Jenni, an astute question. I was wondering myself what made me doubt my decision, which was to go with the black floral dress and the shrug. (I even found a lovely, inexpensive brooch, as Jenava suggested, which I'm really happy with.) It seems the black shrug gives me pause. I might prefer a lighter one, in a pinky beige, which I am unlikely to find. And honestly, I don't even know if I would like that look, either. The brooch would probably look better on black. (And this week, the mother of the bride got back to me and said she really likes that dusty pink cashmere pullover with the black floral dress, in my first rounds of try-ons! Ha!) I'm also confused by the combination of "wedding" and "cocktail attire," which conjure different images for me. And last week the sun came out a couple of days, and the black floral dress began to feel quite ... black (even though: it is sheer, and sleeveless! and floral!). Over all, I'm over-thinking, which I tend to do a lot, and which I don't like to do! I probably gave myself too much time, by starting so early to think about what to wear. Of course, now that I've searched for dresses, I keep seeing ads for them, and stores are getting more in, for prime wedding season. This is really the stuff of farcical comedy! So there's a longer answer than you may have bargained for. DH still likes the black floral best, and would be fine with the snake print dress. And he said he likes the Paris dress, too, but he has admitted a preference for the new ones for this occasion.
AJ, that's kind of a long answer to your question, too! Thanks for your thoughts.
Thanks, Suz, and Zaeobi, yes, garden party is the vibe that I may have been channeling with the gray silk dress, and it's not what I want. And full disclosure: I had recently set aside the gray silk dress to consider for culling out of the wardrobe!
I think I will just need to keep re-reading this thread--thank you, everyone! YLF is amazing-- and reminding myself that the two new dresses are both good options, and I have the supporting accessories, toppers, and shoes. I am set. I don't need to stress. Good grief.
