Dress for fall outdoor wedding?

[maestramommy]

Dh's cousin is getting married in Oct. They are getting married at one of those mansion type places that also doubles as a hotel. I'm not clear on whether the ceremony is outdoors, although I think it is, and the reception definitely is (in a tent). It has been quite some time since I bought a dress that wasn't for nursing or maternity. Any suggestions on where to look for something under $100 that I could conceivably wear again, either to a very nice date night, special event at church, etc. I suppose if I really end up losing all of my preggo weight and get into super training shape I could wear one of my pre-pregnancy dresses, but I kinda want a new dress, just 'cause. Something that doesn't scream mommy, but doesn't look like I'm back in my 30s, looking like I'm in my 20s, which is what a lot of my pre-preggo dresses look like:p

ETA: Just wanted to add that it'll be an 11am wedding, lunch reception.

[nfowife]

Ross/TJ Maxx/Marshalls are always good bets. You'll get some great deals.

[BabbyO]

I often find great things at Penney's, Sear's or Boston Store. Clearance racks are great! A few years ago I got a very simple cream & black dress (cream v-neck on top, black A-line, knee length skirt on bottom) at Fashion Bug. It is simple, elegant dress that has come in handy for all sorts of occasions and is classic in its age appropriateness. One of those that isn't too dressy or too casual. I've worn it to weddings, funerals, work functions, etc. I think it was $12 on the clearance rack.

Something in a basic color would be great...you can use a scarf or shrug to dress it up a bit, or make the color work better for the occasion, AND since the wedding is in October the weather can be unpredictable (if I remember NH weather correctly it's a bit like WI that time of year). It could be 85 degrees or it could be 45 degrees...in which case you'd want something to offer a bit more protection/warmth.

[eh613c]

You can also check out Nordstroms Rack. They have great deals on dresses.

[SnuggleBuggles]

This in cranberry:
http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/AT-Apparel/AT-Dresses/Knit-Crossover-Dress/265073?colorExplode=false&skuId=89719572&catid=cata000012&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=1220

This:
http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/AT-Apparel/AT-Dresses/Pan-Knotted-Waist-Dress/254451?colorExplode=false&skuId=88978086&catid=cata000012&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=9224

This in blue:
http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/browse/productDetailWithPicker.jsp?productId=prod4010197&categoryId=cat2580033&FLCat=cat840014&addFacet=1002%3Acat2580033

This in berry:
http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/browse/productDetailWithPicker.jsp?productId=prod4010235&categoryId=cat2580033&FLCat=cat840014&productId=prod4010235&categoryId=cat2580033&addFacet=1002%3Acat2580033

I have 10lbs I still want to loose and I find those styles flattering and pretty. Maybe too dressy for church stuff but good for a wedding or date night, imo.

Beth

[maestramommy]

Oh Beth, these are all so pretty! But I have some limitations. I'm short, hippy, and flat chested:tongue5:

[SnuggleBuggles]

I am short, kinda hippy but not flat chested. Give them a try if you find yourself at the mall though b/c they could work. :)

Beth

[DrSally]

Ross/TJ Maxx/Marshalls are always good bets. You'll get some great deals.

YEs. I find good luck w/ Calvin Klein dresses there, which can usually be had for $50 or under. I find their styling classy and stylish.

I've also on occassion found nice Ralph Lauren dresses there, lots of ruching, nice special occassion dress.

A little younger looking would be a Max Mara dress, which are around $30-$40 at TJ Max. Maybe too causal for your event though.

I would also check Macy's, sometimes they have really good sales, although the summer stuff would be what's on sale now.

[DrSally]

This in cranberry:
http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/AT-Apparel/AT-Dresses/Knit-Crossover-Dress/265073?colorExplode=false&skuId=89719572&catid=cata000012&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=1220

This:
http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/AT-Apparel/AT-Dresses/Pan-Knotted-Waist-Dress/254451?colorExplode=false&skuId=88978086&catid=cata000012&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=9224

This in blue:
http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/browse/productDetailWithPicker.jsp?productId=prod4010197&categoryId=cat2580033&FLCat=cat840014&addFacet=1002%3Acat2580033

This in berry:
http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/browse/productDetailWithPicker.jsp?productId=prod4010235&categoryId=cat2580033&FLCat=cat840014&productId=prod4010235&categoryId=cat2580033&addFacet=1002%3Acat2580033

I have 10lbs I still want to loose and I find those styles flattering and pretty. Maybe too dressy for church stuff but good for a wedding or date night, imo.

Beth

Beth, Love, Love that cross-over knit dress. I want one! I love both colors. Have you seen it in store? What a great price. It looks so flattering, and the cap sleeves help with arm jiggle. It even comes in petite. Sizes on line are limited. I need a 6. I need to find out if they have this in store.

Sorry to sidetrack. Melinda, if you are self conscious about filling out the top of the dress, could you do a push up bra for special occassion?

[Katigre]

Target has the perfect dress right now - I actually got it to wear in a wedding and it is the same fabric as David's Bridal 'cotton sateen'. $22 and it looks great - throw a nice shawl over it and you're set.

http://www.target.com/Mossimo-Sateen-Dress-Haywire-Purple/dp/B004CEOWP4/ref=br_1_22?ie=UTF8&id=Mossimo%20Sateen%20Dress%20Haywire%20Purple&node=1104830&searchSize=90&searchView=grid3&searchPage=1&sr=1-22&qid=1310007631&rh=target_com_primary_color-bin%3APink%7Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%3APurple&searchBinNameList=style_name%2Csleeve_type%2Ccolla r_style-bin%2Clifestyle-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&searchRank=salesrank&frombrowse=1

It comes in a few different colors - fuschia, black, taupe, and maybe jade green (?). But it's been out for a month or two so I'd get it fast before sizes are gone at your store.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Beth, Love, Love that cross-over knit dress. I want one! I love both colors. Have you seen it in store? What a great price. It looks so flattering, and the cap sleeves help with arm jiggle. It even comes in petite. Sizes on line are limited. I need a 6. I need to find out if they have this in store.

Sorry to sidetrack. Melinda, if you are self conscious about filling out the top of the dress, could you do a push up bra for special occassion?

I've spent quite a bit of time trying on dresses at AT the past 2 days but don't remember seeing it. I had my eye on other dresses so I might have just missed it! They had a ton of cute dresses!

Beth

[DrSally]

I've spent quite a bit of time trying on dresses at AT the past 2 days but don't remember seeing it. I had my eye on other dresses so I might have just missed it! They had a ton of cute dresses!

Beth

I did the in store look up thing and they have one in red in my size at a mall about 20 min away. Good thing I checked, b/c I would've tried the other mall in the opposite direction. Did you try it on? Did you like it? I'm also short.

ETA: Oops, I see you didn't see it in the stores.

[DrSally]

Target has the perfect dress right now - I actually got it to wear in a wedding and it is the same fabric as David's Bridal 'cotton sateen'. $22 and it looks great - throw a nice shawl over it and you're set.

http://www.target.com/Mossimo-Sateen-Dress-Haywire-Purple/dp/B004CEOWP4/ref=br_1_22?ie=UTF8&id=Mossimo%20Sateen%20Dress%20Haywire%20Purple&node=1104830&searchSize=90&searchView=grid3&searchPage=1&sr=1-22&qid=1310007631&rh=target_com_primary_color-bin%3APink%7Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%3APurple&searchBinNameList=style_name%2Csleeve_type%2Ccolla r_style-bin%2Clifestyle-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&searchRank=salesrank&frombrowse=1

It comes in a few different colors - fuschia, black, taupe, and maybe jade green (?). But it's been out for a month or two so I'd get it fast before sizes are gone at your store.

Wow, what a pretty dress. I have not seen it in store, but maybe I'm not looking closely enough.

[Katigre]

Wow, what a pretty dress. I have not seen it in store, but maybe I'm not looking closely enough.
It's on the racks in the Mossimo clothes, sometimes hidden on the back side. The more plain black and taupe colors tend to be out front (at least at my store) so it's harder to notice it as so pretty for a formal event. But as of a few days ago it was still at my Target so maybe it would be at yours too.

[DrSally]

It's on the racks in the Mossimo clothes, sometimes hidden on the back side. The more plain black and taupe colors tend to be out front (at least at my store) so it's harder to notice it as so pretty for a formal event. But as of a few days ago it was still at my Target so maybe it would be at yours too.

Thanks! Another thing to go on the Target list :)

[maestramommy]

All these dresses are so cute! But the other problem is that I have thicker legs, esp. calves. So when I wear that style (pencil type skirt) I look even shorter. Not even heels can save it. I generally do much better with A line dresses that fall just below the knee. And as a personal preference I like more freedom of movement. Fitted skirts make me nervous. Although I'm sure Dh would be pretty happy :p

[SnuggleBuggles]

Wrap dress:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/komarov-jersey-wrap-dress/3164146?origin=category&resultback=5025

Ooh! I love this faux wrap one:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/adrianna-papell-side-twist-faux-wrap-jersey-dress/3168742?origin=category&resultback=5709

Too pretty not to post. A little shrug would be good for the outdoor part;
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/donna-morgan-belted-chiffon-dress/3162291?origin=category&resultback=7286

Here's your A-line for you:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/suzi-chin-maggy-boutique-asymmetrical-pleat-chiffon-dress/3128190?origin=category&resultback=1273

might be too dressy:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/suzi-chin-maggy-boutique-drape-front-silk-dress/3187552?origin=category&resultback=874

empire/ a-line
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/suzi-chin-maggy-boutique-pleated-jersey-dress/3192618?origin=category&resultback=2869

Beth

[DrSally]

Sometimes if you're short and do a skirt just above the knee, it makes your legs look longer. I have thicker calves too. So, you're looking for something slightly A-line, just below the knee. Do you have a neckline preference. Would you like sleeveless w/pashmina or some sort of sleeve?

[DrSally]

Wrap dress:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/komarov-jersey-wrap-dress/3164146?origin=category&resultback=5025

Ooh! I love this faux wrap one:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/adrianna-papell-side-twist-faux-wrap-jersey-dress/3168742?origin=category&resultback=5709

Too pretty not to post. A little shrug would be good for the outdoor part;
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/donna-morgan-belted-chiffon-dress/3162291?origin=category&resultback=7286

Here's your A-line for you:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/suzi-chin-maggy-boutique-asymmetrical-pleat-chiffon-dress/3128190?origin=category&resultback=1273

might be too dressy:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/suzi-chin-maggy-boutique-drape-front-silk-dress/3187552?origin=category&resultback=874

empire/ a-line
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/suzi-chin-maggy-boutique-pleated-jersey-dress/3192618?origin=category&resultback=2869

Beth

Love the 2nd and last ones!

[SnuggleBuggles]

Sometimes if you're short and do a skirt just above the knee, it makes your legs look longer.

:yeahthat: I always go for just above the knee and it really makes a difference on how my legs look.

Beth

[maestramommy]

Wrap dress:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/komarov-jersey-wrap-dress/3164146?origin=category&resultback=5025

Ooh! I love this faux wrap one:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/adrianna-papell-side-twist-faux-wrap-jersey-dress/3168742?origin=category&resultback=5709

Too pretty not to post. A little shrug would be good for the outdoor part;
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/donna-morgan-belted-chiffon-dress/3162291?origin=category&resultback=7286

Here's your A-line for you:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/suzi-chin-maggy-boutique-asymmetrical-pleat-chiffon-dress/3128190?origin=category&resultback=1273

might be too dressy:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/suzi-chin-maggy-boutique-drape-front-silk-dress/3187552?origin=category&resultback=874

empire/ a-line
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/suzi-chin-maggy-boutique-pleated-jersey-dress/3192618?origin=category&resultback=2869

Beth

Ooooh, these are all great! Yes, you're right about the just above the knee, esp. if the skirt is loose. Dr. Sally what is Pashima? Sleeveless would be fine, except that I'd need a sweater if it's chilly. Is that what Beth means by shrug?

[maestramommy]

Oh oh oh! I saw this one on the side while looking at the faux wrap dress!

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/adrianna-papell-tiered-chiffon-dress/3101760?origin=related-3101760-0-0-1-1

When do they have online sales for Nordstroms? We don't have Nordstrom in my area.

[SnuggleBuggles]

I don't know their sales' cycles but that is a great pick!!

I said shrug but I pretty much meant any sort of upper arm/ body covering. Whatever style you like- wrap, cardigan,... A pashima is special fabric, silky and pretty.

Beth

[maestramommy]

I don't know their sales' cycles but that is a great pick!!

I said shrug but I pretty much meant any sort of upper arm/ body covering. Whatever style you like- wrap, cardigan,... A pashima is special fabric, silky and pretty.

Beth


Well if I get this dress I won't wear a cardigan. I have a couple of "pashimas." :cheerleader1:

Maybe this calls for a trip south of my state line :D

[DrSally]

That's a good choice! Nordstrom might be having a sale in July, I can't remeber, but they don't have sales often, so I wouldn't really count on it being marked down. I think it's a decent price for that brand and that store. You could wear a wrap/pashmina w/it.

[DrSally]

Also, they don't always have everything in store that they have online. I ran into this when looking for a special occassion dress. If you want to go to the store, I would call first to see if they have it and in your size. You could always order and then return to the store if you need to.