I understand your reservations about #1, but I just have to say, Diana, I almost fell off my chair when I saw you in it. I KNOW it is hopelessly traditional but it is GORGEOUS on you. And inky blue! This is the shape I can only achieve in my dreams. Send it back if you must, but just know that even if it is traditional, even if it is overly curvy (for you), in this dress you are achieving some women's dream of a romantic image. STUNNING.

I fully agree with what Viva said. That first dress looks like a dream on you!
However, if you don't feel happy in it, you may need to look for another dress.

Thanks, everyone. The dress is going back. It's very helpful to see what everyone thinks of it because I know my opinion on certain things is not unbiased. But I'm glad to know that I'm not totally crazy for not loving the dress even though it fits perfectly.

Several people mentioned updating shoes. I know this would be ideal but it's a tricky proposition for me. I am definitely keeping an eye out but I am much more confident that I can find 10 great dresses than a single pair of dressy shoes that doesn't kill my feet/I am able to walk in. Dress shoes are by far the hardest thing for me to shop for. I own the ones I'm wearing here, identical style in silver (see pic below), and pointy closed toe black kitten heels. So I'm not holding my breath, lol. My ideal would be a pair of gold ankle strap sandals with a 2" block heel.

This is the backup outfit by the way.

You look beautiful in the navy because you look beautiful in dresses that fit but the back up is gorgeous. As pretty as the navy is and as much as I love traditional styling when I see how glamorous you look in the coral I think you made the right choice and I"m glad for the attendees of the event because you look stunning.

Some thoughts....

1. Your backup outfit is a knockout!

2. The first dress really wowed me! My first thought was, somewhere in Rome, there is a fountain waiting for Diana to walk barefoot through it while they film in black and white.

I don't think the hips are too poufy.

BUT.

If it doesn't feel like it's 100% authentic you, it's always going to be the dress you 'settled' for, to fit in with the herd at the big events. I have a few of those parked in my closet, and boy, are they hard to evict.

I'm glad you're continuing your search. There is always a better, prettier dress, skirt, pair of shoes, whatever, out there. You have until July, and you have a backup.

I am the only one I like you in the other dress(nr2)??? Are you sure will be really too casual for the event? I think it is a new look with the longer drapy handkertchief hem and the devoré fabric is gorgeous! wearing the silver sandals and metallic clutch would even amp it up for more formal! Sure the rib knit should be also somehow finer/dressier/more structured than on sweashirt or so- I could imagine it on a dress like this if NOT that flimsy and then it would be all OK, an on trend and sporty deluxe detail which make all the outfit artsy, but of course it it isn't....

Not trying to change your mind, Diana, but the way the lace in #1 froths over your knees just knocks me out! So pretty. Before sending it back I would play a bit, trying a vintage rhinestone brooch at the vee, or tying a navy grosgrain ribbon at the waist. But of course, you've got to love the dress you choose.

#1 is gorgeous, but your backup is knockout. Don't like #2 to be honest. It feels ordinary to me.

I DID look at the photos before I read any posts. I thought you looked absolutely beautiful. I could not clearly see the lace, but I can see it in my mind. It is a gorgeous dress in every way ... lace, navy, fit, length.

I have only skimmed the other posts, but I think the first dress is sensational on you. You could make it less conservative with the right shoes, jewelry etc.

I think the backup outfit is stunning and much more "you." I personally prefer it much more than the lace dress.

I liked dress #1 until I saw the back up outfit - which is WOW! I can understand that a navy dress would be beautiful with your hat, so waiting for the right dress is definitely the way to go.

The blue lace dress is very nice, but the backup is simply stunning on you.

Good luck finding the right shoes. I know Clarks do comfortable dress shoes but I'm nonplussed by their current selection. If I were you I'd treat this as an excuse to spring for a pair of Fluevogs, or something from Chie Mihara.

Gorgeous backup outfit!
I also like your shoes!
If you would indulge me: what is dated about them?

Smittie, I'm not entirely sure myself! But Angie and a couple others said "update the shoes" so I figure they are not all that current. I'm really not up on dress shoe styles as they mostly make my feet hurt just looking at them. Lol. these are super old (like >10 yrs) although the identical silver pair are actually my wedding shoes from 2013. People liked them fine then although th dress was long so you couldn't really see the shoes much. If I had to guess I'd say the thin strappy styles are less current although probably somewhat classic. I suspect w/ a less classic dress like the coral one or the dkny dress they would be fine, but you'd want a more modern looking shoe with the super classic navy dress.

Lyn67, the event is black tie. My husband is wearing a tuxedo (he is in the wedding party but would have worn it regardless). I think the dkny dress would be fine for a "normal" wedding dress code but not black tie. And it's too expensive to keep for no reason.

I echo everything viva said about #1!
But glad you aren't keeping something that isn't you! Your coral dress is oh-my-gawd wonderful.
I think you might find some great dressy shoes you like once you start looking. The block heels and ankle straps that are so popular right now are SO much more comfortable and easy to wear than spindly heels.
ETA: look at the Via Spiga Wendi, as an example. (Sorry, not on laptop so can't add a find).

Your backup dress is stunning!

Oh, I accept your reasoning about the dress but I have to say it is gorgeous on you! Wow. I think with the right backup act it could be perfect, but if finding current shoes etc. is too difficult then no point in hanging onto it. I have to agree it would be even better a few inches longer -- and I also love the other dress on you (with the too casual trim) so I am hopeful you will find an option that works in time.

The shoes feel "classic" vs. current -- they are fine, but they don't update the outfit. So updating the dress could be the solution.

What Viva said. Wow! Gorgeous in every way. I wouldn't want it bit longer. It does marvelous things for your tiny waist and beautiful legs. That said, you are RADIANT in that coral dress, and if the navy lace one isn't just what you want, you should send it back and keep looking.