I was so cross - very unlike me.

1. The purple patent pumps. Love these
2. Purple satin blouse/top - I like this but have worn it many, many times to go out in and I'm tired of it.
3. Grey linen jacket - I wear this as a 'day' jacket quite a lot.
4. Black jacket (bit too heavy for 'summer').
5. Black wide leg pants
6. Outfit with pants from #5 and purple t-shirt
7. Random thing I found in my wardrobe - it's a sheer green/turquoise wrap 'dress' (it's not really a dress as such as you have to wear something underneath it). Wearing it over black pants from #5 and a black tank - when I've worn it previously it's been over ivory silk pants but we aren't having the weather for them at the moment!
8. The only jewellery I have that counts a 'bold'.

I am going to get a chance to have a quick look in some shops today (but leaving imminently as I have another appointment) and possibly tomorrow (at the bigger shopping mall in town). I definitely need to buy *something* as I am not feeling any of this Suggestions gratefully received.

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13 years ago

Kiwichik

Veteran

I don't suppse there's any chance that you could buy a slip to wear under the wrap dress. I think it is seriously gorgeous and would look great on it's own or maybe with skinny jeans underneath. I'm not loving it with the wideleg pants.

Shame you're tired of the purple top as that would look fab with the wideleg pants and pumps.

jayne

ooo great idea, I vote for a slip, or I sometimes use a silky nightdress because they come in fun colors, green would look great here.

Otherwise a new blouse might piff up those slacks!

ButterflyLady

(website)

I will have a look for a slip or a nightdress - I don't hold out too much hope - this is the store that sells the biggest selection of nightdresses at the place I'm going, and this is the selection http://www.marksandspencer.com.....38;size=60 - there is no guarantee they will have any of them though! I am not sure if I will feel like I am wearing my underwear as outerwear - the 'dress' is completely see through, very, very sheer light silk.

I am leaning more towards finding a blouse - quite fancy something sheer, actually, with a cami (I have lots of those already) underneath. If I get one long enough, I *could* wear my jeans as it will cover my oddly proportioned middle lol

Still, at least I've discovered this wardrobe hole!

JennyAnne

I think 6 looks very nice, but have fun looking for some new things to fill this "hole" in your wardrobe.

Deborah

I love the purple blouse. I know you are tired of it but how about the blouse over bootcut jeans and heels and a delicate long multi strand necklace:)

I did try that Deborah but I didn't take a photo because with the extra 7lbs (I'm only 5ft 3 ins) it didn't look that great It's a bit too short and close fitting around the upper hip to look ok with jeans on me.

ManidipaM

You know, if you can find it in store, this one might be perfect: http://www.marksandspencer.com.....1342531497

The shoulder straps have enough coverage and the garment has enough structure with the gathers at the waist/underbust to NOT look like an undergarment.

Thanks Mandipa, I will have a look for it!

Krista

I really like the wrap in #7, but I am a little biased because I have two similar tops/"dresses" in my closet and wear them all the time!

The black tank and pants underneath provide a little too much contrast for me; might I suggest layers underneath that are more similar in tone to the top itself? A white, cream, green or blue camisole and then pants that might be similar tones - even anything in navy or taupe would look smart. I think the key is to make the top appear like it's "floating" over the bottom layers, without too much contrast.

Just add some bold jewelry in the neckline and a pair of heels (to extend the toe under the pants - yes, I would wear a wrap with pants) and I think you're golden!

I am sporting a few extra pounds myself and I have found these types of tops help to skim over my curves. The top is also an unexpected style for dressy casual, so I end up focusing on what I'm wearing and not how I feel about my weight (a real battle for me - my feelings about my weight, not my weight itself.... if you get my drift!).

Hope you find something that works. I feel your pain!

Krista, thank you - I have some gorgeous ivory pants I have worn this wrap dress over - the colours look lovely worn over something so pale, but our weather is horrible at the moment - chilly and very, very wet, so they are not ideal to wear! Plus I purged the shoes that look best with them as they hurt my feet ...

I am going to look for something to wear underneath it though, even if it's not for tomorrow (!) night, as I love the colours so much. I have a sadly lacking wardrobe - no green or blue cami, no navy or taupe pants! I'm working on it ...

I had noticed your point about the ivory pants but suggested other neutrals just in case they were lurking in your closet and you hadn't thought of them (maybe that only happens to me - ha ha!).

You are right, though, you can't wear ivory pants in rainy weather! I will think of you later as I try to find an appropriate dressy casual outfit for my Dad's birthday dinner. Instead of rain, we will hit 43 degrees with the humidity today. And, IMHO, the only outfit appropriate for 43 degrees is a bathing suit in front of an air conditioner , but that is neither "dressy casual" nor proper for my Dad's 65th. In any case, I will persevere!

Freckles

Sounds like you have a really good plan looking for navy or taupe pants and a dressy blouse. Perhaps a pair of cute shoes too if you're getting tired of the purple.

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