I love shoe number one. The pocketbook is perfect. That said, choose the most comfy. They all look great,

Another vote for #1.

First choice mostly because of visual weight is #2 although I don’t really like the shoe. I never wear ankle straps. They cut off the line of my leg and make me look dumpier. YMMV.

What I would actually buy of the 3 choices would be #1. While not as bare as #2, it is a lot lighter looking than #3. I find #3 to look pretty clunky.

I like both #1 and #2, but voting for comfort, especially during a cocktail party, I would choose #1.

Definitely go for most comfortable. They are very appropriate for the dress and event.

Shoe #2 my favorite and a very close second Shoe #1 Beautiful pursw!

The winner will be the one that is the most comfortable. They all look nice and would go well with the dress.

Sometimes decisions are made for us!

Agree that they all look great -- I prefer 1 and it sounds like they are the most comfortable? Win-win!

The clutch is perfect!

#1 would be my choice but you need to consider comfort . Love the wristlet!

Thank you! I really appreciate this feedback.. I am also relieved that it sounds like shoe #1 is perfectly acceptable for cocktail attire.

I was reluctant about the ankle strap on #2, but after trying it on I was surprised that at least in the silver color, it doesn't seem to be shortening my legs like I thought it would. I do think it would visually chop my legs if it were in black or another dark color. I tried beige in #2 but didn't like it. I definitely find #3 chunkier, but I wasn't sure if that was more in style right now. It seems like platforms are everwhere with the thicker heel.

I am also glad that the clutch / wristlet / pocketbook thing seems appropriate. I wasn't quite certain. I honestly can't even think what I've done in the past when wearing cocktail attire. Maybe I've just stuffed my things into my poor husband's pockets.

Overall it sounds like the general consensus is #1 or #2 and not number #3, but that I should go with what's most comfortable. I continue to welcome any others who want to weigh in and I will do another round of wearing the shoes around the house to see how they feel tonight.

Thank you!

I prefer #1 just because the strapping is a little unusual - at least for me it is.

I like #1 OR #2. I like a covered up heel. I love your purse choice! Beautiful dress! Please post pics....have a great time!

I'd go for 1 or 3, but definitely not 2 - those minimalist shoes are so unstable - especially with a higher heel. Since drinking is involved, comfort and stability are my priorities, after looks.

P.S. I'd prefer 3 for myself, as the heel looks lower and sturdier.

#1 as it stylish and looks the most comfortable. And I love the purse!

I would probably go with the one most comfy, and stable. but i do like no. 2. Depending on length of dress, your legs and the particular shoe (and color), I dont think that an ankle strap is a no-go.

Love the dress...purse is great....all the shoes are a go, so pick the most comfortable. Well done!

Another vote for shoe #1— and the bag is perfect!

Another yes to #1 and the bag. Can't wait to see it all together on you!!

#1.

Another vote for #1 and thumbs up on the purse.

I declare shoe #1 the winner! After walking around more in the first two shoes, #1 definitely feels more comfortable and stable. Since there may be a fair amount of standing or walking, I think you are all absolutely right that I should go with the most comfortable shoe.

Thank you to those that suggested silver! And thank you to everyone here for voting and helping me make a decision.

PPC, excellent choice! Is any part of the evening going to have you walking on grass or other soft surfaces? Are you heels skinny enough to need caps such as these? Note that they come in different sizes to accommodate different heel thicknesses.

Prickly, love the shoes. I place comfort above all else. Lucky you in finding comfort and beauty in one!

Very much looking forward to how everything goes on your trip!

Amy

I love the dress. Everything I have by Papell fits perfectly on me, so much so that I look for her brand first when I need something.

I'd vote for shoe #1 as my first choice and #3 as my second. Although my left foot can still swell a little and I'm afraid my foot could end up looking 'squishy' by days end with all the cut outs in #3. Oh, the things we have to watch out for following a surgery and with increasing age.

My reason for leaving out number 2 is that is flatter under the ball of the foot. With a heel, I can use a little build up towards the front or it seems to throw my stance off just enough I can almost count on a back ache end of day. With just a bit of height under ball as well as heel, I can manage just fine. (the absolutely worst shoe I can wear is a flat type with kitten heel, it's not my feet or legs that become uncomfortable but my back!)

You're going to look really great - good choices all around!

@morz8 - Washington Coast, my Jack Rogers sandals were too loose under the strap that goes across my toes (picture below). I bought these Foot Petals from the Big A and they seem to work fine. Granted, I’ve only tried them on and walked around the house, but they might help you with shoes that are too flat under the ball of your foot.

The sandals I‘m using them in:

bbstx, the foot petals look interesting. I've bookmarked them - Thank you!

I missed the whole dress discussion, but I absolutely love what you've chosen! Shoes and clutch, as well. Have a wonderful time--you're going to look fabulous!

I can vouch for those silicone pads. I've used them to make shoes fit better and I like that they're practically invisible in an open shoe. I did a bit of customizing on some of them with scissors too.

number 1 also

Thank you everyone who helped me dress for this event. I'm going to share a photo since you were all so wonderfully helpful and I know I've loved seeing people in their outfits. I am really happy with the dress and shoe selection and the clutch worked great (though you can't see it in the photo). Please excuse my poorly styled hair. I only had about 20 minutes to get ready after a full day of museums and the Atlanta aquarium and I'm not great at styling in humidity (or ever really).

Perfect!

You look wonderful! I hope you had a great evening.

Stunning!

Wow, that is a beautiful look.

You look fabulous!

Simply gorgeous!! Thank you for sharing with us!!

Oh... and your hair looks great!!

The dress looks lovely on you. It suits you very well. Love the shoes too and the hairstyle works to me.

That dress is a perfect fit for you, and the shoes and your hair look terrific! The overall look is just as stylish and pretty as you could want. And I hope you enjoyed your day and the event!

Well done - it all looks great on you. Thanks for coming back to share the photo. It's always nice to see the complete outfit.

You look amazing! The dress is perfect for you and really shows off all your hard work this past year. Hope you had a wonderful evening!

Thank you so much everyone for your lovely comments! You are all so wonderfully helpful and kind. We had a really fun evening celebrating a major achievement in my husband's career. The dress was very comfortable and I felt both appropriate and pretty. I am so glad I listened to your recommendations to go with the more comfortable shoe choice. Most of the evening was walking and mingling and even with the comfortable shoes my feet were sore and exhausted by the end. Thanks!