Oh, I was a military brat and an officer's wife as well, and the protocol was so defined, one even knew before the fact where they'd be seated at a function or park in the lot outside. Neither of my parents were 'high society', but of a generation where upward mobility was linked to 'what other people' thought. Since America didn't have royalty, we had to invent them and it was done in social circles. I do a lot of historical and genealogical research, and anyone my age or older knows very well how the society section of the paper read. It was the common mass' fifteen minutes of fame and nobody begrudged it to them. Oh gosh.......not that protocol should dissolve completely. I still cringe at white shoes worn before Memorial day, sandals in winter, school jackets worn over formals, and bridal gowns designed like somebody forgot to cover their underwear, complete with corset stays showing as well as a mountain of cleavage all the while a veil over the face denoting modesty. rofl. After googling the popular W**martian U-tube videos nothing shocks me anymore and a really pretty red sweater and Tuxedo pants for a wedding strikes me as beautifully appropriate. Enjoy yourself.

I'm so glad someone wrong a new song about this. I hit the party and they stop in that _____ They be like, "Oh, that Gucci - that's hella tight." I'm like, "Yo - that's fifty dollars for a T-shirt." Limited edition, let's do some simple addition Fifty dollars for a T-shirt - that's just some ignorant _____ I call that getting swindled and pimped I call that getting tricked by a business That shirt's hella dough And having the same one as six other people in this club is a hella don't Peep game, come take a look through my telescope Tryna get girls from a brand and you hella won't Man you hella won't - MACKLEMORE That's a message kids can use in forming their priorities and ability to think on their own, and excellent statement on the ridiculousness of supposed fashion. Back in my day, it was Styx: "But don't be fooled by the radio The TV or the magazines They show you photographs of how your life should be But they're just someone else's fantasy So if you think your life is complete confusion Because you never win the game Just remember that it's a Grand illusion And deep inside we're all the same. We're all the same... So if you think your life is complete confusion Because your neighbors got it made Just remember that it's a Grand illusion And deep inside we're all the same. We're all the same... America spells competition, join us in our blind ambition Get yourself a brand new motor car Someday soon we'll stop to ponder what on Earth's this spell we're under"

I agree with Sue.. you would need a cropped sweater or shrug and even still it may be difficult to get the right length. I think it's a lovely dress and I'd go with a wrap if it provides the warmth you'll need. I have a late Oct outdoor wedding.. I don't think a wrap will be sufficient for my situation.

On Friday the JCrew Factory shipment arrived with the sweater set. I was so excited and immediately tried them on. And all I can say is: disappointment. The material feels a bit cheap. The cut on the shell is not flattering (little baggy in the arm hole, boxy and doesn't drape well). I'm tempted to keep the cardigan which fits a little better, but I'm bummed. I was really hoping for a workable set where I could wear just the shell if outside in warmer temps and throw the cardigan on while inside for work meetings. In the meantime I ordered some sweater tanks from Banana Republic and am hoping I'll like them better. I figured I might as well order two colors and keep what I like (if I like any). Ordered black and light blue. Ironically as I grab a picture of this top, I found a short sleeve sweater that looks promising too. I wish I would have seen this before I ordered. Guess I'll have to pay shipping twice.