A Little Dressed Up

 
I wonder about the lives of people who attend lots of formal events. I don’t even own a gown . . . unless my wedding dress counts? The dressiest my lifestyle calls for is a shiny knee-length dress.

 
 
I do, periodically, need to be a little dressed up. Fancier than business dress, but not formal. For such purposes, I like the idea of tuxedo dressing — but I think that works best on someone taller and leaner than me.
 
That didn’t stop me from acquiring a pair of tuxedo stripe pants last winter.
To be a little dressy
To be a little dressy

The eye is not fooled; this time, it really is satin
The eye is not fooled; this time, it really is satin
 
 
On the one hand, the pants were unnecessary because I already have a pair of black, cropped wool trousers.
 
On the other hand: satin stripe!

top
Who takes this satin stripe? I do
 
 
 
Having established that I cannot pull off the full tuxedo look — think Lauren Bacall — I have reached for my preferred silhouette: sleeveless, defined waist, peplum.

 
 
For dressy purposes, I am wearing a top made of chiffon (dressy) and satin (synthetic) fabric. The satin is cut in irregular pieces and then top-stitched together.
pieces
The Directrice reverts to type

 
 
If you look closely, you can see a hint of white on the raw edges.
the craft!
Let it never be said that I am not seeking some element of novelty

Back
If I had an intern, I am sure she would have made sure that the straps were laying absolutely flat, which The Photographer and I did not do
 
 
And now a view of the back, which I think is very pretty.
 
Rightly or wrongly, I wore a coffee colored regular bra (the color of coffee ice cream) under this top after deciding that black bras were more noticeable. In low light (evening!) I think this works. In bright daylight, what would work best? The question is rhetorical because this is not a daytime ensemble.

Have a fantastic weekend!
 
Top: 3.1 Phillip Lim; Pants: JCrew; Shoes: Lazio Collezione; Baroque pearl necklace: Samira 13; Diamond pendant: Grammy Esther*
 
* Grammy Esther is my grandmother, not a brand. This necklace was hers.

14 thoughts on “A Little Dressed Up”

  1. Great outfit! The sheer fabric at the neckline looks lovely, and I love the two necklaces worn together. Have a good time!

    Reply
  2. I love this outfit, it really is a perfect way to get a little dressed up. I did not even notice the bra strap until you mentioned it.

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  3. So perfect for you! Sometimes reverting to type is the right thing to do. Do you have in mind any links to someone successfully pulling off the full-tuxedo look who’s not also a movie star?

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  4. You do wear that well and the total look is classic. Fun to see you ready for a party and to sport your evening look. Party on, pretty girl. Kate

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