I am looking at dresses. My niece will wed in the spring, and I'd like something new to wear.

It is premature to look now. I don't know what time of day the event will be, or yet the month. Yes, I could ask, but where's the drama in that?

It's remarkable just how conservative my taste is and always has been. Part of that is not having pretty legs. But if I had them now, I'd opt for an elegant linen sheath with pearls.

I think this is a great dress if dull in color. But I wouldn't like to wear heels high enough to really carry it off.

My favorite so far is this one, which I could wear well into my 60's with the addition of a scarf. That silhouette allows more variability in heel height.

Here is a great classic. Ballet length has always been good for me.

I don't think I'll be buying from Neiman's. And for spring, I think I'd like something in a brighter color. Just looking around.

I own a perfectly good black pencil skirt (with a proper kick pleat from haberdas-her, not a slit, from 1984) that will look fine with a shell and a jacket, if I want.

UPDATE: The wedding will be in early March, in the evening. The black dress is looking good. Now, if I can find it or something similar for a third of that price, I'll be in good shape. Suggestions?

UPDATE: Looking at the profiles, Terry is right. With my short hair, as opposed to the longer stuff pulled back in a bow, for architecture I need a slimmer profile, but still one that covers the knees. I'm still looking for the black dress. Not a cheap black dress, and one that will go anywhere. No beads, no bows, no embroidery, no lace and no brocade.

I haven't bought a pretty dress since 1990, before I had my hair cut. I wore an 8, last I checked.