Bridesmaid dress - practical or fancy???

[practicalorfancy]

My friend is having a winter wedding and we can pick our own dresses as long as they are navy. She is very relaxed about what we pick.

Fancy: www.coastfashion.com/lace-sleeve-open-back-wrap-maxi-dress/ACC97774.html

Practical: www.coastfashion.com/pleated-mesh-midi-skirt/ACC98462-2.html?color=148

I was going to choose a top/midi skirt combo as I'll get more wear out of them but I tried on the fancy dress today and I love it more!

Do you think that this dress could be worn again as a wedding guest or a fancy dinner dress? Or is it too bridesmaidsy? As much as I love it, I have another bridesmaids dress in my wardrobe that I love but will probably never wear again for this reason so I should try and be practical. I've asked the bride and she likes both!

Please help me decide. Currently leaning towards getting the dress and keeping the skirt (I like it more than the top) but that's probably less sensible!

Doesn't help they are both very reduced... so tempting....

I love how the long one looks on you, very elegant!

I like them both so sorry no help and think both could be worn again to the right event

You've got a lovely shape and look great in both! My personal preference is the midi length one - the main thing putting me off the other is the creases - not sure if they can be ironed out and if they can whether they will return each time you sit down!?

The shorter one is so much nicer on you. I think it's fancier than the long one. The long one is kind of ordinary. The shorter one is more special. Seriously though, after the year we've had, wear whatever makes you feel good.

I initially preferred the long one but seeing them on I think the shorter suits you better.
It looked a bit meh in the photo but seeing it on you it looks fabulous!
I know what the pp means about the long one being a bit ordinary.
Maybe it would look different with shoes/accessories but based purely on the dress I think you totally rock the shorter one.

Oh sorry, but I'm sticking with my original vote. The skirt and top is really pretty but that look has been everywhere for the last two years so it doesn't feel particularly special (to me). It also cuts you off in the middle.

The long one is incredibly flattering and really shows off your figure - the caveat is if you can get the creases out of course. It looks like it's been screwed up in the bag for ages.

Definitely the midi one. It looks fabulous!

Definitely the long one, much more elegant and flattering. As a pp said, the sparkly top and tulle skirt has been done to death and is more usually the kids version of a bridesmaid dress these days.