What to Wear....Reading and Dinner - YouLookFab Forum

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What to Wear....Reading and Dinner

Suz

(website)

Veteran

On Friday I will be giving a short reading in Toronto and then ducking out from that early (it is a group performance) and going for dinner with my husband and some friends.

The reading venue is a bar/restaurant, and we'll be eating in another restaurant, not too formal.

The weather is supposed to be miserable - a high of about 7 celsius (45 F) and raining.

Usually I don't have any problem figuring out what to wear, but I am feeling quite uninspired by my closet's contents. I had hoped my fun new brocade jeans would arrive, because those would be perfect (festive, yet cosy). But I'm pretty sure they will not get here in time.

What else could I wear?

P.S. My slouchy trousers still are not back from alterations....probably can't get them in time, either.

Dressing

30 replies

Latest reply was from Transcona Shannon

JR

Veteran

I'm no good at all at memorizing other people's wardrobes, but what you need here IMHO is a shot of joy. Could you make a list of the items that do that all on their own? Or look back over your WIWs to see what still makes you smile, and either wear one of those outfits, or a seasonal adaptation of it?

Of course, you know I am thinking of MaryK's scarf. In my mind, it has a name. The Very Bright Scarf.

Is there a theme to the readings that you can riff off of? Or be really hokey, and dress in holiday colours. Ironically. Of course. But secretly having fun.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

The scarf *does* have a name. MaryK and I call it the "wonder scarf."

I like your idea of looking for a shot of joy. I think that is why I am feeling uninspired. I am somewhat lacking in shots of joy this season. Hence the order of some very expensive jeans (that have not yet arrived, alas...)

And the sequin top (that didn't work out...alas again...).

The reading is once again to promote the book Desperately Seeking Susans. I had a fun costume for the previous Susans event. But I don't want to repeat that - it's a very different venue, and the outfit would not be appropriate or comfortable.

Carole

Veteran

I can't believe you are struggling to find something to wear from your closet, Suz! You seem to have the perfect wardrobe, but maybe it's the feeling that you have to have that little sparkle or festive touch. Something with a little shine in a scarf or jewelry could make all the difference. I have a hard time recalling specific wardrobe pieces you have that could work, perhaps posting some previous outfits that could be tweaked. Sounds like a fun evening.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Carole. You are right - it is the festive touch that is missing, and that's why I ordered those jeans. Sigh...

Ah well. I will figure something out. Maybe I'll post some alternatives tomorrow for consideration!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

To start off with: are you thinking of pants, skirt or dress?

sarah

Veteran

Post some options, please!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm not sure, Shannon. I am thinking of anything I can find in my closet that doesn't feel hopelessly casual, totally non festive, or downright silly.

Feeling disheartened at the current possibilities. But I will try to post some options tomorrow! I know it helps to have visuals!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

If I remember correctly, you have a sequined top of some sort? You paired with with your BF jeans in a WIW post I think. If I'm correct, could you pair the sequined top with your white jeans, a pair of heels and a great jacket over top - your faux leather moto?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Don't think it would work, Shannon. The sequinned top is a super thin tank (I actually have two of them, both both are super thin summer weight.) The fake moto is waxed cotton, not at all warm (feels cold to the touch, actually). The white jeans ....well...maybe, but I don't really have the footwear for them for a dressier situation. If I wear my Reports I have to roll the jeans (not good for the weather). And in any case, white would be a poor choice for me in the rain.

Can you believe I am actually thinking of some last minute shopping? Sheesh. I had hoped my jeans would be here.

I might be able to come up with a dark trousers outfit with lace top and jacket. I could use some bling to add to it, though - the lace is charcoal grey so it is all quite dark. Fine for going out for supper, but not as good for a reading where you want attention to your face.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Shoot....I didn't realize the sequined top was lighter weight. Definitely won't work.
What about that gorgeous blue tunic/dress with the fab draping? Anything you can do with that?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yeah...if necessary I could probably wear that with my black pencil skirt or with pants underneath instead of the taupe skirt. Not sure I have the right scarf for it at the moment. But it is an option.

Angie has gently pointed out to me that I really do need a capsule for this part of my life. The trouble is that each event is quite different from the others. So I always go around imagining that I'll be able to cobble stuff together from what I have...and then I wind up grasping at "almosts" and "not quites." You know?

This one is especially complicated because it's two events in one. At two places. With two sets of people. KInd of like work-to-evening, except the work is its OWN kind of evening.

nancylee

Veteran

A classic dress with a moto/leather jacket over it? I've worn this combo a few times this fall for arty events.

It's really too bad the sequin top didn't work out, and that your brocade jeans haven't arrived. You'll figure it out, I'm sure.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'd bat your pretty eyelids at the tailor and get back those trousers in time for the event. Now. How about something sparkly for on top?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Angie. I can try, but I don't think she can do it...I will stop by and see, though.

I was hoping to have sparkly, but alas, the BR top I ordered does not fit properly and is going back.

Well, I still have a bit of time to fiddle. I'll post some possibilities tomorrow.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm SURE you will look dazzling. Excited to see you dress up tomorrow

pil

Veteran

Your fuchsia jacket?

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

How about layering the thin sequin tank over a t-neck in the same color? May work...I did the same with my black sequin tee and quite liked it.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I plan to try that, Sveta, or something like. I have layered that tank before and it felt uncomfortable, but it might work with the *right* underlayer. I'm also going to try layering my lace shell over something else to see what that looks like.

Pil, can I admit it - I am sick of my fuchsia jacket? I have worn it to death. Plus, it's not really festive or dressy feeling enough for this event...more of a daytime piece. But you're right, the colour would be fun!

pil

Veteran

Suz, I wondered about that after I posted.
You will surely come up with something wonderful.

Ginkgo

Veteran

Shop quickly for velvet blazer? A striking necklace to wear with black? Hope you can find the time for shopping in Toronto!

Anonymous

Suz, what about that longish festive skirt with a turtleneck to dress it down a bit? I hope that you still have it. I remember it from one of your early posts. Maybe brocade? You could wear it with boots.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Oh, poo, I immediately thought of your sequined tank and BF jeans as well. I hope the layering goes well - add me to the list of fans excited for the dress-up post tomorrow!

AJ

Veteran

How about this? It is on the casual side, so I don't know how you feel about that.

I like the chambray button down with the leopard scarf and sparkley pin combo. The red/maroon sweater for some holiday color and the coated denim with booties.

ETA 2:
How about inspiration from Jonesy? Your taupe pencil skirt, chambray button down, and chunky/statement accessories.

ETA3:
Do you still have this jacket? I really like this outfit. You could also put the jacket over an LBD.

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ManidipaM

Veteran

Do you still have the fuchsia silk blouse from the three-piece suit you bought? Can you layer that over a (white?) shirt of some sort, treating it sort of as a vest? If it's warm enough to remove your top later indoors, that could do the trick with (black? grey?) skirt and boots --- the colour and the fabric should provide some festivity.

Or if it's not warm indoors, maybe its matching jacket (if you still kept it) can be the other half of a 'twinset'. Some patterned tights to de-conventionalize perhaps...?

Or is it simply too much time outdoors to forgo the pants?

unfrumped

Veteran

Oh, I know that feeling! And hate last- minute panic shopping.

Any nearby girlfriend clothes- swap buddies?

Accessorize! Not as dramatic as a new jacket or pants, but maybe easier to work out.

Deborah

Veteran

Suz, not helping I know but this is when I would like to be able to scroll through your blog and remind myself of what pieces are in your wardrobe, along with recent outfits. I understand feeling uninspired but you have a wonderful wardrobe and I know there is a fab outfit there just waiting for you:). Do you have any sense of what you might like to wear? Are you more inclined towards pants or a dress? Do you keep a photo record of your outfits? When I'm not sure about what to wear, I often scroll through my outfit pics and that often leads me to my outfit choice.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I second Deborah's suggestion of scrolling through your outfit pics! I was also thinking about your LBD, or LND, what about that with a moto jacket or blazer and booties? Maybe add a scarf? Opaque black tights would add warmth and take the outfit down enough to make it dressy, but not too much.

Anonymous

Ugh. No help here, but I'm feeling your pain! Angie and the others will get you sorted. I'm praying you get the slouchy trousers back from the tailor in time!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, everyone - you are all so sweet and so smart. That is why I love this place!! I hope to post some possibles tonight, but in the meantime I am taken with many of your suggestions.

Joy, I'm considering my copper skirt with a denim shirt and will probably put this combination up for review. There are two problems with this possibility: the skirt is very lightweight and would need a slip or I will freeze, and I am not sure I have a slip that will work with it. And secondly, I don't really have dressy booties, and pumps feel both TOO dressy and not me and also chilly to wear in those temps. But it is a strong contender, at least in my imagination!

AJ - you are so fab! Your pictorial combinations are so much fun. That is a great possibility if the colours work, actually - the venue is very casual from what I can gather. It is maybe a bit more dressed down than ideal, but in a pinch it would certainly work and keep me warm enough. The great part is that I can play with the scarves...the cowl on that red sweater is removable so I can try it with different options.

I love Jonesy's outfit, too, and could try that...if I had some dressier black booties....however, I can see how it looks with my Marcies or my Josef Siebels.

I do still have the cloud jacket and like it a lot, but it feels really spring/summery to me; the fabric weight and everything doesn't feel right for the temps.

I do have the fuchsia blouse, Manidipa, and it is in the running as a possible layering piece with something or other! I am not sure but I think pants are probably a necessity, though I'm going to try some skirt options. One issue is not knowing how the stage is set up or whether there is seating for us and if so, what kind.

Unfrumped, I WISH about the girlfriends. Alas, I don't have a single friend in town who is close to my size...Deb, Ingunn, good advice to look at my outfit pictures. I have been doing that.

Claire, thanks for the sympathy!

I will show you all something later on this evening, and thank you, again - you are all so helpful!

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