What to Wear: Black Tie Wedding

Maggie is going to a formal wedding and needs to look fancy without busting her already extended budget:

I will be going to a black tie wedding in Saratoga, NY at the end of June. After the beau coup bucks my husband and I will have spent on airfare and hotel, not much is left for a dress. As this will be a very fancy country club shindig, I want to look like a million dollars but only spend a few. Do you have any budget ideas – a dress in the $200 or less range.

I am 5′ 1″ and an XS or a 0 to 2. I was thinking a jewel tone or champagne color, something very elegant – strapless or spaghetti straps. Does black tie mean that the dress should be floor length or can it be knee length?

I admittedly haven’t been to a black tie wedding (they’re pretty rare out here in the casual west) but I think Maggie will be fine in an elegant knee-length cocktail dress. I happened across a perfect one:

Dress – A gorgeous green chiffon cocktail dress from Shoshanna for $210. Zoom in to get a good look at the delicate chain detail on the straps and the pleating at the bust.
Pumps – In gold to match the chain detail and with a peep toe for fun.
Bracelets – Something about these bangles is so cool. And the white beads kind of look like rice.
Earrings – Simple gold hoops.

I hope Maggie gets this dress!