bizarrely the brown trouser , purple socks combo seems to soften the black shoe
While beach gowns are typically more relaxed silhouettes like slip dresses, fit-and-flare gowns, column dresses, or low and open back gowns, its ultimately up to what you feel comfortable in
The night you and your friends get dressed up in your finest dresses and tuxedos, go out to eat at a fancy restaurant and then dance the night away at a well-decorated venue filled with lights and glamour and the knowledge that this night won't happen ever again
Classic Elegance Olive Satin Maxi Dress from Lulus 4
Happily I found at least this example (above) where the looped braid is clearly sewn on after the gathering (just look count the loops on the outer and inner curve), so my ill-advisedly chosen method would not be totally wrong for the period
Black was associated with funerals, not celebrations, and many women worried it looked too somber for such a happy occasion