Summer wedding dress code: Dress to party

[TickledOnion]

Sorry for another wedding one. I have no idea what dress to party means especially in summer.

I’m 45, size 14, 5ft3. I need something with a waist, I’m a 32H so need something to cover bra straps but I have bigger hips so more pear shaped. Also I really don’t like my knees but suspect I might just have to get over that.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Do you know the bride or groom well, can you ask them? What kind of wedding/venue is it being held?

I hate random dress codes, so I feel your pain.

Sounds fun! How about this:

https://batsheva.com/en-gb/collections/dresses/products/journey-dress-in-black?variant=43799378395385

Get a bigger size and have it tailored to fit. It would probably reach your knees, too.

Or there’s this:

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/long-floral-print-jumpsuit-p09878213.html?v1=257517322&v2=2184288&utm_campaign=productShare&utm_medium=web_mobile_sharing&utm_source=red_social_web_mobile

Again, I’d get a larger size and take it to an alterations place.

And this, plus velvet slippers and sunglasses, would suggest a long hazy night of nefarious substances:

https://www.massimoalba.com/en-uk/products/jasmine-printed-cotton-dress-plum-s442-t4492?pr_prod_strat=use_description&pr_rec_id=7c64fad51&pr_rec_pid=7870657036503&pr_ref_pid=7870656970967&pr_seq=uniform

You could use a silk scarf in a completely different print to belt the last one.

Thank you for the suggestions. I feel rather
old and frumpy looking at those dresses. I know that’s my own issue and that 45 isn’t old. I’m just used to wearing jeans and sweatshirts or at most a midi floral dress and trainers.
However I do like the shape of the first dress and I like the idea of a jumpsuit so
thats a start.

@WhatWouldTheDoctorDo its a country estate/vineyard. It looks lovely. I guess the dress code is supposed to imply that it’s not black tie/formal.
Also I will have my kids in toe so no nefarious substances for me. 😁

It's seems the thing at the moment is bright trouser's suits .. would hide your knees and look on tread too , wear with a body or cami top..

Sounds like something a bit 1950s style would suit you? A swing dress or at least fit and flare style. Great for dancing in too.

this for example is a pretty summery swing dress and at 5’3 would cover your knees. Comes in loads of other colours/patterns too. I like it in bright red

https://www.warehousefashion.com/petite-wh-x-the-british-museum-the-charles-rennie-mackintosh-collection-sparkle-floral-maxi-dress/BWW02800.html This might fit the bill.

What colours do you prefer?

how about wrap dresses?

jumpsuit option, bargain!

I like the 50s style dresses. I have worn that style before and it looks lovely. I just wasn’t sure it was partyish enough.
Wrap dresses look ok on me but I feel they are a bit officey rather than party.

oh I definitely think it’s partyish enough.., maybe more so if you choose a plain colour like this green and dress it up with a sparkly belt.

Not sure why the pic is showing blue! Link is to green…

How do you feel about a trouser suit? Lots of coloured ones around - try Zara or Mint Velvet for starters. Strappy sandal and nice bag/jewellery to set it off.

Or this could be nice for a wedding www.johnlewis.com/ghost-grace-satin-swing-midi-dress/p6369934 ) although satin can be unforgiving, depends on how it sits and well fitting supportive underwear.

Or this one if you could find in your size on another site (might not be obviously ideal for you but I had something as a similar shape/size that was surprisingly flattering) www.johnlewis.com/reiss-layla-sleeveless-dress/green/p109881606

Not sure on your budget, but maybe helpful for your searching. As a busty, not very tall person, I find the floral midi wedding guest look quite frumpy on me - I find plain colours with a waist and the right accessories work better.

Also, don't get hung up on the party theme. It's vague enough that there'll be a real mix of outfits, so just choose something you feel great in.

I would ask them.
I think if people put a dress code on an invitation, then, as it isn't a recognised dress code, it makes sense to ask them what they mean.

I thought this was going to be another of those 'what colour is this dress' threads.

I'm a similar age and shape to the OP and that's the sort of dress that came to mind for 'dress to party' and I think that style of dress is perfect, as long the material is nice and you could dress it up with shoes and jewellery.

But even if the bride has a different idea of what 'dress to party' means, it doesn't mean you need to wear the same style of dress. We probably all dress (and party) differently in our 40s than we did in our 20s, when we may also have been slimmer, and you don't want to feel uncomfortable dressing in a style that doesn't suit the current you.

https://www.wallis.co.uk/petite-neutral-palm-belted-jumpsuit/BYY07452.html

I think you would look fab in a wrap dress, and there are lots to choose from. Footwear you can dance and chase the kids in. Don't over think the dress code. Do you and feel smart but comfortable

@minipie I have that dress in a different colour and it's stunning. Very flattering. I'm 5ft 10 inches and it's mid/upper calf for me. Hope it comes in petite length.

Honestly, I wouldn't overthink the dress code at all - 'Dress to Party' is the kind of thing people put on an invitation just to imply that it's going to be a fun time and that it's not Black Tie. I'd go with a 50s style dress myself, they're great for dancing.

@MarciaSaysANumber Oh my! Massimo Alba is new to me, and I love the fabrics and shapes, and some of the current palette - but sadly not the prices! Adding it to my 'browse and look out for second hand' list though, thank you.