Formal wedding - updt: found a dress - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Formal wedding - updt: found a dress

ANewMindset

I will be attending a formal wedding this winter. The gowns i like will either make me look like i am trying to be a bridesmaid, or that i am MOTB. ( I am in my 50s and want some arm coverage.) I have started looking online, but would love to hear suggestions. I was thinking maybe a dressy midi... but i havent found one yet. Found a beautiful cobolt blue one but it was very open at the top and i thought a shawl would just complicate things. Thanks!!

Dressing

27 replies

Latest reply was from Zaeobi

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

What about a long skirt and top rather than a dress?

Marlene1

I have this Theory satin dress that also comes in a pale lime, a blue, and a grey. It's very flattering.
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/th.....ordsearch-

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I second the suggestion of a BIG skirt and top.

Roberta

Veteran

Would an elegant jumpsuit do? There are multiple choices at Nordstrom, in crepe, lace, even sequins.

Kay Unger Davina Walk Through Jumpsuit

View Info

Top Pick

2

Adrianna Papell Off the Shoulder Lace & Crepe Jumpsuit

View Info

Top Pick

1

Runcarla

Veteran

@ Roberta - that first outfit/Find is brilliant!

I attended a formal wedding on NYE 5 years ago and wore a ball skirt and button down with a pile of pearls, and felt very comfortable and fab!

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

cat2

Veteran

I love my Tadashi Shoji cocktail dresses. They have some with arm coverage that don’t look matronly.

Olive Green

Veteran

Roberta, that blue jumpsuit is fantastic. Sort of Mad Men bombshell without the cleavage.
Perfect for a winter wedding, IMHO

rachylou

Veteran

A nighttime wedding?

ANewMindset

Thanks everyone!!

Roberta - Wow! That blue jumpsuit is pretty amazing but i dont think that would be flattering on me in the hip area.

Rachylou - its a late afternoon wedding and evening reception.

I will take a look at some skirt options... maybe ballgown skirt with a fitted top.....

rachylou

Veteran

Might there be an opportunity for an outfit change? A little rest between events? I love a nighttime reception, because one can go all out. I’d be looking for a dinner gown…

marija

I'll be watching your quest as I'm looking for wedding wear as well!

Barbara Diane

Veteran

FWIW, I just attended a formal wedding and there was quite a range of outfits. Some floor length, some midi, some short cocktail dresses. From ball gowns to more fitted dresses, and from simple material to sequins.

Joy

Veteran

I repeat what others have said. Loki for two pieces and wear them your way. I would look first for a tulle midi skirt then a cashmere sweater to wear with it. maybe a slack.y tank with a cashmere cardigan or velvet jacket to wear on top. Wedding wear is almost impossible to shop for. As a MOTG I was stunned by the lack of choice for a summer wedding in a non aircondioned church. You can't go wrong with some shade of blue or grey. Shop sales and consider alterations. I recently bought a dress white topper from a consignment store in case my oldest son and his Japanese girlfriend suddenly decide to marry.. We may have a weeks warning if we are lucky. I am trying to keep passports current and keep up with Covid restrictions in both countries. Sometimes you can leave but not be allowed to come back into a country. We have not seen our son for 6 years now. He has a cat with cancer that will be operated on today to remove overgrown toes and is walking on 3 legs. The toes may burst open.

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

I know it's not for a wedding specifically but Alison's outfit here came to mind when reading everyone else's suggestions for two separate (skirt & top) pieces in place of a dress:
https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com.....wine-dine/

You could still wear a cape or shawl over the top for warmth, but the washable silk could be versatile for other uses too.

nelywilk

Something like that maybe?

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Nadya

Veteran

For a company holiday party a few years ago I got a ball gown skirt from eShakti and was very happy with it. The material had a good weight and of course I loved the pockets. I paired it with a company tee shirt and a vintage rhinestone brooch, but for a wedding I’d pair it with something fancier, if I was OK wearing black to that wedding since traditions vary.

View Info

ANewMindset

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all of your suggestions. I am going shopping on Saturday. I have lost weight and am not entirely sure what size I need. Figured i would try some things in person and take it from there.

Ideally I am looking for something with sleeves since i prefer not to not deal with a wrap... Stay tuned!

nelywilk

Good luck with your shopping and hope you will find your perfect dress.
Here is the my last suggestion from princessly . I am thinking of ordering this dress for my friend's wedding next year.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

ANewMindset

I bought a dress! This isnt the exact dress but its close. The sleeves are much less poufy on the one i bought. I am so excited to put on a dress and not have to worry about what type of wrap i need. Now to find some shoes!

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

unfrumped

Veteran

Lovely style! Yay for dresses with sleeves.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Very pretty!

Do the sit-down test to make sure that the front does not fall open.

BlueJay

Veteran

Very pretty! Have fun!

ANewMindset

Angie! - Thank you!!! I Did not even think to do that....

rachylou

Veteran

So pretty! Exciting!

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Glad you found such a lovely dress.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

So pretty. You will look lovely in this. I appreciate your dilemma as I am 61 and prefer to cover arms too.

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Ooh, pretty! I'm sure you'll look fab in it.
Echoing Angie's advice, don't forget to also do the bend test to ensure nothing 'pops out' unexpectedly lol

Yes, I love long dresses for easy 'one & done' dressing - the biggest issue though is figuring how to store them without creasing!