Kate, I would suggest a simple peep-toe, somewhat like this Fiona or this wedge, which has a shorter heel. If you aren't too confident on heels, I'd really lean toward the wedge, since wedges help to improve balance.

Lucy P., I'm going to say either 1970s or 1950s, more likely 1950s. It appears to have lots of lace, which was signature of that time, coupled with modest necklines and etc. It doesn't have a train, which also fits with 1950s, since material wasn't wasted b/c of the war.

I'm leaning towards the 50's as well, Lucy P. It's too bad about the label, as that would be a good clue as to whether or not it's an original or a 70's-80's copy. Either way, it's a gorgeous dress!

I agree with LA about the dress, Lucy P...either early 50's or 70's. The silhoette (spl?) is pretty early 50's. The shape of the 60's was the A-line, streamlined a graphic, so it's definetly not 60's. EDIT: Mel says she thinks it's the 80's that they did "copies" of 50's styles...which definetly make sense, as recently when I've been watching some early 50's films they've reminded me of the 80's. And the waistline of the dress doesn't look 50's to me....so, actually, I'm leaning toward 80's, mayyybe. *isn't sure* edit2: Then again, it does look pretty old...so idk. Maybe it is 50's? I'm such a help XD
Kate--love the dress! Very summery I'd say steer away from anything too prim and proper or ladylike...something fun, graphic, edgy or interesting would contrast with the innocence of the white shirtdress. I rather like the blue heels GtG posted. Maybe gladiator sandals, or a pair of bright flats?

Okay, so after discussing how 80's the waistline looks, I was able to find two examples of something similar on dresses that are identified as being from the 50s

http://www.etsy.com/listing/29679394/vintage-cotton-floral-dress-w-full-skirt

http://www.etsy.com/listing/32813083/1950s-vintage-burgundy-red-velvet-full

However, the operative word is 'similar'.

After a few volleys back and forth privately between Mel, Val, Valia and myself, I think we've come down to this (any of ya'll feel free to correct me): A. This looks like it is based in the 50s pattern. B. Very possible it may be 80s. To add to Mel's thoughts, I would like to note that, when my mother got married the second time (her first husband died early), she wore a dress that looks like this, which she bought from a formal collection in the mid/late 80s. I didn't mention this earlier because I had to run by when/where my mum got it. Anyway, the dress she got is a Jessica McClintock piece. I can post a picture if any wish to see it.

About Kate's dress: If you go with bright flats/heels (which I did consider also, lol), make sure you have a purse and/or hairpiece to match.

Thanks so much for the input everyone! You guys are real fashion historians.

I'd really love to see a picture, Lady Arwen!

The dress can be found here. As you can tell, the sleeves are a bit puffier, and the waistline doesn't come down to as sharp of a point, but it is close. Several of her bridesmaids wore dresses by the same designer that had straight sleeves and/or the sharper waistline, but I was having trouble scanning that one, so unfortunately I can't post it. Anyway, after going through the album, I'm thinking that the dress you have is probably a McClintock piece, or had McClintock pieces modeled after it.

EDIT: If anyone is interested, this sums up wedding eras pretty nicely.....

Announcement

A few of us have been trying to think of some ways to spice up the Fashion thread...and I'm trying this one out for size. I think some of you are familair with polyvore.com. The plan is that every 2 weeks or so, I will issue a new "challange" for you creative polyvore fans. There will be a theme, like "rainy day", or "crazy cat lady", or whatever, and everyone who wants to can make a polyvore "set" that they think best embodies that theme. It's not a contest, so there will be no winner. It's just a fun, creative thing for us fashion-thread-gals to do. Please, remember to give a description of why you chose the pieces you did when posting your set, instead of just "here's my awesome set!"

For those of you who aren't member of polyvore and don't know how it works but would like to join in--don't worry! It's really easy. Go to the website and sign up, then go to the "Create" page. On the right will be a menu of a gazillion fashion choices--everything you need to create a "look" Just drag and drop whatever you want onto the page. When you've got it all arranged just how you like, then publish it!

To give you an idea of how it works, here's one I made for a "Beatrix Potter" theme:

I'll give it a day or two to see what you all think of the idea--is this something you'd be interested in doing? Lemme know! Then if it's popular, I'll go ahead and post the first "challenge"

For those of you who aren't into it, don't worry, you can still post about fashion related-but non-polyvore stuff in the thread.

Oh!! That is so cute what you've found Valiant_Lucy! I love the ones with the shorts and the blouses. Too cute I love inspired by clothing. Where did you find that at?

Damsel--I made that, at polyvore.com. Did you not read my post...?
As I said above, I'm trying to see what you guys think of the idea of having a polyvore "challenge" every week or so, to create sets like that one for a theme.

Val, I'd love a challenge like that!

Lady Arwen, that's a pretty dress! The lace bit at the top is also a lot like the costume I wore. Plus I like the tie the man is wearing.

I'm sorry. I tend to look at things first before reading. But it does seem to be a very fun place to join

So, if you guys are interested, here's the first polyvore challenge

A Walk on the Wild Side

Your set should include at least two items with a "wild animal" print like zebra/leopard, etc. Remember to post about why you chose the pieces you did!
If you don't have a polyvore account it's really easy to join, the details are in my post above ^^ -- polyvore.com

We'll see how this goes. If no one's interested that's OK, but if so, great!

(I'll post mine in a bit)

Oh my goodness, this site is AWESOME!!

*runs off to play with it*

Edit: Okay, I threw a little something together while at work (mustn't get too distracted, lol). There was SO much cute stuff to choose from!

I love accessories (can you tell?), so I had a lot of fun browsing through the scarves/shoes/bags/jewelry! I really like the gray top in the middle...it's simple, but I love how loose and comfortable it looks -- perfect for a hot summer day. And the dress looks really similar to one I just bought; super cute, comfy, and the pattern I thought was sort of "wild."

I love the skinny jeans/leopard print top outfit, and the peacock feather earrings you used, PR!

Here's my interpretation of the "theme"

I tried to make one look with the accessories as the focal point, and the other with the dress as the main attraction. In the skirt/T shirt set, I thought the blue shoes/earrings worked together, with the scarf/bracelet/bag tying in the zebra theme--and then the T shirt and skirt weren't too in-your-face to take away from that. Then with the dress outfit, the accesories weren't as noticeable.