Both are lovely on you, Janet. I really like the maxi tied at the hem. I know the dress in 6 isn't up for debate, but I wanted to say how lovely it looks on you, styled that way.

Definite yes to both, but I don't remember the first dress you picked for the wedding anymore so I can't say which I prefer.

ooh, Anna had a great tip about placing an interfacing reinforcement behind the top of the slit so it doesn't rip further open.

Great feedback, all! Thanks!

I think I'll play with the second dress a little and see if I'm moved to wear it in the next week, since it's now getting hotter here. I think the vent-and-tie treatment goes along way to break up that large swath of patterned skirt and create a more flattering line -- it sure helps with the solid blue Anthro dress as well.

The downside about the first dress as a wedding option is that I think it needs black shoes and I want to wear the Rockstuds for the wedding. I do think this dress would work well with my black LD Tuttle sandals -- if not for the wedding, then for other occasions that fall somewhere in the dressy-casual continuum.

The fabric on the first dress (Tahari if anyone is interested) is that slightly stretchy, substantial neoprene-like fabric -- very similar to the floral dress I was planning on wearing to the wedding. Not the most breathable fabric in the world, but comfortable for movement and very forgiving of the shape underneath. So it is unlined, and I think it would handle the slit alteration quite well.

Thanks for all the responses! Will ponder further...

Well, I still love the other two dresses more than #1. But if you take another pic of #1 with the Tuttles and I could be persuaded.

I think what I'm reacting to is the lower intensity of saturation. It feels a bit "weak" for you. But again, that could be a trick of the lighting.

I still think your "old" flowered dress is the best for the wedding. It looks elegant while really making a statement. Perfect (S)MOTG dress.

I think both of the new dresses are very nice on you -- the fits are flattering. I particularly like the second dress with the "vent and tie" treatment -- fun summer casual look! I still like your floral dress (#8) the best in terms of a MOTG option. It is so very wedding appropriate and is absolutely stunning on you. However, it is always nice to have a few options ready for dress-up events -- so keeping #1 might not be a bad idea, even if it is not worn for the wedding.

I think they all look great but the green one in the last pic is stunning on you in that color!

I 'm with Suz - sorry to admit this, but I'm not as much of a fan of #1 - your original pick for the wedding is a slam-dunk knockout in my mind. Can't really comment on the maxi - it's a little out of my comfort zone.

Okay, I love the two existing dresses a lot. Both 10/10. I do like the new blue sheath, but not quite as much. It is just whether they are all in a similar category. Mind you I know you did struggle to find dresses earlier this year so maybe now is your time - I think dresses sometimes don't come along according to plan!!

Spanner here. I'm with Suz on both her posts and with LisaP. I like greater intensity on you than #1 and 32 provide. I much prefer the *old* dress, the Zappos green one, and your Anthro one.

You look great in all of those dresses but my favorite is the floral one. So incredible on you!

I like #8 or #9 for the wedding. I wasn't sure why, until reading through this thread. I guess it is the intensity of the colors. But also not sure if it isn't the cut -- slightly narrower / tapered at the hem?

#6 is fantastic and I wish I had it in my own closet.

The maxi is great on you and I love the colors and pattern. It looks great in the side view. But I do think it could be a tad narrower from the waist down-- i.e., have some volume taken out via the side seams. Which is an easy fix. I'd wash it first before taking to the tailor because it may shrink just right.

I also prefer #8 on you. When I opened the pictures my first thought after seeing pic #1 was: these are not her colors. I like the cut and the fit and I would say keep it, if it weren't for the color. I personally would pick the other dress for the wedding. It looks fantastic!