When fantasy becomes reality! (Fairy godmother(s) needed...)

I feel like Cinderella going to the ball - with nothing to wear, and it's my own fault for not following through on last year's plan to create a special occasion capsule!

The brief: an important family wedding planned for New Year's Eve (black tie) and several formal pm events around the occaision. It has been suggested that floor length is de rigeur for the event itself, and 'dressy' for other events (as many as 3!). The bride will be in white, the maids in gold. The MOTB is in navy/ink blue.

I am an athletic hourglass. In other words, I have a strong shoulder line vs full bust. I was thinking of a luxury fabric button down/ball skirt combination for the wedding festivities. Are full skirts still worn, or would I be better in a column? Would a velvet evening suit - jacket and pants, be a good idea for mixing and matching for the other occaisions? What about silky coulottes and a sequinned tank?

I want to buy vs rent. There are more 'occaisions' on the horizon.

Below are some pics of what I'm thinking about for the wedding. Please post ideas and pics.

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7 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

GORGEOUS. That's what I would wear to a ball with a PILE of pearls.

I did a similar look many years ago:

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Style Fan

Veteran

That is a great look Carla. I did something like that with a black button up and black satin trousers. I added lots of jewellery. Next wedding I will do it with my dark blue satin bubble skirt and an ivory button up. Now you have helped me out.
Do you have any of the pieces? I lucked out with the black button up. It was very expensive but I got it at a deep discount. Gorgeous material. I think the button up needs to be very high quality for the look to work. And it needs to fit perfectly. You may need to have it altered. I did. But I always do.

crazyone

I adore the look in #5. Dressy separates seem like a great idea! I would go with a skirt unless you strongly prefer pants, seems more "black tie" to me

ETA: just read more closely. I would go with the ball gown type skirt for the main events and pants for the side events

L'Abeille

Yes yes to both your ideas! Go Carolina Herrera with the full skirt for the wedding--it's a timeless look so you're covered for future occasions too (switch out the top if desired), and that silhouette is made for showing off your straight shoulders and slim physique.

Love the elegant tuxedo suit too but never feel I could carry it off. You on the other hand can, with your curls for the feminine element.

I will live vicariously through you. (Make my skirt taffeta in the Black Watch tartan.)

Anonymous

Yup, ball gown for the main event. I just LOVE the first pic with all the blue. I love the idea of velvet. Satin is great too.

I like the idea of pants for the other events.

And what about shoes? I think pointy ankle strap heels would be great and you could wear them with the dress and pants if you wanted.

How exciting!

Suz

So exciting! You'll look amazing in this silhouette and what a great choice for your style. Love the idea of the button down with full skirt if you can find it or have it made. Or if not button down, then another type of top.

Now let's get specific and see what's out there in this vein. Sometimes (some times) you can get lucky and find a range of stuff at the Bay, esp. downtown. But now that Nordstrom's is also there, you're more spoiled for choice.

Cerinda

You'll look terrific in one of these! How exciting!

Sisi

With your sporty body type I can see you very well in nr. 6. Masculine cut and feminine fabric for the shirt, and a fabulous skirt.

motherofms

Active Member

These are some great options. I especially like one and two. Look forward to seeing what you chose. How fun to have a special occasion to dress up for.

lyn67

Crossing fingers for you, wow, so excited to see how you'll do, love all the ideas above (very you)& Angie's gorgeous oldie, too:-))

Muffin

I also have a black tie event coming up and have started the search. I was in Nordstrom and tried a skirt similar to what Angie wore and really liked it. The top might be a litter harder to find, I agree with Style Fan that it really needs to work perfectly (although didn't Sharon Stone wear a Gap turtleneck years ago?). Can't wait to see some of your choices.

peacechick

I love your inspiration photos and think you should definitely go with the ball gown skirt! Strong shoulders are great with a luxe shirt, although I guess you might have to try it. I actually love a boat neck like in photo #1. I would avoid a suit jacket and go silky and drapey as you suggested.

annagybe

Alice & Olivia do amazing ball gown skirts, unfortunately spends though
http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com.....d121460058

http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com.....d121460037

http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com.....d121460059

ETA https://www.theoutnet.com/en-U.....irt/613431

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