Here's my big question: is it acceptable to wear white during the evening?

I have a dress that is almost identical to this one: http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/22875
except it is slightly longer (goes to right above the knee) and has a circle pattern instead of flowers. Is there a way to make it wearable at an evening cocktail event? I don't have the money to splurge on a new dress and am really hoping there is something I can do with this one, because it's already in my closet. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

If it helps to know, I'm 21 and can't walk in heels higher than 1.5". (That last part usually changes people's suggestions when it comes to fashion advice.) Oh, and the event is a birthday party/dinner—not too formal, but definitely not casual.

Any advice would be really appreciated! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

I think it would be appropriate with a silk scarf knotted on the throat and a pair of black kitten heel pumps… but would be very cute also with a wide headband in maroon/candy apple red patent leather and black ktten heel pumps… Try to use very sixties eye makeup because this dress sorta reminds me of the classic shift.

you can definitely dress this up with 1.5 inch heels in black which can be a staple to wear to work and maybe even shopping. A wide headband is cheap and can be bought from wetseal. A "silk" scarf can be bought from sears and cheaply from an indian section of any town.

Wearing a wide headband and silk scarf knotted at the throat will make for a very cool and fresh sixties look, but maybe a little too costumey, and one on their own will be enough dressiness. The fun thing about accessories is that a formal dress can be dressed down and perfect for a casual cookout and vamped up for a cocktail party… Love the dress hun… rock it on out chica!

My suggestion would be to wear a pair of maybe polka dot flats that are cute right now and maybe a solid head band. And maybe some solid short lengthed beads and a cute clutch to match. Since you're young this will be ok and the occassion is not really formal.

my advice would to also bring an extra dress or outfit. as we all know white clothes seem to attract dirt and stains like no other.

but for a flash of color i would dress up the white dress with red pumps.