What events should I be prepared for?

[BikeRunSki]

I have a thread running about DM’s horror that I wasn’t able to dress for a black tie event with a fortnight’s notice. I’m sorted for that. What other events should I be ready for? I’m thinking I should work on a capsule wardrobe of smart, classic investments.

My wardrobe is very much gear towards outdoor sports and outdoor work. I have a range of jeans, long and short sleeved Ts, Breton tops and nice wooly jumpers. Chunky socks and stompy boots. A couple of jersey dresses and blazers, coloured stretch cotton smart casual trousers (Boden Richmond) and a couple of stripey work shirts, which I’d wear with Clark’s brogues.

Work is WFH or construction sites.
I’m 50, a bit overweight, and the last 15 years or so have been about child rearing. Still got a few years to go…

So what events do I need to have in the back of my mind and wardrobe?

Job interview
Summer wedding
Winter wedding
Restaurant dinner out (again, this has been limited the Harvester and Wagamama’s in recent years)
Funeral
What else?

A gorgeous date, so a sexy dress?! 😉

Day at the beach :)

It’s not really worth being prepared unless you maintain a consistent weight and shape. You might find a fab outfit … but if it doesn’t fit by the time you need it 🤷‍♀️

Rather than events, it might be worth thinking of items. A black, navy or grey dress could be suitable for both a funeral and a job interview, for example. A going out to dinner dress could also be a theatre dress and probably even a mooch around town dress, with different shoes.

@Justbetweenus

It’s not really worth being prepared unless you maintain a consistent weight and shape. You might find a fab outfit … but if it doesn’t fit by the time you need it 🤷‍♀️

Which is exactly why I was unprepared for a black tie do.

I’m a consistent size but fashion changes so quickly I’d rather just hire something for most of those events.

Even the lbd can date if you buy the wrong one.

If you read other threads atm your wardrobe should be prepared for the imminent collapse of civilisation and living in a cave.

Back in reality, I think separates and accessories are your friend if you want a small but versatile wardrobe, and more shoes than you think are necessary, shoes can completely change the tone of an outfit.

I don't think there's any point having dresses hanging around that hardly get worn, much better to have simple items that can be mixed as necessary.

If you read other threads atm your wardrobe should be prepared for the imminent collapse of civilisation and living in a cave

I could probably manage that.

I'd hire a dress for a black tie event. I don't have the lifestyle so it would be just wasting money.

Do you live in a city or rurally? Do you walk or drive? UK or somewhere else? These might affect the clothes appropriate for each. But other events that you should think of

(And you should plan one summer version and one winter version ideally)

Dinner party at home
Coffee with friends
concerts, plays, opera
Casual gigs
Work related event and networking stuff, a conference
Work related drink/coffee/dinner
Travel/holiday stuff depending on what you are into

I think you've got a good list, which I might copy!

I live in casual clothes, jeans, t-shirts etc but have a funeral outfit in my wardrobe just in case (used it 3 times now 😔).

I'd love to have a few things that I could put together to make a smart 'interview' outfit, an evening out, wedding guest etc.

I have got a wedding to go to next year so may end up keeping that outfit as part of my collection!

I hate wearing shoes, in summer I wear reefs, in winter tan ankle boots. Also white Supergas for the inbetween times. I've got a pair of black ballet flats that I've worn to the recent funerals but would like to pick up something dressy (but low heel).

Also hate handbags but have a tan cross body bag & a small black shoulder bag (funerals).

Seems I'm only ready for funerals which is a bit sad!