J. McLaughlin has pretty dresses, including some wrap dresses that may work better than Talbot’s. I see several that might be what your looking for. I think their clothes run a bit small so you may want to order up a size of you are between sizes or the dress is close fitting.J. McLaughlin

I love that navy one I think that’s so elegant

I love the dress you chose-- it is elegant and fun. Not often you can get both in one dress.

Depending on your coloring, I also like this color for a morning wedding-- but it is less dressy in this color (Hot Pink Pomander).

The navy is so pretty and elegant. Seems ideal for the event.

I really like the dress. Do you like it? While I love it, it would not look good on pale me. It just looks like such a fun style though. So classy and retro!

You might look for a shift or a sheath style, or even as some have said, a faux wrap style. I really like that style. Real wraps always seem to be problematic for me . . .

Here's a style I got for a wedding, it's a shift with a shrug . . . (Photo of me being silly showing off my engagement ring). I wore the heck out of that dress. Of course it is just cheap polyester and not fitted, but you could find a more fitted version with classier material. Photo just for style reference.

I'd wear the solid in a heartbeat if I could get away with showing that much skin and not looking like a vampire. You can see my pale legs peeking through as it is . . . even though they are nice, they show off better in nylons . . .

That big bow at the back of the neck would be too much for me.

It's very Audrey Hepburn. You need white gloves and a cigarette holder.

That dress is very stylish. When is this? What will the temp be? Will you need a jacket?

I have no problem with a wedding guest wearing a print at a morning wedding which I feel is less formal than a night wedding....depending on the print of course.

(I personally could not wear that dress as, ever since the change, I can't stand to have things around my neck that I can't remove when I have a hot flash.)

Even if you have a "bubble" shape, a dress that has some above-the-waist or empire definition can be flattering.

https://theconceptwardrobe.com/build-a-wardrobe/apple-body-shape

@Sueb20, I’m a sucker for a bow!

@l pinkmountain, I’ll probably get spray tanned. I’m fair, but not as fair as you. A member of the groom’s family is a noted (for our state) make-up artist. I’m hoping she’ll have time to do my make-up.

@Funkyart, I love a good hot pink. Depending on the return policy, I may buy both and keep the one that looks best. I wore a raspberry silk suit to DD’s wedding. She wore shoes that matched my suit. 💗 Neverthless, as others mentioned the navy is elegant and I’ll get more wear out of it.

SHOES…what shoes would you wear with it? Kitten heel is as high as I can go. I think it needs a little heel rather than a flat. I have some strappy gold sandals with a kitten heel that are very comfortable. But, I also like a nice sling back pump.

@dedtired, you must have seen that horrid print sack from Talbots that I posted initially. I deleted it because the more I looked at it, the more it looked like something Ma Kettle would wear if she were alive today. I’ll look at J. McLaughlin. DD’s MIL buys from there frequently. I like what she wears, usually.

I looked at NM and Nordstrom this afternoon. The only thing I liked was a $6k gown from Carolina Herrara that would have been inappropriate. And, I’d prefer to stay under $500.

I have another wedding I’ve been invited to 2 weeks before this one, ”black tie preferred.” I’ve looked at Rent the Runway but I have no idea how you get a dress that fits right. I have no formal attire in my closet. DH and I used to live in a town that ”celebrated all the dread diseases” as someone once put it. I had formal wear then, but I no longer need it. I’ll probably decline and send a nicer gift.

I love it, too! I also like the print version. I think either would be wonderful-I am, however, partial to navy!

It's a cute dress but it's not reading "summery" to me. I have never been to a morning wedding! That sounds intriguing. Since an evening wedding would be most formal, I would imagine a morning wedding would be less so. The navy color is more formal to me. Perhaps with some statement earrings and fab shoes. That dress does come in floral though. I like the dress Funky shared. I'm thinking you have dark hair? If so, I would think red would look good on you.

Here's another trapeze shape with short sleeves. Pretty shade of blue:

https://www.dillards.com/p/dkny-chiffon-short-layered-sleeve-round-neck-trapeze-dress/514195237

Have you tried a wrap or false wrap dress? I know they look good on many shapes.

I wore a raspberry silk suit to DD’s wedding.

That is my idea of elegance! I'd love to see a pic. I am sooo tired of the stretchy polyester junk that is so ubiquitous today!

Rent the Runway sends you two sizes, that is the standard policy. Have had good experience with them.

J. McLaughlin.

Second this, but I think there stuff is mostly casual.

I have this dress in light blue…it is the most comfortable dressy dress that I own. It is this very soft knit, but it’s tailored like a woven fabric. It’s lined so plenty of structure….it doesn’t cling but definitely shows your figure. Super flattering. Mine is light blue, but I got it last year…i only see the navy this year. It looks amazing with gold, high-heeled sandals and gold bangles.

Just for the record, I love the navy-- it is most elegant and yes, you will surely get more wear from it. Still, the pink is fun-- but more for a garden wedding, maybe?

I think it's awesome that you can rock the style! Such a fresh look-- and not like the million other dresses out there.

I too think the navy dress is elegant. The neckline would feel claustrophobic to me, but I'm weird about things fitting close to my neck and face. That dress is stunning in the hot pink!

For some reason this didnt post in my first post…this is very pretty & dressy for a wedding. i have a very similar one and love it. It’s not knit like the one i posted above.

I love navy but it wouldn’t be my first choice for a morning, warm weather wedding - assuming warmer weather with sleeveless. I also don’t care for the turtleneck look. I’d go for something in a litttle lighter color - maybe a print.

I like the navy dress but not necessarily for a morning church wedding. I would probsbly also wear a silk suit—-if I could fit into the couple i still have!

These are pretty and a variety of price points, the white patterned Oscar de la Renta the most expensive:

Rats! I wrote a long post, navigated away from the page, and lost it.

I like Lilly, but I have issues with their sizing in dresses. DD had a dress just like the light blue one nini posted. At the time she was wearing an 8 or a 10 in most brands. She had to get a 12 or 14 in Lilly.

Looked at J. McLaughlin. I liked a lot of things, but didn’t see anything that I wanted to wear to a wedding.

I think of navy as black’s little brother/sister. It is just a tad less formal to me. I often wear navy in the summer.

This will be a June wedding. Where we are, it will be quite warm. But not as warm as the September wedding I went to in Dallas once. Late September, late afternoon outdoor wedding and the temp was 121 - no joke!! I thought I was going to have a heat stroke.

Kswl, of course, I like the priciest one best!

To me,navy is summery!

The Lily dresses look too casual for church, but ours (Episcopal) is pretty conservative—at least sartorially. And i cant see the fabric, of course.

BBStx the de la Renta is $3600+, way beyond what i would spend on a dress unless I was the one getting married. Apropos of that, wouldn’t it be too darling as a wedding dress for a garden ceremony and reception?

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/sam-edelman-tiered-shift-dress/5875944

Comes in a blush pink or this bright pink. The flowy tiers seem fun for a morning or daytime summer wedding.

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/adrianna-papell-embroidered-cocktail-dress/5895271

Not sure if this is too sparkly for a morning wedding, but it seems very pretty and flattering.

Ths one is so pretty and elegant.

https://www.adriannapapell.com/products/pearl-trim-floral-jacquard-fit-and-flare-dress-in-elegant-sky-multi-ap1d104641

Now I'm just swooning over all of the pretty Adrianna Papell dresses. This one seems great for your shape.

https://www.adriannapapell.com/products/short-sleeveless-hand-beaded-trapeze-dress-in-candied-ginger-ap1e209390

Trina Turk shift dress. Trina Turk seems to have a lot of this silhouette.

https://www.dillards.com/p/trina-turk-haipo-v-neck-short-split-sleeve-cascade-side-seam-flounce-detail-shift-dress/514288947

Floral should be fine for a morning or daytime wedding. Again I think this shape would be great and the price is pretty great too.

https://www.dillards.com/p/calvin-klein-floral-crinkle-chiffon-sleeveless-crew-neck-a-line-swing-dress/514415217

Another floral Calvin Klein.

https://www.dillards.com/p/calvin-klein-floral-print-crinkle-chiffon-sleeveless-crew-neck-swing-dress/514406837

Thanks, Cactus. Those are some cute dresses. Unfortunately, the one I really like, the Sam Edelman, is sold out in the hot pink.

Loved the 3* review of the Trina Turk ”I returned the dress, too small and short also over priced.” She didn’t know the price when she ordered it??

I like the Navy dress, less is more in my book! The pink one is great too., i think your idea of ordering both colors to try is a good plan

They call this MOB dress, but I just think it's pretty. It's relaxed through the waist, has shoulder emphasis to balance the body and bring attention up to your face, and is short enough to show off good legs. And at jjs house you can get it in over 50 colors.

https://www.jjshouse.com/Empire-Scoop-Neck-Knee-Length-Chiffon-Mother-Of-The-Bride-Dress-With-Beading-Sequins-008057066-g57066?ucid=3859

@Kswl ….actually, for a morning wedding for a guest I was actually thinking that second Lilly dress might be TOO dressy! 😂 It is made of thick pique, which isn’t dressy in and of itself, but the trim is gold brocade. I would feel totally appropriate wearing the navy Lilly to a morning summer wedding with the right gorgeous heels & a chunky gold bracelet. And 🙋‍♀️ to a fellow Episcopalian! 😊

I think either the hot pink or the navy high necked shifts would be just perfect with amazing heels! I look better with more fitted styles…but really love that look on the right figure.

@bbstx wow that Sam Edelman must have sold out overnight. Yesterday there were hot pink and pale pink in a variety of sizes. Now I'm only seeing orange and black.

Oh wait!! Looks like Sam Edelman's site has some in stock in a few sizes in pink. It's a final sale, but it's 50% off.

https://www.samedelman.com/product/womens-tiered-mini-dress-3022090/pink-ec0234924

My favorite of all these is the border print, but it isn't perfect -- the dark center blob flower bothers me. Looks more like a stain than a flower. It is a classic style -- would you consider finding a seamstress to make one for you in a border print of your choice? Finding a border print can sometimes be tricky, but I just looked at Spoonflower and they have 25 pages of listings and I understand there are other print on demand companies you can work with. You can even find a designer to create a border print for you -- with Spoonflower or another print on demand company.

Not your style but I love Boden and this is a favorite at the moment.

I love these chiffon SL Fashions dresses for you as well. The chiffon makes them so summery and pretty. And they're under $100.

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/sl-fashions-tiered-chiffon-dress?ID=12969371

https://www.nordstromrack.com/s/sl-fashions-rhinestone-embellished-ruffled-a-line-dress/6795255

This print is only a few sizes unfortunately.

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/sl-fashions-tiered-floral-print-sheath-dress?ID=10374871

Similarly this is only a few sizes.

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/sl-fashions-embellished-cutout-neck-dress?ID=10975984

https://www.amazon.com/S-L-Fashions-Womens-Regular-Cashmere/dp/B09L38M441

This one is a different brand, but I think the overlay would be pretty.

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/connected-split-overlay-sheath-dress?ID=13924156

This Ralph Lauren has really pretty tiers, kind of like the Sam Edelman.

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-ralph-lauren-georgette-shift-dress?ID=13718471

Also comes in orange if you prefer.

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-ralph-lauren-georgette-shift-dress?ID=13733403

Boo Hoo Hoo Hoo 😢 Went to order the navy Tuckernuck dress and it is sold out in all sizes but XS and S. Customer Service says they will restock in early May. I’ve signed up for notifications.

Boo! I liked the navy Tuckernuck dress. A lot. The neckline would not bother me at all. It’s a nice detail imo. I’ve never ordered from that company so hope it will work out.

What about the red or the print Tuckernuck dress? I think you may have a problem with shoes since you said you could not do heels. I think an above knee dress (unless casual) calls for a heel.

Have you considered Rent the Runway? A friend has been using them, and she has worn some amazing dresses to events recently.

Checked my phone and the navy Tuckernuck dress was available, albeit in a size smaller than I usually wear. I bought it! I can and will wear a kitten heel with the dress.

TJ, I’ve looked at Rent the Runway a lot! I worry that I’ll get a dress 2 days before the event only to discover that it looks like …how was it that someone described a dress…like a potato sack tied with a lamp cord. Then what do I do? I am all over the map in sizes. Depends on the cut and the brand.

It is just like shoes. I currently have 9 pair of shoes in my car to take to UPS tomorrow. One pair fit but hurt the ball of my foot; one pair looked like I was wearing the box; another pair hurt my little toe; the rest just didn’t fit at all. Out of the 10 pair I ordered, 1 worked and I’m keeping them.

Bumble, I love that dress. On me, I'd probably look like a Branch Davidian. But I love that shade of blue with the stark white. PS Just bought a Boden dress.

Ruby, that dress is terrific! Did the other 5 who gave it a like swarm in? Only XS left. : (

@mtnrdredux_gw Shoot - it went on sale so it sold fast apparently. Try here if you are interested:

https://evereve.com/gabriella-dress-49375-c

It really is lovely in person - looks just like the online photos but better.