Black wool pants maybe?

Personally, I love fur collars but I usually go with a lighter fur or patterned at my face. Of course that's not usually as dressy.

Ive been looking for a velvet jacket also but I don't want anything that looks like an office blazer -- and I am picky about the feel so I haven't found anything yet. That said I like velvet with crepe, wool and dressier denim (though def not for the specific event you mention, it would be hot for a more casual gathering).

I was going to post last night asking about colors to pair with black for fall. I am in an ivory, gold/camel and hot pink rut... but there are a lot of colors I won't ever wear with black... so I didnt post lol.

What do you think about a velvet wrap? I am considering one for a simple black dress but like your question on the fur collar, I wonder if it will be dowdy??

editted to correct my many iPhone keyboard misses.

I don't have a problem with the fur collar. I think the asymmetrical drape of coat is perhaps passe. I love the velvet jacket and the top you chose- the color is really fabulous. Maybe a pair of pants like these https://www.eileenfisher.com/slim-pant-with-yoke-in-washable-stretch-crepe-eetk-p0396/?&color=1958. I can't decide if I like the idea of silky pants with the silky top with the velvet or more substantial pants. I am sorry I was not able to post the picture- the problem is with me, not the site.

Wool always seems like such a vague term to me? I was wondering about tuxedo pants, with the black stripe? or will i look like an usher?

Or would you pair the jacket with something else entirely? (love it w jeans but not for this purpose.

And, item 1, classic or dowdy?

Rita, I think you are right about the drape! TBH I did not actually see that detail against the dark jeans. I much prefer a structure. You saved me a trip to UPS to return it, thanks!

Funky, can you post the wrap?

Tuxedo pants are perfect. I like how the silk stripe marries with the silk blouse, but the pants are still a twill with structure, which I think is important with the velvet blazer if for no other reason than to make the two blacks work- a lighter fabric pant might not be dark enough somehow.

Good point, now i have to find them! Another idea, would two velvets be odd if the pants were grey?

Love the pants- but might they not look faded against the jacket?

Yes, but that might be ok IDK, a big edgy? Considering I most often see velvet paired w denim anyway. I would wear black heels to dress it up

Aha, found some tuxedo pants

I think that could work really well all together. When I responded at first the pictures had not posted yet. Now seeing how light the gray you mean is, I think it's totally fine. I think that gray will look fab with the top and the blazer and shoes will tie it all together perfectly.

PS I saw the black velvet pants you posted and not the gray- so I thought the black ones were the gray and just off-black, thus the faded remark. Sorry for being long winded. Just realized my comments made no sense without explaining.

Dowdy or classic? Given those 2 choices, around my part of the world wearing fur would be dowdy because no one wears real fur. Nothing classic about it. ymmv

Oly, i didn't see the hemline and that is what killed it for me. I dont have strong feelings about fur one way or the other and most people i know dont either ... i usually assume it is fake anyway.

Rita, I know, I posted wrong. I'm ordering the light grey velvet and the tuxedo and will see what looks best in person

I think you will get a lot of wear out of both MtnRd. I esp love the tux pants. When you first mentioned them I stuck up my nose -- and then I saw the photo. The narrow leg ankle pant looks great.

I don't have a velvet wrap photo mostly because I haven't found one yet. I may make it --- I want a luxurious supple velvet and I want a color. Creamy ivory or chartreuse? I'll try to find a photo when I'm home tonight.

To me the sweater looks dowdy because the collar seems oversized and closes in the neckline too much.

I like the velvet jacket a lot.

I would have a couple of problems with that particular top. For me, I need a good bra and so spaghetti straps are out. Also, I tend to freeze esp in the fall time and especially at dinners, and that top looks pretty chilly. But I do like the color and the deeper neckline with the jacket.

Or I'd think about doing a simple silk shell in a jewel tone like teal, aqua, emerald or turquoise.

For pants, I kind oflike these for the embellishment at the ankles which look nice with the metallic shoes. I also like the mix of the more feminine blouse and soft velvet with the more modern pant/shoe combo.

I didn't realize the fur collar was a full sweater when viewing on my phone.. I think you made a wise choice to pass it by. I am not sure I'd wear the gray velvet pants with the jacket but I think you'll get a LOT of fun opportunities to wear them.

I'll post my black/color question in a separate post.

Annie, those pants are really cute. For some reason though I wouldn't pair yellow gold with blue and black. As for the top, I too need "infrastructure". I doubt I would remove my jacket as I am always cold, but I could get a lacy strapped bra in a similar color just in case. No one seems to think twice about bras showing anymore, as long as they are nice. In fact they are often showing intentionally; I can't get used to that but whatever!

Just my two cents :) I love the lavender color and the idea that the top is silk. I don't especially like it under the tailored jacket. I also would not buy a top that I wouldn't feel comfortable enough to remove the jacket.

I agree with Annie for a more simple silk shell, with tone on tone design. or maybe even one with a print, if it's fancy enough.

I know younger generation doesn't mind bra straps, but I think that anyone over 40 should.

I like the tuxedo pant, but you can probably also find a nice Ponte pant as well.

Eld - What are Ponte pants? I see that term everywhere. I don't like knit pants. LOL re over 40. I see your point. I still think it is fine if it is a very nice bra and it matches and it just peeks thru. OTOH the fit of the top is such that i would prob be fine w a strapless bra too if I wanted. The top is so cute, you can't see it but it has grosgrain trim under the bodice.

Bumble - the jacket is great, and has a nice lining - pic doesnt do it justice. Highly recommend for someone who wants to give a nod to the velvet trend without buying something with a 15-minute fashion life. I think of trouser pants as straight cut, but w velvet and silk I think you need something tapered and that shows off the heels?

Ponte is a type of knit fabric.

Here's an article about it http://www.stylebykaren.com/what-is-ponte-knit-5197

Hmm, Maybe I should at least try it. I always deselect it. I tend to like twill or worsted wool.

I'm sure whatever you do will look great, M. You have good taste.

To me, skinny leg anything is a casual look and not something I like for dress up, but that's just me, not an inappropriate or wrong style.

You seem fixated on the shoe with the jacket, but consider the overall shape profile too. The jacket and top are fitted and balance a fuller bottom half well.

"Aside from the shooting Mrs. Lincoln, what did you think of the play?"

LOL Best.

To me, the dressy pants look works one of 2 ways. Either wide leg and flowy ... Or very narrow and high enough to show off the shoes, which should be high heels. Dressy pants that are in the middle, eg boot cut, look like office attire on me.

The top is baby doll, not at all fitted. And the jacket would be worn open; closed it might look like I have nothing at all under it.

.....which would be another look entirely :)

I think you should get a tight fit and a flowy! And, a simple silk shell and the lavender. Lots of options.

Sometimes, I'm not in the mood for a tight looking pant or high heels. The longer flowy pants can look good with a kitten heel.

Mtn- I never wore knit pants for fear they would hug my thighs which is not an attractive look. I usually wore wool or twill, something with a little more weight. But a few years ago I purchased a few pair of Ponte knit and I really like them. They don't cling, they keep their shape (no saggy knees) launder well and can go from casual to dressy depending on the style. And they're great for travel. And they haven't pilled either!

I bought a black velvet wrap and a velvet shawl collar short jacket for DD when she was living in NYC and needed something to throw over her shoulders for a dressy event or dinner. I think I found them at Lord and Taylor or Macy's (which unfortunately just doesn't carry the selection they used to).

I love the lavender top and think it would look great under the velvet jacket.

I also really like Ponte pants. I have bought them for work wear at White House Black Market (their pants tend to fit me better than from elsewhere), but they can also be dressed up, so I've worn them to holiday parties, too.

Sweater with fur collar, I know this isn't an option but I think it is impractical. It's such a specific look that I don't think you'll find gads of places or situations to wear it. It's not dowdy but not classic. The rest is all good, IMHO.

I have a black velvet jacket and I wear it a lot. I wear it with contrasting color pants or a print with some black in it. I love black and red or maroon and look good in those colors so I wear that color combo a lot with the jacket. I'm not a fan of the all velvet look, but that may be just me. I wear my jacket with wool, denim or flat cotton (like chino, for example) stuff. I have a grey tweed skirt and the velvet jacket looks great with it, for example.

Edited to add that if you love the idea of a fur collar, get a fur or fur-look ruff or scarfish kind of thing.

I have to disagree with the folks who are suggesting a simple silk shell with that cute velvet jacket...that cute lavender top just makes the look for me. It seems fresh and current. I love it with the skinny pants and very high heels.

And this may not be a popular opinion...but I think that WRT that fur collar jacket...dowdy would depend on the style & physique of the wearer. A tall, slim-hipped woman with on-trend shoes would not look dowdy in it. I don't think it is an age thing...I am 5'3" and don't think I could pull it off properly. It would make me look hippy and dowdy at my height, even though I am a size 2 and in my forties (although I imagine people in their thirties might think I AM dowdy, lol! )

Dowdy. I'm 5'7" slim and would be lost in that thing.

Are you planning on wearing the velvet jacket buttoned up or unbuttoned. If you're wearing it buttoned up I wouldn't wear a layered top. It might bunch up and give an unflattering silhouette. I would have to see how the jacket hangs to know if it is more flattering buttoned or unbuttoned.

If buttoned up I would wear a colour that flatters your face and a piece of jewellery that flatters your personality.

BLFenton, I am 5'9 but I usually wear 2-3" heels and I don't think I'd be lost in it -- but the deal killer was the asymmetric hem which I didn't even notice. For this purpose, with this shirt (which is btw blue, albeit periwinkle-y blue), I would wear the jacket open. Hmm, jewelry that flatters my personality? The crown jewels. LOL

Nini, Thanks I think you get the look I am aiming for. Shells, to me, are office-y and this top is more... festive. I agree with you about the sweater, it could be striking, but something about that hemline makes me think "Maude". I don't like big long shapeless things on me.

Pink, I wasn't loving the fur collar idea or particularly looking for one, I came across this cashmere sweater on sale and thought it was a good value. I do think I could wear it a lot ... out to dinner, to meetings, etc.

Bluebell, thanks

Maire, now you have me curious, i need to try Ponte.

Eld, I love the idea of kitten heels but for some reason, maybe it is the name, I tend to think of them as appropriate for someone petite. Something about my size 10 feet makes me feel funny in kitten heels ... I don't own any.

PS The tuxedo pants arrived and they are a scooch too small, which makes the stripe go a little wavy. It is kind of funny! Meantime I found a pair from the Gap of all places for 1/4the the price. I have the same pair in grey so I know they fit.

Be happy with your size 10 feet! I am just a little under 5'10 and size 11 and to be honest- feels more like 11.5 these days. And I feel the same way about kitten heels.

PS I really, really love the top.

Thank, Rita. Banana Republic, only $26.99, too.

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1091368&pcid=1014739&vid=1&pid=796763012

PS in the NY Times Vows section this week, the bride went barefoot because she is a size 12 and "cannot find elegant shoes".

Mtn I think my menopause was speaking when I thought it was impractical. I am forever bundling up one minute and then throwing everything off the next. Particularly around my upper body/head, which is where the flashes seem to start.

LOL, I hear you. I am not there yet, which is crazy odd. I may end up on the front page of the National Enquirer pregnant.

Plus, I don't care at all about practical. I always have to remind my DH of that when I say "how do I look" and he says "it looks great but won't you be hot/cold/uncomfortable/overdressed in that?" To which I say, I only wanted to know how I look! : )

I like the blazer, top and tuxedo pants. Personally, I think the fur collar would bother me because it looks like it comes up so high on the neck area and things like that feel as if they are smothering me. However, like Pink I am in the throes of menopause. Whatever you choose, I have no doubt you will pull it off smashingly!

Mtn, I like what you are putting together. The cami, tuxedo pants and velvet jacket are all in my likes column -- feel the same way about the waterfall hemline. I live in a different climate, so the fur collar, real or faux, wouldn't have nearly as much appeal even before I got to the hemline. You just don't 'need fur -- even trim, in the sub-tropics. Anyway -- you are going to look great.

I wonder if the NY bride really looked for shoes, wanted an excuse for going barefoot -- or wanted to make a statement. I wear a 12, and it's not easy, but I think she could have found something. Might have taken some planning and some time shopping, and they tend to be cheap, poorly made shoes or very expensive -- and definitely inconsistent in sizing. And the size 12 will be one of the first to sell out if the shoe is anything special or fun. But if she wears a size 12, she knows that is the norm. Whether she intended to make a statement or not, if it from shoe makers and sellers, I fully support that. But I would have had to have shoes of some sort -- at least until the reception.

Mtn, just have to say that I love the blazer & top you've picked. With a pair of ankle-length slim pants & a great pair of heels, you've got a fun, classic-with-a-twist look! I like it so much, in fact, that I may order the pieces too! Good finds! Thank you!

Okay, so here is a pretty bad mock-up of Outfit 1. I am wearing it to an event this weekend. Black velvet blazer, black tuxedo stripe pants (which are darker than they appear here), heels, "Hyacinth Blue" cami, and a black patent St John clutch. I have another purse that picks up the blue but it is a small cross body and I think it looks teen-ish?

So, my question is in re OUTFIT 2. I am going to a bnai mitzvah and I want to repeat the outfit, except the v-neck on Outfit 1 is abit too sexy on. I want something that won't show cleavage - or very little - but can go day into night at a rather fancy affair. Here are some choices to replace the blue top above.

1. Pale pink --- i look good in this color, it is "in", and I have not one but 2 purses in this shade (which is not necessarily a spring color because it has sort of brown/mauve tones).

2. Champagne --- flattering, classic, would look great w my Tahitian pearl choker

3. Goldish knit w fringe --- Knit tops like this tend to flatter me, and the color is good for blondes.

4.Electric Blue w black piping - reminds me of a shirt I had in the early 90s! The piping will look nice, but I don't wear such strong colors anymore

5. Floral - I think this is so pretty, but not sure it would flatter, it seems loose. I like it a lot in a mock-up because it make the outfit almost monochromatic

VOTE?

I love the gold with fringe and the black. If you think the black is too loose, a tailor could make it more form fitting.

The camisole ones are limited. If you become hot, are you comfortable taking off the jacket?

Maybe in dim light, LOL.

For most of my working life I have worn sleeveless tops under jackets (even collared, button-down cotton shirts, I buy sleeveless). I find they make the jacket lay better. I really can't recall ever being so hot I wanted to remove my jacket; which I probably would not have done in a work setting anyway since I am usually presenting or speaking. Including Asia in summer! I just wear lighter weight jackets, and they are my de facto "top" and the sleeveless tank/shell/cami is a de facto undershirt. So that paradigm always works for me.

In New England in late fall I don't foresee an issue.

Good point about the black one; it is hard to tell in the photo but I would have time for some alterations.

I agree with eld on all counts. I am pulling for the fringe top. I have one similar in a shopping cart somewhere -- but in black. I much prefer your color!

Ok, I'm ordering those two, and maybe the champagne cami since that seems like a good staple. At least if I can get the site to work; its been wonky. IDK maybe i need to upgrade Chrome or something I always ignore that stuff.

is it NM? Their site HAS been wonky.. from all my devices and all my locations. I believe they have an issue on their end.

Ugh, it was a long saga. It was Saks. I eventually had to call to place the order, but then realized they messed it up by not giving me Shoprunner 2day shipping... won't be here until Monday. So I called back and they sent a whole new order which I will get tomorrow; the event is 2moro night.

Meantime, i like the St John purse although it really is an envelope. It is very flat! No depth at all. Ok only for a credit card, id, maybe bronzer and gloss. Which is odd because it is otherwise not small. http://www.neimanmarcus.com/St-John-Collection-Logo-Embossed-Patent-Envelope-Clutch-Bag-Black/prod192190024/p.prod

The floral blouse was too large, so I ordered a new size

Well, the smaller floral one arrived today, it is a keeper. It can kind of skew grandma, or even country-western, but DD assured me she sees it as having an Anthro vibe. Ok, that is more how I see myself. : ) I think I will wear to a holiday party we have.

The pale pink cami is luscious, i love it and i like the color on me (i am pale). I will probably wear it to the bnai mitzvah, and reprise my pink Versace scarf and pink Furla bag from the wedding i went to last summer.

The gold knit one I am not wild about for these events. For social events, I like a bit more skin. But it fits very well and flatters. Believe it or not even w the fringe and some sequins (small rectangles actually) it looks like a work top to me. It is DH's fave so I will keep it, too.

The champagne cami is MIA, so no comment yet.

Glad they all worked out for you.. I think the floral will look great with the jacket but I am most excited about the pink with the pink bag and Versace scarf.

I really love the gold fringe top.. maybe it would work better with jeans and a jean jacket? I really like combining sparkle with denim.