They’re both great IMO - I find the black dramatic and the patterned more of a day dress… Like Angie does, I suppose.

You look beautiful in these dresses. On really hot days dark colours can feel a bit heavy and draining, so I would only get one black dress and go for another in a lighter colour or print. The sleek lines of dress #1 really highlight what a great figure you have, that is my favourite.

@Sal - had to laugh at you "doing a Bijou!"

It would be fun if you end up getting a Brooklyn pick dress. Tonight I am going to bookclub tonight and will wear a dress Brooklyn picked for me (in Finds) - she really has a great eye.

So, I am going to say what Brooklyn said -- don't settle too early. The black dress is a bit too casual/ fitted for what you have in mind, I'd say, and the B&W, while nice, looks a bit large, and if it is poly, that won't be good in the heat unless you'll only be in AC.

I like the tiered skirt on it for you and like the B&W pattern, but like others, I've had less than happy experiences with that type of sleeve -- for me (just for me, mind you -- not necessarily for you) it feels too girlish somehow, and too fluttery. I did what someone else suggested and had a dress with those sleeves made into a sleeveless and I loved it.

You look lovely in both. I have the same floral dress saved in my Amazon basket, but in the coffee color. I haven't been able to pull the trigger for the same reason others have mentioned - that it looks like it may be a bit large.

If it helps, I really enjoyed this dress (in rust) last summer. It comes in a black/white version too. Very comfortable and inexpensive right now!

https://www.naturallife.com/pr.....7792306349

I like the black dress, not such a fan of the patterned dress. A bit too many ruffles, tiers form my personal preferences, could look frumpy on it's own (which is the idea in hot weather). Polyester would worry me for very hot weather too. Even the breathable, chiffony-type does not work for me in humidity. I also think a size down would have been a possibility - if they had one.

Don’t buy polyester for hot weather,you will regret it!The black dress on you is stunning,very chic and modern.

Just a comment on polyester. My mother-of-the-bride dress was polyester worn in hot and humid Vietnam and I did cope with the fabrication fine. Especially if you wear to dinner at a resort there is often a bit of a breeze, or some fans, in my experience?

Hmm @Jenni, I suspect not all polyester is alike - much like acrylic, where its technical properties have improved leaps & bounds since its 'crunchy & scratchy' days of my youth (or so I've been told)?

Either way, I think you'd have to try it on to be able to tell, @Helena (if it's not hot enough to sweat in it)!

Yes to both from me!