I love the dress! I am voting shortening it though . I think it would be very flattering and pretty shortened .. It would also showcase the lovely detailing at the top more.

The shoes are really cool. And I vote for a metallic or colorful clutch.

That said. I think it also looks lovely just as it is.

Rescued by collective forum wisdom!

Texas or no, I can't get my mother's voice out of my head, "A wedding before 5 o'clock means daytime." So no vintage rhinestones. No blue metallic clutch (finds). I pinned and unpinned, belted and unbelted, and learned a lot in the process (for example, no high contrast belts on this body!): thanks for sharing your smarts.

• Okala nude pumps, the only heels I can stand! Like I need another pair? Suggested by many, kindly located by Suz (#1, 2)
• Narrow black leather obi instead of twee ribbon; not ideal but unobtrusive; idea courtesy of Angie, Smittie, and others. A little blousing feels more comfortable, improves the fit and the drape, and (I hope) hits my leg in a slightly less unattractive spot (#1,2)
• Daytime bling, idea courtesy of Aida, Vix, and others. Black and gold earrings from neighborhood boutique (#1, 2, 3)
• Unremarkable vegan clutch from same shop pictured, still looking for something I like more (#2, 3); bonus -- earrings and 1920s crochet and cut-steel reticule that just didn't make the grade (#3)
• Black wedges and pearls do get to go to the wedding! Casual outdoor rehearsal dinner (#4)

Thanks for reading. Thanks ever so much for pitching in!

Oh -- this is fabulous! I'm so excited by how you have modernized the dressy outfit and also found a way to wear those pretty black wedges and your jewels! Both outfits are fantastic, and I love how cohesive they are -- they're recognizably the outfits of the same woman even though one is casual and one is dressier.

The lace of the dress is now truly the star. I think the obi belt and textured clutch are the perfect complements. And the shoes extend the leg line and reduce the "fussy factor." Yay!!

I hope you have a wonderful time at this event. You are going to look absolutely smashing.

Wow you look terrific!! I hope you have lots of fun, you have done really well and adapted your pretty dress brilliantly.

Wow!

YES!

Gorgeous! Perfect! Hive mind for the win.

Love it-- and your rehearsal outfit may be even better!

Wow, great dress and styling! I intended to compliment you on those first pair of black shoes-and I still do, but OH MY GOD second set of picties is even better! WOW WOW WOW! Love the blousoning effect you created with the belt, and the tan Okalas---well...seems a nude shoe is always finest for us blondes:-))

ETA: I put this thread into my faves, as there was so much to learn from the other's comments, my head is spinning! Love to come here, thanx for posting this, Cerinda, and again, YLsuperFab and perfectly sorted in the last set!!!!!!

Wow. these changes make all the difference. The shoes in particular along with the belt. I am really impressed that you put the work in and really upped the result. I love both outfits. Enjoy the events.

Yes, yes, yes! It really was a lovely outfit before, but NOW - WOWZA!!!
I am most surprised by the subtle but meaningful difference a change in belt and the bit of blousing made. So elegant.
Very much like your rehearsal dinner outfit as well -very casual chic, and I'm especially pleased to see those fab wedges still get to come to the party. Assuming you will mostly be indoors, you should be reasonably comfortable temperature-wise wearing the jeans.
Have a wonderful time celebrating your friends!!

YLF power at its best! You look fantastic.

Stunning.

Collective wisdom for the win! You look fabulous! Enjoy your events!

Woohoo! Love the final results, even though I missed the thread earlier. You look terrific in both outfits. I agree that the obi and blousing makes for a good look. I love the nude Okalas -- perfect for bookending your hairl. I do love the black shoes and hope you find lots of opportunities to wear them!

Oh wow. Out of the ballpark.
I know you got suggestions and all, but your interpretation is fabulous--I often can't even implement the advice! So pretty, yes looks more daytime but still elegant and dressy, yes length is super-flattering with the belting/blousing. Casual but blingy dinner outfit is just right, too.

You got style skills!