Yes, some styles are just too young, but I don’t think the cold shoulder is. I saw a picture of my MIL in Florida with a group of women in their 70’s. One was wearing a very age appropriate cold shoulder, it made her look stylish, but not the lamb in mutton. I think depends on the fabric, cut and style. I like the look and have one dress and one top. I know it’s a trend so am hesitant to buy more. Right now I am loving the off the shoulder tops. Again, to make it age appropriate, one must look for cut, material, etc.
I suppose the right cold shoulder on the right person wouldn’t cause me to blink, but when I see them in the stores I just can’t get pictures out of my mind of middle aged women in “cruise wear” when I see cold shoulders…I know it’s silly but I think it will be a short lived trend and clearly I am not envisioning it on me but then we all develop our own styles for sure. As far as office wear, I work in a conservative office so no jeans environment, but older women are wearing alot of just above the knee sweater dresses, leggings and boots and look very sharp. I’m seeing alot of fly-away longer sweaters over tailored pants or skirts. The younguns are wearing tunics, leggings and boots.
To me, cold-shoulder looks a little ‘bohemian’ which is always a disaster on me, no matter how much I like it on other women.
Wearing a sweater dress, LuLu leggings, and tall boots today. Comfy and professional. B-)
I actually wore a cold shoulder glittery dress to the NYE party at the Needle back in 2013 (?). I think I even posted it in here! 
But that was a semi-black tie party.
I wore a cold shoulder dress to D1’s wedding in Mexico last November. It covered my upper arms and was perfect for the heat. I NEVER wear sleeveless tops/dresses.
Speaking of bare shoulders. I just bought this dress… It is ankle length on me (LOL, I am 4 inches shorter than the model), and I loooove the skirt. Have 2 formals coming up, so I am all set.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/alice-olivia-ilana-off-the-shoulder-maxi-dress/4543331
@BunsenBurner - I love the Alice and Olivia dress! I bought a really cute off the shoulder top at the Anthropologie sale this past weekend. I can’t find a link for it or I would post it. I have a couple other off the shoulder tops I bought for our trip to Asia last fall that look cute with linen pants or skirts. I wouldn’t wear these tops to work, but they are very flattering on my size 8, 56 year old body type and fun for going out. H has said numerous times how nice I look when I wear one of these!
I love it! That’s going to look great as a maxi!
Okay, I bought this dress on sale at Nordstrom for an event this weekend. This photo is not as flattering as the dress is in person. Dress: http://wheretoget.it/link/2570944
I have these shoes in crimson:http://www.solesociety.com/olyvia-crimson.html
My question is - what jewelry, if any, do I need? Thanks in advance!
I would go jewelry-less. Great combo, love both the dress and the shoes. Maybe add a pair of dangly earrings, but I would skip necklaces.
I would skip a necklace too. Silver earrings and a silver bracelet would work.
What a fun outfit! Agree that earrings only would be a good choice.
Yep, add me to the earrings only group. That’s a smashing combo, btw-b&w dress and crimson shoes. Love it!
I think some nice earrings - if you like artsy crafty ones - ones that pick up the red from the shoes. I agree it doesn’t need a necklace. You could wear bangles I suppose, but really not necessary. That’s a great looking dress.
Oh thank you all! I will keep it simple.
I forgot to mention the best part - the dress has POCKETS!! Which is crucial because it’s my event and the silent auction etc is all done on a mobile bidding device so I need my phone with me at all times
The CC hive mind is fabulous
Love it, and I agree no necklace. I think earrings and a bracelet that pick up the crimson.
My nephew is getting married in Idaho, about an hour from Spokane, at a resort lodge. This will be in mid-June, and the save the date says the ceremony and reception will both be outdoors and to dress accordingly. It’s an evening event so it will be chilly. In my mind, dress according to the weather, when the weather will be that cold, means wear long johns and a down jacket. Anyone have any ideas?
Is it in Coeur d’Alene? It is a gorgeous place!.. I am jealous. 
The June weather can be 80s during the day and low 50s in the evening. I would wear layers, and bring my trusted Nordstrom wrap.
Historical temps/forecast for June for Coeur d’Alene:
http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/coeur-dalene-id/83814/june-weather/332632
It’s about an hour north of Coeur d’Alene. I’m sure it will be breathtaking scenery and the lodge looks comfortably rustic online. The historical temps are slightly lower than Coeur d’Alene. I’m thinking maybe a long dress with leggings underneath for warmth? I have a Nordstrom wrap! What goes between the leggings and the wrap is what I’m trying to figure out.
I’ve been invited to a reception followed by a “private” dinner at a college president’s home. This is happening during the work week, so my assumption is that most people will be coming from work.
What would you wear?
And response to @zoeydoggie – I would be tempted to have more than one option, and make a decision a week before based on the weather forecast. If there is a heatwave, then it could be warmer at night. I’d also call the resort and ask their advice – is there an indoor space to warm up? Do they have heat lamps? I suppose you could wear a long dress with long underwear underneath!