Very amusing thread, thanks for providing it for all the entertainment @Kenworthington.
I actually thought you were a friend of mine until you posted your photo.
John Shuttleworth fan - check
The right age - check
Had a son at university- check
Gay son - check
A bit alternative- check
Chopsy- check.
I was amazed when you weren't her!
Anyway, go for the frock in red, I think it will look fantastic.
I'm a flamboyant dresser, a very different style, but pretty much always guaranteed to be the 'overdressed' one. I don't consider it to be too much, but some people don't like it, I bloody love twirling around in front of the mirror, always did! What's wrong with wanting to look fabulous?
I got married in vintage blue Dior, if someone had rocked up in a full-length ivory gown it wouldn't have bothered me in the slightest.
My DC are mid-teens now so it's going to be a while (if ever) I have an MoB/G situation, but when it happens I certainly won't be 'blending into the background' and I imagine that everyone knows me well enough to be completely unsurprised by whatever I wear.
(And no, it won't be attempt to 'upstage' anyone, it will just be me, dressing like me).