UPCYCLE HELP

My partner invited me to the derby this week and there’s a million choices online but they’re all completely out of budget. Went to the mall today and I personally loved this dress (and it was on sale for $20) so it’s the one I got but when I showed it to my sister she totally sh\*t on it and said it looks like a Vegas nighttime birthday dress.

Wether you agree with her or not now I’m insecure about looking completely out of place at the derby!

TLDR: what can I add, change or do to make this more of a daytime dress

I’ve thought about buying some kind of shawl/cape with flowers on it to help, sewing on flowers, maybe ostrich feathers?

I truly thought this would be perfect to wear but now I’m not so sure and I don’t have the funds to buy a $100 dress before may 1st

PLS HELP