I do like tea length dresses a lot, but usually only if the skirt is much fuller. I ordered it so we will see how it looks. It is from winter silks and it's been many years since I ordered anything from them and then I think it was just underwear and long underwear. (I was on the site looking for silk bikini undies, which they do not have.)

It was about $55 and there was a free shipping promo (and two percent cash back through ebates) so it was awfully affordable if it works. Guess I'll regret it if it doesn't and I have to ship it back though. Oh well.

Thank you all for the feedback!

I think it is lovely. I would try it.

Yes, it would be perfect for just such an occasion.

I think that it is very pretty. You aren't in the wedding party, so there should be no problem with that. I think that it is tasteful, and elegant. I would consider some light or shimmery accessories though. I think they would add just the correct amt of sparkle to dress it up (shoes,clutch, jewelry, hair clips). Have fun and enjoy yourself!

Hard to say since I don't know you or your tastes or your body type, but I'll give you my thoughts anyway.

I like the navy, I like the shape, I like the neckline.

I don't like the lace, or at least that lace as it looks a little mantilla to me which can go old lady quickly. (I also wonder if the lace would be itchy or if it would have any stretch to make it comfortable to sit in.) I also don't like the length...at least not on the model. I find the just below the knee more flattering, or for me, I have to go down to 6" above the ankle to be flattering on my leg shape. YMMV

But if you like it, the best thing to do is try it on and see if it works for your body and if it will be comfortable for several hours of sitting/dancing.

I like it a lot. I think the brightness of the blue (not a somber navy) keeps it fresher and younger looking.

I think it's also worth a try.

Okay, I will be the dissenter.

I have been looking for a dress for a wedding too, and maybe that is why, but I am just tired of these dresses. I see a zillion variations on it, and a lot in navy (which to me feels like a black substitute the way it is used). It is often shown under Mother of bride or Mother of groom dresses.

Yes, it is totally appropriate. It could be flattering, but I have also seen it read dowdy.

It seems to me, as a guest, you have a lot more latitude than this dress. If I were you I would find a dress you love that has nothing to do with weddings per se.

Hmm, well I already ordered it so we will see how it looks on me.

Navy is an excellent color on me and one I like a lot. Other colors that look good on me are eggplant and deep greens, which aren't super common in spring/summer dresses. So I'm good with navy. (And I will not wear black to a wedding, unless specifically requested by the bride.)

I previously poked around some on Nordstrom and elsewhere and found it a little difficult to find dresses that were longer than knee length and didn't show a fair bit of cleavage. Especially in my price range. I came across some gorgeous midi length dresses in the $500 and up range, but that's a lot more than I'm going to spend on this dress. So from that perspective this dress seemed unusual to me.

The lace bit may be a tend that's over though--is that one of the main things that seems overdone?

At $55 with free shipping, try it! Are returns free? Or you can sell it (I see a lot of that kind of thing on my uber-local Facebook market: someone bought something and rather than hassle with returns, sell it. Or, wear it once, clean it, sell it) maybe you can even wear it for Valentine's Day dinner out? Mother's Day? Easter?

We very very very seldom do anything that requires me to dress up. At all. But if it would travel well (pack small and not wrinkle) I might throw this in the suit case for my trip to Italy this summer.

I like everything about it. I don't follow trends in home decor or fashion. Finding a dress that's modest and not dowdy is not an easy task. I think this dress could work for most ages depending on how it's accessorized. I can't wait to see it in you.

I hope it works out for you. ANd goodness, $55! That is a great price.

I don't think lace can go out of style in the context of wedding attire, IMHO.

At $55 I hope it works for you, especially with all the positive things going for it...color, length, etc. I like it for a late afternoon wedding. And if you can wear it again, great. Being tall, it is very hard for me to find anything in a dress that actually comes to my knees, so if this is a new trend, I am thrilled! Give us our money's worth of fabric!

If it fits you well I think it will be fine. Since the dress is such a good bargain, I would splurge on some great shoes or jewelry to jazz things up.

A pretty lace dress is always appropriate for a wedding! The shape of this particular one is not what one usually sees in this fabric---it's almost like a casual cotton dress remade in lace, if that makes sense. I don't think the color particularly flatters the model. It could be perfect on you, with your coloring, and would certainly be appropriate for a wedding. It's a good dress to have on hand because you could wear it to many different occasions, and with a wrap or dressy coat, in all seasons. I can say with confidence that lace travels well, so it could very well be the bargain of the century for you if it is flattering. A lovely lighter necklace (short string of pearls, silver or white gold chain and sapphire pendant, etc.) and strappy sandals would also dress it up.

I think it's fine for a summer wedding. Like the color and the lace, but overall it looks kind of frumpy to me. The length is odd and I think adds to the frumpiness. I'd probably look for something mid-knee or mid-calf.

Last time I needed a dressier dress, I went to the local chain's flagship store, and spent an entire afternoon trying on probably at least 30 dresses. I tried on almost everything I could find in my size that I liked the color or pattern. I think I tried on fewer wedding dresses! I found two I liked, but that was a lot of work. It is also hard to find a dress that is not sleeveless, and that's another thing I like about this particular dress.

I think we're going to have two weddings this spring/summer, so I will get use out of them again.

I think it's lovely and I'm glad you ordered it. It has a demure, ladylike look that seems to be getting harder and harder to find. Then again, I sometimes wish we could all go back to dressing like they do on Downton Abbey. ;-)

I love it and I don't think it is dowdy or frumpy at all. In fact, I may order myself one as I also love and look good in navy. I think it could work for all seasons too. Great find!

kswl, you recommended pearls...of course you did! ;)

Lol, AnnieD, you have me pegged! My opera length pearls just saw fine and filial duty when DD married a little over a week ago. They looked absolutely beautiful.....I think the color and softness of pearls enhances everyone's looks!

gsciencechick, I tried on a grand total of five dresses at two shops before buying my wedding dress. I am sure I have exceeded that many times since buying dresses, bathing suits, jeans. . . .

Well, here it is.

In person it is a bright navy which is a good color on me. The lining is stretchy and very soft. It is amazingly comfortable. And I think it will travel well. Dh was very vocal in approving of it (even before he knew the cost) and he is good about saying if he does not like something on me.

So so it's a winner. I plan to wear it to a summer wedding and will likely take it to Italy to wear to the Venice opera.

It's a lovely dress, and you're a lovely lady in it! Well done!

It looks great on you! And this is without any shoes or jewelry.

Wow, that fits like it was made for you. Congrats on finding such a bargain that looks like a million.

Well hi crl! Don't you look nice! It looks great, fits you well, and being comfortable is priceless. I always think that if something looks good without shoes, spanx, jewelry, or special hair/makeup, it is guaranteed to be a big winner.

Crl, that looks lovely on you.

KSWL,,, do tell all about you DD's big day.

Very cute...and so's the dress! Glad you found a winner.

Thanks everyone! You are all very sweet.

Absolutely, it looks MUCH better on you than the model and it looked pretty darn good on her!

crl, it looks great on you! Thanks so much for modeling for us.

Nice to see you too!

Oh my goodness you look wonderful. It's a keeper!

That is gorgeous! I would add a really cute belt, since you have such a great figure!

I think it's lovely on you! I don't wear black, red or white to weddings either. We're a dying breed.

Terrific! Navy is one of my go-to colors, too, and that dress looks just wonderful on you! Don't you love it when things work out?

It REALLY looks so much nicer on you than the ad with the model. It looks perfect!

Looks great on you and thanks for letting us in on the reveal. As I am sure you noticed, those models are usually 5'10" and wear a size 2, maybe a 4. While I am pretty tall, I nowhere approach that size, even tho I can sometimes squeeze into a 6, I hope I can narrow down my own search in a day or two as easily as you did.

….and post your reveal as well:) !

You look great!

Thanks again everyone! Just in case anyone else is considering this dress, I am 5'7" and usually wear a 6 or 8 in a dress. I ordered a medium.

Very nice! What a great feeling--to find something that not only fits, looks great, Dh loves, is comfortable, takes care of two events and you got it without ever leaving home! Well done!

It looks perfect on you!!

Looks great!

It looks great on you! You were wise to choose something that lets you bend and move while looking after the flower girl.

No matter how beautiful a dress, I think it takes everything away when the wearer is constantly pulling at the neckline or tugging at the hem to stay covered whenever she sits or moves. Who needs to feel anxious about that at a wedding?

I think you'll look lovely and feel confident in that dress. Great buy, too!

You and the dress are beautiful! Nice work!!

crl, you are probably tired of hearing (reading) this, but the dress is fabulous on you!

Never tired of compliments. Thank you all!