Oh wow that’s a beautiful dress Carla! Won’t really work with your yellow shoes LOL. Great job thrifting!

That IS a great dress! But maybe it *would* work with the yellow shoes...and a yellow fascinator? Viola/pansy palette? I feel like if ever there's a time for going so literal with one's color scheme it's an outdoor spring wedding....

Actually SarahD8 you’re totally right! That is the exact colour of certain violas- one of my favourite flowers. Maybe it could be done?

Chiming in to say that Hobbs dresses, as gorgeous as they are, are way too short-waisted for me. I am 5'6" but with torso length of someone who is 5'8"-5'9".

On the dressy capsule, I have more than I need, because I naturally gravitate towards dressier clothes. I haven't tried my two evening gowns in a long time, but aside from that, could probably put together an outfit for most dressy occasions, unless it is something very formal or very unusual.

I love the new dress, it looks like a great option if you can't find the perfect dress for the wedding.

I have a large collection of cocktail dresses, acquired because I love dressing up and in my prior job had to attend formal events regularly. Since 2020, having changed employment, I have been far more limited in when I need to wear dressy items and consequently don't need to update this part of my wardrobe.

Just saw this on Zara site and thought of you.

This is almost the opposite of what I have been thinking recently. I need to update my casual dresses and clothes. I have noted that my workplace and community has taken a turn towards more casual attire in every situation. I have a staple of dressy clothes that fit. It’s harder if I have to travel with the item. Does anyone else choose something different for travel vs. occasions near their home?

Your thrifted dress is gorgeous. May be just right with yellow accessories for the wedding as mentioned by others. Do you know CHAPS is a Ralph Lauren Brand? I have a thrifted CHAPS pale yellow knitted cabled jumper. It would go with your shoes :).

I have plety of dressy items so not really planning to update, but loved the link with styling the bias skirt-which I have a few, but was not wearing them for more everyday/casual yet. Will have to take measures!:-) Cannot wait to see your's styled your way and then, I loved your bl&purple floral dress, too-wow, stunning!

Carla, that purple floral dress is beautiful on you! Great find.

Dressier clothes are tricky. Sometimes I’ll think I’m all set because there are a bunch of items in my downstairs holding zone that also holds occasion pieces, only to realize upon review that some of them either don’t fit or don’t suit me or don’t feel true to my style anymore, because they’ve been tucked away so long!

Other times I get a pleasant surprise, like when I was able to rewear my red ball gown from 2009 that I thought was only a sentimental closet ornament. Yay for inaugural balls!

I mostly rely on a mix of separates to get me through occasions of moderate dressiness, with a couple of dresses that serve for other more formal occasions (weddings mostly). The majority of my dressier separates and even a couple of dresses can be styled to dress them up or down.

I like your purple floral dress Carla and the idea of a feathered purple hairband. The yellow shoes would be fun with them! Also fun to maybe shop when you're in England!

I tried to see if I could let out and hem this lilac dress from when I was Maid of Honour at a wedding 24 years ago (1999)! I wanted to wear it again with a silvery crocheted cardigan as I thought it was a very pretty colour and flattering on me. I was hoping to wear it for DD's Communion. Unfortunately, the seamstress didn't think that once she opened the seams there would be enough leeway to make it fit. (I need another 1.5".) I think I'm doing separates these days. I've been looking at dresses online, but nothing is really grabbing my attention, or it's too long (and not suited to hemming), or more than I'd like to pay. I was hoping for something mid length around the knee (either higher or lower) and a happy colour (pink, red, lilac, or multi). I have also cleaned out my closet from "just in case" dresses, as I don't really like them, or they make me feel less than fab. I'll keep looking.

Plan B is to wear this navy linen button through shirt with multi-strand white pearls and pearl earrings with this navy floral skirt and silver shoes.

I *love* the viola-inspired purple/yellow idea. We call them Johnny jump-ups here!