ETA. Winter Evening Wedding (Lots of pictures)

Dear girls (and women),

I apologise in advance for my lack of participation. I'm still a lurker though, I just don't feel like chiming in as much because I don't go into stores that often anymore.

I haven't shopped much for clothes during the past few months due to, well, other financial priorities, however I might attend a family wedding in mid-March in Madrid, Spain (cold, cold, cold). Funnily enough, last year another member of this same family married in the same weather conditions. I guess they just love the cold...

Now, weddings in Madrid, I found out, are like really fancy. Long gowns, big hats, lots of shine, but I'm just not going there because:
A) I don't want to spend that kind of money
B) It's really, really not my style

My chore family is very low-key and I would rather go in sync with them than with people I don't know anyway, so today I headed off to my nearest New Look after spotting a pretty dress on their website.

Sadly the dress didn't fit me at all, but since I was already there I tried on some other dresses, and I parted with three (I have to decide which one to keep, if any at all).

Dress #1: I'm not sure about the pattern, and it might be too short
Dress #2: It's the same dress as in #1, but one size up. I feel it's easier to put on, yet doesn't quite fit me on top and the hips look a tad strange. I fear it might look too much like a daytime dress.
Dress #3: Boring fit-and-flare. I dislike the pattern on the hanger, but it looks pretty when worn (I think). I think this is my safest bet, but maybe it's too boring?

What do you think? Should I just keep looking? Ah, I don't have the time nor the energy to shop for weeks, so the sooner I have this sorted the better.

ETA: Maybe I should mention, though, that this is a second wedding (my uncle (60) and his fiance (40 something)). I don't know her, but it's her second wedding, too.

I went to his daughter's wedding last year, and it was grand, so I expected this one to be similar, but my parents have told me it might not be like that this time around, that it might be a lot more low key. Also, my mother is going to wear something like black trousers and a pretty blouse, and my sister is going to wear something similar. I know for a fact that other members of my direct family are not going to be dressed up to the nines. I want to dress up a little bit because that's just me -I like looking pretty and all that- but I don't want to stand out too much either lol

I might visit TKMaxx later and see if I find any treasures there!

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11 years ago

celia

Veteran

My favorite is actually #3, the other ones seem more like day dresses to me.

Janet

(website)

I agree with Celia. I'm not getting even a hint of an evening vibe from any of these, really. #1 looks like a summer day dress. #2 looks a little more season-spanning, but the style looks too casual for the occasion. #3 is pretty and flattering, and looks like it could be winter-ized a bit with black jacket and black hosiery like you're wearing here.

But more importantly, you don't sound thrilled with any of these options. I'd keep looking if I were you.

Astrid

Agree with the others, out of these I would vote #3 for the reasons mentioned. It looks good on you, but you don't sound very enthusiastic. How big is your return window? Maybe you should take that time to keep looking and if you don't find a better one, then stick with #3.

Anonymous

Before I read the replies I was thinking that #3 seemed the best option so far, and it seems that the other replies agree. I like Astrid's suggestion of hanging on to #3 if possible for a while, so that you can keep a look out for more options as you do seem a little unsure.

Irene

Agghh, weddings! Thanks so much, ladies.
I actually liked #2 in the store very much, I love the cheeky cut in the middle, but it looks a bit off in the pictures, and you are right that it doesn't look very much like an evening dress...

I think I might keep the third one and be on the look out for something nicer, I do have the NYE dress that is sort of gold/festive, but since it's an evening wedding maybe it wouldn't look so silly. I have it Barcelona though, so I'd need to rely on my family to bring it for me and style it on the spot, which is a bit risky.

Windchime

Agree with the others that #3 is the best choice of these three options. From what you describe, your NYE dress might work better than any of these.

If it were me, I'd go check out the clearance racks--everything winter is being offered at low, low prices right now-- and get a little black dress and maybe a sequined cardigan or jacket to wear with it. With all the bargains out there, you might find just the thing in one more shopping trip.

Suz

Irene, you are so pretty! Great to see you post.

I agree with the others that you don't sound wild about these dresses. You actually look great in #3, but I would hope you can find something that makes you happier.

rachylou

Wow, I love that #3 dress. Love it. BUT, I confess, not for a wedding. I prefer #1 for a wedding, provided a little bling is added in the final outfit. Like a long rope of pearls or a hat.

A vote for #3. Fit and flare doesn't look boring at all. The black-background floral and the sleevelessness make it more wedding-worthy than the first two, I'd say. #1 doesn't seem to fit a "cold, cold, cold" March evening, even with a topper. (I may be biased since March where I live is still winter, with no hints of spring.) Accessorized, could you feel confident enough in #3 to enjoy the wedding? Or would the boring/underdressed feeling nag at you all night?

shiny

I don't think #3 is boring at all! Love it.

Diana

For the type of event you are describing, I think only #3 is appropriate. The other two seem too casual/daytime to me, as you mention. It doesn't sound like you love #3 though... I like Astrid's idea to hang on to it while you look around for other options.

Dimity

Active Member

I feel the short sleeves of 1 and 2 make them more day dress than evening wedding. The third choice fits nicely and could work, but might feel a little unsophisticated in the setting you describe (if the other women are wearing satin and silks, I mean. The dress is gorgeous in itself).

Deborah

Irene, it's lovely to see you and you are looking gorgeous! I adore #3. It has a more special occasion look about it. The other two dresses are lovely but look more like day or office dresses.

Archer

Black with vivids - winner by miles. Looks gorgeous on you and can go anywhere later up or down town.

Karie

Agreeing with the others, I like #3 the best and think it is the most appropriate for the occasion. It's a beautiful dress and you look great in it, but you don't sound all that wild about it so maybe keep looking. What don't you like about it? The fit and flare style is current and looks fantastic on you. The print looks very pretty, but if its the print you don't like perhaps you could find that style in a different print.

Missey

I love both 1 and 3! Perfect styling too!

Deb

Whilst these dresses are all nice in their own way, are they a bit summery for a winter wedding? The popular choice here seems to be #3, but I'm not as sure about a summer floral for a formal winter wedding event in Europe. Personally, I'd look further afield for more of an evening dress.

Thank you all for the input! I'm definitely returning the first two and keeping the third one just in case nothing better comes along.

Maybe I should mention, though, that this is a second wedding (my uncle (60) and his fiance (40 something)). I don't know her, but it's her second wedding, too.
I went to his daughter's wedding last year, and it was grand, so I expected this one to be similar, but my parents have told me it might not be like that this time around, that it might be a lot more low key. Also, my mother is going to wear something like black trousers and a pretty blouse, and my sister is going to wear something similar. I know for a fact that other members of my direct family are not going to be dressed up to the nines. I want to dress up a little bit because that's just me -I like looking pretty and all that- but I don't want to stand out too much either lol

lyn67

Nr 3 is perfect for the occasion you described in details. Really love it with the shoes. Not too dress IMO, but dressy enough for what you aim.

viva

I'm with everyone -- I love #3 on you, and the dramatic floral keeps the dress from being boring. It looks amazing on you. You have a lovely waist and beautiful arms. It seems perfect for the occasion, to me, especially with your description of your mother's outfit.

But, if you find something that you feel better about, definitely move on.

Glory

Another vote for 3!

crutcher

Three it is...

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