With only a LBD, and an invite to a NYE wedding, last winter I decided that I needed to work on my dressy capsule. DH and I do go out, and whereas he can default to suits, I was left scrambling much of the time. I wanted a capsule that would cover most occaisions.

#1 shows the black taffeta ball skirt and cream button down I got for the wedding, the velvet brocade leggings and silver T that I got for the open house put on by the groom's family, and the older LBD.

#2 shows additions - which cross over and get more regular wear. Maroon velour top (with hoodie style pockets), velvet full leg trousers, textured skirt with lace at hem, Zara embroidered bomber.

#3 shows 2 tops that are wardrobe workhorses. Both have gone to work, though the dark top is my holiday dinner go-to with the leggings from #1 (dressy, but cool for a warm kitchen!)

#4 are work staples that I would not normally wear for evening, but after retirement I may keep (vs donate). The black cuffed trousers have a slubbed texture, with gym pant styling at the waist (smooth elastic waistband pull-on, drawstring tie), and the skirt has a silver thread running through it.

#5 are the shoes I wear most for PM. The patents are only very occaisionally worn to work, but first choice for PM. The other 2 are for work, but cross over for dressy.

#6 are PM accessories. The silver and gold clutches are identical and have chains should I wish to be hands free. There are pearls (real and faux) and silver and sparkle. I love the trio of sparkly circle barrettes.

#7, 8, 9, 10 are close ups of some of the items. Interesting texture does the talking for these simply cut garments.

#11 outfit worn to the wedding NYE 2017

#12 outfit worn to work earlier this fall (the first time I wore the cream shirt to work) and the catalyst that got me thinking about garments crossing over capsules. Add pearls and it is party ready!!

#13 Zara bomber, lace trimmed skirt, pink lace tank (for work, but could easily be for PM).

#14 velour top picked up in lieu of maroon sweater (which I wasn't finding).

#15 silver foil T and black leggings worn to groom's parent's open house and several times since for dinners out, etc.

I'm confident that I can make up an outfit for almost any occaision that might come up. What seems like a large dressy capsule is really cost effective, because of the cross over into everyday adding to a lower CPW.
Not shown, the silver foil T with cropped jeans and silver Cons worn for a city restaurant brunch with family!

Do you have a distinct dressy capsule? Do your clothes cross over capsules?