Right! I've been thinking about this. Such helpful thoughts.
#1 felt fabulous when I put it on and I did have the 'YES' reaction when I looked in the mirror. BUT it's the most expensive by far and I'd have to buy a shrug and possibly underwear to fit it too, unless I end up being completely confident about wearing it as it is.
#2 ticks lots of boxes (security, fit, shape, comfort) but doesn't excite me and is still very pricey.
#3 is going back - I don't feel right in it
#4 is the budget option (BHS - thanks Fi) and is also the only black dress. It fits snugly round the bust and I would wear it with the little straps for security. I would need a shrug.
The audience will see my side, while I'm playing, and front and back when I come into and go out of the room.
As regards the other questions, I will have to get dressed up and do some playing, hopefully tomorrow!
GirlX - very helpful thoughts. I'm quite a careful buyer and don't like buying things for just one occasion. Also, in my day to day wardrobe I'm reaching a stage where I only want to buy things that are really good now. This one has come a bit out of the blue, though, and I'm not sure if I can justify the expense of getting the absolute perfect dress this time; it potentially could pay its way but I can't be sure how much I will use it at the moment. I have been doing very little playing since starting our family 7 years ago and can't be sure how many of these sorts of occasions I am likely to need something for. Potentially very few and this dress may be unused for the next 10 years!
Shrug options:
http://www.monsoon.co.uk/linds...../73212509/
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayI....._856wt_689
http://www.bhs.co.uk/mall/prod.....re/1412081
http://www.bhs.co.uk/mall/prod.....ore/901396
Any thoughts?