My son is getting married and I need help finding a dress (Updated: have a tentative winner)

[cjzimmer1]

I've seen other threads here where the Hive does an amazing job finding clothes for the occasion.  I have zero interest in fashion but in an attempt to not completely embarrass my family by wearing a denim skirt and tshirt to the wedding, I'm hoping someone can help me find an appropriate dress and footwear.

Here's the requirements.

I have poor circulation and I'm always freezing.  I wear socks year round, it's NEVER too hot for socks.  Bare feet get ice cold and mere minutes.  I MUST have footwear that I can wear thick cotton socks with. Also no heels and ideally no wedges.  I'm guessing some kind of boot but I've never purchase/worn dress boots so no idea what might look good with a dress. But I'm open to other options as long as they work with socks.

So keeping in mind the kind of footwear that needs to be worn, for the dress:  I dress very conservatively (plus I get cold easily, more material is better and warmer), I don't want cutouts, open back, low neck etc.  My ideal neckline is a nice round collar (but not a high/choker collar).  I'd like sleeves at least midway to the elbow but would be perfectly happy with elbow or 3/4 sleeves too.  Skirt length mid calf to floor length.  This is just a small wedding, nothing fancy, a dress that could be worn to church is perfectly fine.  I'm thinking a cotton or cotton/blend verses anything sparkly.

So does anyone have suggestions of dress or footwear or even places to look.  I hate clothes shopping so this has been a daunting project for me but I really need to start working on getting this figured out. And of course bonus points if this can be done economically.

ETA I answered a few questions below but I'm moving the information up here to make it easier for anyone who is willing to make suggestions.

I only wear skirts and dresses so while pant suits are lovely, they are not for me.

 The wedding is not super formal  (and very small - less than 40 people total).  There is no drinking/dancing afterwards, just the ceremony (4 PM), and buffet meal and we are done.  I was told to dress in "Sunday Best" attire. So my guess is something along the lines of things you would wear to church for Easter/Christmas.

Wedding is end of Mar and they are looking at "spring colors, possibly baby blue or dusty blue".  DS has a dark blue suit (haven't seen it so I'm not sure if it is navy or some other shade).  No expectation to coordinate with their colors but I asked if navy blue was ok and told it was fine so will probably aim for that color.

 

UPDATE: This is the current choice that I'll be ordering and hope it looks as nice on me as it does on the model

Dresses

 

7) Laney Dress in Green Watercolor – Ivy City Co

 

I'll put a cami under anything with a v neck.

Boots

 

B) LifeStride Payton | Zappos.com

 

A HUGE thank you to all who've weighed in on this and helped me find such great choices.  FDIL really liked this one too so hopefully it will work!

Edited January 6, 2023 by cjzimmer1

[Katy]

What colors do you like? What are the bridal party colors you should avoid? Are you in the South or any church where there are a lot of social expectations regarding red, black, or bright colors? What time of day and time of year is this wedding? How formal is the wedding? 

[catz]

Could you wear cotton or wool tights?  Or does it need to be socks?  I am prone to PF and don't really do heels any more.  Alegria has shoes that could pass as dressier, like mary janes.  I'd probably go ankle/full length so you can wear whatever you want on your legs and as long as your footwear is neutral to your outfit you could get away with quite a bit.  

https://www.alegriashoeshop.com/Alegria-Shoes-Women-Mary-Janes-s/307.htm

Also, does it need to be a dress, I've seen something similar to this in some wedding photos lately (blousy pant suit)

https://www.jjshouse.com/Jumpsuit-Pantsuit-Scoop-Floor-Length-Chiffon-Mother-Of-The-Bride-Dress-008179214-g179214

This is a little plain but with some jewlry, maybe a silk scarf could dress up nicely.  That might be a good site to browse a little, they have a number of options that have good coverage.  

[cjzimmer1]

6 minutes ago, Katy said:

What colors do you like? What are the bridal party colors you should avoid? Are you in the South or any church where there are a lot of social expectations regarding red, black, or bright colors? What time of day and time of year is this wedding? How formal is the wedding? 

My favorite color is black but my son has told all of us we are not allowed to wear black.  So probably something dark, blue, purple, red, green, tones are all fine with me just not a fan of orange, yellow, or brown. I probably lean more to solid than prints but a muted print is probably fine.

I am not in the south and I'm not aware of any social expectations on color (other than son's request that we don't wear black).   Wedding is about 1700 miles away so I don't have any real sense of local culture though. I actually don't know the bridal colors.  Guess I'll have to ask him when he gets home from work. The wedding is at 4 PM the end of March.  It's not super formal  (and very small - less than 40 people total).  There is no drinking/dancing afterwards, just the ceremony, and buffet meal and we are done.  I was told to dress in "Sunday Best" attire.  So my guess is something along the lines of things you would wear to church for Easter/Christmas.

[cjzimmer1]

5 minutes ago, catz said:

Could you wear cotton or wool tights?  Or does it need to be socks?  I am prone to PF and don't really do heels any more.  Alegria has shoes that could pass as dressier, like mary janes.  I'd probably go ankle/full length so you can wear whatever you want on your legs and as long as your footwear is neutral to your outfit you could get away with quite a bit.  

https://www.alegriashoeshop.com/Alegria-Shoes-Women-Mary-Janes-s/307.htm

Also, does it need to be a dress, I've seen something similar to this in some wedding photos lately (blousy pant suit)

https://www.jjshouse.com/Jumpsuit-Pantsuit-Scoop-Floor-Length-Chiffon-Mother-Of-The-Bride-Dress-008179214-g179214

This is a little plain but with some jewlry, maybe a silk scarf could dress up nicely.  That might be a good site to browse a little, they have a number of options that have good coverage.  

I might be able to do cotton tights.  I have a lot of skin sensitivities and wool makes me itch.  I grew up wearing nylons but those caused lots of rashes but if I can find some cotton tights that are thick enough I might be able to get away with them.  It would certainly open up the footwear option a bit more.  I will have to see what I can find.

I only wear skirts or dresses so pants suits won't work but I appreciate the suggestion. 

[PeacefulChaos]

I'm not much help, but I would look at eShakti for something to wear.  I also like the dresses they have at Baltic Born, though I've never gotten one; it's probably the first place I'll look when one of mine gets married lol!

[Faith-manor]

Would something likes this work? It is quite conservative, and should look good with hose and boots. You could have short socks on in the boots and no one would ever know so you would look dressy in hose or tights. It also has pockets which is so handy, and comes in a variety of colors.

https://www.amazon.com/Elegance-Hepburn-Dresses-Pleated-Pockets/dp/B07TN9F758/ref=asc_df_B07TN9F758/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=376707656539&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13850095469507680138&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9017151&hvtargid=pla-800112116390&ref=&adgrpid=72199328090&th=1&psc=1

[cjzimmer1]

8 minutes ago, PeacefulChaos said:

I'm not much help, but I would look at eShakti for something to wear.  I also like the dresses they have at Baltic Born, though I've never gotten one; it's probably the first place I'll look when one of mine gets married lol!

Thank you, I will go check out those two sites and see what I can find!

[cjzimmer1]

5 minutes ago, Faith-manor said:

Would something likes this work? It is quite conservative, and should look good with hose and boots. You could have short socks on in the boots and no one would ever know so you would look dressy in hose or tights. It also has pockets which is so handy, and comes in a variety of colors.

https://www.amazon.com/Elegance-Hepburn-Dresses-Pleated-Pockets/dp/B07TN9F758/ref=asc_df_B07TN9F758/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=376707656539&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13850095469507680138&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9017151&hvtargid=pla-800112116390&ref=&adgrpid=72199328090&th=1&psc=1

That is definitely close to a style I would wear, just needs to be longer.  I will see if I can find it in a longer option.  Thanks!

[BusyMom5]

A nice pant suit would work, too, and cover your legs.  Lots of them have the wide legs made of chiffon and kinda look like a dress.  With dressy boots, I think it would look nice for a wedding.  

https://www.dillards.com/p/le-bos-embroidered-round-neck-34-sleeve-cuff-detail-3-piece-pant-set/515303275

There are also pretty tops and pants separate 

https://www.dillards.com/p/alex-evenings-embroidered-illusion-lace-blouse/505848191

 

 

[rebcoola]

I wear a LulueRoe Deanne dress for semi formal things it's a wrap dress long with sleeve very forgiving and comfortable. I have 2 bought on poshmark.  Than I wear the Vionic Mickie boot.

[cjzimmer1]

18 minutes ago, BusyMom5 said:

A nice pant suit would work, too, and cover your legs.  Lots of them have the wide legs made of chiffon and kinda look like a dress.  With dressy boots, I think it would look nice for a wedding.  

https://www.dillards.com/p/le-bos-embroidered-round-neck-34-sleeve-cuff-detail-3-piece-pant-set/515303275

There are also pretty tops and pants separate 

https://www.dillards.com/p/alex-evenings-embroidered-illusion-lace-blouse/505848191

 

 

That top is very pretty!  I hadn't considered purchasing a separate top and skirt (I don't wear pants) but that could give me some other great options!  Thank you!

[cjzimmer1]

7 minutes ago, rebcoola said:

I wear a LulueRoe Deanne dress for semi formal things it's a wrap dress long with sleeve very forgiving and comfortable. I have 2 bought on poshmark.  Than I wear the Vionic Mickie boot.

I'll have to go look up that style.  My daughter has a few LulueRoe dresses that we found at goodwill that she says are super comfy.  

[Bambam]

I don't have any dress suggestions, but as someone else who is always cold, I find that wearing leggings under my skirt is very helpful in staying warm. I have cotton leggings but the Model (?) material ones (probably considered long underwear, but they are black so who cares!) are also smooth and fairly warm. In the winter, I tend to wear boots (Uggs) with the leggings - and yes, I wear short shoes in the boots as well. If I wear hose or tights, I have a pair of Klogs (brand name) shoes that I can wear the no-show socks (same color as my shoes with that help my feet stay warm. If you have space in the toe of your shoe, you can also put a Hot Hands hand warmer (I like them better than the toe warmers) there.  Try this out first because those things can become very warm, and you want to make sure it won't be uncomfortable. 

[Lawyer&Mom]

https://www.dillards.com/p/le-bos-sequin-embroidered-round-neck-34-sleeve-long-2-piece-jacket-dress/515303276
 

This has some sparkle, but is still understated. It’s a dark navy that might look black. 
 

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/r-m-richards-womens-beaded-dress-flyaway-jacket?ID=11184061&CategoryID=5449&swatchColor=Navy Blue

This is a brighter blue.  The sleeves are more transparent. 

[lmrich]

What time of the year is the  wedding? (fall colors vs. spring colors)

Have you been tested to see if you have  Raynauld's? 

[Sharpie]

Throwing this idea out, in place of socks.  I wore tights that were fleece lined to my mom's funeral.  It was stormy & cold and my legs were warm.  My legs felt hugged because the fleece was so soft.  I tend to be on the hot side so not positive they'd be warm enough but thought I'd toss the idea into the mix.  I got them on Amazon. 

[catz]

5 minutes ago, Sharpie said:

Throwing this idea out, in place of socks.  I wore tights that were fleece lined to my mom's funeral.  It was stormy & cold and my legs were warm.  My legs felt hugged because the fleece was so soft.  I tend to be on the hot side so not positive they'd be warm enough but thought I'd toss the idea into the mix.  I got them on Amazon. 

My daughter LOVES these. They are great and super cozy and look really good too.

[Storygirl]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09QFQ45Z4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1

This long pleated chiffon skirt comes in a lot of colors. I bought one last spring to wear on vacation, and it is so long that it almost touches my shoes. I love it. You could wear tights and boots or Mary Jane style shoes with it. You would need a nice blouse to go with it. I love a lot of these designs.

[Cecropia]

The problem with fleece lined tights is that I've found that they are (always? mostly?) synthetic.  I am also an always-cold person who tries to avoid polyester/acrylic but stubbornly continues to wear skirts and dresses in winter.  When it's a formal occasion, I avoid most dress-tights because they are too uncomfortable in the waist, and leggings with better waistbands are too casual.  I'll go with thigh highs that are thicker in a pretty knit pattern, along with Jobst "It Stays" adhesive to keep them from rolling down.  They look great with flats.  Sock Dreams, for instance, has a lot of options and you can sort by fabric content https://www.sockdreams.com/

[Starr]

If you like black I would wear navy. A long navy skirt and shoes or short boots would photograph well. And then relax and enjoy!

[theelfqueen]

I found the dress I wore for my son's wedding at Nordstrom Rack ... in the week of his wedding  we had his University Graduation and party, his commissioning,  his rehearsal dinner and his wedding. I had to have separate dresses for each of these - one I reused a nice dress I had bought for a cruise. Two i got at Torrid and the last one was the aforementioned Nordstrom Rack with good alterations. 

[prairiewindmomma]

Are there wedding colors you should be considering? Often there is loose coordination of colors so that things look cohesive in photographs.

[theelfqueen]

My advice for Mother of the Bride/Groom attire is think about how you'll be standing in posed photos ( most likely at an angle, not straight on) and what part of you will be in those photos (often not full length) and look for things that will be most flattering for those photos that will be around and maybe on your wall forever lol 

[Toocrazy!!]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0B5H94G4V/ref=sspa_mw_detail_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWwp13NParams&th=1
 

Depending on the weather where the wedding is- Would anything like this work? It could be worn with low boots. 

[Harriet Vane]

1 hour ago, Storygirl said:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09QFQ45Z4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1

This long pleated chiffon skirt comes in a lot of colors. I bought one last spring to wear on vacation, and it is so long that it almost touches my shoes. I love it. You could wear tights and boots or Mary Jane style shoes with it. You would need a nice blouse to go with it. I love a lot of these designs.

This is my favorite option in this thread so far. I could see wearing this with a crisscross-style top in white or any color that coordinates with the skirt. 

[MercyA]

2 hours ago, Storygirl said:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09QFQ45Z4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1

This long pleated chiffon skirt comes in a lot of colors. I bought one last spring to wear on vacation, and it is so long that it almost touches my shoes. I love it. You could wear tights and boots or Mary Jane style shoes with it. You would need a nice blouse to go with it. I love a lot of these designs.

These are very pretty!

5 hours ago, rebcoola said:

I wear a LulueRoe Deanne dress for semi formal things it's a wrap dress long with sleeve very forgiving and comfortable. I have 2 bought on poshmark.  Than I wear the Vionic Mickie boot.

This style looks great and appears to be floor length so you wouldn't even have to worry much about your footwear. Lots of them available on eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=lularoe+deanne&_sacat=0

[prairiewindmomma]

https://www.havenwellwithin.com/organic-cotton-interlock-lounge-dress/P223730125.html?dwvar_P223730125_color=GREY SKY HEATHER&dwvar_P223730125_sizeType=MS&dwvar_P223730125_size=094&cmp=dfc-hww-google-pla|loungewear^all_lounge_other&kpid=go_cmp-13160770247_adg-121220167814_ad-569867375647_pla-373410543294_dev-c_ext-_prd-55547468&k_clickid=_k_Cj0KCQiA5NSdBhDfARIsALzs2EDr7s9Aw2HjKP4K7vSDGjK5q-qQpVoOeL4d7AVMdlRCDasuQpjW7gkaAiqtEALw_wcB_k_&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5NSdBhDfARIsALzs2EDr7s9Aw2HjKP4K7vSDGjK5q-qQpVoOeL4d7AVMdlRCDasuQpjW7gkaAiqtEALw_wcB

This could work with booties.....it's on the casual end of church attire, but it is from organic cotton, and in a fairly classic but modest shape. 

I react to nylon, and I reacted to wool as a child....but this is a wool that I can comfortably tolerate. It is merino wool, and the fiber length and preparation is different than the wool tights and sweaters you and I endured as a child. They have an easy return policy as well. If you are willing to give it a go, this dress is nice: https://wooland.com/products/ellie-midi-wrap-dress-marionberry  I'm not sure how tall you are, but these dresses hit me longer on the body than they do in the pictures online....by a few inches. I'm not particularly short, but I'm not tall either. 

 

[MercyA]

I have this skirt in black and it's very comfortable and versatile. I see it also comes in navy. You definitely could wear boots with it:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09HVF1CCF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1

[MercyA]

This is quite casual, but still might work! I have it in a red print and a black print and I have received compliments on the red one several times. There are 37 patterns / colors available. I personally would not go with any of the larger / louder prints for wedding pictures but it is also available in solids, too. Very comfortable. I'd definitely dress it up with a nice necklace.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0821JYY6M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1

[MercyA]

Also, congrats!!! From one t-shirt and denim skirt wearer to another. 😉 

[cjzimmer1]

3 hours ago, Lawyer&Mom said:

https://www.dillards.com/p/le-bos-sequin-embroidered-round-neck-34-sleeve-long-2-piece-jacket-dress/515303276
 

This has some sparkle, but is still understated. It’s a dark navy that might look black. 
 

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/r-m-richards-womens-beaded-dress-flyaway-jacket?ID=11184061&CategoryID=5449&swatchColor=Navy Blue

This is a brighter blue.  The sleeves are more transparent. 

Those are both very nice.  I think I'd want something a little thicker material on the arms on the second one, but at that price, I could probably afford to purchase and different shrug/shawl.  Thank you!

[cjzimmer1]

3 hours ago, lmrich said:

What time of the year is the  wedding? (fall colors vs. spring colors)

Have you been tested to see if you have  Raynauld's? 

End of March.

I have not been testing for that but I do suffer from chronic anemia (due to another medical condition).  I get iron infusions almost yearly so I bounce between between cold and very cold depending on how recent they pumped up my iron.  

[Toocrazy!!]

I’m going more casual than the ones you seem to like, but this is pretty and would work well with booties https://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/ruffle-neck-jersey-midi-dress-hunter-green-pretty-blossom/sty-d0333-grn?code=USES&tc_ch=ps&tc_ve=goog&tc_so=pmax&tc_me=cr&tc_ca=ss-drop-offer&tc_au=&tc_cr=na&tc_campid=Performance+Max+-+Womens&tc_adgroupid=&tc_kwid=&tc_matchid=&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5NSdBhDfARIsALzs2ECGJ8LT8LYrmSB36rP9c9exa6DLWx3JtGVzqk2BmWAuxeRI5zlk6XQaAvJwEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

[cjzimmer1]

2 hours ago, theelfqueen said:

I found the dress I wore for my son's wedding at Nordstrom Rack ... in the week of his wedding  we had his University Graduation and party, his commissioning,  his rehearsal dinner and his wedding. I had to have separate dresses for each of these - one I reused a nice dress I had bought for a cruise. Two i got at Torrid and the last one was the aforementioned Nordstrom Rack with good alterations. 

We'll be driving most of the week prior to his wedding.  If I have to wait that long to find a dress, I will be in a state of near panic! But glad you were able to pull off all those events in short order. That's a lot of outfits to gather up!

[cjzimmer1]

1 hour ago, prairiewindmomma said:

Are there wedding colors you should be considering? Often there is loose coordination of colors so that things look cohesive in photographs.

I haven't been told I needed to plan that way but at the same time I have no idea what colors they are going with.  But I will be asking!

[Toocrazy!!]

https://www.amazon.com/MISSMAY-Womens-Vintage-Contrast-Sleeve/dp/B078D7KVMH/ref=sxbs_pa_sp_phone_search_thematic_btf_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.8603df3d-2fcf-49d4-aaf9-0a4494d1b143%3Aamzn1.sym.8603df3d-2fcf-49d4-aaf9-0a4494d1b143&cv_ct_cx=Modest%2BMother%2Bof%2BThe%2BBride%2BDresses&keywords=Modest%2BMother%2Bof%2BThe%2BBride%2BDresses&pd_rd_i=B07CLHW7WF&pd_rd_r=f49a6ff9-8264-46db-a331-32695b15aafd&pd_rd_w=IIr2C&pd_rd_wg=2UW4J&pf_rd_p=8603df3d-2fcf-49d4-aaf9-0a4494d1b143&pf_rd_r=KWZBYWHEPJFJECWBEC9M&qid=1672874540&sr=1-61-82a27b5f-8770-49d1-a75b-b020228b6c74-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFTVzZaOENGMUJXTFYmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAzNDEzMzEzRldJRDZaWTJONVdXJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzMTQ3NjNBTzZUVVYwWE9CS1Amd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWNfYnRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1

 

 

[cjzimmer1]

1 hour ago, theelfqueen said:

My advice for Mother of the Bride/Groom attire is think about how you'll be standing in posed photos ( most likely at an angle, not straight on) and what part of you will be in those photos (often not full length) and look for things that will be most flattering for those photos that will be around and maybe on your wall forever lol 

I have ZERO pictures of people on my wall.  My kids are very anti photos.  But still worth keeping in mind. 

[cjzimmer1]

1 hour ago, Toocrazy!! said:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0B5H94G4V/ref=sspa_mw_detail_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWwp13NParams&th=1
 

Depending on the weather where the wedding is- Would anything like this work? It could be worn with low boots. 

I'll show that to one of my girls who is still looking for something.  It looks too fitted for my body shape.

[Harriet Vane]

34 minutes ago, cjzimmer1 said:

End of March.

I have not been testing for that but I do suffer from chronic anemia (due to another medical condition).  I get iron infusions almost yearly so I bounce between between cold and very cold depending on how recent they pumped up my iron.  

Do you supplement in between infusions?

One easy, natural iron boost is 3 tablespoons blackstrap molasses. I usually dilute in half a cup lukewarm water to make it easier to chug down. 

[cjzimmer1]

51 minutes ago, MercyA said:

This is quite casual, but still might work! I have it in a red print and a black print and I have received compliments on the red one several times. There are 37 patterns / colors available. I personally would not go with any of the larger / louder prints for wedding pictures but it is also available in solids, too. Very comfortable. I'd definitely dress it up with a nice necklace.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0821JYY6M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1

I like the dusty rose and the wine/burgandy one.  I'll have to look and see if they have them in regular sizes.  My experience has been things made out of that material tend to run large and the smallest they have available is xl which I think will be too big. Even if this doesn't work for the wedding, this is definitely a style I'd be willing to wear.

[cjzimmer1]

8 minutes ago, Harriet Vane said:

Do you supplement in between infusions?

One easy, natural iron boost is 3 tablespoons blackstrap molasses. I usually dilute in half a cup lukewarm water to make it easier to chug down. 

I do not.  Due to digestive issues, pills give me severe stomach pain.  I've tried various liquids formulations but none of them given me significant boost (at one point I was taking 4x the recommended dose of Floradix and that didn't raise my iron a bit).  I have malabsorption so I have to take massive doses of anything in order for my body to even attempt to absorb a normal amount.  My doctors have all agreed is just easier to let my body yo yo with iron and do infusions when I start dropping too low than try to get enough absorbed especially in light of all the other things I need to actually try to get my body to absorb that aren't as easily remedied with an infusion.  

[Jaybee]

1 hour ago, Toocrazy!! said:

I’m going more casual than the ones you seem to like, but this is pretty and would work well with booties https://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/ruffle-neck-jersey-midi-dress-hunter-green-pretty-blossom/sty-d0333-grn?code=USES&tc_ch=ps&tc_ve=goog&tc_so=pmax&tc_me=cr&tc_ca=ss-drop-offer&tc_au=&tc_cr=na&tc_campid=Performance+Max+-+Womens&tc_adgroupid=&tc_kwid=&tc_matchid=&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5NSdBhDfARIsALzs2ECGJ8LT8LYrmSB36rP9c9exa6DLWx3JtGVzqk2BmWAuxeRI5zlk6XQaAvJwEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Ooo, that's really pretty, and the navy one looks more formal. Could throw some pearls or a fancy scarf or something with it.

[MercyA]

1 hour ago, cjzimmer1 said:

I like the dusty rose and the wine/burgandy one.  I'll have to look and see if they have them in regular sizes.  My experience has been things made out of that material tend to run large and the smallest they have available is xl which I think will be too big. Even if this doesn't work for the wedding, this is definitely a style I'd be willing to wear.

Whoops, sorry, I didn't realize those were plus-size. While I was looking for similar things in regular sizes, I found these. I imagine they would have a similar comfortable fit but the cut is slightly more formal. You could wear a cami under it.

Other dresses similar to the other I linked:

3/4 sleeve

Long-sleeve

Short-sleeve 1

Short-sleeve 2

Short-sleeve 3

Short-sleeve 4

I know the short-sleeve ones have shorter sleeves than you prefer, but you could dress them up with a shrug and some pearls or a pendant.

Edited January 5, 2023 by MercyA

[KungFuPanda]

Given your constraints, I’d go with a monochromatic look from the waist down. (Something like this) Black would be easiest but you can go with grey, blue, anything really.  This way you can wear socks, boots, leggings, and a skirt and be warm and comfortable. Do something fancy, splurgy, pretty on top that you love in a color that’s beautiful on you. 

[Forget-Me-Not]

https://www.sweetsaltclothing.com/tie_neck_tiered_skirt_dress_teal.html
 

(if you don’t like that one check out the rest of the dresses though. I think their dresses are really cute. I’ve ordered some things from them and they’re a nice company to deal with and the things I bought seem to be good quality) 

[cjzimmer1]

3 hours ago, MercyA said:

Whoops, sorry, I didn't realize those were plus-size. While I was looking for similar things in regular sizes, I found these. I imagine they would have a similar comfortable fit but the cut is slightly more formal. You could wear a cami under it.

Other dresses similar to the other I linked:

 

Long-sleeve

 

I know the short-sleeve ones have shorter sleeves than you prefer, but you could dress them up with a shrug and some pearls or a pendant.

Funny thing, I OWN this exact dress in this same color.  I had kind of forgotten about it so hadn't considered it but will keep it in mind if I don't find something better.

[YaelAldrich]

6 hours ago, MercyA said:

Also, congrats!!! From one t-shirt and denim skirt wearer to another. 😉 

Can I join that club? I wear 3/4 sleeve polo shirts and denim skirts just about every day! 

[cjzimmer1]

39 minutes ago, YaelAldrich said:

Can I join that club? I wear 3/4 sleeve polo shirts and denim skirts just about every day! 

Absolutely!  I'm not actually wearing a t-shirt right now.  It's far too cold, my cold weather shirt of preference is waffle knit shirts and I've found fleece lined waffle knit shirts at Costco.  It's like a dream come true!

[Ausmumof3]

18 hours ago, cjzimmer1 said:

I might be able to do cotton tights.  I have a lot of skin sensitivities and wool makes me itch.  I grew up wearing nylons but those caused lots of rashes but if I can find some cotton tights that are thick enough I might be able to get away with them.  It would certainly open up the footwear option a bit more.  I will have to see what I can find.

I only wear skirts or dresses so pants suits won't work but I appreciate the suggestion. 

I can’t handle nylon tights but have had luck with bamboo. They are very dark almost a legging so only work with a dark colour dress.