Choices, Choices, Choices: Help Me Pick the Dress

While I was in college, I once was kicked out of clothing store.  My friend and had been trying on random outfits.  We also happened to be taking pictures of ourselves in these outfits -- kind of like an impromptu modeling shoot that was captured in cramped fitting rooms with unflattering lighting.

Mostly we modeled dresses, but as I strolled through one store I found an outfit so unlike me that I was compelled to try it on.  I ducked into a fitting room and poured myself into zebra pleather pants, a fringed black halter top, and tottering silver platform heels.

The best part?  This particular fitting room opened directly into the store rather than being contained in a separate hallway.  I stepped out into the store in all my ridiculous glory.

I posed.  My friend snapped a picture.  The nearest store employee asked us to leave.

That picture still cracks me up.

I've matured a bit since then, but obviously only a little because recently I bought three dresses, took them home, and then conducted the photo shoot -- which is a long and convoluted way to introduce today's post and my current conundrum.

I'm going to a wedding where my daughters will be flower girls, and I'm trying to choose what to wear.  I'm decisively indecisive, so instead of spending too long in a store weighing the merits of each dress, I'm now spending too long in front of the mirror in my closet weighing the merits of each dress.

And I'm roping you into things by asking for your help.


Dress 1
Pros: Although the picture might not highlight it well, the neckline of this dress is attractive and interestingly asymmetrical.
Cons: Pretty but relatively predictable floral pattern.

Dress 2
Pros: Feminine and light lines.
Cons: The color is just slightly more pink than flesh color.  Is this dangerously close to a total wash-out when you're pale (as I am)?

Dress 3
Pros: Nice detail with black and white contrast. 
Cons: The dress bunches somewhat in the back, hence my hidden hand holding back some extra fabric.  That wouldn't unnatural at all to walk around like that for a day, right?

Would you help an indecisive girl out?  I'm open to opinions.

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40 comments

  1. The Mom ChefMay 10, 2012

    I think dress #1 is stunning on you. Very sophisticated and classy. Hubby liked #3. No reason given (he's a guy). 

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  2. predictably floral is not a bad thing when it's pretty, you look good in it, you're comfy in it which automagically makes you prettier, and you're not stealing the spotlight from the bride or your daughters who are part of the wedding party.  =)

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  3. Love them all! I would go with the floral, it flatters your body the best :-) Good luck!

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  4. I have this thing about flowers so #1 is not my choice.  Flowers in curtains & clothes is not what I prefer.  I love #2 because it looks like a fun dress.  I also like #3.

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  5. LauraglaudeMay 10, 2012

    Floral dress looks great on you--that would be my choice.  The second choice might not be the most flattering color for you.  The third dress is nice and a good one to have in your closet for other occasions as well.  So, if you're trying to be economical or get the most out of a dress, dress three would be a great option.

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  6. smoothstonesMay 10, 2012

    #1, hands down. Very flattering.

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  7. Jaime FooseMay 10, 2012

    I also like #1 on you best. To me this says spring/summer wedding.  I also like #3 if you can work out the extra fabric thing.  The second one to me looks a little on the young side.  Nothing wrong with that, but I like 1 and 3 best.  Anyway you look beautiful all around what ever you pick will be wonderful.  Don't forget to post pictures of the little flower girls!!

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  8. Oh my Lord, I totally forgot we got kicked out!!  I still have those pictures in my photo album from that time period :)  What a memory!!!  I like the first one the best.  I tend to agree with the comments below.

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  9. #1 flatters your figure the best, second choice is #3.  Ultimately, pick the one that you feel the prettiest in, regardless of how we vote.  You will wear that dress best.

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  10. Definitely #1!  #2 does wash you out a bit (Sorry - I have a fair complexion, too, and I couldn't wear it either!) - #3 is o.k., but sounds like it doesn't fit perfectly.  #1 is perfect for a spring/summer wedding and looks fabulous on you!

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  11. #3 by far if you can get it to fit right.  If not, then #1.

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  12.  You give very good advice!

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  13. Ah, I was hoping that you would read this!  That memory came back so strong... I still can feel how my cheeks flushed when I returned to the fitting room.  Too funny!

    I still have those pictures, too!

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  14. Funny... my husband is also mute on the matter.  It's a silent tactic, suggesting that all are nice without committing any specific one.

    If the third dress fit perfectly, I'd absolutely lean that way.  I don't think it'll make the cut, though, since it doesn't.

    Glad that you like #1.

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  15.  The flower girl dresses are coral, so this would probably compliment them the best, too.  I think you're all helping me to decide.  Thanks!

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  16.  I know! I'm not automatically drawn to flowers, either.  I love #2, also.  I really do.  I think that it washes me out, though. 

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  17.  Thanks for the input, Laura!

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  18.  Oh, you're decisive.  I like that.

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  19.  Thanks, Jaime!  I'll certainly be sure to post pictures!

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  20. No need to apologize -- this is why I'm soliciting feedback!  I love the dress, but am hesitant (and apparently rightfully so) about the color.  Thanks for the feedback, Lisa!

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  21.  Yes, if I could get #3 to fit perfectly, I'd probably lean that way.  I'm really drawn to that dress.  :)

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  22. smoothstonesMay 10, 2012

     pretty much always

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  23. Stacey Weber-FeveMay 10, 2012

    Yes, my dear. Unfortunately, us "complexion-so-pale-we-glow-in-the-dark" girls just can't quite pull off the color of dress #2. Yet, I'm also a sucker for pale colors and often find myself trying to buy clothing articles in colors like that!?! I'm drawn to the cut of dress #1, but #3 is stunning. Can't lose with either! :)

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  24. Michelle ThuldaninMay 10, 2012

    Number 01 is the most over-all flattering, I think. 

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  25. THREE!  Make it happen.  :)

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  26. I like number 1! Don't worry about it being predictable :)

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  27. #1 flatters your figure and skin tone.  That's the one I'd go with.

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  28. Lauraashley2428May 11, 2012

    Go with 1! The asymmetrical neckline is so in and the pattern is beautiful. 3 will have you fidgeting with it all day.

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  29. I love number one the best.  I love the neckline and I think the pattern (while floral) has bold colors that really flatter you.  If you choose another  dress, we can still be friends however.  Because I'm awesome that way.

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  30. Thank you kindly for your sustaining friendship regardless of my eventual choice.  :)

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  31.  Good point....and fidgeting all day is no good.  ;)

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  32. I think that you fine commenters are creating a trend.  Dress number 1 is starting to pull away in this race!

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  33. Stacy, what is with this?  We know better, yet like moths to a flame we're drawn to colors that wash us out.  Thanks for pulling me back with your good advice! 

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  34. My vote is #1.  I really like #3 too, but managing multiple flower girls while holding your dress back may get too tricky.  Maggie voted for #2, or as she declared "the pink one."

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  35. #1 flatters your figure and skin tone.  That's the one I'd go with.

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