Help Me Choose Dress for a Wedding?

HI Fabbers,

Further to my earlier post today, I have a family wedding next weekend. Some of you will know I can stress a little over what to wear to these occasions but this time no stress:)... I promise!!

It is my niece's (on DH's side) wedding. It's at 4.00 p.m. at her mothers home and I believe the reception is under a marquise in the garden. The dress code on the invitation is "Cocktail Dress". Tho being an Aussie wedding I suspect few people will really understand or wear the dress code as we understand it.

The family is pretty casual but I have a feeling there may be a fair amount of "tizz" when it comes to what the women will wear. Now I don't need to tell you I am not a 'tizzy' dresser so the three options I have are as follows:

#1 My new Metalicus Dress, accessorised appropriately.

#2 - #5 Esprit drape/ruffle dress that I have not yet had an occasion to wear.
It has a lovely detail at the back and is probably the more appropriate
dress for a the 'cocktail dress' code. And I have a short white jacket that
could work as a topper if it's cool.

#6 - # 7 Is the least appropriate I think, as my understanding of 'cocktail
dress' is usually a short dress?? This is Laura Ashley and has a high low
hem, draped back and has long sleeves so a warmer dress if it's cool.

#8 just added closer shot of dress 2 as I realise the first photo just doesn't show the detail.

Just in case you are wondering, I don't have any coloured dresses, and I do want to wear black. I have no problem lightening the black with some colour by way of accessories:)

Even though I want to wear #1, I am thinking #2 is possibly the most suitable for the event. Would appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks so much ladies
xxx Deborah

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10 years ago

Parsley

Veteran

I love your new dress in #1! It looks perfect for the occasion, and you want to wear it, so I say look no further!
(#2 is lovely and would be fine, too, of course.)
I'd say no to the third one for this occasion.

Debra

Woo hoo, your Metalicus dress looks fabulous I do love # 2 as well, and it looks lovely with the jacket.
Love # 3 too but it doesn't say cocktail.
The red shoes are perfect.
Have a great time

Caro in Oz

Obviously your niece is okay with black so I don't think you can go wrong with any of these Deborah. I know what you mean about the third one not technically being a cocktail dress but I think it is stunning on you & not inappropriate at all. So I'm no help at all, sorry

rute

I love 5!! No doubts! Gorgeous!

Lucy

In all honesty, I think you would look fab in any of the three!

I think no 2 is perhaps a little dressier than the other two. I went to a Sydney function recently with a cocktail code, and it was pretty dressy. There were even some girls in full length dresses, which were a bit over the top (and too much for "cocktail" IMO), but most women were trending dressier than not. So I'd go number 2, with the added advantage that it looks amazing with the jacket, just stunning!

Astrid

All of them are great, but I think I would go with #2 because it feels like the dressiest option. Love it with the jacket too. You look fantastic!

ManidipaM

I think #1 is quite appropriate and you can happily go with your heart. Hopefully there will be other occasions for the gorgeous #2, which yes is dressier but I am not sure you HAVE to be that extra bit dressier (and I honestly don't think the difference is dramatic)

Transcona Shannon

I love either 1 or 5. I think either would be appropriate. You definitely want a topper along just in case it's cool.

Catnip

I love both #1 and #2 and don't think you can go wrong with either of them. The jacket in #5 looks great. I hope you have a wonderful time because you are going to look beautiful!

kkards

#1 is gorgeous, love the drapey fluidness of this dress. #2 is also lovely. i think either of these would work!

Joy

I like both 1 and 2 for the wedding. If it may be cool, I like 5. You look lovely in all of these and can't go wrong. Think of which you want to see the rest of your life in photos and on Facebook

Jules

Impeccable as always. I do prefer the first two dresses to the long one, they feel lighter and more festive. If you want to wear dress #1, does it also work with the white topper?
In the end, they are both appropriate, shorter length black dresses and to a non-fashion audience focused on the bride, I think the differences will not be noticed. So you should wear what you like. I really like the draping of the first dress, but the back detail on the other is beautiful; of course, you chose each for a reason

Neel

Its tie for me too. Either 1 or 2. And both look cocktail attire appropriate to me. Pic 5 is just stunning! You have such lovely LBDs

Jenny H

Active Member

You say you want to wear #1 and I say go for it. It looks great! It falls within my definition of cocktail attire. And it certainly seems appropriate for a wedding.

Diana

I like both 1 and 2.

Marmee

I like one best, but I think might be slightly more appropriate. Maybe we should see #1 accessorized...

adorkable

Wow! They're all absolutely spectacular. I love #1 with the red shoes so I am also voting for you to go with your heart.

columbine(erin)

I like everything about 4: the lines, the colors, the lengths. Wow.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

#1 hands down, followed by #5.

It's killer fun to see you add white and colour to your all black outfits. It makes me very happy. xo

rachylou

I don't know if anyone would freak out about the 'white' jacket - but my pick is #4. Just seems a little more dressed up. The red shoes are a must!

Kat

I like #5 and #1 next. Love the red shoes. I hope you have a lovely time and enjoy the event!

Echo

I have to repeat rachylou. I love the dress with the lace inset in the back, and I adore the white jacket with it, although I don't know if anyone would give you the side-eye for wearing a white jacket. And the red shoes are perfect!

abc

Love the topper in 4/5 but think the new dress would be great too.

Firecracker (Sharan)

I love your new dress--gorgeous! The second one is fantastic, too. I like the lace detail in the back and the way you've styled it with the lovely jacket. But I know you'll accessorize #1 to make it just right for the occasion, too, so I would go with it because it's the one you most want to wear. I agree the third one is a great backup possibility in case the weather calls for a warmer option.