Can you help me to make this dress look smart but cool too?

[Fushia123]

Wedding guest in Sept (F63) rural barn/farm complex with lots of young people. I bought this dress a few years ago - I like the colour, pattern, fit, sleeves and am going to wear if again for the wedding. However, paired with flesh coloured uncomfortable sandals and bag I felt old fashioned and want to update it with different accessories.
What could I do….was thinking flat coloured ballet shoes maybe but would really appreciate your ideas and suggestions.

I don’t think you included an image?

Photo of dress, please, @Fushia123!

And please tell us your dress size and height. And budget for new accessories.

Oops sorry.

Dress size large 14. Budget up to £200.

It’s a lovely dress, but if you want to guarantee frumpdom, ballet flats will do it.

I would invest in some Esska sandals in a clashing, bright colour. I have several pairs and they are ridiculously comfortable. I’ve worn them for weddings with no discomfort at all.

Avoid a matching bag, and definitely not one with a strap.

It’s a busy dress, so I’d keep accessories to a minimum.

Those shoes are lovely and I think either of the pink shades particularly the pink suede ones would look lovely with this dress OP

Those shoes are fucking gorgeous!! I want all the colours!!

Thanks for your comments so far. More ideas welcome and appreciated!

Another vote for Charlie’s, they really are so comfortable.
A woven straw clutch might work well.

I'm going to disagree respectfully with PP’s recommendation for brightly coloured sandals. Your dress has a classic floral pattern and the colours are subtle, so I think bright colours would overwhelm it. The risk is not frumpiness, it's trying too hard. It's a nice dress and a wedding is a celebration, not a see and be seen fashion parade. You want to be able to enjoy yourself so I'd make sure that you choose comfortable footwear. I'd probably go for violet/mauve, smoky pink or maybe even rose pink and choose a flat or low-heeled style: sandals if it's still summery enough, but otherwise court shoes, MJs or even a modern loafer (no tassels, fringe or chains, but also not platform-chunky). I'd look at the dressier styles in Moshulu, because it's good at colours and comfort. Depending on how smart the wedding is, you might also be able to wear elegant black trainers if that's your style. I'd bet that plenty of younger guests will be in flats, with dancing (or chasing boisterous children) in mind.

For the bag I'd go for grey (cool neutral, unlike the nude/blush that doesn't work), preferably a textile/tapestry finish or - if it’s just an evening do - a beaded black purse-style clutch (with a strap for practicality!). Nothing terribly expensive, think decorative or a bit vintagey. Maybe try Zara, Mango or look for something on eBay or Etsy? I think straw might feel a bit too summery come September.

Jewellery is a very personal choice - a favourite not-too-elaborate silver pendant? I have a haematite necklace I often wear when I want something simple.

I disagree. I think a lot of weddings are fashion parades and that’s part of the fun!

I love the Essa sandals recommended above.
But if you don't like them - a younger look would be flats -NOT ballet flats though. A jeweled flat thong sandal maybe. definitely a ssndal not a shoe. It's quite a Boho dress so this could look quite stylish.But personally, I'd buy the Essa sandals.

I disagree with the Esska sandals, horrid clumpy frumpy things!

Maybe a strappy flat sandal with a bit of jewel.