Help please! Can I dress this up for a Bar Mitzvah?

As you know I've been looking for a dress for a Bar Mitzvah. I don't want to buy anything new, because I am unemployed, and trying to lose weight. So I'd hate to spend money on something in a size I am trying to eradicate from my closet.

I have this dress. THIS IS NOT ME. I found the pic online, but I like the belt. Do you think I could do something similar and wear strappy sandals to dress it up?

Here are the details.

1. Bar Mitzvah is in Boston, 9am ceremony
2. Noon reception at a Chinese food restaurant that has a ballroom
3. I have to walk up with my father during the ceremony while he says a prayer before the reading of the Torah. So my shoulders have to be covered.

If you think this works, what color shoes/belt do you think would work?

I have silver strappy sandals, and also a pale pearly cream color.

Re: Help please! Can I dress this up for a Bar Mitzvah?

You could do it. I would maybe do a dressier belt. This one is too casual. Stappy sandlas and a few bangles or a great necklace and you should be good.

Re: Help please! Can I dress this up for a Bar Mitzvah?

I think if you do metallic belt and shoes and nice earrings and bracelet it would be very cute and appropriate.

I totally understand not wanting to buy new things for one even so I say wear it!

Re: Help please! Can I dress this up for a Bar Mitzvah?

The black buttons and the belt really make it feel casual. What I would do is sew gold buttons or some other less casual one on that dress instead of the black ones. And like others suggested metalic belt.

Re: Help please! Can I dress this up for a Bar Mitzvah?

I agree that it's fine-- with a different belt & dressy accessories it would be perfect.