A dress option for my brother's wedding: pink?!

I found this second-hand dress at Crossroads last weekend. Alexander Wang, silk, a cut that I like. It is pink. Very pink, despite the white chiffon overlay. I have never worn pink. But somehow I love this one, and the price can't be beat ($65).

Should I wear this to my brother's beach wedding (10 guests, Hawaii, casual event but fancy clothes appreciated)? Is it the wrong note for the event? Does it look awesome or awful on me? I have a sunburn (fading to a tan) so I'm not as pale as usual. Does that look worse with the pink?

Today's the last day I could return it.

I took photos in a few different lighting conditions, none of which are perfect, to get closer to the real color of the dress and my skin. The overexposed sunlight photos are how it'll probably look in real life, but the color is hard to see.

I styled it with wedge sandals. My LD Tuttle flats would be a great match color-wise (the straps really are pink, not red), but I think the heels help the shift dress look graceful?

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Alexander Wang Marble Silk-chiffon Dress

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LD Tuttle The Label Two-tone Leather Pumps

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8 years ago

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Woah. I had to click through when I saw Greyscale + pink!

I think the color looks great on you, and I really like the marbled design on the bottom of the dress... reminds me of composition notebooks. I also like the dress with these shoes, but would you be comfortable in those for a beach wedding? I associate such events with barefoot brides and guests in flat sandals.

Greyscale

I've worn them on a long trek across a beach to a fancy restaurant, once. They're remarkably comfortable. But I'll consider flat sandals (I was thinking of buying a new pair for the trip).

Ginkgo

I like it! How about wearing it with long black earrings? Bookend the darker bottom of the dress and kind of toughen the pink and white top.

And look at kitty in the last photo! She's imitating your pose.

frannieb

I like it and a departure for you but isn't that what wedding are for to have a little fun with our wardrobe.

Anonymous

I would probably pick something a tad dressier for a wedding, although yours wouldn't be out of place at a beach wedding. I spotted this one on Anthropologie which seemed to me in the same spirit, just in case you're looking at other options.

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Angie

Fashion Stylist

Greyscale, it might be the pics and lack of good light, but I don't find the colour or the neckline (too low) of the dress flattering. I like the dress from the waist down, and it's nice with the footwear too. It doesn't look awful - but it's not your best.

I desperately wanted to love it because it was pink. Sorry to be a spanner.

Elly

I didn't want to say it in case I was wrong, but I'm with angie-- armholes seem too big and I don't love the white over pink combo with your skin.

I hadn't thought about the neckline, but I see what you mean. I have a long neck, and that combined with the lower neckline is a bit off balance. (I do like that cut of dress in general, but it would be better with the straps just a bit shorter.)

Luckily, I just realized I have until Monday to return it, so I don't have to decide in the next 20 minutes!

Janet

Oh, I'm glad I read the responses first and saw Angie's reply, so I know I'm not the only one. I find it a little too sporty casual in vibe too. I think there is a better one out there more deserving of you!

Deborah

Greyscale, I feel the dress is too casual and it just doesn't seem to be the most flattering look for you.

Suz

I love the idea, but agree about the neckline and upper part of the dress. I do like pink on you, though.

I have had to do numerous reality checks on myself about this exact issue. I like this style and often gravitated towards it in the past; when you have a small to regular bust, it is not too revealing and seems easy to wear.

It looks fine on me if I only stare at that portion of my body. It's the overall look that doesn't work. The proportions are off. It works much better for me to go higher neckline while still highlighting the shoulders or arms. Another great option is a narrow V (which can be deep if desired). Or a boatneck. Or even -- at times -- off the shoulder -- depending on how the collar lies and whether it gives a more horizontal impression than deep vertical. Worst for me is the deep U.

I do love what Jenn said though and in case you wanted a clutch to go with the dress: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Out-Of.....Notebook/3...

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. The skin tone clash was my main concern, and the potential casual-ness - a friend agrees that the pocket makes it look too sporty. I'm leaning towards returning it, though I may shorten the straps a few inches and wear it for some other, more casual event.

Beth Ann

Love a dropwaist dress, Greyscale! I also like seeing you in pink. Blush might be a great color for you -- it also would seem somewhat like a "neutral."

I can see what drew you to the dress, and I think it would great for summer events. I think it might be a bit sporty and/or playful for the wedding, but then, I don't know your brother! Is there a rehearsal and rehearsal dinner? If so, this sort of dress would be perfect!

The wedding is just ten people on a beach, followed by barbecue - too small to have any sort of rehearsal or rehearsal dinner. There are other very low-key events (brunch, etc) but my family is so casual that if I show up in a dress to anything other than the ceremony they'll look at me funny!

That sounds like my kind of wedding! Nice and relaxed, in a beautiful natural setting. It sounds lovely.

Diana

I like it but agree that it reads as too sporty for the wedding.

Re: the color clash, what happens if you put on a black necklace or scarf or something? I think that might be enough to mitigate the effect of the pink by your face, and also visually shorten the low neckline.

It might also work with a black blazer... obviously not for beach wedding, but for going out in the city or whatever?

rachylou

I like it and the festiveness of pink. Is your family really as casual as you say? Lol. I've got the Edwardian family, remember. I think it might do, but that you'd need a corsage. Because it's a wedding(!)

BellevueMissie

Active Member

Looks like you got some great advise from other forum members. Love your sweet kitty in the background.

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