Let's dress up! Update -- the outfit

Don't you just love it when people dress up? I've really been enjoying the festive holiday outfit posts on the forum. Your fabulous outfits (too many to name!) have encouraged me to choose more carefully, even on casual days. After having fallen into a bit of a fashion rut this summer and fall due to some personal issues, I'm enjoying this renewed attention to dressing well! 

And what a joy it is to meet someone who bucks the ultra-casual environmental norm! Yesterday I went to see a new specialist, not an appointment I was much looking forward to. Lo and behold, she was smart, helpful, *and* a delight to look at! A true "princess of darkness" as gryffin would say, she was head to toe in black, but not just any black. Hers incorporated texture (in the form of sheer sleeves on a blouse, with raised fuzzy polka dots), shine in her silver accessories and patent pumps, and even some subtle tone-on-tone pattern in a skirt. She'd obviously taken some care with this outfit and looked extremely elegant. Almost as great-looking as a few of the medical doctors on this forum! :)   

I'm really encouraged when I see people making an effort like this and admire them for it. On the darkest day (or longest night) of the year, I am planning to get dressed up tonight for supper at home with Mr. Suz, for no special reason at all except to welcome the solstice. Anybody with me on this? 

ETA: Lighting is terrible but you get the idea. Dangling earrings and necklace are too much, and I'm not wearing the sweater in the Find but a similar vintage cashmere with portrait neckline. 

This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

69 Comments

  • Janet replied 6 years ago

    Suz, I love this so much! Thank you for posting.

    As another self-employed person who doesn't need to conform to any standard but my own, I really appreciate it when people go the extra mile to look nice, especially at a time of year that can be challenging, with long hours of darkness and cold. It raises my spirits to see other people dress up, and to do so myself.  

    We're going to dinner tonight with my stepsons and their respective wife/girlfriend. I'm sure I could get away with wearing any old any old. But I'm going to take it up a notch, and raise a glass to you and all the YLF gang. 

  • approprio replied 6 years ago

    Heh. It's coming up for Christmas! what else do you think I'm doing? :P

  • Christina F. replied 6 years ago

    I love this outfit you posted. I'm so thrilled this year because I have some opportunities to dress up a bit this festive season. One is tomorrow! I have my new velvet dot pencil skirt, and I plan to dress is down a tad for work (especially since I need to bundle up there) and then switch out a couple of things for my event in the evening. In the meantime, while I haven't been very dressy at work, since I'd be cold and uncomfortable all day, but I've been trying to add dressy touches to things. The necklace here is very sparkly! It raises the game of a normal outfit, and was on sale.

  • Janet replied 6 years ago

    Christina, that necklace is a great example of how we can make simple changes to dress up just a bit even when our environmental norms don't seem to dictate it. 

  • replied 6 years ago

    I love it when people go the extra mile- both in their everyday lives, and for special times of the year.  I love your "iconic" Halogen pleated skirt, Suz , and what a nice thing to do today - this dressing for dinner idea.  I have to run some errands and do some gift shopping today, and you've inspired me to take it up a notch !  

  • Cardiff girl replied 6 years ago

    Loving the necklace.As a stay at home person I totally agree with your sentiments.It would be so easy to wear track pants and sloppy sweats all day but you feel better if you make a little
    effort and you get treated better in shops and the like.I hope you enjoy your winter solstice supper!

  • Suz replied 6 years ago

    So glad I'll have company in this! Christina, that is a really pretty necklace and a great example of how to bring the shine in! 

  • Joy replied 6 years ago

    I agree completely and am with you. It is a gift to others to make an effort. Your outfit is wonderful. How I wish I had your skirt. It was only available in Browns in my size when I shopped for it. I hope that they bring it back.
    This is a recent outfit worn to a Christmas dinner at a restaurant where most women were on black trousers with festive tops.
    This is an old red suit dressed up by a ribbon for a belt. The stockings got the most attention. They are black micro/ fishnets.

  • Janet replied 6 years ago

    Wow, Joy, you look stunning in that! 

  • Suz replied 6 years ago

    Joy, WOW! You and that red are a match made in heaven! What a gorgeous outfit on you. 

  • Christina F. replied 6 years ago

    Oh Joy, that's stunning. Love a red suit.

  • Sisi replied 6 years ago

    Good idea Suz. I wish I had something dressy to wear (especially today - we had our Christmas company lunch) but my closet lacks pretty things at the moment. To spruce things up though, I am wearing a "statement" necklace  made of fake  pearls and silver baubles, that I always use when I want to add a touch of elegance to a casual outfit.  Enjoy your evening!

  • Joy replied 6 years ago

    Thank you, Janet, Suz and Christina.
    Sisi, a statement piece of jewellery is a great way to make an outfit festive. And shoes. That is what I plan to do today to dress up black jeans and a black and white sweater.

  • Angie replied 6 years ago

    This post is all sorts of FABNESS.

    Woohooo, Suz. What a beautiful outfit you're wearing tonight. Take pics, and have a ball with Mr. Leonard. 

    It always piques my interest when people around me take care and pride in how they put themselves together. Eye candy and soothing somehow.

    In honour of you, I will wear something dressier today. Not sure what yet though. And for someone who felt style-rutted for part of the year - it certainly didn't look that way. Your KILLER style prevails. 

    This post is a great prelude to tomorrows post....stay tuned....

    Joy, you look wonderful.

  • Stagiaire Fash replied 6 years ago

    I was looking forward to, and planning to dress up for, an annual concert I’ve enjoyed in the past. I wondered why I hadn’t heard any announcements, looked it up this weekend, and saw I had just missed it :/

    Joy, that suit is beautiful on you. I like the imagination in the ribbon for a belt.

  • MsMary replied 6 years ago

    Love that Halogen skirt!! I have it in black and this is, what? Its third holiday season going strong? I've been lucky enough to have several parties for which I could dress up this year, and I've been taking full advantage!

    Joy, your red suit is amazing and the ribbon belt is the perfect finishing touch!

    And Christina, you had me at "velvet dot pencil skirt!" I hope you will post a photo of your fab outfit!

  • Dianna replied 6 years ago

    Suz, you are so inspiring!  That skirt is fabulous.  Joy, you look fantastic in that red suit. This evening I will take a plane back "home" (Chihuahua, Mexico) and I will be there for three weeks before flying back to Hermosillo (where I currently live), and I made an effort to pack mostly dressy clothes for the trip.  I will wear a pant suit for the flight, since it is a short flight of a bit over an hour, and I want to be ready for dinner with my parents, and my older nephew who will go and pick me up at the airport when I arrive. 

  • Jazzy Dance replied 6 years ago

    I'm so glad for this post. For many many years I never dressed at all (I wear gym clothes for my work), citing 'no reason' to do so. But, as your post illustrates, there are many reasons to do so! Your post is a great reminder that we can bring a little spark of joy to ourselves and others by dressing up, even a little. 

    Great description of your doctor's outfit-- I could see it in my imagination and could practically feel it too! What a great example of how to do all black dressing.

  • Liz A. replied 6 years ago

    I was thinking that the top you described sounds similar to the one Christina modeled the other day. Although hers was not sheer.

  • Katerina replied 6 years ago

    Suz, your post is wonderful and a true inspiration! All the pieces you have chosen for your outfit are so pretty, I am sure you will look beautiful and chic, as you always do. I have so enjoyed all the pictures you have posted I have seen so far. You are lovely!

    Joy, your suit is great! I would love to have one just like that,

    Tomorrow, I decided to wear a statement necklace too, thanks for the inspiration! It is a regular day in the office and meeting some colleagues for lunch, but why not? It is a “strass” necklace I bought on my trip to Prague. I have only worn it a couple of times before. I am going to wear it tomorrow in honor of YLF and my new fashion soulmates!

  • Katerina replied 6 years ago

    Here a pic.

  • Christina F. replied 6 years ago

    Liz A., that is also the companion piece is the skirt I mentioned above. Definitely not sheer at all.

  • Suz replied 6 years ago

    Christina, that skirt is so pretty! I'm putting together your outfit in my mind...

    Katerina, thank you so much, and what a gorgeous necklace! The green is perfect for the season. 

    Liz, what a pretty top! The doctor's top (which I could have described a bit better) was actually all sheer with long sleeves and tiny fuzzy dots. She wore a simple black cami underneath and also had on a black gilet. 

    Jazzy Dance -- I was also in your position and often wouldn't bother to change out of gym wear. But dressing well can really add to the festive feeling. 

    Dianne, you sound like a packing pro! And I hope you get lots of opportunities to wear your pretty things!

    Ms. Mary, you have been one of my dressing up inspirations for all my years on this forum! 

    Fashintern, that is too bad about missing the concert but I hope you find another reason to dress your best! 

    Angie, thank you and I can't wait for the blog post tomorrow! 

    Joy, love that collection of Finds -- what a great outfit. 

    Sisi, a statement necklace goes far in the festive department and often gets compliments too! 

  • gryffin replied 6 years ago

    Suz - I love this.  I get very dressed for work.  Always a beautiful jacket, tunic, dress etc and great booties.  I think many people (not referring to the forum as we talk about this frequently) fail to appreciate that to pull off a totally black outfit well, requires attention to proportion, texture, movement, and details.  I love subtle silver with an otherwise black outfit, glossy super clean styled hair, and subtle bling.  Having pale, rose, clear skin definitely as asset!!  All black requires a lot more thought for me than tossing on a great non black jacket. 

    On dressing up in general, I am usually much more "dressed" than my friends and colleagues.  It just makes me feel good.  Plus why have beautiful things if you are not going to wear them?  I have many jackets that would be considered light very dressy coats that I wear as blazers to work otherwise they would collect dust.  I've also stopped changing when I get home, why should I not enjoy my outfit?!

    That's a beautiful outfit Suz and in my favorite color way!!  Enjoy your wonderful evening with Mr. Suz.  Ambiance makes the ordinary extraordinary and clothes are part of that!

    Joy - gorgeous suit, Wow, love the ribbon belt.  Fantastic detail and looks amazing on you!!

  • Suz replied 6 years ago

    Thank you, gryffin! I thought of you and Deborah when I saw this woman; she understood the importance of detail with all black. It was clear she put a lot of thought into her ensemble and she shone! My city is a very casual one as a rule and it was lovely to see someone dress with such care. Also, when I got talking to her, I liked her even more, because she was completely down to earth and unpretentious and not at all stuck up, which some people seem to think nice dressing implies. 

    Thanks for your kind thoughts and I hope a few of those you meet in your day appreciate the care you take in dressing! 

  • MsMary replied 6 years ago

    Gryffin's post reminds me of a favorite quote from a very stylish woman I worked with some years ago: "I'm almost always the most dressed-up person in the room, wherever I go. And I'm okay with that!"

    I've adopted that philosophy, too, and it's served me well! ;)

  • Christina F. replied 6 years ago

    I just saw a great example of dressing up for the festive season in my office. She had an outfit on that was almost all black, with cropped pants... along with burgundy Kate Spade glitter booties. I DIED. She said her husband and kids hated them, but they were so fabulous. She kept the rest of the outfit dressy enough but low key, so those boots were the star. She said they were comfortable, too, as they had block heels. I looked for a find to share, but I can't find that color, just black or blue.

  • Glory replied 6 years ago

    What a wonderful idea Suz! My fancy wear does not get nearly the wear that it should! This gives it some more opportunity.

  • Zibbets replied 6 years ago

    Oh my gosh, everyone's dressy outfits are gorgeous!
    I love to dress up and this time of year with holidays around the corner and celebrations, I love to bring it up a notch at work and for fun.

    Thanks to Angie and the encouragement of the forum I feel well prepared for the parties and events around the corner. Angie, your gorgeous holiday capsule built around burgundy reminded me I have a lovely burgundy Adrianna Papell dress that would be great for my husband's company Christmas party Friday night. When I pulled out the dress I remembered my garnet red patent pumps that rarely get out to play and behold, they are gorgeous together! So much fun!

  • Sal replied 6 years ago

    What a lovely post Suz!!  I am sure you looked wonderful for your dinner and I applaud your sentiment.  In the long dark winter period a bit of sparkle and shine is important and fun!!

  • kerlyn replied 6 years ago

    Oh what a great idea, Suz!  I bet you'll look lovely and festive.  I threw on jeans and a sweatshirt after my shower, but I think I may go put on a nicer sweater and some sparkly earrings.  Thanks for the inspiration!

  • LaPed replied 6 years ago

    Lovely post, Suz. 'Tis the season. Sadly, no photos from me for the next couple weeks -- house is too busy/under construction, trying to finish projects before we head out of town for a while. But I'm enjoying browsing others' sparkly looks! :)

  • Suz replied 6 years ago

    La P, I was so sorry that blazer didn't work out for you (saw but missed commenting on your other thread). Construction wreaks havoc with the best laid party plans! Having lived through 2 renos (and my marriage lived through it, too!) I know...

    Thanks, GloryKerlyn and Sal

    Zibbets, would love to see that outfit! 

  • LaPed replied 6 years ago

    Thanks to your post, Suz, I made myself change out of my hiking clothes and managed a bit of polish for dinner tonight! Black dress, silver shoes, silk scarf. 

  • Suz replied 6 years ago

    LOVE this, LaP -- thank you!!!! 

    My update: Mr. Suz was delighted and wanted to know what everyone else was doing tonight. 

    Oh, and we found out solstice is actually tomorrow. So, yeah, another reason to dress up! I need a second jazzy outfit! 

  • Jazzy Dance replied 6 years ago

    Lordy, I just about fell over. You look spectacular. Absolutely stunning.

  • replied 6 years ago

    LOVE THIS! Sorry for shouting. I'll be over shortly with a bottle of prosecco I've saved for a fun holiday occasion ;)  

  • JAileen replied 6 years ago

    Gorgeous outfit! I love the skirt.

    I'm wearing my nice new sweatshirt. It's lined with sherpa fleece. It feels very cozy.

    ETA: and it's not grey.

  • gradfashionista replied 6 years ago

    Suz, this is such a gorgeous outfit on you. I’m so accustomed to seeing pops of colour on you, but you pull off black and silver equally well! What a fabulous outfit.

  • Christina F. replied 6 years ago

    Looking good! That skirt is a knockout.

  • Runcarla replied 6 years ago

    Lovely outfit, Suz. You look so pretty! DH and I have decided to have a solstice party tomorrow! Thanks for the inspiration.

  • Suz replied 6 years ago

    Yes! We are going to have another party tomorrow. Why not, right? But now I have to plan tomorrow's outfit!

    Isn't that skirt brilliant? Angie had the black and cream version and featured it on the blog. MsMary has that one, too. A few others ordered other colours. It was great in every version and has closet longevity. The stitched down pleats make it a lot easier to wear than the pleated skirt featured on today's blog (much as I also adore that style!). And the price was insanely low -- $40 or something? Not exactly that, but almost! 

    Lisa, I'd love that pro secco!! 

  • Sal replied 6 years ago

    You look just as fab as I imagined...

    I have two bottles of Prosecco in the fridge right now (to serve tomorrow with Christmas Fruit mince pies to our staff)....You are all welcome here and I have tea and coffee if you prefer!!

  • Violettt replied 6 years ago

    I agree with Angie: This post is nothing but Fab-ness~~ How fun~ to read everyone's comments~
    Suz: I really was inspired reading your post, how we can, yes, be so inspired by someone we come across in public and their outfit and the way they put things together can so inspire us!  Sounds like that totally happened to you~ Love your outfit, everything about it, in your pics~
    Joy: that red suit is gorgeous~fits you so beautifully~

  • Violettt replied 6 years ago

    Christina: Love the crystal necklace~
    Katarina: Love that beautiful necklace from Prague~  How special that is to wear~~

    Joy: love those pink crystal earrings

    La Pedestrienne:  Your profile pic is hilarious, makes me smile~ Love your pics, especially the scarf tied just in that way~

  • Jaime replied 6 years ago

    What a gorgeous post! The necklace itself makes me want to amp it up. We just finished up our holiday season as you know, but everyday dressy is still in reach!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 6 years ago

    You look beautiful, Suz. I do love dressing up. I find it hard to do in cold months, though, when I just want to stay layered up in my sweaters, cords, thick socks, and scarves. Sometimes the thought of changing into a dress just makes me shiver.

  • Stagiaire Fash replied 6 years ago

    Firecracker, boots! You had some great ones on with your purple dress. And then tights, a T-neck, and cozy sweater dress. ;)

  • Joy replied 6 years ago

    Suz, you look amazing!
    Firecracker, you need to make yourself a wool dress with a long wool duster to keep you extra warm.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 6 years ago

    Fashintern and Joy, great ideas!

  • The Cat replied 6 years ago

    A very pretty outfit, Suz--and a great reminder to dress up even for some meals at home. That's another way to show that we value and love our nearest and dearest and ourselves.

    When I saw this post, it was late in the evening here-- too late for making special efforts for yesterday. ;-) However, I can assure you that I kind of dress up most of the time. (For instance, I'll never wear distressed denim, or distressed anything, anywhere.)

    In this darkest time of the year, I definitely feel a need for some colour and shine (though black actually feels more natural to me in winter than in any other season). Don't have time for pics now, but FYI, this is my work outfit today:
    - purple & torquoise glasses
    - purple velvet tee
    - torquoise coatigan
    - black knee-length skirt
    - black & silver pendant necklace
    - black belt with a shimmery strass heart
    - black hose
    - black suede shoes with silver hardware decoration

  • lyn67 replied 6 years ago

    Love this outfit, festive but not fuzzy I would say,  I remember the skirt-and adore how the boat neck top makes a little place/cowl neck for the statement necklace on super slim &looking fab yourself! 

  • Amy Isabella replied 6 years ago

    WOW - a post just crammed full of gorgeous inspiration. You look amazing Suz - as always.

  • The Cat replied 6 years ago

    By the way, Suz, did you tell the specialist that you appreciated her outfit?

    Kind words and sincere compliments brighten the day, let others know that we see and appreciate their efforts, and create positive vibes that may benefit even third parties. :-)

  • Sisi replied 6 years ago

    Beautiful ! I was thinking of you this morning Suz. I was thinking that you are clever to celebrate Winter solstice. I am not keen to celebrate anything that has to do with Winter/cold weather, but then I realized that I am wrong and you are right.  You made me think of an old book I read about being grateful for *anything*. :)

  • Stagiaire Fash replied 6 years ago

    The Cat, those are good colors on you, and I love texture. Even if it’s too dark to see how nice you look, you feel nice—literally ;)
    Do you take part in any solstice celebrations, maybe not jumping over fires, but something?

  • kkards replied 6 years ago

    OMG....love how the necklace and the shoes mirror each other! 

  • Jjsloane replied 6 years ago

    You look gorgeous Suz! We are skirt twins, although I have not worn this one in awhile, maybe I'll break it out in your honor. LOVE to see everyone dressy. I so miss the days of having at least one cocktail dress-worthy occasion to go to. Darn this casualization! Can we blame the millennials (just kidding :)) ? Cheers!

  • replied 6 years ago

    You look fabulous Suz! Here's my festive outfit for this year.

  • Suz replied 6 years ago

    Thanks for all the lovely compliments and for the descriptions of your own outfits and photos. The Cat, I didn't (yet) tell the doctor how I appreciated her outfit, though I couldn't agree more with your point that it can make a person's day to hear that kind of thing. I confess I was feeling a bit shy since it was our first meeting. But I will be seeing her again and so I will tell her then. I think when I know her a bit better it will feel a bit more natural to say it. 

    Sal, I'd be happy to share pro secco or tea or coffee and good for you, for setting out some festive beverages. 

    A toast to all! 

  • Beth Ann replied 6 years ago

    I love your plan, Suz, as well as your outfit.   A nice dinner at home is a beautiful way to celebrate the season, as well as honor your family and home.  It can be special to stay home!  Of course, I'd have to finish the decorating, and the laundry, and mop the kitchen floor before I got dressed up, but motivation to do that would be nice, too!

  • Suz replied 6 years ago

    Ha, Beth Ann! (So great to see you by the way). Well, the decorating is done in our house but the shopping and groceries are not done. As for the floors -- they could certainly use a good mop after DD got baking yesterday...sigh...just after we'd cleaned! 

  • K.M. replied 6 years ago

    Coming late to this beautiful post... Suz, I was moved by how you described the doctor. I agree with Joy when she said: "It is a gift to others to make an effort." I work in a very casual environment when dressing up sometimes elicits strange vibes (like, I'm vain, or I'm spending too much on my clothes/appearance, or I'm misplacing my efforts, or I'm plain simply "overdressing" etc.) But your post shows that this kind of thoughtfulness is not only healthy self-care, but also care for others around us.
    And yes, I agree: your outfit is beautiful and you look sparkling. (I'm drooling over your silver pumps. Are they comfortable?)

  • Suz replied 6 years ago

    K.M. Thank you! And yes, it can be tough to challenge the environmental norm. But often worthwhile.

    The silver pumps are super comfortable! They have low block heels and stay on due to the straps. But they are fragile. I've touched them up a bit with nail polish but they do have a few scuff marks. However, they were very inexpensive and have served me for my few dressy occasions for a few years now. 

  • K.M. replied 6 years ago

    Thanks for the feedback on the pumps! I love the silver color and the straps.

  • Elizabeth P replied 6 years ago

    Wow Suz, you sure do "clean up good" :) 

    Not that I didn't know that, but it has been a while since you posted something dressy! You look absolutely amazing. 

  • Lisa replied 6 years ago

    Pretty outfit!  I see so many casual looks, it makes me happy when I see someone dressing up and going against the norm.

  • Angie replied 6 years ago

    KILLER to the POWER of KILLER

    Earrings and necklace look perfect to me. 

  • Dianna replied 6 years ago

    Oh, Suz you look stunning. Thanks for sharing the picture.

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