What to Wear Over 40 To A Wedding Reception

The invitation has arrived. Now the big question is “What will I wear?”

It’s all about the bride on her wedding day, but that doesn’t mean that you, as a guest, shouldn’t look fabulous, too.

What to wear over 40 to a wedding reception depends on several factors, including the venue and the time of day that the wedding will occur.  A beach wedding taking place at 1:00 pm is likely to be more casual than a country club wedding occurring at 6 pm. Regardless of the time and place, all wedding receptions require a certain degree of decorum.

Women have more flexibility and options when it comes to dressing for a wedding reception. A skirt and a blouse or dressy slacks and a top are both acceptable options. However, we love a dress for a dressy occasion.

Here is our suggestion for an outfit that will make a statement and keep you comfortable:

Start with a dress. When choosing a dress for a wedding reception, DO NOT choose a white one or one that is low-cut or too short. You also want to avoid bright or busy prints. You want to be noticeable, but not in a negative way. If you are wondering how to dress to camouflage your belly, this gathered crepe dress is the perfect selection since it has wonderful detailing that dresses it up and hides a tummy. The attractive neckline and cut of the sleeves, a combination that is difficult to find in cocktail dresses for women over 40, will highlight your upper body without making you feel overexposed. Choose a length that is cut just above or just below the knee, making you look fabulous after 40.

Pair it with sandals. These metallic, gold platform sandals add the perfect amount of glitter to the solid colored dress if you are wondering what to wear over 40 to a wedding reception. You’ll want to hit the dance floor so be sure you can move comfortably in the shoes that you choose.

Accessorize with simple jewelry. Let your shoes set the tone for your jewelry. A gold bangle and a pair of gold, lace dangle earrings are the perfect accompaniment to the dress and shoes. Keep the earrings to a reasonable length, no more than 2″ below your earlobe.

Add a colorful clutch. Leave your everyday bag at home and opt for something more elegant. A colorful clutch is the perfect choice for the occasion. The peacock feather detail on the above clutch adds a pop of color that ties in beautifully with the shoes and jewelry.