I am 5’4” with legs taking up a fair amount of my size. I got into serious yoga and pilates about 20 years ago, so my arms are a good feature. I often wear sleeveless items and have worn strapless formal dresses recently.

Im having a tough time finding something dressy enough for this event, yet made of a fabric that I can tolerate in the Charleston climate.

The ruffle dress is not my style so I can’t give that a thumbs up. I get why the spaghetti straps are out. I like sleeveless or cap sleeves - not the tank top style of #4. I’m 65 and those look better on me.

What fun!

I like something more like this

https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/product/kay-unger-morgana-flared-floral-belted-midi-dress-0400016444978.html?site_refer=CSE_GGLPLA:Womens_Dresses:Kay+Unger&country=US&currency=USD&dwvar_0400016444978_size=2&dwvar_0400016444978_color=CORAL&CSE_CID=G_Saks_PLA_US_Women%27s+Apparel_Dresses:Dresses&gbraid=0AAAAADO6JtSgwdNyzE9K6CIScYm2r09nb&gbraid=0AAAAADO6JtSgwdNyzE9K6CIScYm2r09nb&gclid=CjwKCAjw_YShBhAiEiwAMomsEDMVby948Dikn9GLyNEVKbpPfng3UTndeqwy4pKk01mN7yxF8N_D1hoCx2EQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Or this

https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/product/kay-unger-marie-floral-midi-dress-0400018321763.html?site_refer=CSE_GGLPLA:Womens_Dresses:Kay+Unger&country=US&currency=USD&dwvar_0400018321763_size=14&dwvar_0400018321763_color=AZALEA&CSE_CID=G_Saks_PLA_US_Women%27s+Apparel_Dresses:Dresses&gbraid=0AAAAADO6JtSgwdNyzE9K6CIScYm2r09nb&gbraid=0AAAAADO6JtSgwdNyzE9K6CIScYm2r09nb&gclid=CjwKCAjw_YShBhAiEiwAMomsELltLTGvzWHJXd9o792zH-2QSXYB3lsTEGS6zJbP57Mk4bnEKzDShxoCZfUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I like the Sundance dress, but I, of course, do not know what you look like. There are some young, fit looking 71 year old ladies out there! Definitely sandals. Charleston will be warm. I would not go with one of the darker dresses shown below, just my 2 cents worth. Doesn't read spring garden party to me. What fun!

My go to store is Talbot’s. Here are a few you might consider.

I like the first dress you posted, rhizo. Funny, I was just browsing thru some of the Reformation dresses and others on the Anthropologie site. We have a store near us so you could go check there and try on a few if you’d like to see how they look.

One criteria that I have to consider is the fabric. That’s another reason I’ve taken another look at the first dress. Has anyone heard of or worn cupro?? It sounds like a perfect summer fabric, doesn’t it? So, no poly, knit, satin, or similar.

I like that it is flowy and not fitted to the body, too. I lived in that area for close to 30 years and know what it can be like. I have looked into some resort wear sites, but can’t find anything that isn’t too casual or beachy. Love the colors, though.

The first dress is perfect! I love all of it and especially that it's not sleeveless, yet kind of sleeveless. :) The delicate little ruffle at the shoulder is slimming.

Does anyone remember this dress? I purchased it and posted it over five years ago, I think. It is THE most frequently worn dress in my closet and I would wear it again in a heartbeat…..but I’ve already worn it to two different events in Charleston, and a bunch of the same people will be there, lol.

My favorite dress from Novica

It’s been to weddings, dinner dances, an engagement party, and has been borrowed by friends. Talk about a great little dress.

I love the one you posted, but it's something I would wear so that's probably why I like it!

I like this dress from Tuckernuck, but theoretically, as I would never wear something with that low of a neckline. The style looks great on some people and would be cool and comfortable. And it would look MUCH better IMO accessorized with a pretty gold locket on a chain rather than the shell choker.

While the Novica dress is very nice, to me it's more of a cocktail party/evening affair kind of dress. I think the Sundance dress is perfect for a garden party.

Looking it up on the interwebs, it is suggested that cupro isn't a very breathable fabric, though it does have moderate moisture wicking properties.

Keep looking and you really need to go and try them on. You want people to come and say Gosh you look good, not OH what a pretty DRESS!! "Granny dress" is in the eye of the beholder and I get not wanting that--but still wearing a dress designed for a 100lb 20 something won't do you any favors.

I really like the dress...but...it has an elastic waist. I find those to move the dress around. I'd be constantly pulling it down. ?

For me...My skin has the crepe paper look, at some angles. I try to cover my neck and chest...and a more elegant twist, not flouncy usually wins out....for me.

Kswl, funny you should mention a locket. I have been loving lockets lately and also like the look of wearing a couple of them on a simple chain.

I think I’ve decided to purchase the dress and see how I feel in it. The more I look at it, the better I like it. I’m still looking, though, just because it’s fun. You all have been wonderful to take the time to help.

It’s a pretty dress. I bet you’ll like it.

I like the Sundance dress. I have the first Kay Unger mentioned above (for a NY wedding in June). The fabric is very heavy though, and you might melt in Charleston.

I think it looks like the perfect Garden Party dress! Agreeing with others about sandals instead of boots. Have a wonderful time!

But with shoes….

Adrianna Papell has a lot of floral chiffon dresses right now that seems like they would be great for a garden party and light weight too.

https://www.adriannapapell.com/search?q=floral+chiffon+dress&type=product&options%5Bprefix%5D=last

BBstx, that hot pink Daphne dress fabric is HOT and way too heavy for anything but a snowstorm. I ordered it in red for Christmas and sent it back immediately after trying it on. Love the style though though.

I have not heard of Cupro fabric, but it sounds like a special kind of Rayon, which I find very comfortable in the heat when it's woven as sheerly as that appears to be. It's very pretty.

When I was a child, I had some dresses of my great aunt's, who was a flapper and very short. I played dress up with these gorgeous silk dresses of hers; yours reminded me of those, in a very good way!

Just to put everyone’s mind at rest, I have NEVER owned a pair of cowboy boots and am not going to start now, lol. Because of the nature of the garden area of this home, I will wear a pair of pretty wedge sandals in either bone, mauve, or tan.

The event will be at one of the old historical homes where the outdoor flooring is the traditional handmade bricks and packed sand. Not something that I can walk around on in heels.

I have some delicate amethyst dangly earrings that will be perfect with this dress, I think.

Uh oh. I shouldn’t have kept browsing. This is kind of adorable.

Brooks Brothers dress

I, personally, don't care for the Sundance dress and actually don't think it even looks good on the model. I DO love the Macy's dresses posted, however. As others have said, not knowing your body style makes it hard to know what would look best on you, but you've got lots of options now! Please post your final choice!

Nordstrom Rack has a lot of choices in chiffon at a good price. Here's one with a dressier silhouette that gives you a little bit of frill and a nice neckline.

https://www.nordstromrack.com/s/calvin-klein-floral-halter-neck-chiffon-maxi-dress/7329360?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses&color=763

I don’t know what you wanted to spend, but Saks Off 5th has this lovely dress on sale for $300, (marked down from $990)

https://www.saksoff5th.com/product/mikael-aghal-floral-maxi-tiered-dress-0400018778898.html?dwvar_0400018778898_color=PINK

If your coloring goes with this it would be a perfect dress:

Polyester chiffon is a nightmare in hot, humid conditions. I can just feel the sweat collecting and dripping under those pretty dresses. Though the luncheon and speeches parts of this special event will be held in an air conditioned ballroom type of room, we will be enjoying the court yard and gardens, as well.

I don’t want anyone who comes in for a quick hug to have to wipe their hands! 🥵 Thanks, though.

I like a lot of the dresses on the Nordstrom rack Eileen posted and the prices are fantastic!

I've never worn chiffon but I picked ones that were sleeveless since you have nice arms. What fabric do you like?

The yellow dress is pretty, but still polyester. Silk or cotton chiffon can be lovely and very hot weather friendly, even cool on the skin. I like bamboo, cotton, rayon, linen, and silk for summer wear. A combination of these fabrics can be wonderful.

Most are polyester! To get away from poly, most are too casual. But could you wear a knee-length polyester?

This is a pretty floral with an open neck that could be comfortable. Sleeves are longer but loose. I think it's dressy and age-appropriate.

https://www.nordstromrack.com/s/connected-apparel-floral-print-tie-waist-chiffon-dress/7230861?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FFloral&color=001

Please know that I am not looking for chiffon, not at all. I’m not sure how that got started, lol. But non poly chiffons are easily found with the right search words. A knee length dress will not solve the back and chest sweat issue that will result from wearing a garment made of polyester in a hot, swampy climate. I speak from experience.

I’m looking forword to trying the first dress that I shared, as well as the one from Brooks Brothers, which is an entirely different look. The latter is probably more in keeping with what I usually wear but I’ve been known to surprise myself. I’m not overly concerned with being age appropriate, whatever that means, but have always avoided clothes that are cut ”down to my navel” or ”up to the hoo ha”.

I so agree about poly clothes. Even in our fairly temperate climate (when it's hot here, it's not humid), I hate the way poly feels on a hot day. I do love the lightness of chiffon made from other materials, though. There is something cooling just in the ethereal flow they have.

I saw cute dresses in other fabrics but I don't think you'd wear one with cut-outs at the midriff or full back exposure. That's what I would find not age-appropriate. I wasn't trying to insinuate anything about your age. I'm 68 myself.

I really like the Brooks Brothers dress. Side note, I worked there in the 80’s!

I live right in downtown Charleston SC and have for 13 years. I recommend something floral, very feminine, with cap sleeves. You might consider a hat, which are very popular in this climate. Please no boots! Also, be careful not to wear very high heels. If you remember, this old city has very uneven sidewalks. People are tripping and falling every day here. Even private homes have uneven walkways. I have not worn anything but flats for years! Do let us know what you choose to wear and how it goes.

Well glad I came back to browse. Such pretty dresses all of them. I really like the first one nhbaskets posted ( the green print). I think that's lovely and could be worn for many occasions ( and it looks comfy!)

Oooohh - that Brooks Brothers dress is lovely. Too bad I don’t need a dress for anything.

Look up Duffield Lane online. I bought a dress from them for a wedding last year and loved it!

The Brooks Brothers dress looks less “daytime garden party“ and more ”dinner and dancing“ to me. It’s very pretty though.

I’m very happy the original dress worked out for you! I actually did a few searches for you, and dang if it isnt hard to find anything pretty and suitable that is made of anything but polyester.

Oh, i did find a few really nice, cute dresses (imo anyway) but every single one was either cotton and too casual or poly. Oh well, I’m quite sure the sprites will be lovely too (teens already!?) and you all will have a wonderful time.

Have a wonderful event and visit!

Outside, that’s the truth about fabrics! It can be challenging when shopping for something suitable for hot and humid temperatures.

Didn’t mean to imply that the girls will be traveling with me….this is a trip strictly for me! My husband begged off as he is deep into a backyard project that he does not want to tear himself away from and I didn’t push it. I will have a blast with my old friends and cohorts, none of whom he really knows.

Rhizo, you have amazing taste and I would love to be able to pull off that gorgeous dress you posted and are going to wear.

Have a great time and know that you are going to look stunning!!

Amy

Have a wonderful time!