A question for all you fashion mavens..

[goofy4tink]

Okay, I know that in the big picture of life this really isn't a huge issue but....
I am going to a 'fancy-shmancy' (as someone else's dh puts it) do on April 3. We get to dress up. My question is...is it too late in the 'season' to wear black velvet? I have a beautiful bugle-beaded halter top that I normally wear with black velvet pants, but since it's April I'm just not too sure if it's appropriate.
It's at times like this that I really miss my mother. She would know exactly what was 'proper'.

 

[goofy4tink]

Come on you guys....you don't want me to make a fool of myself do you??? Help!!!!!

 

[dbogen]

Although I am no expert I would say it depends on the time and place of the fancy schmancy thing. Inside after 7pm I would say go for the velvet. In the afternoon or outside I might go with nice black dress pants or maybe a skirt.

I hope this helps a bit and hopefully those experts will wake up soon and post their replies.

Deanna

 

[ScarlettO]

Honey, us Southern Belle's wouldn't be caught dead in velvet after February. Right now the Dogwoods and tulips are blooming-not vellvet weather, IMO, I would wear black silk pants instead.

 

[goofy4tink]

Indoors, after 7...looks like the black silk pants. Now, if I can just find some!!

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

I would also nix the velvet in favor of silk.

 

[my3kids]

Yep, no velvet in April. No white shoes 'til after Easter. So many rules we must follow.......

 

[danacara]

There are some gorgeous black silk and black blend pants at Lord and Taylor right now, if you have L&T in Central Mass. Good luck!

 

[IloveDMB]

Originally posted by danacara
There are some gorgeous black silk and black blend pants at Lord and Taylor right now, if you have L&T in Central Mass. Good luck!

I saw them and bought them for a wedding I have in April. Very comfortable and appropriate.

 

[CheshireVal]

I'd also have to say no on the velvet this time of the year. Don't you just hate fashion 'rules?'

 

[MHopkins2]

I don't know about Mass, but here in Ohio, we're buried in snow. (Grr, argh, etc.) Normally, I would say velvet in April is a no-no, but given that the weather is still crappy, I vote for wearing the pants if you want to. If not, silk would of course be fabulous.

I'm basing this "ruling" on the Etiquette Grrls' (major fashion mavens, with very little tolerance for exceptions) opinion that linen and other summery fabrics are okay after Labor Day if you live in the South or somewhere else very warm into the fall.

 

[goofy4tink]

Oohh, oohhh...yes, Lord and Taylor's at the Natick Mall. Have to go tomorrow. Thanks guys. I had completely forgotten about them. You are all the very best.

 

[suzannen]

If you live in the northeast where we are still having snow, velvet would still be appropriate. HOWEVER, since the weather can be quite changeable this time of year, you could suddenly find a warmer day so the silk pants are the safer choice.

Meanwhile, as far as that "white shoes after Easter" - if you're really a fashion maven, other than sneakers, you NEVER wear white shoes. Buy a tan or skin-colored neutral instead which avoids giving a "nurses' look" to an otherwise great outfit. (Of course, none of these rules apply to little girls because they do look adorable in white patent leather Mary Janes - but they are the only ones who do!)

 

[lil mermaid]

Another no vote on the velvet - the black silk sounds wonderful though!

I also agree with Suzanne on the white shoes. Little girls and nurses can wear them, but that is it!

Of course, that rule goes out the window if we are talking Manolo Blahnik....

 

[Jasminesmommy]

I would not wear velvet either. Although for a fancy party I would not wear pants either. As far as shoes go i would do a nude with jewels to go with the top.

 

[goofy4tink]

Ladies, as far as white shoes go, sometimes you just have to wear them. But not before Memorial Day or after Labor Day.
If I could find a really swishy skirt I'd go with that. It's just that the halter top is so form fitting and detailed that I don't want to overdo it. Shoes will be strappy black ones. No matter what is in the in-between part of me!! Thanks for the input.