by Wendy
Jack and I were invited to a very cool party a few months ago by one of his work colleagues, who was celebrating a milestone wedding anniversary and birth of a child. I started getting ready about an hour before we had to leave, which is admittedly cutting it a bit close if you really want to primp. However, I was making progress and feeling pretty well put together 20 minutes before departure.
T-20: Select the dress. I already had one in mind. Floral print, a little gauzy but with longer sleeves, looks appropriate for the winter season. Can be worn with sheer black tights. I haven’t worn this in awhile but move around and discover that yes, it still feels comfortable and looks fine.
T-15: A few final touches to hair and makeup – I had done most of this work after a shower/teeth brush/perfume, but before putting on the dress. Ladies, you know the drill.
T-10: Accessories and shoes! I choose a sparkly pin for my hair, dangly earrings, bracelets, and heels with a bit of sparkle studding. I go find an evening clutch and pack a few essentials.
T-5: I decide to take a couple of selfies to send to my Mom, April and Sunny. Hey girls, do you like my outfit? What the…
T-4: As I’m raising my arm to take the photo, I notice a giant rip in the dress, right underneath my arm! Not along a seam (as if I can sew anyway) but a jagged rip. And Jack is ready to go. He looks good. I need to change, fast.
T-3: I rush to my closet, and survey my trusty black cocktail dresses, while slightly distracted by the revelation that a selfie really CAN serve a purpose.
T-2: I try on one and check all the accessories, shoes, purse. Everything still works, because it’s a black dress! In fact, I think I like it even better than the floral one that let me down.
T-1: Whew! I am ready!
Off to the party. It was held in a large hotel ballroom, and there were drinks, an incredibly delicious Indian buffet, music and dancing. Many of the women were wearing colorful sari outfits that were amazing. Even though I started wishing for a sari, my dress was totally appropriate for the occasion and I felt content with my outfit. I wasn’t second guessing what I looked like and could just relax and have fun.
And that is really the moral of this cautionary tale. Not that you should get ready earlier. Things happen last minute! The lesson is: basic black dresses work for so many occasions. From my perspective, it makes good sense to have several in your closet – ones for summer, winter, tropical settings, work events, formal parties, casual parties, and date nights. Dress them up or down. Just keep your eye out as you’re shopping and stock up. They do not have to be expensive – over the years I’ve bought from places like Target, Zara, H&M, Express, Dillards. They will become superstars of your closet and be there for you when you need them.