I would ignore the stupid "dress code" as it is completely made up nd irrelevant, and simply wear whatever I wanted.

Smart casual is a weird dress code for a wedding. Smart casual is like what you wear to a happy hour hosted by a professional conference you’re attending.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about something like this:

https://nicoblu.com/products/shalimar-long-tunic-dress-with-sapphire-jewel-embellishment

I like this but I’m concerned if it’s doesn’t fit like the model, it will look like a swimsuit coverup. This is OP.

Can you buy and return if you don't like it? I think with the beading and maybe a bracelet and the shoes, it could have that higher end smart casual look. The dress you posted while cute looks like something you could easily wear to run errands--which I know you want something that isn't a one time wear. That said, the model is probably really tall. I don't remember off hand how tall you said you were.

I'll check the return policy. I'm 5'7". Also, since I'm searching for dresses, I'm now getting bombarded with ads, which is actually kind of good - the dresses are coming to me! What about this dress? It's an Australian brand that I'm not familiar with.
https://misterzimi.com/en-us/products/elani-dress-in-sweet-pea

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about something like this:

https://nicoblu.com/products/shalimar-long-tunic-dress-with-sapphire-jewel-embellishment

I like this but I’m concerned if it’s doesn’t fit like the model, it will look like a swimsuit coverup. This is OP.

Can you buy and return if you don't like it? I think with the beading and maybe a bracelet and the shoes, it could have that higher end smart casual look. The dress you posted while cute looks like something you could easily wear to run errands--which I know you want something that isn't a one time wear. That said, the model is probably really tall. I don't remember off hand how tall you said you were.

Anonymous wrote:Agree with others that the link in the OP is too casual.

Similar, but a bit dressier - https://us.boden.com/products/women-ivy-linen-midi-dress-red-shadow-blossom-d1510brd


Also a bit dressier - https://us.boden.com/products/women-bridget-ponte-shirt-dress-jewel-green-d1491grn


Third option but not many sizes left

https://us.boden.com/products/women-pleat-v-neck-dress-pink-elaborate-blossom-d1597mul?_pos=27&_fid=dd6bf80aa&_ss=c

I like the ponte dress but not crazy about the colors. I guess navy is always safe (but boring).

I like the pleat v neck but would be uncomfortable in both of those patterns.

Anonymous wrote:What about something like this:

https://nicoblu.com/products/shalimar-long-tunic-dress-with-sapphire-jewel-embellishment

I like this but I’m concerned if it’s doesn’t fit like the model, it will look like a swimsuit coverup. This is OP.

Anonymous wrote:Agree with others that the link in the OP is too casual.

Similar, but a bit dressier - https://us.boden.com/products/women-ivy-linen-midi-dress-red-shadow-blossom-d1510brd


Also a bit dressier - https://us.boden.com/products/women-bridget-ponte-shirt-dress-jewel-green-d1491grn


Third option but not many sizes left

https://us.boden.com/products/women-pleat-v-neck-dress-pink-elaborate-blossom-d1597mul?_pos=27&_fid=dd6bf80aa&_ss=c

I like this option a lot.

Agree with others that the link in the OP is too casual.

Similar, but a bit dressier - https://us.boden.com/products/women-ivy-linen-midi-dress-red-shadow-blossom-d1510brd


Also a bit dressier - https://us.boden.com/products/women-bridget-ponte-shirt-dress-jewel-green-d1491grn


Third option but not many sizes left

https://us.boden.com/products/women-pleat-v-neck-dress-pink-elaborate-blossom-d1597mul?_pos=27&_fid=dd6bf80aa&_ss=c

What about something like this:

https://nicoblu.com/products/shalimar-long-tunic-dress-with-sapphire-jewel-embellishment

I'd wear a sundress and dh would wear jeans and a button down.

That dress looks perfect to me.

I think the dress is too casual.

Whatever I want, because that's not a thing, lol. I would wear slacks and a nice/sparkly top or sweater. If that's not right, too bad.

That dress is very nice and would fit well whether it turns out slightly more formal or more casual.

That seems too casual for me, I'd wear a pretty sun dress. A step above what I'd wear to the office or out to lunch with friends (the dress you linked is something I'd wear out to a casual lunch).

That’s fine, I think “smart casual” in the afternoon for women just means any dress really without sequins or too much skin. For me I would read it as “tie optional” but no jeans and probably a jacket.

This is DH’s work colleague, so I am not able to get any addition intel about dress code.

It’s a second marriage, both in 50s. The wedding is outdoors, starting at 4:30 pm, at a nice hotel that has pretty grounds. It’s out West so probably not too humid.

I’m looking for something that can work if it’s actually casual, but also fit in if it ends up dressier. Ideally something with sleeves.

I have a decent budget (up to $500) as long as it’s a dress that is timeless/I could wear for years.

I’ve just been looking online and this is a style that I feel would be flattering on me. I don’t like ruffles/puffy sleeves, etc. I prefer a simple silhouette/clean line.

Any thoughts on a particular dress or where I should shop?

https://shop.mango.com/us/en/p/women/dresses-and-jumpsuits/casual/printed-midi-dress_27055825