How would you style this dress for an evening reception?

[NotDarkGothicMama]

DH and I are going to a colleague's evening do for their wedding in May. I have this dress that has been sitting in my wardrobe waiting for an occasion to wear it, but no idea how to style it. Makeup, nails, shoes, jewellery, bag... no clue.

The reception is at a very posh hotel in Scotland. I don't wear high heels and the reception involves a ceilidh, so comfortable footwear is a must. Looking at a budget of £200 for the shoes, jewellery and bag. I'm 5'4", size 10-12, mouse blonde shoulder-length hair, usually found in jeans and a hoodie. My hair is as flat as a pancake so will be pinned up in an up do to keep it out of the way.

Any help from people with an iota of dress sense would be very much appreciated!

These LK Bennett ones, if in your size?

https://www.brandalley.co.uk/met-silver-willow-flats-23073762.html

If you are fine to dance in a low heel (some prefer it), these are lovely & in the sale. A slight open toe though, which some people warned against - but if someone is clumsy enough to land on your foot it wont really matter what youre wearing!!!

https://www.anoncph.co.uk/products/linette-50-stiletto-crackled-metallic-goat-silver

@NotDarkGothicMama careful with a necklace that's going to swing around your neck or earrings that'll bounce around hitting your ears or face while you're dancing.
Ceilidh dancing can become very boisterous.
The dress is perfect and gorgeous.

Of course trainers can be worn at a wedding. Often by brides when they want to be comfortable. It's not the 1980s.

Personally I'd get some low heeled proper dance shoes and put them on for the ceilidh. You can get some really nice gold or silver shoes.

the dress is perfect. I would do:

• No necklace
• drop earrings and hair up or curled
• dance shoes, eg these (ballroom dancing shoes are a good bet for a bit of height)
• one of the gorgeous clutch bags already posted

Google silver flat Mary Janes. There are loads around at the moment and you shouldn’t need to spend much.

Agree about dangly jewellery- I think a simple silver necklace (not too long) and studs will be fine. The dress provides all the embellishment you need.

Silver flats with a strap and silver bag - both easily and cheaply available.

I would go with shoes in a dark green or dark grey, like this https://iconsfootwear.com/en-gb/products/women-s-x-strap-rounded-block-heel?variant=43814507905110&country=GB&currency=GBP&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google%2Bshopping&utm_campaign=23204381992&utm_ad_group=&utm_ad=&utm_source=google&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23200118561&gbraid=0AAAABBXAgVMiHJxijCRBpkSvs7nSol9Rs&gclid=CjwKCAiAnoXNBhAZEiwAnItcG3QAhCfVBaVLxWdW7i3nzrvwHyhTw9Jx7qK28FJSOj1_OWnoQ_k2oxoCm9EQAvD_BwE

I’m Scottish and have been to hundreds…

I didn't say you hadn't been to one. I am also Scottish and been to hundreds
People can have different experiences

Good point about the perils of flying jewellery.

I've gone for these dance shoes in champagne. I'm not entirely sure about the colour but have plenty of time to try them on with the dress and change if needed.

https://www.danceandsway.com/products/womens-pink-leatherette-customized-heel-latin-dance-shoes-ballroom-dance-shoes?_pos=3&_psq=Champagne+&_ss=e&_v=1.0&variant=50011351613761

That is a beautiful dress. I would accessorise with silver but wouldn't clutter the neckline with a necklace unless you have a short, plain silver chain that you like to wear. Dangly earrings suit long necks but if your neck is shorter, large round/square silver earrings would look good with an updo.
I certainly wouldn't wear that dress with converse it's far too elegant. I personally find ballet flats uncomfortable but there are plenty of silver shoes around to choose from.

silver ballet glats or even Mary Jane’s would work, don’t bother with a bag, just use his pockets, for just the evening you won’t need much (I often use a jacket with pockets myself for perhaps a lip gloss and pack of tissues). Whatever jewellery you own is fine, if buying something silver Celtic style is my preference, my favourite necklace actually is from Shetland, local designer.

Don worry, I have a crocheted necklace.

My top tip for a bag is a visit to good charity shops. Here in Ireland at least they are full of evening bags at very low prices in a great range of colours. And with very little wear and tear. I got a bag for my sisters wedding the exact shade of my dress for 3 euro

I love the Nordic Noir earrings but don't wear earrings often so am wary of them feeling too heavy. Any thoughts on these 3?

Also, any thoughts on makeup? I'm thinking natural with either a smoky eye or red lipstick.

I love the first ones - but the other two might be safer!

And I'd do dramatic eyes not red lips.

I think the fan earrings are perfect! And I would go for a dramatic eye and a fairly neutral lip.

Did you choose them because you think you need dance shoes? You don't.

I don't think they are right for the dress. They're too much doing the Latin section on Come Dancing.

@ComedyGuns slutty?? Are you being serious 😂😂 its covering the chest and to the knees... is it cause shes showing her ankles... jeez

Not loving those dance shoes in either colour or shape tbh.

Makeup - I’d do green Urban Decay eyeliner and eyeshadow and then just lip balm or a neutral pink lipstick, but that’s just because I bloody love that eyeliner!

I don't like the dance shoes.

The dress is fine and quite embellished so doesn’t need much in the way of bling jewellery. The shoes you posted aren’t right, they need to look like they’ve been chosen. I’d go metallic but style/height is down to what you personally can dance in. Bag is inconsequential, doesn’t need to match shoes but should tie up with the dress in some way. Makeup should suit you. No one here knows if a smoky eye or red lip is up your street so the best thing to do if you aren’t used to wearing much is to go to a decent makeup counter and get a trial. You want to enhance your features, feel comfortable and be able to replicate.

Light pink blazer with matching ballet flats.
Gold toned single strand pendant on chain and matching bracelet. Gold suits formal evening looks better.
Small light pink clutch to go.

Let the dress do the talking. It's enough.
Once you start dancing etc, you'll be roastin' hot and will lose the blazer. You won't want anything clunky around your neck either.

Hair in curly updo as well. Adds thickness to thin hair and will look pretty while you "heel toe and away ya go".