Oh thank you ALL so much for the bra suggestions - I will be checking out that information!

The clutch in the last picture is a pearl encrusted with gold hardware vintage piece. I'm pretty sure this is the clutch I'll use for the wedding. Should I wear the Aersoles oxford sandals from the picture or should I look for maybe some gold strappy sandals? I think I'll also wear my Michael Kors gold mesh cuff and maybe even earrings (shocking I know!). Like I said - lots of time but I am relieved to hear this dress can work. I've felt rather badly that I haven't worn it yet.

Oh, Shannon, once you get the bra issue figured out, this dress was made for dancing!!

I don't think it would hurt to LOOK for gold sandals (tee hee...)

And for afterwards, the faded denim jacket will casualize it beautifully....

I'd go for the self-tanner, too. It's fine as is, but you'll shine more with that extra bit of colour.

Shannon, a convertible bra, especially silicone, looks like a good bet for this. as Rae said, the straps basically just wind around the back, and some versions then criss-cross and connect in front. What you need to find is a similar bra with, well, no sides --- the straps need to start immediately after the cups (so no-show through the gap) but that means higher cup stability is best, hence silicone.

ADORE the dress! I too am not seeing a colouring issue at all! But love the idea of a cute little (green? blue? black? white?) crochet shrug or shawl on top if you want more coverage and would feel self-conscious without it. No *reason* to lack confidence in that though, because you look wonderful!

This may make you run in the other direction, but I'd wear it as is. It's awesome.

Gold sandals, go all out!

Are you kidding me Anna? I take that as a HUGE compliment!

Manidipa - fabulous bra info. Thank you!

Zapotee - every girl needs a pair of pretty gold sandals, don't you think? Not until after May SYC though.

It is a fascinating dress--I've never seen anything like it! You truly wear it with style and verve, Shannon! I love the idea of some gold sandals with it--you will be the talk of the wedding!

I would bet you could find gold sandals at consignment/thrift if you keep eyes open. They are sort of timeless classics but people always buy and wear once and then get rid of them.
I am so glad you are going to work with the dress!

I also do feel difficult to go braless or without the straps. I didn't like the nude in the dress but the orange color hides it. Otherwise the dress is so beautiful. So maybe you could try some blazer or summery cropped outers like cropped blazers, cropped cardis or cropped denim jackets that just hit your natural waist.

SQUEEE! Such a fun dress! Wow, your FAB friend even got the sizing right!

This might be outdated rules, but isn't there something that says not to outdo the bride? Is this dress too much of a statement dress to wear to a wedding? Just thought I'd throw that out there.

That dress is quite the statement (in a good way of course).

You've already gotten great advice about undergarments.

I will admit that I'm not the biggest fan of the nude and my first instinct was to find a way to dye just that portion of the fabric or overlay it with another fabric.

I think the dress would look fantastic worn over a white/black/solid color t-shirt, though that would casualize it a bit.

I definitely don't think there is too much skin exposure. Your arms/shoulders/back look great in this dress and you should have no qualms about flaunting them.

Shannon, I haven't read all of the responses and I'm not sure you can stand one more opinion but -- here goes any ways.

I like the dress and color on you! And how kind of you to want to wear it to your friend's wedding, you are so thoughtful!

I believe you could have the dress taken up/altered at the top straps so the distance from neck to bust is shorter. The whole dress is lifted a little, maybe an inch or so. I have this problem all the time. I am petite (5.3-1/2) and further more am very short from collar bone to top of bust. Armholes are frequently way too big on me for this reason. I have had sleeveless dress altered by taking some fabric in at the top seams.

Then it would be easy to find a bra that will work underneath the dress. Plus, the dress would have a little more coverage around the armholes for modesty.

You have nice shoulders -- no need to hide them with a jacket once you've got the armhole issue tackled.

I agree it would be a shame to cover it up. It is a statement unto it's own. It's unlike most of your regular style, but who cares it's really special in how you got it and it does look flattering on. Gold sandals, perhaps some bracelets or large earrings and proper undergarments and you are good to go!

I love, love, love the dress as is! I have a convetible victoria secret bra that is as ManidipaM describes, stretchy back starts right after cup, criss crosses around my waist and then I hook around the waist. I love the idea of it with antique gold sandals and an antique gold wrap/ tan wrap.

Denise - what an excellent idea about taking the dress up! I have to take it to Wonder Woman anyway so will see what she suggests/can do. Later on, I will definitely be looking for gold strappy sandals and a vintage shawl/wrap in a gold tone to go with.

Thank you all so much for the helpful suggestions ladies and your confidence in me that I can pull off this dress!

Kristen's wedding is fast approaching (August 17th) and I need to sort out some sort of shrug or topper for this dress.

I found this lace shrug on Etsy that is the idea I think I'm after - what do you think?
http://www.etsy.com/listing/83.....ions-shawl

Assuming you have sorted out your bra issues, I think the nude lace would be fab with this! It will bring in the retro portion of your rubric.

Shannon, I missed this gorgeous frock (and story!) the first go round.

Wouldn't wearing a nude lacy shrug essentially be adding more of the nude that you said you did not like near your face?

What if you wore a wrap in a complementary color?

Love, love this dress on you. Fit and color!

Yes I think the nude shrug would work. I would be reluctant to bring in any other colors, I would keep it simple because the dress is such a "star". Have you decided on Jewellery? Statement earrings would look fabulous.

This dress is AMAZING on you!

I love it like it is for a wedding, but the potential for remixing is awesome too.

You could pair it with cobalt, purple, kelly green shoes or bag for a fun night out. To make it more casual a denim jacket like was mentioned before.

I would invest in a bra option, then wear it A Lot =)

Chiming in to say - I love the dress on you! If you can get away with braless (or stickies?), ok, but you may feel better (especially once you get dancing!) with a specialty bra. I'm sure I've seen bra styles that would work with the top-half. I'd wear as is (along with nude lace topper, how gorge - and I love the clutch and shoes...although I wouldn't argue if you went with a metallic shoe. Lol. Either works great!

That's a stunning and very unique dress. Love it!