I'm so glad someone wrong a new song about this. I hit the party and they stop in that _____ They be like, "Oh, that Gucci - that's hella tight." I'm like, "Yo - that's fifty dollars for a T-shirt." Limited edition, let's do some simple addition Fifty dollars for a T-shirt - that's just some ignorant _____ I call that getting swindled and pimped I call that getting tricked by a business That shirt's hella dough And having the same one as six other people in this club is a hella don't Peep game, come take a look through my telescope Tryna get girls from a brand and you hella won't Man you hella won't - MACKLEMORE That's a message kids can use in forming their priorities and ability to think on their own, and excellent statement on the ridiculousness of supposed fashion. Back in my day, it was Styx: "But don't be fooled by the radio The TV or the magazines They show you photographs of how your life should be But they're just someone else's fantasy So if you think your life is complete confusion Because you never win the game Just remember that it's a Grand illusion And deep inside we're all the same. We're all the same... So if you think your life is complete confusion Because your neighbors got it made Just remember that it's a Grand illusion And deep inside we're all the same. We're all the same... America spells competition, join us in our blind ambition Get yourself a brand new motor car Someday soon we'll stop to ponder what on Earth's this spell we're under"

The thing about black -- It seems like almost everyone wears black party dresses to evening weddings (probably in part because it's really hard to find party clothes in any other color). I guess it isn't a "problem" because there is no way a dressy party dress is going to seem like mourning clothing, despite its color (which is why there was the "rule" against wearing black to a wedding in the first place). But you are going to a daytime wedding. You definitely don't want to wear evening clothes (evening fabrics or trims, floor-length, low-cut, etc.) of any color to any daytime event, and that includes formal weddings. My rule of thumb about black for weddings is that if I could wear it to a funeral, it's not appropriate for a wedding (similar for white or off-white: if it is something a bride could conceivably choose, then I wouldn't wear it as a guest). It is pretty hard to think of a black daytime dress that you couldn't wear to a funeral, except maybe a sundress, and even then you could probably wear a solid black sundress to a funeral if you put a jacket or cardigan over it. So I think that for this wedding, I would avoid solid black. A print on black, or a solid black skirt or pants with a colored top, would be fine, though, in my opinion.

This has been a really interesting thread! I agree that the most practical solution for your husband would be to just buy him a nice pair of medium gray dress slacks to wear with his navy blazer. Those, worn with a dress shirt and conservative tie would be great, IMO. As a matter of fact , we're heading to a "formal dress" (church ) wedding and then outdoor reception in Austin, TX, in mid-June. DD is a bridesmaid. I will most likely wear a LBD with some statement jewelry of some sort. DH, who always dresses appropriately and elegantly, will wear one of his nicer sports coats and a pair of dress slacks. Probably light or medium gray (lol). I've been told a thousand times over the years that DH looks just like one of those "Marlboro Men" (minus the cigarette). He does, but he also knows how to dress gorgeously for any occasion.

This navy dress at Nordstrom Rack is nice (and cheap). I live in Florida and would wear this on cooler days/evenings here December-January. This might also work up north for a wedding. It's lined. I like the neckline. Add a long necklace with pendant or dainty choker. Don't know your size. The smaller sizes are sold out. Starts at 10. Maybe it's on another site. https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/2542280?cm_mmc=feeds--adlucent--google-_-pla&utm_source=adlucent&utm_medium=feeds&utm_content=google&utm_campaign=pla&utm_channel=shopping_acq_p&sid=545650&aid=%5BADL%5D%20%5BPLA%5D%20%20-%20Categories%20-%20Non-Brand%5BMobile%5D&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzrm-l8KN3gIVkEoNCh1vNg0-EAQYBiABEgKRTfD_BwE&color=NAVY ------------------------------- How about these? You could wear them with the dress OR jeans down here. Wouldn't go to waste! I really like these as long as they are barely noticeable metallic. Add some navy sheer tights?