A Classic Winter Formal

In selecting a gown for this dance, a number of criterion come into play, not the least of which is color. The top contenders were:

  • emerald green
  • purple
  • teal
  • a variety of intense blues. Not navy!

So, while this dress is indeed fairly “ordinary” – or, as Jenn correctly put it, “classic” – the color works: it’s not boring and it looks fabulous with her fair skin, green eyes, and auburn hair.front-of-formal.JPGback-of-formal.JPG

Another must: it had to meet dad’s approval. Yes, even at 18, she cares about her dad’s opinion.

I loved the way Ambika described the dilemma with the previous dress I pictured:

The dress is fantastic and I’ve seen Gunne Sax going for a lot of money on ebay. However, when I was 18, being different was *very* hard to pull off (without being defiant, in a way, which isn’t exactly the happy medium I’d say I’m at now.) Being around people you’re not familiar with only makes it worse. Though ordinary may be, well, ordinary and kind of boring, I think having fun at the dance without feeling self-conscious might be more important.

Can you think of any reason she’d feel self-conscious in this dress?

18 thoughts on “A Classic Winter Formal”

  1. A shiny fabric like that can very unforgiving. If she’s even the least bit self-conscious about her curves, the fabric will only emphasize them. I have a shiny dress in a different cut, and I’m always wondering what’s standing out. Also, I’m not sure if it’s the fabric or the poor construction of my dress, but the zipper will never lay flat. It drives me nuts.

  2. Love the colour! I agree that shiny fabric can be unforgiving, but belly button ring aside, I don’t think she has anything to worry about 🙂

  3. It’s absolutely gorgeous–I love the color AND the shine. It seems to fit well, too. The bias cut is very flattering. The back has a little verve, but it is no less modest than a nice tank bathing suit. It’s perfect!

  4. I think she – and Dad – will be very happy with her choice!

    I gotta admit I was surprised trying to mentally fit together Person with Modest Dress with Person with Belly Button Ring. This was a very unexpected juxtaposition to me. The people that I’ve known who’ve had them wore clothing where I could see them. I don’t suppose I know about the folks who have them and don’t wear clothing where I can see them. 🙂

  5. Wonderful dress! The color pops, the neckline is fantastic, and the open back isn’t TOO open. If there’s any concern about being self conscious, a wrap to drape across her shoulders if she feels chilled, and across the back of a chair while dancing would do the trick.

  6. Oh, it’s lovely! Love, love, love the color! I personally, don’t think the dress is “ordinary” at all – the back and color especially keep it from being “ordinary.” Do we get to see pictures with accessories and shoes? Please, please, please… 🙂

  7. This one I am not responsible for – she stopped at the thrift store on her way home from work and found it herself. I’m so proud! 🙂

    I also think this dress is a good candidate for shortening in the future and could then be worn to the work Christmas party and that sort of thing.

    She’s still shopping for silver shoes.

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