Need dress ideas for formal event

[fivi2]

I might be attending a fundraiser/gala with dh in a few weeks. It will still be pretty warm here. Not sure exactly how formal, but it is pretty formal (don't know if dh will be in tux or suit). This is related to his job. I went a few years back, and wore a dressy black knee length skirt and a separate jacket/top thing that was fairly formal (but looked mother of the bride-ish). There were people in floor length dresses, but I didn't look out of place. No over the top ball gowns or anything (I live in a casual town).

I am hard to fit. I have lost weight and don't own any dresses (at all - dresses usually look terrible on me, which is why I did skirt and top last time. I spent hours in Nordstrom and the lady finally gave up on finding me a dress!). I am very busty, but have relatively narrow hips. I am typically a 6 in pants. I am short. I have to be able to wear a real bra under whatever I end up wearing.

I am open to dresses, but as I said, I have a hard time with them. Open to floor length or knee length, as long as it looks formal-ish.

Any suggestions? I would love to pre-shop online, but then try on in person after narrowing down (not much time to spend shopping). So something like bluefly that is web-only won't work. Not sure of budget, but let's begin by staying under $200. Less is always better! :)

TIA!

ETA: just asked dh - he is wearing a tux.

[TwinFoxes]

Any particular color? Do you wear petite or regular? I like this:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/lauren-ralph-lauren-matte-jersey-faux-wrap-gown-regular-petite/3549147?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=159&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_2_D

bra friendly, not too expensive, nice color.

[fivi2]

I like that one. According to the website there aren't many sizes at my Nordstrom's but it looks worth a try!

I am short enough that petite usually works for length. My my torso is kind of long, so sometimes I do better shortening a regular. I just don't know in dresses - seriously, I am so top heavy that the size difference between my top and bottom makes dresses a challenge.

I usually stay away from bright colors. (the color above doesn't seem too bright on my monitor). And I find it difficult figuring out what color shoes go with what color dresses...

I will probably end up at Nordstrom's (maybe Macy's - I saw this one linked on an old thread and liked it too: http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-ralph-lauren-dress-sleeveless-cowl-neck-jersey-gown?ID=724611&CategoryID=5449&LinkType=#fn=DRESS_OCCASION%3DEvening/Formal%26sp%3D2%26spc%3D238%26ruleId%3D65%26slotId %3D80 )

Thanks for the link - it does look like a good possibility!

[SnuggleBuggles]

This halter floor length could look very nice:
http://www.anntaylor.com/jersey-halter-gown/310562?colorExplode=false&skuId=14192777&catid=cata000036&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=5843

I stuck with knee length for this batch.
black and white lace fit and flare- a flattering shape:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ivy-blu-for-maggy-boutique-lace-fit-flare-dress-regular-petite/3558064?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=2109&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-2_7_A

sheaths are also flattering:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/adrianna-papell-lace-sheath-dress/3555753?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=4389&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-2_13_A

A v-neck with a bust is always a good option:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ivy-blu-for-maggy-boutique-faux-leather-trim-dress/3523578?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=9234&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-2_26_A

This is a good one with v-neck and fit and flare:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ivy-blu-for-maggy-boutique-pleated-front-v-neck-dress/3357668?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=PURPLE&resultback=9291&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-4_26_B
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/marina-embellished-lace-sheath-dress/3546346?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=4674&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-3_14_D

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ivy-blu-for-maggy-boutique-pleated-jersey-fit-flare-dress/3312206?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=ACAI&resultback=5244&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-4_15_A

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/pisarro-nights-sequin-bead-gathered-mesh-dress/3390198?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=6726&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-4_19_B

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/adrianna-papell-boatneck-lace-sheath-dress-regular-petite/3306604?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=CORAL&resultback=8721&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-4_24_A

Halter:
http://www.anntaylor.com/jersey-halter-dress/304060?colorExplode=false&skuId=13808518&catid=cata000036&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=2439


As for shoes, a good metalic works as a neutral for colored dresses.

[TwinFoxes]

Totally agree about a metallic shoe. Platinum works well with lots of colors. I'm also a fan of bronze.

[fivi2]

Thanks for the suggestions and shoe tips! It looks like a trip to Nordstrom is in my future...

Any other b&m stores I should look at? I rarely go to malls, so I have no idea what stores are worth checking out... I didn't see much on the Ann Taylor website (unfortunately I look terrible in a halter.)

Thanks!

[SnuggleBuggles]

White House Black Market
Cache

[KLD313]

Macy's had a ton if dresses when I was shopping fora wedding. I must have tried on at least 15 dresses. I ended up with a Ralph Lauren dress, actually two, haven't decided which I want to wear yet. They're very flattering dresses.