Great advice in here already, so just wanted to throw out some food for thought I had been struggling with dressy looks, until realizing that I have an entirely different style persona for dressing up. It kind of bothered me at first, having such a strong difference in style between the two, but as I thought on it more I became quite comfortable with the idea. HUGE revelation and stress reliever!

(I love the idea of dressy silky pants for you, Sarah!)

Marcy, I'm so clueless - that didn't even occur to me. Is that a big deal? Because I did order that dress - it's simple and summery and the price is right.

Lyn and Caro - I'm glad I'm not the only one.

Aida, that is fascinating! So, how would you describe your two personas?

Normally: Not at all bombshell.
Event dressy: Rather bombshell.

Hmm, I don't know how other people feel about it, but traditionally people other than the bride don't wear all white to a wedding (to keep from up-staging the bride, and all that).

Of course it also used to be that you shouldn't wear black to weddings, but that has definitely changed.

How do the rest of you feel about wearing white to weddings? Is it still taboo?
Maybe that needs to be the subject of a new thread...

What Aida said. You don't need to be in "character" all the time. I would advise against wearing a white dress, orher than that, go try a bunch and have some fun!

Parsley, yes, no white dress for weddings. I used to be a wedding coordinator, that is the advice for most American weddings. the white dress is reserved for the bride only.

Sarah there is a good chance I am being repetitious as I haven't read all the comments but dresses are not the only option. And even though I do have a dressy aesthetic, I have had the same struggle as you recently. I have had two events recently (a wedding and a 60th Wedding Anniversary) where I really wished I had worn pants. I wore dresses both times and just felt boring and 'not me'. I am in the process of working out what would be a good special occasion capsule that still looks and feels like me without going the traditional route of a dress.

Trousers, blouse and Tuxedo jacket is one thought. Slim leg pants in a soft fabric, blouse and a boyfiend jacket in an evening fabrication (kind of Emmanuelle Alt look). Dressy tunic over slim straight leg pants is another option.

I will be watching closely to see what you do.. Good luck.