I have a wedding to go to next month — my nephew’s. The invitation said “black tie optional” for the attire, but I figured I would be practical for once and wear something in my closet. I’m sure I’ll see a little bit of everything, right? I have two dressy knee-length dresses, and either one would probably be fine. The problem is, I don’t really love either of them. Which is fine, I suppose. It’s just one night, and no one’s going to be looking at me, right?
Then I got an email from my sister-in-law, saying that many ladies will be wearing floor-length dresses, and if I have one in my closet, this is my opportunity to wear it. Well, no I don’t just so happen have a floor-length dress in my possession, but wouldn’t it be fun to go shopping for one? Hmmm…
What say you, oh wise internets?
I got a bit distracted when I went online to look for floor length gowns. It seems that the maxi dress has taken over that category, unless I want to be mistaken for a bridesmaid.
But I would so love to try on this or this or this. Or maybe even this. Anyone want to meet me at the mall? I’ll buy lunch!
Wow, they are all BEAUTIFUL! I love the first 2 the best. I think you would look stunning in the gorgeous blue one. So elegant!
If you want to be fancy I would choose #2. If you want to be a little more casual go with #1. #3 is ok, and since you have been shredding you will probably be very comfortable in it. #4, notsomuch.
mall? did you say mall? when?
I’ll just say this- you can get usually get killer deals on formal dresses this time of year. A trip to the mall is definitely in order!
Ooh that would be fun to do a shopping run. Just took a quick peek at the (usually reliable) Ann Taylor and they don’t have any floor length. J Crew only has one floor length that doesn’t scream wedding dress and it seems more for a beach wedding (bright print) than a black tie. Hmmmm.
Hit the department stores! I imagine there’s gotta be a fox floor length calling your name.
check out Kohl’s I was just there last week and saw formals for $50! Steal!!! And I bought a new dress for a graduation for only $25.
I’m due for a good mall trip. Last time I went was to have A’s picture taken with Santa.
I don’t think that it is necessary to wear a floor length gown to a black tie optional wedding. In fact, I would not. I’ve been to my fair share of black tie optional weddings and I have found that very few people outside of the wedding party and mothers of the bride and groom actually wear floor length gowns.
If you are set on a floor length gown, I’d try to department stores – they’re probably your best bet at this time of year!
Ahh weddings… I actually just posted a question about this today. Weddings are always hard for me – I never know what’s appropriate. Oh well… and I kind of like the #3 choice – it’s definitely a hot dress!!
I would go with #2 for a more formal-ish event. Have fun!
Can you borrow something from a friend? The dresses are lovely, can’t pick a favorite. I do have a lovely fuschia, floor length gown that I’ve been hanging on to for almost 14 years. You could borrow if you wanted to…
I am still looking for a dress for a semi-formal wedding in July. I am too tall for every single dress out there.
#2 or #3 would be my choice. That sounds fun, a little dress up! Work it girl!
I love the blue Maggy London!
Somehow I think a floor length would be way too much dress to be carrying around.
Well I can’t believe I’ve got an opinion on this. Your post on Twitter caught my attention so I came an checked out your predicament. I often go shopping with my wife and she loves that I actually have an opinion. #4 looks like you’re going camo in the fashion jungle. #2 you’d look great in. #1 is nice and summery but not sure if it’s black-tie optional material. #3 is nice and formal not to keen on the color.
Haha that’s my take… giving you a guy’s perspective.
Have fun shopping.
My opinion is: “Black tie optional” is kind of a ridiculous phrase. It’s either black tie or it isn’t. Saying “black tie optional” is just setting it up so that guests will feel under or overdressed.
Oooh lovely! I think numbers 1 & 4 are too casual for a black tie optional wedding – especially if other women are wearing floor length. Number 2 is my favourite – classy and stunning. Number 3 is something I would wear when I wanted lots of attention – see how confident you feel in it!
I love #1 very cute. I think 2 looks more dressy. They are all cute. Good luck deciding.
I have to say that I’m not fond of #4 at all; it doesn’t look very fancy…. i’d say #1 or #2 are your best bets; #3 looks like it would hide nothing in the tummy region.
I agree with Megan’s comment. At the black tie optional weddings I’ve been too (and I’ve been to at least 20 weddings in the last couple years), the floor length dresses stand out more than they blend in.
But then again, there is nothing wrong with standing out if you look fabulous!
Dress #3 is hot! Are you sure you are done having children? ‘Cause if you wear that, you might find your family growing.
I like the second dress, but the purple color is prettier than the blue, and would make more of a statement without drawing attention to yourself.
I would absolutely shop and have lunch with you if we lived in the same state.
Second or Fourth “this” is my vote!
I would love to go shopping! I would also love the reason to buy a floor lenght dress just because. I have not been to a fancy wedding in forever. The last night I was to go to one I had a pretty knee lenght dress (that looking back might not have been nice enough) but we missed the wedding due to issues with the airline. Good thing it wasn’t my wedding!!
I think you would look great in #2. I also do that debate thing in my head…I could make do but then there is something fun about trying stuff on and then of course, accessories, etc.
I need a new swimsuit this season and it was very depressing just looking at those today. Could not even bring myself to try them on. I would much rather go shopping for just about anything than a swimsuit.
Have a great day.
pscole3467 at gmail dot com
I like number 2 the best. It’s more formal looking. If it was me, I’d definitely wear a shorter dress just because she said most were wearing floor-length dresses!
I vote for #2 (the solid color – Nightfall, I think). To me, black tie optional implies a more dressy occasion. The dresses with prints looked less formal to me. I definitely don’t think you have to BUY a floor-length dress for black-tie optional. Where I’m from, the only thing that ‘requires’ floor-length is a wedding after 7pm and ‘white tie.’
I would LOVE to meet you at the mall – can you fund a transatlantic flight as well as lunch?!!
I have the Little Black Dress, calf length, and it has been suitable to most formal and semi-formal occasions. I just vary the wrap/shael/shrug I wear with it.
For you, I like #2 the best. It is elegant for a formal occasion. But I would LOVE to buy #1 for myself–my brother is getting married in August and I plan to spend my birthday money. It will be a garden wedding–that dress would be perfect and believe me, I have been searching online for a great dress. Too bad I can’t buy it yet!
I LOVE that first dress (the black and white one). LOVE it!! : ) Happy shopping…