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Wedding guest outfit for a June wedding in Italy

13 replies

Westpoint · 28/01/2025 19:44

Hello!

I am looking for inspiration from you sartorially resplendent lot! Apologie in advance for the essay, I thought the more info the better.

I am attending a wedding in southern Italy in early June and the dress suggestion is "Midi- to maxi-length dresses in lightweight fabrics & soft colors. Floral prints, ruffles & texture are highly encouraged. Low-block heels or flat, stylish sandals are recommended."

The pinterest board from the bride and groom to be is here - https://www.pinterest.com/lobelzzz/wedding-guests/wedding-day-garden-party-cocktail/

If it makes any difference, myself and husband are Brits living on the East Coast USA and the couple and their family are Californian.

I'm 5'4, 140lbs (hoping to be more like 135 come spring), 48 years old, in ok shape but a bit of tum and I'm not overly fond of my arms but will go sleeveless to keep cool. I'm quite pale with dyed short blonde hair.

I've so far ordered the following to try (should arrive tomorrow) from revolve.com (never used them before) and I am drowning in almost too many further options on there!

Worried this colour might wash me out:
https://www.revolve.com/bronx-and-banco-violet-flared-dress-in-violet/dp/BROR-WD181/?d=Womens&page=1&lc=1&itrownum=1&itcurrpage=1&itview=05&size=M&code=BROR-WD181

Worried this colour might be too dark (!):
https://www.revolve.com/bronx-and-banco-saba-midi-dress-in-navy/dp/BROR-WD234/?d=F&sectionURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.revolve.com%2Fbronx-and-banco-dresses-midi%2Fbr%2F588320%2F%3Fnavsrc%3Dleft&size=M&code=BROR-WD234

Concerned this split might be a bit too much at my age:
https://www.revolve.com/bronx-and-banco-eva-midi-dress-in-fuchsia/dp/BROR-WD112/?d=F&sectionURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.revolve.com%2Fbronx-and-banco-dresses-midi%2Fbr%2F588320%2F%3Fnavsrc%3Dleft&size=M&code=BROR-WD112

Any and all suggestions very gratefully received! I know it seems I've plenty of time but I really don't want to be trying to sort this out last minute.

TIA

Pinterest

Discover recipes, home ideas, style inspiration and other ideas to try.

https://www.pinterest.com/lobelzzz/wedding-guests/wedding-day-garden-party-cocktail

OP posts:
MrsJHernandez · 28/01/2025 19:57

I would say you're right about all 3 dresses! I don't think they're right for you.

Problem is, as you're in the US, I don't know where you could shop for dresses!

The clothes on the Revolve website seem awfully overpriced for man-made materials. Also, it feels like they're aimed at younger women (20's). No shade, I'm also in my 40's!

Westpoint · 28/01/2025 20:08

MrsJHernandez · 28/01/2025 19:57

I would say you're right about all 3 dresses! I don't think they're right for you.

Problem is, as you're in the US, I don't know where you could shop for dresses!

The clothes on the Revolve website seem awfully overpriced for man-made materials. Also, it feels like they're aimed at younger women (20's). No shade, I'm also in my 40's!

Hmmm, interesting you say that and no offence taken! I was actually just coming back to edit my original post to say that I'm concerned those dresses (the fuschia in particular) actually look cheaper than they are and I'll end up looking like I'm trying to fit in with the bride to be's friends (we are guests of the grooms parents). I will see what the quality is like when they arrive tomorrow but I guess even if they're the best made dresses in the world I don't want to look like mutton dressed as lamb because I've got the 'look' all off.

OP posts:
Turmerictolly · 28/01/2025 20:20

The violet is beautiful. Me and Em are very good for dressy wedding outfits but not sure their summer stuff will be out yet.

Westpoint · 28/01/2025 20:29

I've also been looking here but, again, have never bought from this designer - they just comes up a lot when I google 'floral/pastel garden party dresses':

https://www.adriannapapell.com/

Adrianna Papell - Shop Dresses, Gowns, Jumpsuits and More

Find unique, beautiful wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, evening gowns and accessories that you'll love, with free shipping and easy returns.

https://www.adriannapapell.com

OP posts:
Westpoint · 28/01/2025 20:31

Turmerictolly · 28/01/2025 20:20

The violet is beautiful. Me and Em are very good for dressy wedding outfits but not sure their summer stuff will be out yet.

Thank you! Yes, I looked at Me + Em and you're right, it's slim pickings just now.

OP posts:
MrsJHernandez · 28/01/2025 20:35

@Westpoint

I was thinking styles like these, maybe

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/gretel-floral-pleated-maxi-dress-22170693116.html?utm_source=bybuybye&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=3539667%3AIncubeta%20-%20Comparison%20Shopping%20Service%20%28NMPi%29&utm_content=10&utm_term=uknetwork&ranMID=44103&ranEAID=BezHM9PFMlA&ranSiteID=BezHM9PFMlA-IOyzgEtV0wnypPcQoWT9xw

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/piper-ombre-pleated-dress-221563794.html#navAjax=true&imageType=model&is=true&sz=60&start=118&cgid=wedding-guest&isSecondPage=false&pid=221563794&pos=129

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/petite-diana-floral-lace-midi-dress-222083000.html#navAjax=true&imageType=model&is=true&sz=60&start=118&cgid=wedding-guest&isSecondPage=false&pid=222083000&pos=132

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/vanya-diamond-pleated-midi-dress-221559520.html#navAjax=true&imageType=model&is=true&sz=60&start=118&cgid=wedding-guest&isSecondPage=false&pid=221559520&pos=157

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/sammie-leaf-print-fit-and-flare-midi-dress-221627931.html#navAjax=true&imageType=model&is=true&sz=60&start=118&cgid=wedding-guest&isSecondPage=false&pid=221627931&pos=164

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/ember-geo-midi-dress-221560202.html#navAjax=true&imageType=model&is=true&sz=60&start=358&cgid=wedding-guest&isSecondPage=false&pid=221560202&pos=375

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/hestia-diamond-trapeze-maxi-dress-221597281.html#navAjax=true&imageType=model&is=true&sz=60&start=358&cgid=wedding-guest&isSecondPage=false&pid=221597281&pos=413

https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-karima-tapework-knee-length-dress-pale-pink/p111769103

https://www.johnlewis.com/mint-velvet-spot-print-pleated-midi-dress-red-cream/p111832092

https://www.johnlewis.com/closet-london-floral-cowl-neck-dress-sky-blue/p111828601

It's a bit difficult because its winter! Lots of dark colours and long sleeves atm.

I don't know if the high necks or halters are suitable for you. It's depends on your chest. I know some of the would make me look like I've got weird looking tube shaped boobs!

It's hard to know what to pick out for someone else because everyone has different ideas about what they like.

For pale skin, the best colors are generally cool-toned shades like blues, purples, pinks, and greens, including jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red, as well as soft pastels like lavender, baby blue, and blush pink; avoid overly bright or neon colors which can wash out the skin.

MoodEnhancer · 28/01/2025 20:36

Not the point but - the B&G set up a Pinterest page to create a mood board to direct how their guests dress? Bloody hell.

Turmerictolly · 28/01/2025 20:49

Wedding guest dress - Italy www.mumsnet.com/Talk/wedding/5153836-wedding-guest-dress-italy

This thread might be useful.

mdinbc · 28/01/2025 21:01

I had a look at Nordstrom; the Eliza J brand has lots of nice dresses for events. Right now there are not many summery floral/chiffon types, but this may fit the bill for what the bride is looking for. If I were you I would wait until March when there is better selection for summer dresses.

www.nordstrom.com/s/floral-ruffle-detail-maxi-dress/7771686?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=452

MaverickBoon · 28/01/2025 21:08

I think @lunitunes is hitting the right note above, particularly the first two.

That mood board is quite specific in that its overall aesthetic is great for tall thin bright young things but personally I'd be mildly annoyed 😁

My priority would be remaining cool, in summer in Italy, as well as looking stylish. I'd focus on floaty, patterned enough to hide any sweat or wine spillages, a style that doesn't need a perfect tan (so you're not having to dick about evening up your tan in the weeks before!) and that would ideally work with shoes and bag I already have...

Another thing to consider is whether there will be any other events you'll need outfits for - judging by that Pinterest board I suspect there will be at least a lovely rehearsal dinner/welcome drinks the night before!

MyFavouritePlace · 28/01/2025 21:10

Maybe something from White House Black Market once they get some more colourful things in? Or Reformation?

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