#1 and 2 are of a boucle knit cardigan I was trying for work, to go with straight skirt or pants. The color is one of my favorite indeterminate neutrals so as to not wear black on top, also warm for winter, also gives some detail on top but can fit lab coat over.

3 &4: While on the hunt for my dressy capsule items, I tried this velvet jacket by Adrianna Pappel from Nordstrom's. Just have it on with my same skirt and tights. I like it, as it is a beautiful heavy but soft velvet, and over time I could probably find the right skirt and pants for dressy outfits, but I fear that because of the neck and sleeve ruffles, it would be more of a statement piece and I would not wear it many places and yet it might not hold up as classic for several years. The constant dressy dilemma--the items that look good at super dressy events are hard to work into other occasions.

5&6: A possible dress make-over outfit base. This is a bronze metallic knit dress I found for $21. ( As well you might, you say!). I like the color for dressy occasions because it fits my magpie gene, and this color is more flattering than black. But: It's both a bit too big and I hate the handkerchief hem. If I kept it, i would have it altered to a straight hem at a bit below knee length--sort of a graceful midi length--and taken in at the bodice side seams. Other problem is, sleeveless is not my best look for dressy/special occasions, hence the dress has to be a base for the perfect topper (black I would expect). Here is where I would need my imagined perfect topper, a la alaskagirl's post--some kind of soft chubby short jacket, not fake fur or pile though. Or maybe a very short fitted thin knit something. So would you find the topper before you invested in the alterations? To me dress would still be rather inexpensive even with that, but I can't tell for sure I can achieve the final "outfit" for this dress. This may be too imaginary to pull off.

Finally, # 7 is me trying something that is too short and too young--the velvet zig-zag dress from WHBM. it seemed to come to the knee when I first tried it on, but it "wants" to be shorter. The other reason it is only for my imaginary life is that the fabric is pretty decidedly winter holiday type, but I will be too cold-natured to wear this dress and tights with no sweater, even indoors. I guess boots would help, but again, it's still essentially a thin, SHORT, short-sleeved dress . Still, it's fun to try and get a sense of what might work, and why or why not.

Comments, laughter are welcome.