Chic for Cheap: A Business Casual Dinner + Wine Tasting

I haven't taken on a Chic for Cheap challenge for a while, but when Tracy recently wrote with a plaintive cry for help I decided to see what I could come up with for her. Here is the challenge in her own words:

"I am a stay-at-home mom in sunny (and casual) Austin, Texas.  My typical wardrobe consists of t-shirts with cardigans or hoodies, jeans, & converse chuck taylors.  If I'm feeling fancy, I wear my skinny jeans with boots.  And earrings.

I'm married to a lovely fellow who happens to fly all over the place in fancy clothes for his job. That's fine for him. I stay home with the kids getting paint on my shoes while we take on various DIY projects around the house. Until now. My sweetheart has received something of a prestigious appointment to a special committee for the CEO of his fancy company and there's a celebratory dinner he desperately wants me to attend with him. In Portland. With the CEO. I can't help feeling awfully intimidated at the prospect of trying to fit in with these successful, business types. It sure would help to go to dinner feeling stylish and hot! So, what in the world do I wear to this fancy dinner in Portland? The invitation says Business Casual. Also, the next day is a wine tour, which is casual, but I'm guessing probably less casual than my paint-spattered chuck taylors and frayed Gap jeans, right?"

Since Tracy is accustomed to wearing comfortable clothing, I thought it best to pick out pieces that would be a step or two up from the everyday, while still retaining a certain comfort value. In the first look, the fluttery top has a flattering fit that cinches in while floating away from any trouble areas around the midsection. The cardigan is a great layer to help keep her warm and her shoulders covered (since it is business casual after all). You can't go wrong with a pair of classic trousers, and soft neutral makeup, classic shoes, and understated accessories finish the first look.

Business Casual Look - Total $233.47

• Single Closure Shawl Cardigan - $59.50
• Fog at Dusk Top - $39.99
• Perfect Trouser Pant - $59.50
• Black Peony Pumps - $24.99
• Chained Hoop Earrings - $39.50
• Boots No7 Sheer Temptation Lipstick - $9.99

For the second look (wine tasting) I went even closer to Tracy's usual wear of skinny jeans and boots, but mixed in a few fun accessories and a beautiful top to complete the look. Of course for both of these ensembles you can always substitute in pieces from your existing wardrobe to cut the cost even further. I hope you have a wonderful trip Tracy! xo Ez

 

 Wine Tasting Look - Total $246.29

• Ruffle Shoulder Knit Top - $49.50
• Devin Military Peacoat - $59.50
• Classic Leather Belt - $29.50
• The Diva Skinny Jeans - $29.50
• Crinkle Colorblock Scarf - $8.80
• Kallista Riding Boots - $39.99
• Cali Bangles - $29.50

Comments

[Theresa]

I love your picks and I love even more that they are usually in my price range!! Thanks!

[Sara]

Yay! I must say, I have missed this feature. I love the Chic for Cheap posts!

[Kate Eliza]

I absolutely ADORE Chic for Cheap and would love more of them!!! I get so excited when I see them pop up on my google reader. You are amazing with creating outfits - I would kill to have an eye for fashion like you do!!

[Tracy]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make two great outfits! You do have such a great idea! Now I can look forward to my trip instead of dreading it.

[Araceli]

I love this look! Totally doable

[Haylee]

Ok that military peacoat? Need it now! So freaking adorable.

[Tali Schiffer]

Love the wine tasting look! And wow, so affordable!!

[artdecodiamonds]

I just love the dinner look.. and the shoes are fantatsic!

[Florence]

I love this look!
I have a question ... I'm french and I live in Belgium and I would like to know :
Is Forever21.com reliable ?

Thank you

[Ez]

Hi Florence. To answer your question... Forever 21 is definitely not high-end, but their quality is reasonable for their prices. I definitely don't think their goods are intended for multi-year wear. You will probably get one good season out of them and then will have to replace them with new pieces. I also find that whether a piece looks "quality" or not, really varies from item to item. This would be hard to see on screen I'm afraid. xo Ez

[Florence]

Thank you :)

And.. If I order, am I certain to receive the article?

[Ez]

Hello again Florence! Unfortunately there is no way for me to give you an answer with any certainty. I've never purchased products from Forever 21 online (only in stores). While I would assume that you would receive your order I have no ties to the company and cannot say for certain one way or another.

[Elie Saab]

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[AESS]

Awesome! Information. Great work thank you for sharing such useful information. keep it up all the best.