Turtleneck in the summer? Probably not.

I think any length dress would do, probably to the knee or slightly above. I find most dresses these days are sleeveless which annoys me, but there are lots of nice wraps or little jackets/light sweaters you could wear over them. The dress doesn't have to be fancy, buy one that you would wear again if you were going out to dinner. I think anything goes nowadays when attending a wedding.

A maxi dress with a sheer jacket. I'd look at Chico's.

I'm in the shopping-for-a-wedding-dress mode, too. My criteria is different than yours....dressy, fancy reception.

Good luck with your shopping! Where do you usually shop?

You can dress up a simple, even humble outfit with the right accessories. And I agree that you ought to look at a skirt and top seperates.

I don't own any dresses. The last dress I bought for myself was about 4 years ago, Lauren borrowed it and I found it crammed into her dresser not too long ago. It doesn't fit me now anyway. I bought it to wear to a ballet. I buy 70% of my clothes at Wal-Mart.

Why not just wear dress slacks and a cute summer top. Even Walmart has stuff that fits that ticket. I absolutely love the slinky knits. I have multiple outfits. It's seriously the most comfortable fabric there is. I have certainly used mine a lot recently for funerals. They have it often on QVC. They have skirts long and short, pants, gauchos, tops, jackets and dusters. I don't own any dresses anymore. Definitely check out the slinky knits. You can Google slinky knits clothing.

This type of slinky jacket will go with dress or pants whatever. And it's a great cover up for the arms. I have several like this in various lengths.

www.hsn.com/products/slinky-brand-34-sleeve-jacquard-knit-jacket/7982669

HSN has a lot of it.

I also have the waterfall jackets.

www.hsn.com/products/original-slinky-brand-waterfall-jacket/7844625

There are so many lovely floral print dresses out there now and I think they are so cheerful, esp for a less formal wedding like a church basement.

I don't know if you have been to this website but I find so many things I like in the catalog. Serengeti

https://www.serengeticatalog.com/?mobile=no

I use any excuse to buy a dress! My everyday life. work and social is very casual, so I find wearing a dress special.

I would do a simple knee length dress.

I would go shopping at the stores before doing online shopping. Sizing nowadays is so difficult, you don't want to waste money sending things back.

I agree about dress slacks and a nice top. A pretty sweater set with 3/4 sleeves might be nice too.

Are you okay with going out of the comfort zone of Wal-Mart? My favorite store is Loft, but for dressier than the sister store Anne Taylor. I never ever pay full price for anything. Things are alway going on sale, you just have to be diligent. I would check out Chico's, and then make the rounds of the department stores. Macy's, Lord and Taylor, lots of coupons for Mother's Day and there will be for Memorial Day.

Try TJ Maxx and/or Marshall's. I don't wear dresses very often but needed one recently. After trying every department store with no luck, I scored a great Ralph Lauren dress from TJ Maxx for a steal. And it fit perfectly! It's hit-or-miss, but if you have time start looking now.

I would say a nice skirt and blouse with a light jacket or wrap or a pair of nice dress pants with a blouse would be good. I like skirts over dresses because I have the option to change up the look by switching the blouse and wrap or jacket I use.

Kohls has some nice things that are reasonably priced especially with the discounts they offer. If you check the clearance section you can get a very nice skirt and blouse or a dress for a very good price.

TJ Maxx, Ross or Marshalls is a good place to look for clothes that are priced well. They are a step up from Walmart clothes but like at Kohls if you shop the sales they wont break the bank.

I used to love Fashion Bug but they are no longer in business and I miss their deals.

I second TJ Maxx and Marshall's. Also, do you have a Boscov's? They have a great dress buyer, and equally great sale racks.

I buy 70% (or more) of my clothes at thrift shops. Some have a better dress selection than others. Try it--you might find something perfect (for very little money)!

No Boscov's, Alisande. I found something at Penney's that Lauren approved of ( : They have it at the local store near me so I may go check it out tomorrow. Otherwise I will wait and go to some of the stores mentioned above with Lauren. She will need a dress too. I just hate trying on clothes.

Yes to a dress. Skirt or pants and a top may 'cut you in half'. Clingy fabrics show all the bulges. A large overall print hides bulges better than a solid fabric. Cap sleeves? Longer? Is the church air conditioned? Are you shopping in the Petites section? How about a little 'something' in your hair to draw attention up to your face? Remember to look at yourself in the three-way mirror.

So tru Chisue. My DH and and I have a private joke about not checking yourself from the back! Often times people look at them selves just straight ahead, and things might look like they work, but when you turn sideways or look at your back............