I like #1 with silver or tan/neutral. Do you have either of those in your shoe/bag collection?

I like dress #1 with some metallic silver, platinum or pewter shoes to move more toward cocktail attire. Simple clutch bag, if you need to carry a bag at all.

And perhaps a light wrap or shawl with number 1.

I was leaning towards dress #1, so that's great that so far that seems to be the preference as well. Unfortunately I don't own any silver or tan heels, but I am willing to buy. To be honest, most of my heels are black (as is much of my wardrobe), so it'll be good to fill it out anyway with something lighter.

So silver is ok / in style? I wasn't certain. I thought somewhere in another thread I'd heard someone say silver was out so I was worried.

I like the first dress. Metallic shoes are very in. I read this article a few days ago about this very topic. https://www.instyle.com/kate-middleton-metallic-shoe-trend-7497776

I too like the first dress and think metallic shoes would be great. I think whatever the model is wearing looks good.

oops meant to add yes a shawl would make sense too.

Also about 15 years ago, maybe more... we flew into Atlanta for an afternoon wedding and flew back that night. We rented a car. It was not a super formal wedding so we wore on the plane what we were wearing to the wedding. We had some extra time, but not too much. I remembered an episode on something like diners, driveins and dives and we got directions to the Varsity ! We had hot dogs and heard them say "What'll ya have what'll ya have".... then went on the the very mediocre wedding.

:)

They got divorced within 5 years.

I like the first dress, too. And although I have not been to Atlanta for many many years, I hear that the traffic can be truly awful, so your concept of 'a few hours' can be totally eaten up by travel time. Maybe there's a spa close to your hotel where you could spend a few meaningful hours?

Jumping on the Dress #1 bandwagon! It seems perfect for the season and the event.

I don't have anything to offer with regards to Atlanta as I haven't been in 30 yr... but I am excited for you to get to wear one of your new dresses!

Another vote for dress 1.

Is your 5:30 event close to your hotel? Keep in mind - Atlanta Traffic. Every city has traffic but there’s something about Atlanta Traffic that makes it especially special.

Another vote for dress #1 with silver accessories - shoes, sandals, bag. With that neckline and print a necklace isn't needed but I would consider adding a bracelet along with your drop earrings and a wrap.

If you don’t mind the heat you could visit the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, whichis a delightful way to spend a few hours. Alternatively, the High Museum of Art is in midtown at the Woodruff Arts complex and there is an exhibition of the works of Italian artist Joseph Stella there until May 21st. Adding …. I reread your post and it looks like you will be there at the end of the month. This particular exhibit will be gone but there are decent collections of American and European art, African art, folk and modern art and photography.

Also, the first dress you posted will be perfect. If the reception is outside you will probably not need a wrap.

According to Google maps, it is 37 minutes from Hartsfield to the Southeastern Showhouse. I’m highly dubious of those times. Traffic in Atlanta is the most horrific I’ve ever encountered. Nevertheless, if you have time, you might want to go to the Southeastern Showhouse provided you are going to be in Atlanta before June 4, when it closes. @Kswl can give you better info, perhaps.

Hands down, dress #1. I love the first pair of shoes in the article @texanjana linked above.

Even with three hours I doubt you would have time to get tothe showhouse, see it, and return to your hotel. I was in Atlanta all day last Friday and the traffic was horrific. It’s bad generally, but on Fridays it is a nightmare.

Definitely want to see what you put together... and again so excited for you to wear this dress after all your hard work. You will look stunning!

Prickly, I love the first dress and if it is more comfortable then definitely wear it! I also wanted to say how cool and unique your second dress is. Either way, both are great and I would go with the most comfortable dress.

I lived in Atlanta for 8 years and the humidity can be stifling. I am not sure what it will be like when you are there. However, if it is in the 80's it will feel far more like the 90's with the humidity.

The traffic there is truly horrible. I have not been back in ages, but when I lived there, I could not believe how bad it was. I worked 5 miles from my home and it would take me almost an hour to get to work! I cannot imagine how bad it is now. I am glad to hear that your hotel is close to the event. Maybe if you do walk to the event. you can bring a pair of comfy sandals and then switch into your heels just before you get there. ;)

I would definitely find something close to where you are staying to visit. Even if you just go to a nice restaurant or coffee shop (a spa sound fabulous). My favorite locations are quite far from the airport. I am sure there is much more around that area now.

I have a pair of heels just like these in nude and I love them. One thing to note is I never wear heels - ever. So, I guess if I find them comfy you could find something similiar that would be comfortable. These may be a bit too sparkly. However, I am not sure what you like in terms of heels.

Sound like a lot of fun!!! Looking forward to hearing all about what you choose and how everything goes.

Prickly, there is no such thing as too many pearls! (That may or may not be a universally agreed upon fashion commandment, lol).

Texanjana was the one who posted the link to silver shoes, and I look forward to seeing the same with your outfit!

Thank you so much, Funky! I've really appreciated the support from everyone on our threads working to improve our health (and weight in my case) together. Your kind words mean so much. I will say that it's a huge relief feeling more confident in my body going to an event like this.

I'm doing some online shopping right now and definitely looking at some ankle strap sandals like you've pictured, Amy! I hope one of them works.

If I end up going with a smoother silver finish, can I still carry a sparkly silver clutch? I'm noticing most of the clutches seem to be sparkly.

I was coming back to post the same as Kswl. I suppose you could get too many pearls, but you’d have to work at it.

I'm so sorry about that mixup! Thank you @texanjana for the link! Very helpful.

Great to know that pear earrings + bracelet isn't too much! I don't have a whole lot of jewelry, and only a few nicer pieces. Thanks kswl and bbstx!

I'm looking around on google maps right now to see what might be in the area that we could explore. The hotel is right by the Hartfield-Jackson Airport (husband's work is in the airline industry). Probably not the most exciting area to stay. It looks like the Botanical Gardens are (according to google maps) 18 minutes away by car (12 miles), but that seems a little doubtful based on what Amy described! The Georgia Aquarium looks interesting and similarly google thinks it's 15 minutes away. I wonder if I could double whatever time? Triple?

Dress 1 is lovely and perfect for the occasion.

You will be the belle of the ball! Atlanta will be very warm at that time of year. Sleeveless is a good choice. And yes, I'm sad to say, but the traffic is AWFUL!! I hope you have a lovely time though and good that your hotel is withing walking distance. Be sure to share your shoes!

I ordered a handful of shoes, mostly silver and a few nude/beige from Macys and Zappos. Some were from "comfort" brands. I'm hoping at least one of them will work! I also threw in a pale blue metallic "evening wrap" and a few clutches to try as well.

Thank you again everyone for the fashion advice and Atlanta info! I'll report back if (hopefully when) some of the shoes work.

Can’t wait to see it all put together. Pearls/white gold will look great!

I look forward to seeing all of the choices you have made! They all sound so lovely!!

I was looking closely at your first dress (the one you will wear), does it have both blue and a blue tinted lanvendar in it? Just curious.

I envy that you can wear such dresses. I need to get back in shape so that hopefully I can pull one of those kinds of dresses again! Good for you for all of your hard work. It certainly is mind over matter... at least for me. 💕

This is a closeup of the embroidery on dress #1. There are definitely two blues, one is cooler and one does have a hint of lavender to it, though both are decidedly in the blue family. There's a white lining with a sort of mesh overlay and then the embroidery on top of that. The photo isn't capturing it well, but there is a bit of shimmer/silver to the embroidered threads as well.

Thank you for the kind words, Amy! It is definitely is a mental challenge to stay focused. There are many many days I struggle to make choices that help me towards my weight loss and fitness goals. My weight has gone up and down for many years and it always feels like a serious battle to bring it down and keep it there.

Prickly, I understand. I used to always seem to be able to stay thin no matter what and then in my 40's that all changed! It is a struggle and sometimes I view food as the devil. Well, I should say food that is not good for you! Massive kudos to you for facing the battle. My best friend has lost over 100 pounds over the last few years and she still wants to lose at least 50 more. I am always amazed by her will power! It seems every time I see her she looks thinner and thinner.

Your close up of that dress makes me love it that much more!! It is so beautiful. The texture and pattern are stunning. I can not wait to hear how everything goes. You are going to be the best dressed woman there. 💕

That is a lovely embroidered overlay, Prickly. You could wear that dress to any number of occasions and, as someone said above, be the belle of the ball.