Fascinating topic :). I have never been interested in make up, and so never got into much of it. Daily routine is, after washing face, to apply an SPF 30 moisturizer, brow pencil since I plucked most of mine as a teenager and they never grew back, and a dot of Dermablend cover on a small but very pale and noticeable circular scar above one eye where I had a skin cancer removed. Quit bothering with eye shadow and blush years ago, ditto with foundation which is also nasty to wear in the Miami subtropical weather; feels to me like wearing a greasy mask, yuck. Actually the climate here strongly mitigates against the multilayer face 'painting' I read about; cannot imagine plastering on primer/foundation/powder and then leaving it to bake all day especially during what I call our double 90 season (heat and humidity). Have never used lipstick, rarely mascara and never tried eye liner. Have never had an interest in Botox or any other type of intervention or surgical options and probably never will. I did Invisalign orthodontia several years ago; had lived with crooked teeth until I was 50+ YO and the feeling about my improved appearance/smile, along with the greater ease in keeping up with dental hygiene due to straight teeth has been immeasurably positive. I have my hair professionally cut and highlighted every 10-12 weeks. Wash and blow dry it every other day, use a straightening iron too often--as I'm aging my hair is developing that brittle overprocessed look that I hate to see. I need to up my use of hair treatments but just haven't bothered. What else--do my own pedicures, no manicures or nail polish on my hands. Did fingernail polish for years on my own but didn't like how it discolored the nails and prefer natural. I am in major stall on exercise; was doing Pilates regularly with a trainer but she closed her studio and I haven't found a group class with a good instructor on a schedule that works for me. At 58, I badly need to get myself into a regular schedule of cardio, stretching and weight training. Have never had to worry about weight but the tone and fitness lack is worrisome. I'd call myself diligent in keeping clean, tidy and looking reasonable but in many ways I like being in the stage of life at which I've become 'invisible'. It's very freeing in a lot of ways not to worry about trying to live up to whatever i social acceptability standard for appearance is out there for women these days :).

I went to a wedding in 1992 and was told the bride's dress cost $1000. That floored me then and still does today. It was stunning and beautifully simple, but still overpriced in my I-don't-care-about-wedding-dresses way of thinking. But to each their own and if she happy, good for her. No sweat off my brow, Anyhoo, the reception was in the hall at fire company, basic but decent. Some of the male guests showed up wearing shorts and tee shirts. Maybe they thought it was a more casual event because of the venue? I thought yo, buddy, it's a wedding, the bride got dressed up, put on a pair of pants. She might have been overdressed for the venue but they were certainly underdressed. My favorite part of that wedding was the cookie table. Trays and trays of homemade cookies, in addition to wedding cake and ice cream. I don't remember the other food or decor or what people beside the bride and shorts guys were wearing, just the expanse of cookies.

This has been a really interesting thread! I agree that the most practical solution for your husband would be to just buy him a nice pair of medium gray dress slacks to wear with his navy blazer. Those, worn with a dress shirt and conservative tie would be great, IMO. As a matter of fact , we're heading to a "formal dress" (church ) wedding and then outdoor reception in Austin, TX, in mid-June. DD is a bridesmaid. I will most likely wear a LBD with some statement jewelry of some sort. DH, who always dresses appropriately and elegantly, will wear one of his nicer sports coats and a pair of dress slacks. Probably light or medium gray (lol). I've been told a thousand times over the years that DH looks just like one of those "Marlboro Men" (minus the cigarette). He does, but he also knows how to dress gorgeously for any occasion.

Just a quick update - our party was Saturday night and the dress was perfect. I tried it on with spanx when I bought it, but once I was getting ready and wore it for a while I noticed that the liner was clinging to the undergarment. It caused the dress to twist and ride up. Once I removed the spanx it was perfect. Luckily it was not thin or clingy fabric, so it wasn't a deal breaker. The shoes were great.... in the beginning. By the end of the night the balls of my feet were killing me! So thankful for sneakers this morning lol. Dress 3 was my favorite, but I would not be comfortable showing that much skin on top at a work event. It's just me. I saw a lot of strapless dresses and those women looked great. I just know I would of felt too exposed. Thanks again to everyone for your help!