WIW: Nights out and two questions

I have had a couple of nights out recently.

Special dinner out with friends with lovely seasonal food. I got ready in a terrible rush and photographed my outfit at the end of the night. Wore the orange knit dress with tall suede boots and big hoop earrings. I liked it on the night but the photo was awful so I am not sharing.
Birthday dinner with friends. Black sheath dress (4 years old) with cream jacket (3 years old). I loved this and think it worked. (pic 1)

A few thoughts/questions:

1) I like this black dress on me and wonder how I can wear this type of look more casually. I attach a pic of my Bailey dress as one idea (pic 2) but was wondering about a tube skirt or similar??

2) I have had a couple of weeks of work functions (celebration dinner, conference, farewell client lunch, client meeting) and I want to focus the shopping for the rest of the year on a new work capsule.

I have a few pieces already that are workhorses but intend to start with one new outfit and then build from there.

I have bought a second hand Furla bag (black and caramel - yet to arrive) and am thinking of some matching loafers, a pair of work trousers and a blouse. My work is usually casual but I have these bursts of meetings and functions at times and I have neglected this part of the closet in favour of casual options and party clothes.

Thanks for your comments and thoughts.

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4 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

I am trying to recall if I have seen you wear separates like a skirt and blouse combo? Usually I see you in dresses. I know a lot of people here on the forum like tube skirts, but I personally find them awkward and hard to style. Anything I tuck into them shows at the waistband. They look sloppy when I try to wear something loosely over them. It may be me, but I would stay away and opt for something else. Maybe a heavier twill skirt with some stretch, that can still be casual but has enough heft to handle times you want to tuck and times you want to have something loose, etc.

The black dress with the cream topper looks sensational on you!

Helena

Sal, I've noticed a lot of fitness wear lines have sheath dresses that are basically made of athletic fabric ... They always tempt me as they look so comfy .. could something like that work as your casual LBD? You look great here; you wear high contrast well!

Suz

(website)

Sal, you look gorgeous in your black dress with topper! No wonder you felt great.

I don't know what the fabrication of the dress itself is, but you could easily dress it down with a cropped denim jacket and sneakers (or sandals) or with boots and a long line cardigan.

If the fabrication of this one doesn't lend itself to that, I'd look for a version that does. A tube skirt and top combo could also fill the role, yes. You might have issues with tucking, as Staysfit says. I do tuck and then blouse the fabric (lightweight) over the skirt. -- it seems to work fine for me. But most of the tops I wear untucked with tube skirts. Also, tube skirts are not created equal! Some are simply awful. Like too-thin leggings. You will want one with some heft to it -- and this can make them impractical for high summer. Though in your climate, probably a year round item.

Your plans for the work capsule sound great! Looking forward to seeing what you choose.

Anonymous

You look gorgeous in the black dress Sally . I think it’s pretty easy to change up the look by wearing flatform oxfords or sneakers and a bomber jacket or denim jacket . A black skirt in a heavier scuba type fabric or tube skirt in a thick knit would be perfect for you too .

kellygirl

Agreeing that the black dress could be dressed down. I find knits the most versatile. Body skimming styles are my favorite followed by the athletic fabrications that hug but are substantial enough to not show every bump. Same goes for tube skirts. The Vince Camuto skirts are very easy to wear and would make a great capsule piece!

Bijou

Sal I also love these looks on you - the black dress is just AMAZING!

I bought this checked dress from Karen Millen to wear to work with cropped jackets - I have white and black and also my capes. This is dressy, but a versatile piece for my work wardrobe and easily transitions from season to season depending on what I pair it back with (long boots and a coat and scarf for winter, sandals and cropped jackets for summer).

A dress that is more casual but a similar shape is my black dress with a red stripe on the sleeve and stripes on the back, giving it a sporty feel - I also dress it up with heels and a red jacket for work. On the weekend I wear it with sneakers and a moto jacket. All in Finds.

by Bijou

Joy

You dressing down a black sheath reminded me of a blog post Angie did several years ago in which she dressed a black sheath 3 ways for wear in different parts of the world. The one I remember best was for Isreal. She dressed it down with a casual web belt in khaki, I think, wore earthy sandals and used a hobo type or rattan bag. I am sorry that I can’t find the original post in the archives. Maybe someone else can. For winter you would not want to wear sandals, but low booties or sneakers should work. A jean or chore jacket would give warmth. Please show us what you come up with.

Oh I like both a lot, and your orange dress too! Tube skirts are easy for casual wear. I don't tuck, just do long over lean. Since the skirt is tapered it's basically the summer equivalent of leggings!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

You look absolutely KILLER in both outfits, Sal. I especially love #2.

I know you don't wear denim jackets, so pop a cardi or moto over the black dress and add your white oxfords, or fashion sneakers.

Excited to see the new Furla!

Cardiff girl

You look very glam and sophisticated in that black dress outfit!

JAileen

You look so fab in #1. And a little like Diana, too.

rachylou

#1 is sensational!!

Sal

I am on my phone in between meetings at the moment so can’t reply individually. Thanks - the dress is a stretchy almost scuba type fabric - it has a cut out at the back so is more evening like. But with a cardigan it might work! I will give it a go:)

Jaime

Both outfits are outstanding! Flats and lower contrast topper would bring the black dress into day I think. But do repeat the black and white for night!

Brooklyn

You look really elegant Sally.

As others have said, I think you could casualise the dress with different shoes and a more casual jacket. Also opaque stockings casualise I think.

I do have some knit pencil skirts and I think they look more casual than a woven, lined skirt in the same shape. Not as workwear-ish. I wear them with a loose untucked top (warm weather) or an untucked knit top (cool weather). But if you are looking for workwear maybe a woven skirt would be preferable? Or stretchy viscose (95% viscose/5% elastane) could be a good option because it has shine (which makes it look dressier than a knit) and more softness and drape than a woven. My PC dresses are stretchy viscose. They are lined too so there are no VPL issues.

by Brooklyn

Jane

You look stunning and your make up is too. I love the black dress outfit. Like Angie I’m excited to see your new Furla. I would wear dressy flats with the black dress and a coloured long cardigan, or perhaps could you wear a polo neck underneath?

lyn67

Nr 1 is marvelous, but loved the second look, too!. You can dress down nr 1 anytime with some more casual shoes, toppers and bag for nr 1 great dress, and love the cascade topper, too!

Thanks! I will have a play with the dress. It would be hard to layer under because it has a cut out on the back and is quite fitted. It is a true LBD cocktail dress.

I am hoping my bag arrives tomorrow. I have also added two other new pieces this weekend - both semi planned.

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