I had no intention of doing so, but I ordered one of the dresses mentioned in this thread. I can return to the local store. My last experience ordering line, everything was returned. Plus, I have a good friend who has a black belt in shopping who will,happily join me for MOG dress. Still, I couldn’t help but,order late last night.
I like your first pick, too.
I think @Midwest67 's idea about Rent the Runway is worth looking into as well. It’s tempting to get a dress that you will not have to keep in your closet forever, wondering if you’ll ever have occasion to wear it again! For me, though, after trying on literally dozens of dresses that I liked in pictures or on the hanger, the question of fit bothers me. I finally bought one I like that does not need altering, but so many dresses I tried on fit in one place but not another. Zipped easily over the waist but not the ribcage, for example, or would be fine with the straps shortened, etc. Do you usually fit into dresses that are your size without needing alterations?
@bookworm LOL “black belt in shopping!”
@bookworm, which dress did you order??!
Can be ordered in petite:
http://www.alexevenings.com/product/midi-length-embroidered-tulle-a-line-dress-with-illusion-neckline-tie-belt/
I really like this one too but I think it looks too young for late 50s? It does appear I’m leaning towards something multi-colored. @soozievt thank you for so many options!
@zipyourlips I think I will, its not often I come across something that I like so easily and then the shoes just showed up too. They are a bit on the pricey side (for me) but the reviews all talk about how comfortable they are and that’s worth unlimited funds…
I like your first choice a lot. I’d order them to see if you like the fit.
That Amazon dress is cute and fun but IMO too casual unless this is a casual wedding all around.
I don’t think the dress is too young or too casual.
@NEPatsGirl Do you min if I jump in and ask a question about determining formality? Our ds is getting married in May and I am confused aboutnjust how formal we should consider it. I have only met our future dil briefly and ds is no help. The ceremony is at 1:30, but then the reception is not until later and is a sit down dinner at a higher end venue. If it were an evening wedding, I would have a clearer idea. (They have also made plans to have the rehearsal after a rehearsal lunch instead of the rehearsal followed by a rehearsal dinner…that is leaving me equally confused.)
My preference is less formal than more, but her family is quite different from ours. So, that’s my quandary.
(I like the style of the dress that @soozievt linked at 2:15 but definitely not the color. I am a dark color kind of person. (Actually, I am a jeans and t-shirt kind of person. 
)
hmmmm…if the bridesmaids are wearing long cranberry, guys in navy tuxes, late September wedding at upscale golf club…my thinking is that #65 and 69 are a bit summery and casual.
@Mom2aphysicsgeek I haven’t included many dark dresses in suggestions to @NEPatsGirl because her future DIL ruled out navy and burgundy. But if you liked the dress in my post #64, here is a navy dress in a similar style:
Some other suggestions for you might be:
For one of my daughter’s weddings, she wanted me to wear black. This is the dress and it may appeal to you as it also comes in navy:
https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/teri-jon-by-rickie-freeman-lace-pintuck-dress/product/0424757579754?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306422146&R=631333736467&P_name=Teri+Jon+by+Rickie+Freeman&N=306422146+4294904359+4294904413&bmUID=mA79rsa
@gosmom, you have a valid point in post #71. I was suggesting dresses that seem to appeal to what OP likes, including her original post, and her future DIL doesn’t want her to wear navy or burgundy.
However, I think grey would be a nice compliment to that color way. Just my opinion.
As the OP is petite, this comes in petite and is grey and I think would be nice:
http://www.alexevenings.com/product/midi-length-sequin-embroidered-tulle-fit-flare-dress/
http://www.alexevenings.com/product/midi-length-cap-sleeve-embroidered-lace-sequin-dress/
@soozievt - you should do this for a living!
Love the one in post #64
@hoggirl Ha ha…personal stylist! In my real job, I search colleges and so I guess I am a searcher.
Soozievt - I agree. I have two formal events in May and I’m following with interest !!
I like the dress in post 64 from sooz. It’s elegant but nice, and color is very pretty.