Please help me accessorise this dress

[Zoidberg]

First time asking for s&b help, please could I have some advice? I've got this dress which I love (am removing the bow tho as that doesn't suit me) which I'm going to wear to a book launch at a National Trust house. What shoes / else e.g. what if it's cold... do I wear with it? I'm 5'2" and a size 16 with shoulder length brown hair and tanned freckly skin. I can't wear heels (well, not more than a couple of inches).

Oh and the book is an anthology that I have something in and this is my first time out in the public as a writer which I am a leetle nervous about. Hence craven need to look good

Beautiful dress. I had an eye on that myself but I was worried that the colour would be a bit 'icy' on me.

I am no style guru, but maybe orange shoes would look good. I believe you don't match shoes to handbag anymore so I'd be at a loss as to what to suggest.

Not much help am I? Hopefully someone with a clue will come along in a minute.

Thanks. I love the dragonflies.

I think you're on the right track with the shoes, the model on the Ted Baker web site has red shoes and bag. So I have stolen some of my mum's old shoes that are a tomato red, thin ankle strap, not too much heel, haven't tried them with dress yet.

Stunning dress.

I've not got much to add I'm afraid - except to say that are you going to be inside a National Trust house, or in another related building? NT houses can be very chilly, even in high summer, so I would strongly suggest a cardigan. (I speak from experience!)

Congrats on the book btw.

Congratulations! I agree with Belle, definitely take a cardy. Maybe a little shrug in pale blue or creal you ca pop over without spoiling the look of the dress. I'd go wth owish kitten heels for a retro look and a nice bracelet or bangle.

Thanks for the congrats. Yes I am concerned about being chilly, but not wanting to spoil the dress (esp after recent thread on here about dresses ruined by cardis). Will have to hunt for something.

I love the dress but would not wear a cardi to such an important event (or to anywhere really except the supermarket). I would go a 3/4 sleeve fitted black jacket. I like the idea of orange or red heels (can't see properly what colour is in the dress - is it orange or red?) or cute peep-toe flats. Personally I would do black though, with a black clutch and bangle.

Oh and congrats! I'm completely jealous!