Accessorise this dress or buy a new one?

[APlaceOnTheCouch]

I have been invited to a ball at very short notice. The only vaguely suitable dress I have languishing in my wardrobe is this but tbh it doesn't really look that good on. The elasticated waist seems too noticeable. Do you think I can rescue it with accessories? Or should I just buy something new?

[Runningupthathill82]

Could we see a pic of you in it - without your face, if you'd rather? The dress looks fab on the model and I'm sure it looks better on you than you imagine.

[APlaceOnTheCouch]

Hmm, looking at my pic beside the model pic apart from being incredibly demoralising I think I need a much higher heel.

[Runningupthathill82]

You look fab!

[Lonelynessie]

It looks fab on you, wear it!

[ChocolateButton15]

What about a spray tan or using one of those gradual tanners? I always feel more confident with a tan! It's nice and sparkly so I would say wear it unless you personally don't like wearing it or feel uncomfortable.

[ChocolateButton15]

I would keep accessories minimal because of the sparkles!

[Meeep]

I think you look nice too :)

[HeartsTrumpDiamonds]

It's lovely and sparkly and looks very nice with your skin tone. You could go for a gold diamante belt if you are very conscious of the elastic waist but honestly in the photo it looks fine. Alternatively go for a thin black sash (satin? beaded?) with other black accessories - shoes, back, jet earrings?

[Ilovewillow]

It looks lovely but I would agree a higher heel. If you don't like the elasticated waist pop another belt over the top! Definitely don't buy another it looks fab!

[Fresta]

I would add a chunky gold bangle and maybe gold or nude sandals/shoes instead of black. You don't need a spray tan, you have lovely naturally fair skin- nothing worse than looking orange!

[HeartsTrumpDiamonds]

Bag not back!

[APlaceOnTheCouch]

Thanks so much for all your nice comments!

I couldn't decide about a golden lotion. I did wonder if I was too pale.

Ilovewillow I wore gold sandals with it, the last time I wore it but they got wrecked during the dancing and I forgot to replace them. I do have very high nude sandals but I'm not sure I would last a full night in them.

Any ideas on where I could get a nice belt?

It is actually very comfortable to wear. That may be unconsciously impacting how I feel about it because I'm used to wearing more structured clothing if I'm getting dressed up