I love the red one!
It's great either with or without the leggings. Not too short at all, IMO. It would be a different story if it were a body con dress, but with a loose cut I think the length is perfect.
The blue one is not bad, but compared to the red the color seems kind of blah. It also seems like you'd be worrying about your tan lines and bra, so I think you wouldn't feel as comfortable in it.
Do you have some strappy metallic heeled sandals?

I love the red. So gorgeous on you. The color is stunning on you.

I like it both with and without the leggings.

As for shoes, do you wear high heels? If so, there you have it in black. If not, I wonder if you could do a pantent leather pointy toed loafer. I am thinking of a Miu Miu I saw, but I bet you could find something close without the pricetag.

I much prefer the red over the blue - with or without leggings! And, you know how sensitive I am to knees - and to me, it's a non-issue for you. Nothing to be concerned about! (And, you know me well enough to know that I'd tell you if I thought it was too short!)

Hi Una --

I think you're going to get the best gut check by going full-on preview (jewelry, shoes) with each. And if you want to post the photos, I'm sure people would be happy to re/vote!

As you said, I like that both have the East + West vibe in different ways.

With leggings, I prefer the blue/black combo due more to color pairing than shape.

Without -- and no worries about length -- I think both have a lot of pros. [I do like that more open neckline of the blue on you, though!]

If you're still torn after trying both as close as you can get to how you'd wear them, then maybe leave the tags on and plan on the red if temps are X and the blue + leggings if temps are Y?

The red is really fabulous in the pics -- but I have a feeling that it photographs better than the blue, but that the blue might be serene and elegant in person. In other words -- wear the red when the celebration is festive and bold. Wear the blue when attending a smaller, more intimate event. It will be formal and fancy, but more for "up close" enjoyment that red carpet wow. I love them on you with the leggings, but you knees should still get to come out and be seen. A bootie, or even a glitzy sandal, would work with these.

Oh wow, they're both beautiful! I have a slight preference for the blue, just because it seems different, kind of special. I think it would be great with nude heels.

This is really tough. I like all the options. Can you erase the bathing suit line with self tanner or something? will you find a comfortable bra that works with the blue? I would start with those questions I think.

Both dresses are beautiful, but I prefer the red - and no leggings with either dress. I'm sensitive to how short dresses are, and these are not too short on you at all. I'd probably go with black shoes, but I'd like to see a pic first.

I love the red with leggings. You look great bare legged, but the leather leggings gives it that extra UWP Una touch! Smashing!

Has to be the red without leggings. Its gorgeous on you, very red carpet worthy. Neckline looks fine. Would need to see shoes etc. Because of the beading you probably only need shoes and clutch as accessories.

It's a hard choice because they both look fab! I am partial to the blue on you tho:). Either with or without leggings and you have gorgeous legs. Go with whichever you love most. You can't go wrong with either;)

Love them both, but can we see them with the right shoes on, pls? For the red one, which is a fab color for you, I would preffer a stiffer wrap, (only if you really need one!) same color as the shoes, a light grey/silver metallic (like the grey streaks in your hair), guess black or gold would also work.....but preffer the dress with nude legs and then, perhaps nude/gold shoes would be the most fab!
For the blue one, you can always use some make up, for the tan lines. This should be both for a dressy/formal event, isn't it?-so not at all indencent baring some skin with the assimetric neckline.

I thought about the two dresses over night. I quickly forgot the blue one as it left no impression whatsoever to my mind, but that red one. Wow. I thought about it all evening long. I wondered about the feel of the fabric. I couldn't stop thinking about it. It is beyond gorgeous and would make such a statement at whatever event you choose to wear it.

No leggings. Somehow the look is discordant and jarring. Your legs and knees are beyond gorgeous.

Wow, Una, I love both dresses on you. I think the blue is gorgeous with your hair. But you can't lose with the red, too, it's a slam dunk. I'm pretty sensitive about the tan lines, though, and would make sure you could take care of that if you go with the blue.

Wow you dress up beautifully, Una! I like both of them. I prefer the red on its own and the blue with the leggings. Two stunning yet different outfits. And the length is perfect on you, so flattering on your great legs!

Love both colors but prefer the red I think - I like it both ways but I think you look really fantastic in #1 with bare legs. I guess it depends on the weather and how you feel.

Hmm....tough! I had initially voted for the blue, but I think the red looks better on you. It's possible that it photographs better. It's a gorgeous colour on you and looks more glamorous than the blue.

BUT....I think the blue could look better with the right support acts....the shoes/clutch/ jewelry you'll be wearing will also weigh in.

What is your gut telling you, Una?

Manny, I have no idea now! A dark horse has entered the race - my niece has this Free People dress in black and gold, which actually looks very Indian with a long tank underneath and with my leggings. She wore it as a dress because she's 18 and adorable, but it fits me well and looks pretty good. Argh!

http://www.freepeople.com/shop.....a9&se...

I am not on the forum very much, so I don't know much about your event. I vote for the red dress! It is gorgeous and gorgeous on you. Perhaps it's a bit simple for your style, however I feel like the beading and fabric make up for the simple lines. I'm not crazy about the blue for the dressy event--cb good for going out with the legging for an edgy outfit.

I like the Free People outfit idea, too. But I think it will come down to what you feel most comfortable in, both psychologically and physically.

BTW, your legs are great...no need for leggings!!!

These are all great options. I prefer the red over the blue although they are both great dresses (and no worries about length). The blue will be more fussy since you'll need a special bra and to cover up the tan lines. The red seems like it has less issues and so will be easier to wear. I like the Free People idea too. It also has an East meets West vibe.

Oh, I like the idea of that Free People tunic over your leggings. Do we get to see it?

Sorry if this in unhelpful but you look gorgeous in all the options. The plus side of this is that you cannot make a mistake, no matter what you choose!

First of all, I would kill to have legs as great as yours.

Secondly, I like you best in brighter colors...at least for formal wear. I like the shape of the blue dress, but that color just doesn't wow me. I like the red much better...and would LOVE to see you in your niece's dress.

I love the drama of the neckline of the blue... But the red provides even more wow with colour alone, so it's my pick.

I didn't read any of your comments or the forum's comments. I really like them both with the legging. I think the red is a little boring without but the leggings make them more "you". The blue is very eye catching and a little more "hollywood" or special occasion to me. The red looks like it could be more versatile for different events. I'm not sure where you're wearing them but that's my assessment! How amazing that they both fit. Maybe you need both.

Oh, I'm thinking of changing my vote to the Free People option. Unless you need a cocktail-style dress in your wardrobe--and you totally adore one (or both) of these dresses--I think borrowing would be a smart option, especially if your niece's dress looks good on you and fufills your requirements. Have fun with shoes, wraps, and bags instead of the dresses. But then, I'm a practical sort when it comes to single-occasion outfits.

I think I like the Free People one even more - I saw a dress on Peruvian Connection the other day and thought of you but it was so pricey ($550) and the FP one has the same general feel.

http://www.peruvianconnection......y=ourPicks

I like them both! The red is more all around dressy suitable for most occasions but the blue would be so nice for certain types of events.
They're both winners, good job!

The red is a stunning color on you...love it with the leggings. But the style of the blue one is also adorbs! Keep them!!