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Which dress for the evening do of a wedding only?

126 replies

funksoulbrothers · 10/05/2026 14:26

I’ve been invited to a family member’s wedding reception, evening do only. I don’t think it’s overly formal. Which dress would you wear?

My plan is to wear it with some sandals and a matching bag, so not too dressy.

Which dress for the evening do of a wedding only?
Which dress for the evening do of a wedding only?
Which dress for the evening do of a wedding only?
Which dress for the evening do of a wedding only?
OP posts:
Thread gallery
10
Sesquipedahlia · 10/05/2026 17:13

Plummagic · 10/05/2026 15:39

Any need to be so bloody nasty?

@Plummagic - are you ok? You do understand this is the Style and Beauty section of an anonymous chat forum? The whole point of this site is for people to be able to express opinions. Here we are talking about clothes which someone may or may not choose to wear. No one here is planning to physically force the OP into something she doesn’t like - and I sincerely doubt that anyone on this board has ever in real life verbally or physically attacked a stranger because we found their outfit a little disappointing at a wedding.

You don’t seem familiar with the concept of commenting in the abstract. And at the same time you seem quite … triggered.

Are you sure S&B is quite the entertainment you’re seeking?

funksoulbrothers · 10/05/2026 17:16

Tellmetomorrow57 · 10/05/2026 17:08

They look lovely and I think pp are harsh!! Love the bow on the nobody's child dress but equally think orange can look great.

All those people saying not suitable, what type of a dress would be?!?! Maybe mother of the bride style pastel suits, or slinky evening numbers (which op definitely doesn't want if she wants a lovely dress for swishing around Milan!)

Are you going to lake Como op? They'll look gorgeous out for dinner!

Only for the day, but I’m considering a day trip up to the lakes in Switzerland for a day, so may well stay a bit late!

OP posts:
funksoulbrothers · 10/05/2026 17:16

Tellmetomorrow57 · 10/05/2026 17:08

They look lovely and I think pp are harsh!! Love the bow on the nobody's child dress but equally think orange can look great.

All those people saying not suitable, what type of a dress would be?!?! Maybe mother of the bride style pastel suits, or slinky evening numbers (which op definitely doesn't want if she wants a lovely dress for swishing around Milan!)

Are you going to lake Como op? They'll look gorgeous out for dinner!

Only for the day, but I’m considering a day trip up to the lakes in Switzerland for a day, so may well stay a bit late!

OP posts:
Daffodilsinthespring · 10/05/2026 17:17

All are nice dresses and any would be fine.

Sesquipedahlia · 10/05/2026 17:22

I quite like the teal green bow at the back frock. At least it’s got a bit of energy to it.

Couldn’t tell you whether it will look fashionable in Milan this summer, though.

Plummagic · 10/05/2026 17:30

Sesquipedahlia · 10/05/2026 17:13

@Plummagic - are you ok? You do understand this is the Style and Beauty section of an anonymous chat forum? The whole point of this site is for people to be able to express opinions. Here we are talking about clothes which someone may or may not choose to wear. No one here is planning to physically force the OP into something she doesn’t like - and I sincerely doubt that anyone on this board has ever in real life verbally or physically attacked a stranger because we found their outfit a little disappointing at a wedding.

You don’t seem familiar with the concept of commenting in the abstract. And at the same time you seem quite … triggered.

Are you sure S&B is quite the entertainment you’re seeking?

Edited

Are you telling me not to comment in S & B?

I'm pretty sure you can say you don't like a dress without being so nasty about it. But if that's the way of S & B I'll give it a miss anyway.

MrsCarmelaSoprano · 10/05/2026 17:30

Topbird29 · 10/05/2026 15:15

I'll be positive- I like the pink polka dot one.

So do I,it's only an evening do!

Sesquipedahlia · 10/05/2026 17:35

No one here can tell anyone else whether or not to comment - so, no, obviously not. But, if you react so strongly to women chatting about frocks, the Style and Beauty board seems an odd choice for you. (I avoid horror films because I really don’t enjoy being scared!)

Ophir · 10/05/2026 17:35

funksoulbrothers · 10/05/2026 17:06

No, this is another one that I’ve found on Vinted (BNWT, but £40 instead of £135!), which I love

Ah, sorry, yes that one would definitely work !

Plummagic · 10/05/2026 17:36

Sesquipedahlia · 10/05/2026 17:35

No one here can tell anyone else whether or not to comment - so, no, obviously not. But, if you react so strongly to women chatting about frocks, the Style and Beauty board seems an odd choice for you. (I avoid horror films because I really don’t enjoy being scared!)

Are you always so patronising?

Rebue · 10/05/2026 17:37

funksoulbrothers · 10/05/2026 16:33

I get the feeling the evening bit is going to end up being a bit more like a garden party. I’ve ordered this dress from Vinted and I have high hopes!

That’s nice!

Does deep blue suit you? With your colouring I imagine it would.

Some comments here are pretty harsh. Esp some given by regulars who sometimes suggest phenomenally ugly or inappropriate stuff, but I just stay quiet!

As you are getting used to a ‘new you’, I would really suggest that you put the time in by ordering loads and sending back loads if you have to! Only then will you really be able to see what works for you and what makes you feel gorgeous. Enjoy!

goldencobra · 10/05/2026 17:37

funksoulbrothers · 10/05/2026 14:58

I do think that’s just how they’re hanging as they’re Vinted

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/yellow-puff-sleeve-zola-mini-dress-d250593ylw?_gl=130qvi2_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2YDQBhD_ARIsAE1qeSfqAxXkebA8MulTFZ7tSkcgJACeH-7QyJ-TWHMdOhiB9_0i7u6vstwaAm4-EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&gbraid=0AAAAADQCJIWQtd_H9VvM1imdGhYgXVCyp

i adore this dress, but i can’t help but think that it’s a lot to then wear again, im not sure that I would!

I don't see how this dress is a lot to wear, I think it is perfectly suitable for casual occasions as much as it is for being dressed up

Rebue · 10/05/2026 17:41

Sesquipedahlia · 10/05/2026 17:13

@Plummagic - are you ok? You do understand this is the Style and Beauty section of an anonymous chat forum? The whole point of this site is for people to be able to express opinions. Here we are talking about clothes which someone may or may not choose to wear. No one here is planning to physically force the OP into something she doesn’t like - and I sincerely doubt that anyone on this board has ever in real life verbally or physically attacked a stranger because we found their outfit a little disappointing at a wedding.

You don’t seem familiar with the concept of commenting in the abstract. And at the same time you seem quite … triggered.

Are you sure S&B is quite the entertainment you’re seeking?

Edited

This is a ridiculous OTT response. OP has posted for opinions. It’s possible to give negative feedback but in a non-bitchy way. So say something is not right but without the extra unpleasant flourishes that a few on here have given. It’s a social skill I guess that not everyone can master, online or in real life. And using words like ‘triggered’ is incredibly trite and tedious!

funksoulbrothers · 10/05/2026 17:45

goldencobra · 10/05/2026 17:37

I don't see how this dress is a lot to wear, I think it is perfectly suitable for casual occasions as much as it is for being dressed up

I’d never wear something like this in the day 😂

OP posts:
funksoulbrothers · 10/05/2026 17:54

Sesquipedahlia · 10/05/2026 17:22

I quite like the teal green bow at the back frock. At least it’s got a bit of energy to it.

Couldn’t tell you whether it will look fashionable in Milan this summer, though.

I don’t think I’ve ever been fashionable

OP posts:
CharlotteStreetW1 · 10/05/2026 18:13

I really like the short sleeved orange one.

(Most dresses look limp just on a hanger anyway)

funksoulbrothers · 10/05/2026 20:54

The next question is where can I find some nice, inexpensive, wide fit heels

OP posts:
PhaedraTwo · 10/05/2026 23:39

Plummagic · 10/05/2026 15:39

Any need to be so bloody nasty?

Apart from the pink polka dot one, which almost everyone has said they like, are on Vinted. There is nothing nasty is pointing out that a lot of stuff on Vinted is creased, worn and badly presented.

paddleboardingmum · 11/05/2026 00:20

The Polka dot one.

EleanorMc67 · 11/05/2026 02:35

funksoulbrothers · 10/05/2026 16:59

My aim is to use something that can be dressed up a little for the wedding but suitable for the day as well. I don’t have the budget to drop £100s on a dress for one night. This is the last wedding in the family until my own, and I don’t really do formal events

Exactly, OP. It's just for the evening, you want it to be something you'll wear again - & you don't even like the people much!!!

The first four dresses that you are considering may not be my thing - but with the right accessories are easily dressed up to make them more evening-appropriate. The nicest by far though, is the bow-back viscose-linen mix Zola dress in green. (If you haven't already bought the other green satin one, I wouldn't. Satin is not for sunny summer days in Italy.)

However, if the Zola bow-back dress arrives & you change your mind, of the first four that you posted I would go with either the pink & red patterned one, or the pink polka-dot one (although I seem to be the only one who doesn't prefer it! The colour is a bit too sickly sugared almond for me ... Irrelevant if you love it though!). The first orange-yellow one seems to be satin? Are it & the fourth dress quite as bright egg-yolk as they look? I'm not keen on either - but that's largely because I don't like that tangerine shade.

I do find it hard to believe that the orange-yellow shade would suit "English rose colouring" - it seems very overpowering. But then I'm not sure that's what you actually are, if you have dark brown hair & green eyes? Do you tan easily? (To me, English Rose-type colouring is usually associated with pale creamy skin, flushed pinky-peach cheeks, light-coloured eyes & blonde/light brown hair.)

If you really have no idea what suits you, I'd go with a PP's suggestion of a John Lewis personal shopping appointment - & putting some thought into what colours you like & suit best. If you really don't know, then maybe getting a colour analysis might be useful too.

Which dress for the evening do of a wedding only?
Which dress for the evening do of a wedding only?
Which dress for the evening do of a wedding only?
Which dress for the evening do of a wedding only?
mammat72 · 11/05/2026 02:46

sorry but i agree with the other poster that they are not really wedding reception dresses they are quite frumpy and more afternoon tea vibe. wedding evening reception is more dressy fancier cocktail dress etc. that being said wear what you like yourself in and what you feel comfortable in x

wheresthesnowgone · 11/05/2026 06:08

They all look pretty and would be suitable for an evening do. Dresses always look better on a body than a hanger.

MrsCarmelaSoprano · 11/05/2026 10:39

mammat72 · 11/05/2026 02:46

sorry but i agree with the other poster that they are not really wedding reception dresses they are quite frumpy and more afternoon tea vibe. wedding evening reception is more dressy fancier cocktail dress etc. that being said wear what you like yourself in and what you feel comfortable in x

Not any wedding I've been to in the last 20 years!

Leiw · 11/05/2026 13:33

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

StrictlyCoffee · 11/05/2026 15:51

The orange one with the flowers and long sleeves is absolutely terrible, and I’m no style icon