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Original poster

Wedding outfit for a black tie do in Portugal in July

72 replies

NewcastleNancy · 04/02/2026 13:55

I am looking for a long dress that is cool to wear. Probably in a bright colour.

I am 5.7 and a size 8. Blond.

Any suggestions please?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
43
EleanorMc67 · 05/02/2026 18:55

Really nice contemporary evening dress - bit over budget though, & that's before you sort a cover-up ...

https://www.mytheresa.com/gb/en/women/staud-joy-pleated-cotton-blend-gown-burgundy-p01104658

Wedding outfit for a black tie do in Portugal in July
EleanorMc67 · 05/02/2026 18:59

This is silk moiré with a jewelled collar, & I think in the flesh could be really fabulous. Another one that's a bit over budget though ...

https://www.mytheresa.com/gb/en/women/rebecca-vallance-cielo-beaded-silk-shirt-dress-blue-p01078322

Wedding outfit for a black tie do in Portugal in July
Wedding outfit for a black tie do in Portugal in July
Wedding outfit for a black tie do in Portugal in July
EleanorMc67 · 05/02/2026 20:01

I forget about this dress - someone posted it elsewhere & I love the look of it. It's quite unusual in that it's a silk & linen mix taffeta - so will have a sheen & a slight stiffness but also be cool. A v-neck but quite a high one (unlike most Rixo dresses!).

It's worn casually here, but with evening accessories - gold slightly blingy earrings & sandals etc - it's definitely black tie-worthy. Taffeta is very much an evening material because of the sheen.

https://www.whistles.com/product/silk-blend-taffeta-maxi-dress-39910.html

Wedding outfit for a black tie do in Portugal in July
Wedding outfit for a black tie do in Portugal in July
EleanorMc67 · 05/02/2026 20:07

Is French blue an option, OP? Posted this elsewhere & just remembered it. It's cotton sateen so will have a sheen to it, but will be cool. I think it's a beautiful dramatic yet simple dress. I like the sash belt too, but you could swap it for a gold/silver/jewelled one.

https://joseph-fashion.com/products/bellan-cotton-sateen-dress-blue-jf0093721410

Wedding outfit for a black tie do in Portugal in July
EleanorMc67 · 05/02/2026 23:25

ThePainGrowsStronger · 05/02/2026 22:17

Edited

Thanks for the link to that vintage clothing site - some lovely things!

I love this one! OP - it's in your size, though it is sleeveless ...

https://www.studdedpetals.com/products/valentino-coral-lace-sides-silk-chiffon-gown

Wedding outfit for a black tie do in Portugal in July
Wedding outfit for a black tie do in Portugal in July
Original poster
NewcastleNancy · 06/02/2026 09:13

EleanorMc67 · 05/02/2026 15:12

I also really like this - the open back makes it suitable for summer, but it's high-necked too.

https://www.mytheresa.com/gb/en/women/rotate-birger-christensen-embellished-puff-sleeve-maxi-dress-green-p00832462

This is stunning but is it more christmas party?

OP posts:
Original poster
NewcastleNancy · 06/02/2026 09:17

EleanorMc67 · 05/02/2026 16:24

Another vibrant option - orange or yellow. Personally I'd rather pay that for silk though, not polyester ...

https://www.revolve.com/zhivago-bond-gown-in-flame/dp/ZHIR-WD134/

OMG. Love this orange one. It also has a bit of a vintage vibe which is very me. Only worry is the material and it being hot but I think I might order it to try on.

OP posts:
Original poster
NewcastleNancy · 06/02/2026 09:17

Mamamia35 · 05/02/2026 22:16

Very classy look. Love this.

OP posts:
Original poster
NewcastleNancy · 06/02/2026 09:19

EleanorMc67 · 05/02/2026 18:59

This is silk moiré with a jewelled collar, & I think in the flesh could be really fabulous. Another one that's a bit over budget though ...

https://www.mytheresa.com/gb/en/women/rebecca-vallance-cielo-beaded-silk-shirt-dress-blue-p01078322

Absolutely LOVE this! Especially the collar, the belt and the sleeves. Way over budget of course but I might just order to try on :)

OP posts:
Original poster
NewcastleNancy · 06/02/2026 09:21

EleanorMc67 · 05/02/2026 23:25

Thanks for the link to that vintage clothing site - some lovely things!

I love this one! OP - it's in your size, though it is sleeveless ...

https://www.studdedpetals.com/products/valentino-coral-lace-sides-silk-chiffon-gown

Show quote history

I do really like this. The worry for me with vintage is buying it and then being stuck with it. I do like how there is a panel on the side so it is not too revealing! Gorgeous colour.

OP posts:
Original poster
NewcastleNancy · 06/02/2026 09:22

EleanorMc67 · 05/02/2026 20:01

I forget about this dress - someone posted it elsewhere & I love the look of it. It's quite unusual in that it's a silk & linen mix taffeta - so will have a sheen & a slight stiffness but also be cool. A v-neck but quite a high one (unlike most Rixo dresses!).

It's worn casually here, but with evening accessories - gold slightly blingy earrings & sandals etc - it's definitely black tie-worthy. Taffeta is very much an evening material because of the sheen.

https://www.whistles.com/product/silk-blend-taffeta-maxi-dress-39910.html

It's definitely got something about it. Only issue is the V neck but appreciate it isn't low cut. Love the colour.

OP posts:
Original poster
NewcastleNancy · 06/02/2026 09:23

ThePainGrowsStronger · 05/02/2026 22:17

Edited

Stunning - and silk! Love the cut, especially the neckline and the sleeves.

OP posts:
Original poster
NewcastleNancy · 06/02/2026 09:28

EleanorMc67 · 05/02/2026 20:07

Is French blue an option, OP? Posted this elsewhere & just remembered it. It's cotton sateen so will have a sheen to it, but will be cool. I think it's a beautiful dramatic yet simple dress. I like the sash belt too, but you could swap it for a gold/silver/jewelled one.

https://joseph-fashion.com/products/bellan-cotton-sateen-dress-blue-jf0093721410

I do like the elegant simplicity of it - not trying too hard - but I'm not sure it's the one. The long sleeves. But i could see it in my wardrobe :)

OP posts:
Original poster
NewcastleNancy · 06/02/2026 09:29

EleanorMc67 · 05/02/2026 18:55

Really nice contemporary evening dress - bit over budget though, & that's before you sort a cover-up ...

https://www.mytheresa.com/gb/en/women/staud-joy-pleated-cotton-blend-gown-burgundy-p01104658

You've said it but love a full skirt. Ideally whatever I buy, I'd wear again. But I said that about my wedding dress and I can't see it somehow. Even altered.

OP posts:
TemporarilyCantDoMyself · 06/02/2026 10:08

NewcastleNancy · 06/02/2026 09:28

I do like the elegant simplicity of it - not trying too hard - but I'm not sure it's the one. The long sleeves. But i could see it in my wardrobe :)

Show quote history

I think this one's gorgeous, and like @EleanorMc67 says you could swap out the belt for something more interesting/contrasting and of course there's your jewellery and shoes and bag, the stunning simplicity of the dress is a backdrop for however you want to dress it up. The fabric looks very good, too. 😍

Hubertus · 06/02/2026 13:07

@EleanorMc67 your suggestions are beautiful, especially the dark blue moiré silk with beaded collar and belt.
@NewcastleNancy there was a very recent thread from @BoxedOff, who needed to buy something smart the same day, as her dress for a special wedding had been lost by the drycleaner. She purchased a fabulous full length raspberry silk jumpsuit from Me+Em (half price, too). It was so lovely it's probably instantly sold out to MNetters. But it might hit your brief, and be wearable for both day and evening parties. I don't know how to link threads but it would be easy to locate as it's less than a week old.

EleanorMc67 · 06/02/2026 14:13

Hubertus · 06/02/2026 13:07

@EleanorMc67 your suggestions are beautiful, especially the dark blue moiré silk with beaded collar and belt.
@NewcastleNancy there was a very recent thread from @BoxedOff, who needed to buy something smart the same day, as her dress for a special wedding had been lost by the drycleaner. She purchased a fabulous full length raspberry silk jumpsuit from Me+Em (half price, too). It was so lovely it's probably instantly sold out to MNetters. But it might hit your brief, and be wearable for both day and evening parties. I don't know how to link threads but it would be easy to locate as it's less than a week old.

Thank you! Yes that navy dress is a beauty, isn't it?!!

I read that thread too - this is the jumpsuit she bought, & it is indeed fabulous. In fact, it's almost identical to the dress version in orange silk that I posted earlier.

https://www.meandem.com/silk-wide-leg-jumpsuit-tie-raspberry-red

Women's Red Silk Wide-Leg Jumpsuit + Tie | ME+EM

ME+EM's Red Silk Wide-Leg Jumpsuit + Tie is crafted from super-soft pure silk, lined with breathable viscose georgette to minimise transparency. Shop now.

https://www.meandem.com/silk-wide-leg-jumpsuit-tie-raspberry-red

Original poster
NewcastleNancy · 06/02/2026 15:51

EleanorMc67 · 06/02/2026 14:13

Thank you! Yes that navy dress is a beauty, isn't it?!!

I read that thread too - this is the jumpsuit she bought, & it is indeed fabulous. In fact, it's almost identical to the dress version in orange silk that I posted earlier.

https://www.meandem.com/silk-wide-leg-jumpsuit-tie-raspberry-red

Show quote history

A different direction. I'd love to try that on. Do you think OK for a black tie do. Bride says most will be in long dresses with rest in cocktail dresses.

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