Wedding Guest Dress Over 50/Black Tie Optional

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For black tie optional on an "East Coast city" I would wear a cocktail dress with accessories and makeup and hair on the dressier side. Can't go wrong with a good lbd dressed the heck up.

If the "East Coast city" is NYC, I'd wear a long black tie dress.

Assuming that if it were NY, you would have said so, here are some suggestions for not NY, based on a quick surf at Wolf and Badger (if you want to go the longer black tie gown route, let me know, and if you want to lower the budget, let me know):

This LBD wouldn't be this short on you since you are petite: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/jacqueline-backless-black-mini-puffy-suede-dress/

Festive: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/sequined-midi-a-line-dress-with-long-sleeves/

Ruffles can be tough on us 50ish women, but I think the red is potentially sophisticated enough to balance that out here: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/pleated-dress-with-ruffles-on-the-neckline-and-sleeves-red/

If you like orange/pink, which I know is a big if: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/red-pink-bell-puff-sleeve-midi-dress/

Relatively modest, but the polka dots make it fun and polka dots are (for better or worse) quite in style now: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/splendid-black-midi-cocktail-dress-with-chic-polka-dot-mesh/

This could be a great lbd, but you'd have to try it on to know: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/kimono-dress-black/

This type of dress, satin and cowlish up top with assymetry in the bottom is good on petites and this burnt orange is such a great alternative to black and easy to dress up in a sophisticated way (I would love this one): https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/the-sophia-in-burnt-orange/

This is very cool with the bow detail, but don't try it if you have a bigger bust: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/black-velvet-bow-dress/

Extremely easy-to-wear wrap lbd: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/wrap-cocktail-dress/

Lbd on the less dressy side, but is going to look good on most people and you can dress it up: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/paris-jersey-viscose-midi-dress-in-black/

those are really fun choices

DP. They are really nice. I’m someone who loves pink and orange, so I hope OP picks that one!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP- are you comfortable exposing your arms?

OP here, that’s a really good question. I guess I’d say that yes I am comfortable in sleeveless except that I wouldn’t be comfortable in a dress with straps, meaning my entire shoulders, collarbone and upper chest were on display. I’d be comfortable in something that was like a sleeveless sheath dress on top? I can handle exposed arms if that’s pretty much all that’s being exposed on top? Sorry I don’t have the greatest fashion vocabulary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For black tie optional on an "East Coast city" I would wear a cocktail dress with accessories and makeup and hair on the dressier side. Can't go wrong with a good lbd dressed the heck up.

If the "East Coast city" is NYC, I'd wear a long black tie dress.

Assuming that if it were NY, you would have said so, here are some suggestions for not NY, based on a quick surf at Wolf and Badger (if you want to go the longer black tie gown route, let me know, and if you want to lower the budget, let me know):

This LBD wouldn't be this short on you since you are petite: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/jacqueline-backless-black-mini-puffy-suede-dress/

Festive: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/sequined-midi-a-line-dress-with-long-sleeves/

Ruffles can be tough on us 50ish women, but I think the red is potentially sophisticated enough to balance that out here: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/pleated-dress-with-ruffles-on-the-neckline-and-sleeves-red/

If you like orange/pink, which I know is a big if: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/red-pink-bell-puff-sleeve-midi-dress/

Relatively modest, but the polka dots make it fun and polka dots are (for better or worse) quite in style now: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/splendid-black-midi-cocktail-dress-with-chic-polka-dot-mesh/

This could be a great lbd, but you'd have to try it on to know: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/kimono-dress-black/

This type of dress, satin and cowlish up top with assymetry in the bottom is good on petites and this burnt orange is such a great alternative to black and easy to dress up in a sophisticated way (I would love this one): https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/the-sophia-in-burnt-orange/

This is very cool with the bow detail, but don't try it if you have a bigger bust: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/black-velvet-bow-dress/

Extremely easy-to-wear wrap lbd: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/wrap-cocktail-dress/

Lbd on the less dressy side, but is going to look good on most people and you can dress it up: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/paris-jersey-viscose-midi-dress-in-black/

I was on Revolve yesterday and saw the orange/pink dress as a mini dress, which looked very nice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't have specific recommendations, but this is a fun website that has curated dress suggestions for wedding guests as well as Mothers of:

https://motherof.co/

This is an awesome, if expensive, site on which to shop. Love the “cry for help” tab.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If it's black tie, and after 6pm, long dress.

The OP was clear -- it's black tie optional. At most weddings that are black tie optional, you will see women in cocktail dresses. A long dress is appropriate, and some will be in them. But most will not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For black tie optional on an "East Coast city" I would wear a cocktail dress with accessories and makeup and hair on the dressier side. Can't go wrong with a good lbd dressed the heck up.

If the "East Coast city" is NYC, I'd wear a long black tie dress.

Assuming that if it were NY, you would have said so, here are some suggestions for not NY, based on a quick surf at Wolf and Badger (if you want to go the longer black tie gown route, let me know, and if you want to lower the budget, let me know):

This LBD wouldn't be this short on you since you are petite: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/jacqueline-backless-black-mini-puffy-suede-dress/

Festive: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/sequined-midi-a-line-dress-with-long-sleeves/

Ruffles can be tough on us 50ish women, but I think the red is potentially sophisticated enough to balance that out here: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/pleated-dress-with-ruffles-on-the-neckline-and-sleeves-red/

If you like orange/pink, which I know is a big if: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/red-pink-bell-puff-sleeve-midi-dress/

Relatively modest, but the polka dots make it fun and polka dots are (for better or worse) quite in style now: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/splendid-black-midi-cocktail-dress-with-chic-polka-dot-mesh/

This could be a great lbd, but you'd have to try it on to know: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/kimono-dress-black/

This type of dress, satin and cowlish up top with assymetry in the bottom is good on petites and this burnt orange is such a great alternative to black and easy to dress up in a sophisticated way (I would love this one): https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/the-sophia-in-burnt-orange/

This is very cool with the bow detail, but don't try it if you have a bigger bust: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/black-velvet-bow-dress/

Extremely easy-to-wear wrap lbd: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/wrap-cocktail-dress/

Lbd on the less dressy side, but is going to look good on most people and you can dress it up: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/paris-jersey-viscose-midi-dress-in-black/

OP here, thank you, these are great and giving me a lot of food for thought! You are correct, it is not in NYC. It’s in Philadelphia, after 6pm.

Some thoughts on specific dresses, I really like the tops of the black velvet bowed evening dress, the kimono dress, the jersey viscose midi and (surprising myself!) the red pleated with ruffles on neckline and sleeves. I also like the pleats on the red dress. Budget on these dresses is fine.

So now I’m thinking that if I could combine the top of one of these dresses with a longer length, that would be ideal. Wondering if I could get away with a longer midi? Otherwise, if looking for a true maxi/floor length I’d have to find a petite dress or be willing to alter. I’d definitely rather not alter if I can possibly avoid it.

Another thing, black is not my best color next to my face during the day, it might be ok in an evening dress but now that I’m thinking about it, I’m leaning toward color for this dress. I’m open as to what color (as long as it’s not pastel). I’m partial to green, blue, teal, but I also like red, pink, purple. Definitely open on that front. Thanks again!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow pp who posted all of those choices- good job! My personal preferences of those are the midi kimono and wrap styles that you posted.

Here are a few other ideas for you, OP:

https://www.jcrew.com/m/womens/categories/clothing/dresses-and-jumpsuits/collection-ruched-chiffon-dress/ME456?display=standard&fit=Classic&color_name=navy&colorProductCode=CK664

https://m.shopbop.com/delora-obk-slvls-cwnk-mxi/vp/v=1/1534725817.htm?os=false&breadcrumb=Shop+Women%27s%3EDesigner+Index%3Ealice+%2B+olivia&searchClick=true&searchResultClicked=Delora+Maxi+Dress&folderID=90&colorSin=2029713198&fm=browse-page-web&ref_=SB_PLP_PDP_W_BRAND_ALICE_90_NB_10

https://veronicabeard.com/products/maggie-halter-maxi-dress-clover

OP here, these are lovely, thanks! The color of the Veronica Beard is gorgeous. That actually might be my ideal color for my dress for this wedding. And I love the chiffon material of the J Crew. I’d say I probably need a bit more coverage in the front than the J Crew has, and on the back than the Veronica Beard and Alice and Olivia have. Thanks again!

[Anonymous]

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-ralph-lauren-womens-jersey-off-the-shoulder-gown?ID=20749156&pla_country=US&CAGPSPN=pla&trackingid=&m_sc=sem&m_sb=Google&m_tp=PLA&m_ac=Google_Womens_PLA&m_ag=&m_cn=GS_Women%27s_Dresses_PMax_PLA&m_pi=go_cmp-20388296366_adg-_ad-__dev-m_ext-_prd-197574720783USA&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20383083966&gbraid=0AAAAAD-Tw4IqZU_TV8Bh4siVpiM7nHciZ&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiqbBBhCAARIsAJSfZkY9DKXRq7dMd5xDMo8JSVteqcdhAX2GAkAqiW8Lv9WS6E6o1CmLsbEaAkTuEALw_wcB

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow pp who posted all of those choices- good job! My personal preferences of those are the midi kimono and wrap styles that you posted.

Here are a few other ideas for you, OP:

https://www.jcrew.com/m/womens/categories/clothing/dresses-and-jumpsuits/collection-ruched-chiffon-dress/ME456?display=standard&fit=Classic&color_name=navy&colorProductCode=CK664

https://m.shopbop.com/delora-obk-slvls-cwnk-mxi/vp/v=1/1534725817.htm?os=false&breadcrumb=Shop+Women%27s%3EDesigner+Index%3Ealice+%2B+olivia&searchClick=true&searchResultClicked=Delora+Maxi+Dress&folderID=90&colorSin=2029713198&fm=browse-page-web&ref_=SB_PLP_PDP_W_BRAND_ALICE_90_NB_10

https://veronicabeard.com/products/maggie-halter-maxi-dress-clover

50 year old women, 34C, full need bra coverage, none of these provide (although very nice otherwise)

[Anonymous]

Definitely long

Or tea length

[Anonymous]

https://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/p/chiara-boni-la-petite-robe-italica-floral-embroidered-midi-sheath-dress-prod192500192?childItemId=BGT6ALD_&navpath=cat000000_cat000002_cat441206_cat80001&page=0&position=16&uuid=PDP_PAGINATION_4711fac335058f0ea0f11a9b233fb6b3_CAV6vca_Pmv7tmcHdO5un3c6noPTNeM9ODXLnIzi.jsession

https://www.lulus.com/blog/fashion/black-tie-optional-guide/

https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/teri-jon-by-rickie-freeman-embroidered-sash-belt-shirt-dress?ID=5042008&

https://jp.saks.com/en-jp/product/genic-lace-midi-dress/0400022711420?color=black

https://jp.saks.com/en-jp/product/triana-bell-sleeve-dress/0400022231190?color=fancy-twill-black

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For black tie optional on an "East Coast city" I would wear a cocktail dress with accessories and makeup and hair on the dressier side. Can't go wrong with a good lbd dressed the heck up.

If the "East Coast city" is NYC, I'd wear a long black tie dress.

Assuming that if it were NY, you would have said so, here are some suggestions for not NY, based on a quick surf at Wolf and Badger (if you want to go the longer black tie gown route, let me know, and if you want to lower the budget, let me know):

This LBD wouldn't be this short on you since you are petite: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/jacqueline-backless-black-mini-puffy-suede-dress/

Festive: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/sequined-midi-a-line-dress-with-long-sleeves/

Ruffles can be tough on us 50ish women, but I think the red is potentially sophisticated enough to balance that out here: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/pleated-dress-with-ruffles-on-the-neckline-and-sleeves-red/

If you like orange/pink, which I know is a big if: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/red-pink-bell-puff-sleeve-midi-dress/

Relatively modest, but the polka dots make it fun and polka dots are (for better or worse) quite in style now: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/splendid-black-midi-cocktail-dress-with-chic-polka-dot-mesh/

This could be a great lbd, but you'd have to try it on to know: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/kimono-dress-black/

This type of dress, satin and cowlish up top with assymetry in the bottom is good on petites and this burnt orange is such a great alternative to black and easy to dress up in a sophisticated way (I would love this one): https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/the-sophia-in-burnt-orange/

This is very cool with the bow detail, but don't try it if you have a bigger bust: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/black-velvet-bow-dress/

Extremely easy-to-wear wrap lbd: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/wrap-cocktail-dress/

Lbd on the less dressy side, but is going to look good on most people and you can dress it up: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/paris-jersey-viscose-midi-dress-in-black/

OP here, thank you, these are great and giving me a lot of food for thought! You are correct, it is not in NYC. It’s in Philadelphia, after 6pm.

Some thoughts on specific dresses, I really like the tops of the black velvet bowed evening dress, the kimono dress, the jersey viscose midi and (surprising myself!) the red pleated with ruffles on neckline and sleeves. I also like the pleats on the red dress. Budget on these dresses is fine.

So now I’m thinking that if I could combine the top of one of these dresses with a longer length, that would be ideal. Wondering if I could get away with a longer midi? Otherwise, if looking for a true maxi/floor length I’d have to find a petite dress or be willing to alter. I’d definitely rather not alter if I can possibly avoid it.

Another thing, black is not my best color next to my face during the day, it might be ok in an evening dress but now that I’m thinking about it, I’m leaning toward color for this dress. I’m open as to what color (as long as it’s not pastel). I’m partial to green, blue, teal, but I also like red, pink, purple. Definitely open on that front. Thanks again!

Some longer options in blue/greens:

https://www.revolve.com/elliatt-coralie-maxi-dress-in-steel-blue/dp/ELLI-WD797/?d=Womens&page=1&lc=76&vn=true&vnclk=true

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/heavenly-heights-maxi-dress/

https://www.revolve.com/norma-kamali-sleeveless-deep-v-neck-shirred-front-fishtail-gown-in-true-navy/dp/NKAM-WD627/?d=Womens&page=1&lc=26&vn=true&vnclk=true

https://www.revolve.com/norma-kamali-diana-gown-in-mountain-green/dp/NKAM-WD303/?d=Womens&page=1&lc=78&vn=true&vnclk=true

https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/ronny-kobo-sophia-v-neck-ruched-maxi-dress?category=wedding-guest-dresses&color=237&type=STANDARD&quantity=1

https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/significant-other-printed-lana-maxi-dress?category=wedding-guest-dresses&color=048&type=STANDARD&quantity=1

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/serenity-gown/

https://www.revolve.com/lacademie-avalon-maxi-dress-in-sage-green/dp/LCDE-WD817/?d=Womens&page=1&lc=35&vn=true&vnclk=true

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/lerena-chiffon-evening-gown-emerald-green/

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/maxi-dress-with-belt-detail/

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/green-dress-with-front-drape-and-collar/

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/co-rdoba-maxi-dress-blue-print/

https://www.revolve.com/alice-olivia-delora-maxi-dress-in-dream-life-sharp-green/dp/ALI-WD1114/?d=Womens&page=1&lc=2&vn=true&vnclk=true

[Anonymous]

OP here, thank you, wow these are all beautiful! I do think I’m going to go with a longer length, even if a cocktail length dress would be perfectly fine. In large part because I hardly ever get the chance to wear dresses like this, so why not?

Some thoughts on my particular favorites among these:

Coralie maxi - I love the style and color, but not sure I’d have the confidence to wear it

Heavenly heights maxi - absolutely gorgeous, definitely on the higher end budget wise but I can absolutely see why. It’s stunning. Giving this one some thought!

Serenity A - love this and I’d be very comfortable in it, not at all self conscious

Lerena chiffon - gorgeous color and style, and would be very comfortable in it, not at all self conscious

Green dress with front drape and collar - absolutely love the style, color and length. Assuming it might also be a little longer on me than on the model. This might be the one.

Cordoba maxi - also love, and would be comfortable in. Love the pattern/colors, not sure if I could pull off the scale of the pattern at my height?

So it looks like I’ll be placing a Wolf and Badger order. Aside from that gorgeous Coralie maxi (pricey for a reason for sure), the rest are pretty well priced I think! Thanks again for your great suggestions!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/p/chiara-boni-la-petite-robe-italica-floral-embroidered-midi-sheath-dress-prod192500192?childItemId=BGT6ALD_&navpath=cat000000_cat000002_cat441206_cat80001&page=0&position=16&uuid=PDP_PAGINATION_4711fac335058f0ea0f11a9b233fb6b3_CAV6vca_Pmv7tmcHdO5un3c6noPTNeM9ODXLnIzi.jsession

https://www.lulus.com/blog/fashion/black-tie-optional-guide/

https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/teri-jon-by-rickie-freeman-embroidered-sash-belt-shirt-dress?ID=5042008&

https://jp.saks.com/en-jp/product/genic-lace-midi-dress/0400022711420?color=black

https://jp.saks.com/en-jp/product/triana-bell-sleeve-dress/0400022231190?color=fancy-twill-black

OP here, thanks for these suggestions and especially the Lulu article. Really helpful. I’ve decided to go with a longer length dress. But I will say, the lace v neck top of the Chiara Boni La Petit dress is gorgeous. It’s a really beautiful dress.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here, thank you, wow these are all beautiful! I do think I’m going to go with a longer length, even if a cocktail length dress would be perfectly fine. In large part because I hardly ever get the chance to wear dresses like this, so why not?

Some thoughts on my particular favorites among these:

Coralie maxi - I love the style and color, but not sure I’d have the confidence to wear it

Heavenly heights maxi - absolutely gorgeous, definitely on the higher end budget wise but I can absolutely see why. It’s stunning. Giving this one some thought!

Serenity A - love this and I’d be very comfortable in it, not at all self conscious

Lerena chiffon - gorgeous color and style, and would be very comfortable in it, not at all self conscious

Green dress with front drape and collar - absolutely love the style, color and length. Assuming it might also be a little longer on me than on the model. This might be the one.

Cordoba maxi - also love, and would be comfortable in. Love the pattern/colors, not sure if I could pull off the scale of the pattern at my height?

So it looks like I’ll be placing a Wolf and Badger order. Aside from that gorgeous Coralie maxi (pricey for a reason for sure), the rest are pretty well priced I think! Thanks again for your great suggestions!

I meant aside from the Heavenly Heights maxi ( pricey for a reason for sure)