OK, just found out that the wedding is at the Calamigos Ranch in Malibu. Ceremony and cocktails are outside and the reception is inside. So I expect it to be somewhere around 60. Will definitely need a wrap or a jacket.
Patsmom, at weddings no one pays any attention to what anyone is wearing, besides the bride and maybe the moms. Since you’re not the MOB or MOG all that matters is that you don’t wear anything shocking. I’d go a pantsuit look with a pashmina-type shawl.
I think the only real rule for the wedding guest is not to wear white.
Also buy something you can wear again. 
My D2 is getting married Saturday. Some of my friends are wearing palazzo pants. I think they are back in fashion.
Two years ago I was the MOB and wore Eileen Fisher black crepe pants and an artsy hand dyed silk flowy top. I needed a petite for length and while I love those posted here once they are shortened they lose their style. I dressed everything up by buying incredible shoes (price also incredible):).
I think #1 Outfit is very appropriate for California. Especially with some cool artsy jewelry. You can add a pashmina shawl when it’s colder. Some of the sequin MOB type pantsuits will not look right at a Malibu Ranch. See if you can find something similar to #1, with flowy pants at a store near you, just to try it on.
I agree that #1 is my favorite., and perfect for CA.
I disagree that other guests outfits aren’t noticed. They aren’t perhaps scrutinized like the bride and the Mom’s, but I do notice how pretty others look. Plus, I think it’s fun to dress up at events. OP also said she was in the wedding, correct?
@conmama OP said her niece is getting married in Malibu. Nothing about being “in the wedding”.
@patsmom get something you like, and are comfortable wearing.
To me, “cocktail plus” sounds like the bride wants guests to take it up a notch. To me that is dressy. My sister in law had “black tie optional” on her invitation a couple of years ago and every single man wore a tux. I think OP will look great in a pants/sparkly top combo. The pants don’t have to be really flowy with a lot of fabric, but the fabric should be silk, satin, or something very dressy. She should wear evening shoes, for certain.
I purchased something like this for DDD’s wedding as a backup since I was having a hard time finding a dress. The one I got had short sleeves. I’m planning to wear it to an upcoming wedding.
https://www.macys.com/shop/product/calvin-klein-embellished-straight-leg-jumpsuit?ID=8823109&CategoryID=5449
Go to Nordstrom and ask. They will find you something flattering that you will actually want to wear again.
Maybe it’s me…I shopped Nordstrom for a dress for DDs wedding. Frankly, I didn’t like the selection of dresses, and I thought they were very expensive. And I was MOB.
As a wedding guest, I think you can shop anywhere you want to. It doesn’t have to be Nordstrom…it can be Dilliards, or Belk, or Macy’s.
As an aunt of the bride, I’ve had a lot of luck shopping at Ross or Macy’s on sale. I like buying clothes I will wear again.
I had the best selection and guidance at Dillards when doing MOB shopping.
Many years ago I wanted to get married at Calamigos Ranch but my Mom and bossy older sister vetoed the spot. It was beautiful but back 35 years ago the reception was a room with sawdust on the floor and they only served BBQ. Since it has grown and become a more sophisticated venue with I think multiple sites. They have chosen a special spot.
I would not wear one of those sparkly bridal shop outfits to a Malibu wedding. To me they scream frumpy. What stores do you like to shop at or what is your style of dress? Do you dress classic or more bohemian. So you like loose fitting or tailored? It might not be your style at all but Johnny Was makes some nice tops if you like embroidery. A lot of the clothes are casual but the website has some dressier items.
https://www.google.com/search?q=sara+mique+blouses&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari
This shop on Hillsboro and Lyons ( which means something to Pattsmom). They have a collection of hand painted blouses and tunics.
The ad shows dark tops, but in the shop, most are white with various colors painted on. These are the “go to” outfits for a friend.
I’m definitely more classic than bohemian but I think the Johnny Was tops are gorgeous. Thanks for the suggestion!
And @bookworm, I know where that shop is. I’ll check them out.
I’m not a fan of jumpsuits but I might consider this for a special occasion with a pretty shawl for cooler temperatures. Then again it’s a bit more than I would like to pay if I’m not in the wedding party.
https://www.sundancecatalog.com/product/anastasia+jumpsuit.do?
I’m following the thread because I have a special occasion coming up next fall.
Patsmom, if you have an appointment on a Friday or Saturday, let me know. I just adore the chief “saleswoman”.