I've bought a dress - how do i style it?

[OhFuckBloodyHell]

I've bought a dress to wear to a wedding, see pic. How do I style it? It's very much navy, although looks a bit more like black in the pic. The metal accents on the belt are gold.

I have the pink lipstick already (maybelline firey fuschia) and although I really like it, I'm always scared to wear it as I don't often wear lipstick at all and it's a bit 0-100 from no lipstick to bright pink! But I think maybe this is the occasion to wear it and just power through the anxiety... I'm very pale, so it's quite alarming striking.

So. If I go with the pink. Do I wholeheartedly embrace it and match my shoes (and bag and nails? Too much?). I think this might make me feel the lipstick looks more like a choice and less like a bit out of left field, so I may feel more confident and less self conscious.

I'm a size 16 and 5'6. Although in my head I'm a 12 . The mirror is always a shock. Honestly this dress is the first time in years I've looked in the mirror and not thought 'who's that fat woman? God I look a mess'

Shoes must be flat, cannot do heels anymore.

I also need something to wear if I'm a bit cold. Likely to be a bit of standing around outside for photos. Upper arms are chunky. Elbows doing that dimple thing when arms are straight, would like them covered. Lace/sheer would be ok.

Bag can't be tiny but doesn't need to be big, big. I need to carry some medical stuff the size of a puese. Plus phone, actual purse, scary lipstick etc.

Quite liked the idea of a beaded flowery purse, something fun. But maybe plain would be better?

Wedding isn't at a posh venue, so not super glam, but want to look nice.

Please help.

If you like your hair then just get a lippy that goes with it and if you wear black shoes you can have what ever colour bag you like but make it bright

Your original bag suggestions are lovely, particularly the brightest one (bottom right).
The dress is classy, a kimono is a softer option to a stuffy bolero. If you love the fuscia shoes try to find a kimono with splashes of the pink.
You're going to look fab.

Ignore the people suggesting black shoes, it would do the dress no favours and look thrown on.

I love the kimono, I would definitely wear coloured shoes, but not those ballet pumps, the pale pink are better than the bright pink ones but try something a bit more adventurous, an open toe or an ankle strap or an embellishment or something. If you are wearing flats they need to be a bit more glam than heels to look dressy.

Don't worry about matching your lipstick to your outfit just go for one that suits you that doesn't clash, any pinky one would be fine.

Think about whether you can tie your nails into one of the colours in your outfit too.

I like every item worn to pick up a colour in one other item so that it all ties together and looks well thought out.

Cripes people here are a bit mean!! I have no opinions either way but if you think you can wear the shoes again get them. Nobody will give a toss what you wear; all eyes will be on the bride. Seriously, nobody other than you will give two hoots what you wear. Have a great time and get utterly drunk in your dancing shoes while those folk wearing heels, sandals and matching bags are too uptight to let loose. xx

I suspect you haven’t quite grasped the purpose of Style & Beauty threads, kennycat.

It is, for one thing, a courtesy to the bride and groom for guests to look as lovely as possible on the day.

And the wedding photos will be around for a long time. Why would any sentient human being not take some care to ensure they look their best?

Finally, getting dressed up is a pleasure. It’s fun. It is the evolution of instinct. There are plenty of other threads you could browse if you don’t understand this one.

Have I missed a picture of you @OhFuckBloodyHell posters are saying things suit you and I can't see you!! I love the kimono.

@TottersBlankly

I suspect you haven’t quite grasped the purpose of Style & Beauty threads, kennycat.

It is, for one thing, a courtesy to the bride and groom for guests to look as lovely as possible on the day.

And the wedding photos will be around for a long time. Why would any sentient human being not take some care to ensure they look their best?

Finally, getting dressed up is a pleasure. It’s fun. It is the evolution of instinct. There are plenty of other threads you could browse if you don’t understand this one.

I get the thread I just felt some people were a bit unkind. And everyone’s opinion of what us stylish and beautiful is different surely?! ?! Absolutely it’s respectful to look your best for a wedding, but what one person feels is their best is almost certainly going to be someone else’s idea of horrific and tasteless.

That is not what you said above.

You implied that it was pointless for the OP to even think about clothes because she would be completely invisible at the event. Which was both rude and unhelpful.

Ignore the people saying black - they clearly haven't read your OP.

Try out the lipstick one day soon, even just when popping to the shops. You will get used to it if it's a good shade on you, even if it ends up not being quite right for the wedding outfit depending on how you style the dress.

Please explain! I have chestnut hair with really red highlights.
Yet I’m cool toned, and chestnut as a colour would look dreadful on me.

@ArseInTheCoOpWindow

Then why is your hair that colour?
Your natural hair colour will always suit you.

Horse blanket??

@BatshitCrazyWoman

Horse blanket??

Was quoting @TottersBlankly. Quote didn't work for some reason.