Firecracker's Blog

wedding-guest dress shopping/ ETA: another option

March 10, 2024

UPDATE: I was pretty set on wearing the black floral to the wedding and the snakeprint dress for the tavern gathering the night before. And then I started debating with myself again. I'm not sure why. But I got out a dress I've had for a number of years that could also work. Photos added onto the discussion below.


I went to AllSaints today to look for a dress to wear to my niece's wedding in Seattle in May. Dress code is "cocktail." I was attracted to AllSaints 2-in-1 dresses, which pair a pretty dress with a coordinating cropped pullover. I have a blush pullover from AllSaints that I thought I might use to create that look, if I could find or make the right dress to go with it. And I like a lot of their dress styles in general. My goal was to find something that I could wear with blush pumps and matching bag that I already have.

I was pleasantly surprised with the number of options the store had in stock for me to try. I narrowed the choice to two, which I brought home to consider further.

Photos 1-8: I'm pretty sure I'm going to keep this one, called Jules Tanana, a black floral silk chiffon sleeveless near-maxi with some interesting asymmetric panel detail in solid black. I can layer my blush pullover over it, 2-in-1 style, and remove the pullover if I get warm. I can see being able to wear it year-round, with different shoes, boots, and jackets.

Photos 9-11: I also liked (and brought home) the Nora Waimea in snakeskin print, a body-con midi in mesh knit with diagonal ruching on the lower front. I wouldn't wear the pullover for the wedding with this one, but I brought home an ivory cardigan that the sales staff and I thought could work. I can also see this dress working with different jackets and boots for most of the year.

In some photos of the two dresses above, I'm wearing a necklace and earrings I bought from AllSaints, also: the Darcy beaded two-tone necklace and Eryka crystal huggie hoop earrings. (Finds aren't working for me on the AllSaints site.)

Photo 12: I liked the Hanna Sanibel, a mesh knit black floral mock-neck A-line midi, but not as well as the other two.

Photo 13: And the Tia Colca was gorgeous, but the colors were a little too warm for me, and the fit around the shoulders wasn't as comfortable. I think Angie has this dress in a different colorway.

I thought you might like to see the try-ons, and I'm open to your thoughts.

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Posted in the Shopping category
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79 Comments

  • Runcarla replied 1 month ago

    I like the dark floral.  The pattern relieves the black, making is suitable for a wedding  The asymmetrical construction makes it interesting.  My only quibble is the maxi length (but that is my personal poison eye.)

    LOVE the snake pattern dress.  It looks like lace.  Flattering fit.  I like the length and asymmetric hem. This would get my vote.

    Not so sure about the topper combinations.  Like the moto idea best, actually.  The knit topper and the waterfall cardigan seem droopy to me.  (Finding a great topper for a dressy occasion outfit is such a hard thing.  Been there…)   Can you post a photo of your 2-in-1 inspiration? 

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Thanks, Carla. I added a link to the 2-in-1 dresses in the post. Also added that the dress code is cocktail. You're right about the dressy-occasion topper. I really don't want to look too dressy-occasion, though I want to be appropriately dressed. It's a fine line--LOL! Thank goodness I'm not the mother of the bride.


  • Joy replied 1 month ago

    I like #13 the last one best.  You look wonderful in it.  

  • slim cat replied 1 month ago

    Love the dark floral dress - would wear a jacket over it ( cardigans are cozy but don't have enough structure ). Snake printed dress is fun on it's own. Agree about the last dress being a bit too warm toned - still very interesting. All Saints suits you so well!

  • Jenni NZ replied 1 month ago

    I wonder if the dresses are a little too long for “cocktail” dress code? That might just be an old-fashioned idea though. It comes from over a decade ago when I had these magazines I kept (first one was 2010 and they ran for several years) called “Fashion Quarterly Occasions” where cocktail dresses were around knee length. Full length dresses were “black tie”.
    Having said that, I think you look truly amazing in both the first two outfits with the blush shoes and bags. I actually like the topper you already own the best. But also love the snakeskin dress on you. To me the blush topper you own has more “structure” than the ivory cardigan though, and it also looks warmer, and the black floral dress is more striking.
    May I say that you have fabulous upper arms?!- I’m jealous!

  • pirouette replied 1 month ago

    I love the two dresses you bought. I am a big fan of All Saints especially their dark florals. I like the blush pink cropped sweater it has a modern look  I am not a fan of waterfall cardigan but that’s just my personal taste. I have a black floral asymmetrical hem dress from All Saints and I wear my cropped black leather jacket with it. 

  • Dee replied 1 month ago

    I’d say my favourites are #9 the snakeskin-mesh and #12 the floral mock neck, both are elegant and I like the length of these for a cocktail dress, it’s the maxi length on the first one that gives me pause. Also not quite sure about the colour on the waterfall cardigan, it kind of distracts from the rest of the dress.

  • kellygirl replied 1 month ago

    Great choices! I love the ones you brought home. The dark floral is so elegant and the snakeskin is gorgeous on you with your coloring. I can see why you were drawn to the Tia but the color just isn't right - that's the first thing I noticed. I like the other black floral but not as much as the first - there's something more elegant about the more opaque one. Fab dresses - All Saints was made for you!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Carla, the snake print was my first choice, too, and I almost didn't bring the other one home. But I shared dressing room pics with DH, and he liked the dark floral better.

    Thanks, Joy. I like that dress a lot, too. Too bad it didn't work as well as it might look in the photo.

    Slim cat, thanks for your thoughts. I can see how a jacket would work better with the dark floral. I think the elegance of the dress gives it a classic look that perhaps suits the event better.

    Jenni, I also thought cocktail meant short dress. Looking at some guidelines on the Nordstrom site, I found that any length can work for the cocktail wedding dress code. Thanks for the compliment on my arms! I really like the look of sleeveless dresses, but I get cold easily, so I don't wear them as much as I would like to. Also, to your point about the length--and Carla's and Dee's--I feel the dark floral dress is a little long, also. I could shorten it a few inches, to more of a tea length. It's called a midi, but it certainly isn't a midi on me.

    pirouette and Dee, I agree with both of you about the waterfall cardigan. It's a style I've moved away from, mostly, and the color is too bright for the snake print dress. I liked it a little better in the store lighting. All of that said, I may keep it anyway, because I like it buttoned in the back, like in the stock photo, or tied at the waist. I would wear it with other things. pirouette, I appreciate your support of the pullover. I see how it doesn't look like the inspiration photos, but all of us in the store kind of liked it in real life.

    Dee, when I put on the floral mock neck dress, I thought it was the one. Then I gravitated more toward the other dark floral. Maybe the mock neck is worth another look, as I wouldn't have to shorten it.

    You all have me thinking that I may need to do some more shopping. Either for a different dress or outfit (doesn't have to be a dress!) or a topper, which is probably even more difficult to find. 

    At least I have some time!

  • JAileen replied 1 month ago

    I like 10 and 13 best.  I don’t 11 that much though.  Maybe a different topper?  When I saw the stock photos I was concerned because they looked transparent!  So glad they aren’t on you.

  • BlueJay replied 1 month ago

    Beautiful dresses, Sharan! I agree with kellygirl, that All Saints dresses were made for you as the styles look fantastic! I'm not sure about the waterfall cardigan with the snakeskin dress, agreeing with Dee and pirouette. I think, the snakeskin dress would look great with the moto from #8. The fourth pic with your dress, sweater, purse and shoes look really great together, but I'm not sure what people wear to cocktail parties as I haven't been to one in a while.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Thanks, JAileen. I know what you mean about the transparency! I think I would add a longer slip to all of these, at least for the wedding. The underslips don't hit as high on me as they do on the models, though.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Thanks, Kelly and BlueJay!
    BlueJay, good eye--yes the moto would go with the snake print dress, too.

  • Angie replied 1 month ago

    Oooh, a wedding! I love weddings :)

    You look absolutely KILLER to the Power of KILLER STUNNING in ALL the dresses, Sharan! WOW! :) 

    Glad some came home with you! And those blush AGL's with the bag to match are perfect for the occasion! 

    I like #10 best for the wedding. Pop a dressy coat over the top! 

    If it's a warm day, #5 all the way. 

    I'm thinking of your dressier jackets and coats.......maybe something from your Oska capsule?

  • Olive Green replied 1 month ago

    The snakeskin print, by itself, seems the best to me, but the first dark floral is really interesting. 

  • Suz replied 1 month ago

    These dresses are all great on you in terms of shape - you look fab in every one! 

    Funny how our eyes have adjusted to juxtaposition -- I was actually enjoying them the most with the stompy boots in the dressing room. Though of course I'm not suggesting stompy boots for your event. :) 

    Ok. My first thought was that I adored the first one on you, with the floral, and diagonal lines. Your arms are great in sleeveless! I like the blush sweater for a topper in the dressing room photo. But I am much less in love with it in the "at home" photo -- partly because the colours came out all wrong, and partly because I feel the dress needs shortening a bit, and then I didn't like the sweater with the delicate footwear as much. 

    LOVE the snakeskin on you. Very pretty with. your variegated hair (which, by the way, I am loving!). I also like it better with the dressy shoe. But not with that cardigan, so it would need a different topper. :( 

    The last two dresses also look gorgeous in the photos. So the last dress is too warm for your complexion? Does it come in other colours? It looks like it could be a bit warmer (I mean temperature wise) so might work cross seasonally a bit better? 

    You are spoiled for choice, though -- and I appreciate seeing all these options. 

  • Style Fan replied 1 month ago

    Gorgeous dresses, Sharan!  My first choice for you would be the snake print.  I like the colours and print with your complexion and hair.  The silhouette of the dress is very flattering as well.  The dark floral is also gorgeous on you.  You can't go wrong with one of those.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Thanks for chiming in with your thoughts, Angie--and in the middle of a move! I think I have a couple of coats that will work with the dresses. Jackets, maybe not, though I have a couple of black ones that could work. I was trying to go lighter for the spring wedding.

    Suz, thanks for your thoughts as well; I appreciate your attention to detail. I feel the same way about the dressing room versus home photos of the floral dress and pullover. Lighting and camera angle are playing parts here, too. But that's not all of it, to be sure. Like you, I LOVE both dresses with the stompy boots, which is why I can see wearing them for a lot of the year. Not that I wear dresses very much. In fact, that's kind of the point: since I don't wear them often, it's really great when I have some that can work over many different situations that might come up. I think both dresses would go well with tall boots or with sandals, also. And re: the last dress, the snake print one is pretty much the same for warmth (temperature)--just a little less coverage at the neck.

    Stylefan, thank you. I really like the snake print with my complexion and hair, too, in real life.

    I will try to return later today with some photos of different toppers and maybe coats. Possibly another dress option (from my closet, not new).

  • phoebe replied 1 month ago

    Much prefer the snakeskin as I think it is more flattering and more appropriate to the event. I would like to see it with a less high contrast topper although especially for spring I like the softness of the knitwear rather than the leather jacket.

    I also like the rejected black Hanna Sanibel on you much more than the Jules Tanana!

  • Bonnie replied 1 month ago

    What a great selection of dresses and you look fab in every one. My favorite look of the photos above is #8.

  • Angie replied 1 month ago

    All moved into our temporary home, and settled in for 10 days already, sweet Sharon! 

    Let's  see the dresses with some of your other coats and jackets!! :) 

  • Kate replied 1 month ago

    Beautiful dresses on you, Sharon. I love both the dark floral and the snakeskin. You have great arms!! I'd keep looking for a topper, because neither the blush or the ivory seems to quite hit the mark. Your blush shoes are lovely. 

  • Irina replied 1 month ago

    Both dresses look fantastic on you. I’m with Carla on toppers - I only like a motto jacket. The style of the dresses is edgy, more hard rock and knitwear takes it away, making them more ordinary. I don’t know if you have a black leather jacket, I’d try that. 

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Thank you, Olive Green, Phoebe, Bonnie, and Kate!
    More in a little while, Angie! Glad to hear you're settled.

  • Jaime replied 1 month ago

    Wow Sharan you truly look fabulous in all of these. I love the one you picked and the second snakeskin print as well. Honestly you can't go wrong here imho.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Thanks, Irina. I appreciate your analysis on the knitwear. I don't have a black leather moto, just the olive one.

    Here are some photos of the two dresses with different toppers and with coats.
    Topper options: 
    - Black crinkled wool gauze swing jacket (OSKA) (1&2)
    - Black linen-wool boyfriend blazer (OSKA) (3&4)
    - Creamy stone linen drape/wrap cardigan (Nic & Zoe) (5&6) [I just wanted to see this is for comparison with the other cardi; it's not a contender in my view.]
    - Cream denim jacket (French Dressing Jeans) (7&8)
    - Blush black-wash denim jacket (AllSaints) (9 &10)
    - Black holey-knit shrug (made by me) (11&12)
    - Olive moto jacket (AllSaints) (13)
    - Dark green linen blend raglan-sleeve jacket (Massimo Dutti) (14)
    - Olive sheer knit poncho (Eileen Fisher)--just realized I didn't try this one!

    Coat options:
    - Long black hooded lightweight rain coat (made by me)
    - Long olive/tan trench coat (OSKA)
    - Knee-length olive leopard wrap coat (made by me)

    This kind of exercise brings home just how limited a large wardrobe can be! :) The last wedding I attended was about 20 years ago.

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  • Bijou replied 1 month ago

    You look smoking hot in your two preferred dresses - I would go with the one you feel most yourself in.

    In terms of toppers my favourite is #1 

    Black crinkled wool gauze swing jacket (OSKA) (1&2) with the snakeskin dress and #11 

    Black holey-knit shrug (made by me) (11&12) with the floral dress.

    My choice is outfit #11 because I love how the shrug shows off the pretty dress and I really love the style and fit of this dress.

    I do not like the big coats with the dresses because we miss out on the dress (although the coats are fab). #1 and #11 look more formal and show off the dresses.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Thank you, Jaime.
    Bijou, thanks for your thoughts and reasoning. I really like the shrug, too, and am glad I remembered it. I wish the photo captured it better. The sleeves are more fitted than they look in this photo, and the interesting texture does not show up.
    I agree about the long coats; I'm thinking they would be to get from car to venue if it's raining or cold.

  • Sal replied 1 month ago

    I agree with Bijou as to the toppers with each dress.

    I like both dresses on you, one is a bit more edgy, the other has more soft/wedding vibes.  In all the wedding that I have been to both would have been very stylish and I would have admired your look!  So I think it does come down to personal preference.  I think the snakeskin is more in line with your usual looks- and I potentially could see you getting more wear from it.  BUT.... sometimes we want to wear something a bit different to a wedding and explore other looks.  I would wear it for summer parties or dinners out etc...

  • Suz replied 1 month ago

    Oh, I love the first topper, the swing Oska swing jacket. Elegant!! And proportions seem right especially with the snakeskin dress. Really lovely. 

    If it is any consolation...the last wedding I attended was....hmmm....12 years ago? I'm not sure. I had something suitable to wear there...but it was held in my house (step-son's wedding) and if they were to marry today, I'd need to start from scratch except maybe for footwear. 

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Sal, that's great advice. Thank you!
    Suz, comforting thoughts--thanks! I'm glad you like the OSKA swing jacket. It is light yet cozy.

  • Sal replied 1 month ago

    I had a wedding in December to attend (step niece on the beach) and I have one in April (work colleague - ceremony and afternoon tea only, not the reception).  I am thinking I will wear the blush 70s midi below with tall boots (or heels) because

    - the floral gets worn to work regularly so is not special
    - I could wear the blue floral or pleated dress with my black tuxedo jacket but that might feel off for an afternoon tea only?

    The 1970s one feels suitable and is probably the best in terms of warmth (mid April is autumn here but not especially cold).  I doubt I would need a wool coat (but I have one if needed)

  • missvee replied 1 month ago

    I think you look wonderful in #1, but the print, style and fit of #12 makes it a fabulous choice too.  

  • April replied 1 month ago

    Reading all comments with interest. I too have a niece getting married in May; hers is in a place with highly unpredictable weather. 

    Such a wonderful array of good choices you came up with, FC! There wasn't one where I said, "Well, not THAT one," so my vote goes to the one that best combines looks and comfort. 

  • Dee replied 1 month ago

    My vote based on the additional photos you’ve  added would be #1 the Oska swing jacket and snakeskin dress. Perfect proportions together. 

  • lyn67 replied 1 month ago

    Ah love chatting about wedding guest attires:-) . I will have to attend a wedding in August- and am also very much clueless--so -thanx for posting your options and thoughts about the process.
    I actually love nr 10 and 12 the most from the first batch here -for the wedding. The sleeveless one is also fab (and really you have some more than gorgeous upper arms to show them up) but this one feels a bit  me more predictable whatever that means- I just cannot explain:-(. The other floral looks more edgy to my eyes from these picties.
    Then I 100% love nr 1  from the second batch. Longer coats/trenches would be great toppers, too-but you won't wear one in the picties, isn't it. I'm also wondering the denim jackets. I love  and wear a denim jacket often with dresses but  think I wouldn't exactly wear one to a wedding with cocktail attire (even if it's white) -shall I (because I have these options, too) so would be curious to see what Angie&others say about this.

  • LaPed replied 1 month ago

    Wow, you have so many great options here! On its own I like the long sleeveless floral the best, but of the dress/topper combos, the snakeskin with the boyfriend blazer is the standout to my eye. Excited to see what you choose!

  • RobinF replied 1 month ago

    Ooh I love weddings! So fun! DH and I both have large families so usually have a wedding or two each year - sometimes more, haha.

    I have also liked those sets for a while but I am not getting the same vibe with your dress and sweater. I think the ones I see are tonal so the black with blush is more jarring.

    My first thought was #1 but then with the toppers I think snakeskin all the way! It looks so sleek on you, love it!  And the dress looks fab on its own. The black dresses are great too, and maybe the long sleeve one wouldn't need a topper.

    I do really like all four, you can't go wrong.

     

  • BlueJay replied 1 month ago

    ooo...this is fun, more pictures!

    For the wedding, I would wear whatever dress feels "special" to you. For the toppers, I like either the swing jacket #1&2, or the shrug #11&12.

    For other occasions, I like the snakeskin dress with the moto (thanks for trying) and the white jacket looks good too.

  • unfrumped replied 1 month ago

    Wow, can you wear these sleek dresses. I’m in awe.

    I love the first dark floral but do think it should be shorter, not for dress code but for shoes. Need to showcase straps, ankles & even boots. If you are able to hem, I think it’s a versatile keeper. Because of your sewing talent, you’d be able to make a lacy pullover or cardi for S/S, plus of course wear as sleeveless, then have all kinds of sweater/ sweatshirt/ boots options for cool weathe. I’m with you on dresses ( or mostly midi skirts for me), in that I need them to be versatile— to wear with summer T’s , or silk or lace top for occasion, or sweaters & tights for winter.
    Plus, a dark floral but one with light blush or pale gray works as you are doing, with ability to emphasize either the dark or the light.

    Love the snake also. The big floral print not so much, & the orangey dress is too warm a color.

  • phoebe replied 1 month ago

    1 or 7 for this event

    I would like 12 even more with a different shoe but it looks more autumn or winter to me

  • Angie replied 1 month ago

    Oh my word, Sharan! What a treat!


    Thank you for the fabulous eye candy! YOU ROCK :)

    My faves from the new topper pics are:

    #1, #3, #9, #11, #13, and #17

    Like, Jaime said though, you can’t go wrong!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Sal, I think your blush mod-print dress is perfect for your upcoming wedding wear. I agree the tux jacket seems more evening than afternoon. What gorgeous dresses, and they are stunning on you (in your WIWs).

    Missvee, April, Dee, LaPed, and phoebe, thank you for your comments and opinions!

    Lyn, I think I know what you mean about the sleeveless dress; while it has its edgy or avant-garde elements, to me it has a timeless, elegant feel, so a little more expected in that regard. I appreciate your analysis. Like you, I am less inclined to wear the denim jackets to the wedding. They do feel a bit casual. Though Angie surprised me by picking one as a possibility, so there you go!

    RobinF, high five on admiration for the 2-in-1 dresses. I hear you on the difference between my higher-contrast DIY version and the tonal looks of the AllSaints ready-made ones.

    BlueJay, I love that pairing of the snake print dress and moto jacket, too. I'm leaning toward keeping both dresses. I would love to find or create more occasions to wear them.

    unfrumped, we are both in that uber-practical mindset, aren't we? And/or we like to have lots of options to wear the things we like!

    Angie, thanks for your votes on the jackets and toppers. So helpful, as always!

    I'm glad some of you mentioned that you enjoyed looking through the photos! I feared they might be getting overwhelming or boring!

    Because my DH and the mother of the bride both prefer the black floral dress, I'm inclined to go with that one for the wedding. For pictures, I will not wear a topper. I like how the blush shoes bookend with my face and arms, lightening the whole look. I will play with different jewelry to see about bringing a little more lightness toward the face.

    Because my heart also sings for the snake print dress, I think I'm going to keep it also! And who knows, I may end up wearing it to the wedding. As many of you point out, these options have me covered!

    I've decided to return the AllSaints waterfall cardigan. I tried wearing it yesterday with jeans and it is just TOO FUSSY! I really like the look of it in the AllSaints photo, but I could NOT achieve that look for one second, let alone long enough to get a photo. Here are photos of my two attempts (two different wrapping methods--both ACK!), for your info and amusement!


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  • Jenni NZ replied 1 month ago

    Surely you jest! Your photo 1 just above makes your attempt look exactly like the Find to me!
    Anyway, good to return if it feels too fussy :)

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Hahaha, Jenni! I see what you mean. That was about the fifth try, though. I do love this sweater in concept. Execution is a bear!

    Oh, gosh. Looking at the stock photo again, I see I was using the buttons differently. I buttoned the tails to the closest button, and they used the farthest button. That might make a difference. I will try again.... Back to report: it does make a difference! Cardigan is in the "possible keep" category again.

  • Joyce replied 1 month ago

    Wow, you look fabulous in these dresses. They all look like they had your name on them, take me home, but the most special one is the snake dress. It is dynamite on you and looks so comfortable. When I looked at the styles with different toppers in the second set of pictures, the toppers could all work for different applications but the one thing I would like to see is darker shoes. Going back to Suz's first comment on the boots, I think a look at these options with different, maybe dress black shoes might set bells off.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Thanks for the ideas, Joyce! I agree both dresses will work with darker shoes. I have some black pumps that I adore, probably more appropriate for the black floral dress than the snake print. I do want to wear the blush pumps for this occasion, though, so I'm looking to make them work.

  • Brooklyn replied 1 month ago

    Late here but I love the snake skin or dark floral dress with the khaki moto jacket the best. I also love the second dark floral dress (that you didn’t buy) and vote for giving it another chance!

    Love the cardigan on you too. I hope you give it a second chance also :)

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Thanks for your comments, Brooklyn. I was thinking the dark florals are up your alley. :)

  • Joy replied 1 month ago

    I agree with others wear what feels most comfort able I like your floral on black even if it is long. I like the first two pictures best. It is black but not too long.

  • Jenni NZ replied 1 month ago

    In the second lot of photos I love the Oska swing jacket, pics 1 and 2, and also the Massimo Dutti jacket which looks olive to me, pic 14. I do like the moto pic 13 but not for the wedding. I like the Oska olive raincoat over for rain.
    Please do keep snakeskin dress!
    I don’t wear dresses much either and have slowed my buying of them but the occasional new one is nice :)

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Thanks, Joy and Jenni, for your picks on the toppers. 

    And Jenni, thanks for the encouragement. I think I can justify this wardrobe refresh of nice dresses! I've thought of some occasions where I can wear them. There's a casual tavern social instead of a rehearsal dinner, so I might wear the snake print dress to that --with booties or black shoes, Joyce ;) --and the floral to the wedding. I can see wearing the snake print dress a lot of places, actually.

    Thanks, everyone! I will post the WIWs mid-May!!

  • Angie replied 1 month ago

    Sharan, you have LOTS of options and are going to be the belle of the ball! Glad you are keeping BOTH dresses :)

    Goodbye, disobedient sweater.....

  • Jenava replied 1 month ago

    Here's my two cents, FWIW:
    I prefer either the first dress with the panels, or the Hanna Sanibel dress, with a slight lean towards the latter. I think picking up on the white in that could launch this more into the spring end of the spectrum.

    I do like the snake print dress, particularly with the boxy long toppers.

    I do not like a moto or denim jacket, or a waterfall style cardigan for a cocktail attire event. I do however think your handmade black shrug is amazing with this dress. I would add a big, sparkly brooch.

    At my black tie event I wore a hand crocheted lacy shawl I had made. I think sweet handmade knits are the way to go for event toppers, personally. Either that, or something with sequins!

    Do you have some bold jewelry to add?

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Thanks, Angie.
    Jenava, thanks for chiming in. Your thoughts on the toppers make sense to me. I hadn't thought about a brooch! I don't have particularly bold jewelry. I played around yesterday with layering some necklaces and kind of liked the AllSaints necklace (linked above) with a strand of graduated pearls of my late mother's.

  • Jenava replied 1 month ago

    Brooches are trending for formalwear! I'd totally look for an organic looking gold and crystal brooch to wear with that sweet sweater. There are some pretty ones on Etsy that aren't terribly spendy (and some that are!). I like the idea of layering the necklaces.

    Also, you probably know this already, but a trick my grandmother taught me when wearing a brooch on delicate fabric is to pin it all the way through to and around your bra strap!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Great ideas--thanks, Jenava. I didn't know that pinning trick, either.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Here's another possibility. I think of it as my Paris birthday dress. I bought it in Paris in Le Marais one summer and wore it there on my birthday. It is not very well made, and it was very inexpensive. But it is a sheer silk, with a knit self-slip. 
    Photo 1: Dress with the pumps and bag I would use. (I didn't put on stockings, but would wear them.) 
    Photo 2: sweater-knit fabric I have from which I can make a shrug. Photo 3: the dress, with the sweater-knit fabric over my shoulders to give a little of the shrug effect.
    The dress needs to be steamed, but it does have a bit of a rough-around-the-edges effect; the hem is always a bit up and down, and the lining peeks out from one side. I keep thinking I should straight that up, but -- hmmmm, hasn't happened yet. LOL

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  • Ket replied 1 month ago

    Wow… Sharan, you have so many stellar outfits for this wedding!

    My favorites are still from the second batch of try-ons and they are
    #1 snake skin with black swing jacket and
    #11/12 black floral with black handknit shrug.

    I just think they’re dressy, unique, killer, and even, dare I say, alluring.

    You look so beautiful! And I looove seeing all of the beautiful things from your closet. Most inspiring <3

  • unfrumped replied 1 month ago

    That is a sweet dress. But, I’m really liking the darker colors (as you’ve mixed them with pale neutrals) on you, as well as the more sophisticated styles, for the weddings.

    I’d probably wear this as a light-hearted summer frock, maybe with white or nude or pewter slides ( if I could wear slides ) and a straw bag.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    unfrumped, thank you! I feel this dress is much better dressed down than up, so you are confirming my instinct.

    Ket, thanks for your picks, and the wardrobe love! And yes, I do feel more alluring in those dresses you picked. Good call.

  • Jenni NZ replied 1 month ago

    Well I like the new (existing) option and especially the beautiful shawl fabric! Wow!
    Personally I think dressing that dress up is great. But then I like dressing everything up!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Aw, thanks, Jenni!

  • lyn67 replied 1 month ago

    I stay with my first opinion. Compared with those previous dresses I  love the new option for a summer event in a heatwave but yours will be in Spring, isn't it? Still I also like the idea of a  DIY shrug from that lacey (sweatshirt?) fabric -as am also interested in DIY projects for a dressy shrug or cover up. Please show us the final result if finished!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Thanks, Lyn! It's a sweater-knit fabric, a wool blend of some sort. The gray sweater knit has a lacy layer attached to it, woven on somehow.

  • Jenni NZ replied 1 month ago

    I have just re-read the entire thread. I do really like the existing dress as well and wondered what made you re-think your previously confirmed outfit? There must have been something you weren’t quite happy about emotionally?
    Have you asked DH his opinion on the most recent try-on? As it was his idea that he liked the black floral best? (Maybe not yours, deep down?)
    It reminds me of a gorgeous scene in the movie “About Time” where the heroine, Rachel McAdams, keeps trying on several dresses and rejecting each for various reasons (my favourite rejection reason is “Too breasty!”) until she finally goes back to the first option! I love that scene, must look it up again :)

  • Suz replied 1 month ago

    I like the old dress but I feel for this time of year and this occasion, one of the two newer dresses will be a better choice. 

  • Zaeobi replied 1 month ago

    Another vote for the first OSKA jacket & the khaki moto jacket!

    Personally, I think a leather jacket is appropriate for a cocktail party (less formal than full-blown evening parties)? It might be different for a cocktail *wedding* though...

    The last pastel look you posted is wedding appropriate, but maybe more garden party style? It sounds like you have to fuss a lot with the dress too - to be honest, that would impact my enjoyment of the wedding!

  • AJ replied 1 month ago

    I still like the first dark floral dress for the wedding. Are you feeling that you would stand out too much in it?

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    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.

  • kinnick replied 1 month ago

    I agree with the mother of the bride.  The pink sweater looks comfortable and stylish.  I love it with the boot.  I didn’t comment previously bc I thought it might not be dressy enough. If you aren’t keeping  that particular sweater maybe a different pink sweater?   Maybe I like it bc it is something I would wear and be happy in.  Any choice you make will be fine though.  

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Thanks, Kinnick. The sweater is in my wardrobe, and I really like it. I love it with the boot, too, and my thought was I would wear that combo elsewhere, if not to the wedding. I appreciate hearing your thoughts!

  • Jenava replied 1 month ago

    What if you made yourself a dark green shrug, instead? That would show off the brooch and make it less black? Maybe a black and green thing?

  • Angie replied 1 month ago

    Sharan, another beautiful look! WOW! Very Summery, and perfect for your July birthday ;)

    I'm with Suz! Your first two darker dresses seem a better choice for a Seattle Spring wedding. You'll ll look smashing no matter what. 

  • Sal replied 1 month ago

    I think either of the two new dresses will be perfect for the spring wedding.  You can decide closer to the time on the fine details.

    I do like the older dress too - but I do prefer the new ones.

    Sometimes it is fun to have something new to wear and a wedding can prompt this.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Jenava, believe it or not, I HAVE a green shrug! (Doh!) I made it from coordinating cashmere sweater knits, one solid and one open-weave. I thought of it this week, but I thought it might also be too dark. But maybe not! Meanwhile, I bought a sweater from Sézane that might work, too. 
    Photos of them below, along with the brooch I found on Etsy. The green shrug will look better with a little steaming. The pink cardi is a bit more like the color in the Find photo IRL, and it does go nicely with the colors in the dress.

    Angie, thank you for coming back and giving your opinion. The birthday dress has come in handy for those years it's actually hot on my birthday.

    Sal, thank you. I do love having the new dresses and a perfect reason to buy them. Ha! I like your idea of choosing the details closer to the event. I know I have things that will work.




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  • Sal replied 1 month ago

    These are both lovely! The brooch is wonderful too.

  • Suntiger replied 1 month ago

    I definitely like the first dress the most, so glad you chose it! Yes to the green or pink toppers, but it should be warm enough by then that you won't need a topper at all :)

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Thanks Sal and Suntiger! May in Seattle is beautiful--lush green and lots of gorgeous flowers!--but not necessarily warm. Generally I don't expect to bare my arms until mid-July at least. But then we do have some heat-wave moments, to keep us on our toes.

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Welcome to my style blog. Dressing is something all of us do each day, but for me it is also a hobby. I like to find new ways to wear the clothes I have, make new clothes to add to my wardrobe (yes, sewing is another hobby!), shop for clothes, read and discuss fashion. Following You Look Fab has fueled my interest in taking outfit pictures to see where I've been and to get different perspectives on style. Thanks for joining me. I always appreciate hearing your thoughts.