Cassells Household Guide , which billed itself as an encyclopedia of domestic and social economy, summed up the problem like this, circa 1880: As a general rule, ladies do not like to see their maids dressed in the clothes they themselves have wornthe difference in the social scale of mistress and maid renders this unpleasing. But Cassells made one exception: a black or a dark-colored silk. Previously, a simple black dress meant a wealthy woman was dressing down. But by the 19th century, the black dress had become a staple of the lower and middle classes
The ascot sounds like a great choice as long as its well-paired, as you denote
Designed with a strapless neckline and a body-hugging fit, this silhouette flares gently into a soft lower skirt for added movement
Try Rent the Runway or Little Borrowed Dress, which also have tons of silhouettes in coordinating colors ( Rent the Runway has loads of sequin gowns!) My advice would be to pick a few of the dresses you like from here, and ask your bridesmaids to pick one from the images above, or give them a store, designer, or fabric to choose from
Black Shirt with Khaki Pleated Trousers: Vintage-Inspired Charm For a nostalgic yet fresh outfit, pair a black shirt with khaki pleated trousers
