Tell us more about the wedding, so we have context?

For reference: It’s too somber (for me).

Church wedding 4pm in DC followed by 5pm reception at the Sequoia in DC. Thirty something couple. The groom’s guests consists of doctors, lawyers, judges, politicians and one well known Us special prosecuting attorney. I know most of the groom’s guests but do not know the bride as well. Guests are staying at the Watergate hotel.

Oh it is on the 22nd of this month.

I am not wearing a hat and mine is a . above my knees cocktail length dress I purchased it before the Queen died. I also have it in red but like the black better on me.

"The little black dress" is a standard evening wear. There will be a lot of dark suits from the description above. You'll blend right in.

Ok starting a new search today for a dress. My legs are my best feature and full sleeveless is not a great option due to weekly blood tests and infusions having left bruise tracks on both my arms. I have a navy dress that fits these requirements but a bit plain and bow does not always work well with my hair style. On the plus side it has pockets;)

Sorry, but I think it's very somber. Also, do you plan on dancing at all? I think the cape would make that difficult. Plus it doesn't match your personality which far more vibrant than that.

Love the navy dress!

I agree that you can do better. I’m not a fan of the second dress either.

Roarah, you are much younger most of us here and I think we need to keep that in perspective.

I think we can find something more fun.

Short length to highlight your legs.

Sleeves: What length do you prefer? 3/4 or long?

From your two above choices probably no embellishments.

What style are you drawn to? Fit and flair, shift, etc.

Neckline: personally I wouldn't want to go through an evening with a high neckline, but maybe you won't mind.

I tried this dress on when I bought the cape dresses but it seemed too vibrant, young and springtime. It did not fall as short on me. Looks like it is still available in my size.

I like shift style dresses dresses. 3/4 length sleeves are ok. I also love dressy pant suits with flair legs so am considering some dress alternatives. I am not younger I am of standard colonscopy age, lol.

The floral cape is not my style...but...if you've got "legs" then please show off a bit....do this one.

How about a simple sheath with embellishment...I love the color of this one...

I like this one too with the illusion neckline

If you really want the cape look, something like this with a sheer cape looks more cocktail than funeral...Macy's has a similar one not in velvet.

I love the sheath dress just need arm coverage. From my elbow down on both arms look like this. Since i had covid in august my INR has been very high so my arms are a mess from treatments and draws.

Oh my! Long sleeves it is then!

I love the black cape dress you bought. It is very elegant. I am sorry to hear about your high INR. Hope your numbers are getting lower.

Not sold on a cape just hard to find any options that help hide my hematoma filled arms yet still dressy enough for an evening wedding. Batwings might be a option too.

I agree the cape dress seems too somber. Maybe something like this, which is still black but has some sparkle?

I actually own that tuxedo dress! I wore it to the groom’s sister’s wedding last november, lol!

Love this one esp the back...if the lace isn't itchy that is...

https://www.dillards.com/p/eliza-j-stretch-illusion-lace-yoke-stretch-crepe-boat-neck-long-sleeve-sheath-dress/514961306

I love that lace dress Annie it actually resembles the back of my wedding dress. i just ordered two to try for size. There were a few Mac duggal lace/ embellished options I liked but the cut fell too low on my calves and ended up looking frumpy on me. This cut is more inline with my figure. Your link was wrong so i did a reverse image search.

Yes to the lace.

Adore that lace dress and have a black one almost exactly like it. I ❤️ lace. The one AnnieD posted is festive and elegant and fits the sleeve brief. Hope it fits!

Good luck Roarah! I hope your INR comes down. Please update us with what you find.

So sorry about the wrong link. Glad you did a work around.

Here is the correct link: https://www.dillards.com/p/eliza-j-stretch-illusion-lace-yoke-stretch-crepe-boat-neck-long-sleeve-sheath-dress/514961306

A few options I am going to try on locally today

The next two I tried on during the summer and the lenth was off I thought but might try again now.

I own these two from anthropologie the velvet was for a holiday company party and might be too warm for october.

I usually dont go for patterns but i really like the floral cape. its different

The macduggal is available in a solid fushia too.

The long velvet is gorgeous, but I think a bit too formal for a 4:00 pm wedding. You are right also in that it might be too warm. I think of velvet more for winter.

I like the burgandy anthro dress!

Had a busy weekend and it looks like i missed a bunch of my favorite posts - fashion! I love the floral velvet and Annie's lace number! You're going in the right direction.

Temperatures will be in the low 60s Oct.22, so bear that in mind when you pick the fabric.

No velvet then!

I like the elegance of the black cape dress and I personally love wearing black, including to weddings. So I think you can do it if you like it. It does read a little somber to me, but that could be a biased feeling based on seeing Meghan in a similar dress at the Queen's funeral. Does it feel somber when you put it on? It might also feel modern / edgy which could be fun based on what the photos of the restaurant look like online.

"I am of standard colonscopy age"

I am dying laughing. I love this way of describing age range.

I also really like the black lace dress that @Annie Deighnaugh posted. And I like the Mac Duggal with fringe dress that you posted as well. I think if you feel best in a short dress that shows off your legs, you should definitely honor that. I also think the look of an above the knee dress with long sleeves can be so stylish.

Here's another cape dress that's a little more cheerful in fuschia if you really like the cape dress look.

https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/mac-duggal-ruffle-trim-dress?ID=4420642

Also because I love the look of a black lace accent dress like Annie posted, here's another.

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/shani-crepe-lace-sheath-dress/3869808

I find this color so lucious that I thought it might be a fun option. https://www.nordstrom.com/s/daria-long-sleeve-wrap-dress/7090716

I did order the floral and fusia dresses they should be here by the 18th. The fushia was not available in the size I tried on but the dress ran big on me so one size down might be ok.

I do really like the black cape dress and liked it even more before Megan ruined it for me ;) Blending in elegantly is not a bad thing lately. I can wear turquoise bangle bracelets and earings to brighten it up or this antique opal bracelet( my grandmother’s) with pearls.

I originally did not buy the mac duggall cape dresses ( fushia and floral) because I was afraid they were too playful and young for me.

See how they make you *feel*. You'll know! I didn't see anything I thought was a "no"!

One thing to consider: would a seated dinner be a little more complicated in a cape dress? Since you already own a couple of them you’ve probably been out to dinner and know if the cape restricts your arms ar all while seated close to others. I’ve never worn one so I have no idea. The boa-trimmed cape dress certainly looks like it would be problematic at the table.

The ralph lauren cape dress is really just a sleeveless sheath with a cape sown onto the back shoulders so arms move very freely. Easy to eat and dance in. I wore the red on a date night with hubby. The Mac Duggal capes are more of a poncho dress no arm show when hanging down at all so good for hidding my medical issues but less conducive to dinner. The blue high neck sheath with back bow is very comfy.

I love the black cape dress, it's different and very elegant - I think it would be perfectly suitable for a DC wedding. Reception at the Sequoia sounds like fun, such a lovely setting!

Good those RL dresses are both beautiful and easy to wear. That’s not a given in womenswear!

I love the RL cape dress in black -- and while a similar dress looks somber on MM, I think it is her expression that makes it so somber. I very much see that dress on the DC social scene which I remember to be tailored but edgy (granted my experience is very dated). Switch out the jewelry and walk with confidence and it will be stunning. PS. I love your grandmother's opal bracelet-- it is beautiful!

I am not a fan of the MD cape dresses but I absolutely love this one-- I know it isn't for everyone (I couldn't wear it) but it stood out to me in a sea of dresses. it is jersey so perfect for a cool DC evening and so easy to wear. It would also look stunning with your grandmother's bracelet.

yes, that bracelet is soooo pretty Roarah

Fabulous bracelet!

Roarah, that bracelet is amazing. Can‘t wait to see which dress you choose.