Want to help me find a different kind of black dress?

[bisous]

I’m looking to update my church wardrobe a little bit. I have a long black maxi dress that I got at Costco of all places about 4 years ago. I wear it all the time to church with a discreet black fitted shirt to add sleeves or with a sweater or jacket over it. I like it because I can make it feel very different based on shoes, jewelry, accessories, jacket etc.

But the style is feeling dated to me! I need a dress I can wear dozens of times in a year that I’ll love for years. It needs to have at least cap sleeves and not a low back or front. Must be at least knee length.

I have an hourglass shape. I don’t love my legs but it doesn’t necessarily have to be maxi length. My legs are just picky and particular about where hemlines hit. I don’t love my mom pouch belly. I have a tiny waist and nice arms and shoulders (but must wear sleeves!)

I’d love to have this dress be black. It can’t cost over $100. I’d prefer it to be MUCH under that. Am I looking for a unicorn?

Ohh.. this could be a skirt too. Part of me wants a pencil skirt but I think that I’ll be self conscious of my mom-belly. Quality fabrics would probably make a difference there.

Any ideas? I wear a size small or medium up top and size 6 or 8 on the bottom (at least in jeans).

Thanks!!

[JamiMac]

I have this dress from Nordstrom and I love it! It is actually very flattering. I’m 5’3 and 115 pounds and I wear a small. It’s the Hailey Crepe dress and it’s $46. I’m not sure how to link it on my phone. 4879 *Actually mine is the Lush brand, but looks the exact same.*


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[SnuggleBuggles]

I just bought this from Nordstrom for $59 https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fraiche-by-j-tulip-sheath-dress/5120756
The front ruching will help conceal a tummy.
I think you are asking way too much for one dress to be worn dozens of times/ year and still like it in years to come.

[smilequeen]

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/chelsea28-ruffle-wrap-dress/4733786?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FCas ual&fashioncolor=Black&color=black

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tahari-tie-front-crepe-sheath-dress-regular-petite/4934868?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FCas ual&fashioncolor=Black&color=black

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/felicity-coco-rita-wrap-dress-regular-petite-nordstrom-exclusive/4642698?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FCas ual&fashioncolor=Black&color=black

https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=426259002&cid=1115122&pcid=69883

https://www.anntaylor.com/polka-dot-tie-front-t-shirt-dress/499671?skuId=26906966&defaultColor=2222&catid=cata000012

https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/product/reversible+floralgeoprint+fauxwrap+dress/570256051?color=1398&catId=cat210002

[SnuggleBuggles]

I have the Banana Republic one above. It's a good wardrobe staple.

[BunnyBee]

https://www.target.com/p/women-s-cap-sleeve-asymmetric-hem-midi-dress-who-what-wear-153/-/A-54195121?preselect=54182229#lnk=sametab

I've had great luck finding dresses at Macy's the past few years. They have a wide selection in store.
https://www.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-ralph-lauren-fit-flare-shirtdress?ID=8330455&CategoryID=5449&swatchColor=Polo%20Black#fn=SLEEVE_LENGTH%3DShort% 20Sleeve%26COLOR%3DBlack%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D2332%26r uleId%3D133%7CBOOST%20ATTRIBUTE%7CBOOST%20SAVED%20 SET%26searchPass%3DmatchNone%26slotId%3D51

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/anne-klein-dot-print-short-sleeve-shirtdress?ID=8176171&tdp=cm_app~zMCOM-NAVAPP~xcm_zone~zBROWSE_ZONE_A~xcm_choiceId~zcidM9 0MGO-1e47ddd6-3593-43d1-9c03-1f70148d29dc%40H96%40Inspired%2Bby%2Byour%2Bbrowsi ng%2Bhistory%24%248176171~xcm_pos~zPos6~xcm_srcCat ID~z118

[bisous]

I have this dress from Nordstrom and I love it! It is actually very flattering. I’m 5’3 and 115 pounds and I wear a small. It’s the Hailey Crepe dress and it’s $46. I’m not sure how to link it on my phone. 4879


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I wonder if this silhouette would work for me? It kinda seems like it favors nice legs. I’m open to trying something really new though!

[bisous]

I just bought this from Nordstrom for $59 https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fraiche-by-j-tulip-sheath-dress/5120756
The front ruching will help conceal a tummy.
I think you are asking way too much for one dress to be worn dozens of times/ year and still like it in years to come.

I probably am asking too much but it’s all I’ve got to work with right now!

[bisous]

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/chelsea28-ruffle-wrap-dress/4733786?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FCas ual&fashioncolor=Black&color=black

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tahari-tie-front-crepe-sheath-dress-regular-petite/4934868?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FCas ual&fashioncolor=Black&color=black

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/felicity-coco-rita-wrap-dress-regular-petite-nordstrom-exclusive/4642698?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FCas ual&fashioncolor=Black&color=black

https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=426259002&cid=1115122&pcid=69883

https://www.anntaylor.com/polka-dot-tie-front-t-shirt-dress/499671?skuId=26906966&defaultColor=2222&catid=cata000012

https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/product/reversible+floralgeoprint+fauxwrap+dress/570256051?color=1398&catId=cat210002

Thanks! I like the ones that are more “midi” length but I guess I could try the others and be pleasantly surprised!

Snugglebuggles I wish I could rock the dress you linked above. Are black hose really terribly dated? I’m very pale right now and even mid summer get very little color!

[bisous]

https://www.target.com/p/women-s-cap-sleeve-asymmetric-hem-midi-dress-who-what-wear-153/-/A-54195121?preselect=54182229#lnk=sametab

I've had great luck finding dresses at Macy's the past few years. They have a wide selection in store.
https://www.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-ralph-lauren-fit-flare-shirtdress?ID=8330455&CategoryID=5449&swatchColor=Polo%20Black#fn=SLEEVE_LENGTH%3DShort% 20Sleeve%26COLOR%3DBlack%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D2332%26r uleId%3D133%7CBOOST%20ATTRIBUTE%7CBOOST%20SAVED%20 SET%26searchPass%3DmatchNone%26slotId%3D51

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/anne-klein-dot-print-short-sleeve-shirtdress?ID=8176171&tdp=cm_app~zMCOM-NAVAPP~xcm_zone~zBROWSE_ZONE_A~xcm_choiceId~zcidM9 0MGO-1e47ddd6-3593-43d1-9c03-1f70148d29dc%40H96%40Inspired%2Bby%2Byour%2Bbrowsi ng%2Bhistory%24%248176171~xcm_pos~zPos6~xcm_srcCat ID~z118

That shirt dress looks very serviceable!! I like the length of the Target one a ton.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Thanks! I like the ones that are more “midi” length but I guess I could try the others and be pleasantly surprised!

Snugglebuggles I wish I could rock the dress you linked above. Are black hose really terribly dated? I’m very pale right now and even mid summer get very little color!
sorry- you said knee length. I wouldn't have posted if you actually wanted midi or maxi. :) But, you should try self tanner. They make some really good ones now. I don't know how fashionable your fellow congregants are- could be that black hose would be a-ok. In So Cal, I am sure I would prefer bare legged though. I just had to talk my mom down the other day when she was getting ready for a church event. She didn't know if the cut of her blazer was on current trend. I told her even if not, she'd still be the most fashionable person there (she is super well put together and rarely wears the same thing twice). So, you know your crowd. I'm sure you can find the right balance. I agree with pp about Macy's. Lots of good choices. Look at Macy's for Anne Klein. Check out Dress Barn too.

[bisous]

sorry- you said knee length. I wouldn't have posted if you actually wanted midi or maxi. :) But, you should try self tanner. They make some really good ones now. I don't know how fashionable your fellow congregants are- could be that black hose would be a-ok. In So Cal, I am sure I would prefer bare legged though. I just had to talk my mom down the other day when she was getting ready for a church event. She didn't know if the cut of her blazer was on current trend. I told her even if not, she'd still be the most fashionable person there (she is super well put together and rarely wears the same thing twice). So, you know your crowd. I'm sure you can find the right balance. I agree with pp about Macy's. Lots of good choices. Look at Macy's for Anne Klein. Check out Dress Barn too.

Sorry! I thought I said at least knee length. I’m not against knee length but as I’m looking through I’m realizing I prefer the longer ones... I will try different lengths because I’ve found that you just never know. The devil is so often in the tiny details of the tailoring.

I am a bit tired of self-tanner. I tried two kinds last winter and they were busts but I can’t do summer without them so they’re my reluctant friends. :) I’ve already started my regimen for my spring fashions. :) Maybe now that I have more time (kids in school) I’ll be better at getting it streak and fade free!

[SnuggleBuggles]

You totally did say “at least” knee length. :) I took it as knee length= good. But, I take back my pick anyway. I’m only 5’2” and just tried the dress on today. It’s super short! I do love it though and looking forward to wearing it out and about. I think it’ll look super cute with a denim jacket. :)


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[jgenie]

Sorry! I thought I said at least knee length. I’m not against knee length but as I’m looking through I’m realizing I prefer the longer ones... I will try different lengths because I’ve found that you just never know. The devil is so often in the tiny details of the tailoring.

I am a bit tired of self-tanner. I tried two kinds last winter and they were busts but I can’t do summer without them so they’re my reluctant friends. :) I’ve already started my regimen for my spring fashions. :) Maybe now that I have more time (kids in school) I’ll be better at getting it streak and fade free!

Have you tried the Jergens tinted lotion? I use that and it’s pretty foolproof. I don’t love the smell but otherwise it’s fine.

[bisous]

Have you tried the Jergens tinted lotion? I use that and it’s pretty foolproof. I don’t love the smell but otherwise it’s fine.

That’s what I have right now. I keep trying it but I either end up with no color or splotches. I have tried the light and the deep and swear they are the same product!!

[specialp]

I’m very pale right now and even mid summer get very little color!

In my youth I was very self conscious about being fair and pale. I'm not now. I'm at the pool all summer and get very little color thanks to sunblock, rash guard, etc. And even when I get color, it's more my arms than my legs. I guess I accept this is my complexion and own it because it is what it is year round vs. someone who tans easily in the summer and feels pale those first few weeks. I wear knee length skirts a ton in the summer. Midi looks awful on me (pear shaped), around knee length looks best, and maxi and I can do with wedges.

[AnnieW625]

Why does it have to be black? Just curious.


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[bisous]

Why does it have to be black? Just curious.


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Mostly just because I want it to be endlessly versatile but also because I like black!!

[bisous]

In my youth I was very self conscious about being fair and pale. I'm not now. I'm at the pool all summer and get very little color thanks to sunblock, rash guard, etc. And even when I get color, it's more my arms than my legs. I guess I accept this is my complexion and own it because it is what it is year round vs. someone who tans easily in the summer and feels pale those first few weeks. I wear knee length skirts a ton in the summer. Midi looks awful on me (pear shaped), around knee length looks best, and maxi and I can do with wedges.

I think if I was at my ideal weight I’d care less about my paleness. I think it’s magical how a dress can hit at just the right length and look amazing and an inch higher or lower doesn’t work so well! There’s no real substitute for just trying things on. :)

[TwinFoxes]

Here are some I came across:

https://www.garnethill.com/button-detail-knit-maxi-dress/womens-fashion/dresses/521529?listIndex=22&defattrib=Color&defattribvalue=BLCK (click on the other colors to give you an idea of the details...GH has sales pretty often that will get it below $100).
http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/womens-dresses/day-dresses/j0341-blk/womens-black-melissa-jersey-dress
https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=398690002&cid=1077122&pcid=13658 (this is probably my favorite, and is a great bargain!)
https://www.jjill.com/product/wrap-style-knit-dress?color=780 (I don't think the neck is too low cut, but a cami or wardrobe tape could solve that).

I'm not very familiar with J.Jill, but it seems like a nice dress. Let us know what you decide on!

[westwoodmom04]

Sorry! I thought I said at least knee length. I’m not against knee length but as I’m looking through I’m realizing I prefer the longer ones... I will try different lengths because I’ve found that you just never know. The devil is so often in the tiny details of the tailoring.

I am a bit tired of self-tanner. I tried two kinds last winter and they were busts but I can’t do summer without them so they’re my reluctant friends. :) I’ve already started my regimen for my spring fashions. :) Maybe now that I have more time (kids in school) I’ll be better at getting it streak and fade free!


Do you have a pair of “tanning” gloves? They are inexpensive and sold at Sephora, among other places. They help with getting the tanner on smoothly, and keep the tanner off your palms

[bisous]

Do you have a pair of “tanning” gloves? They are inexpensive and sold at Sephora, among other places. They help with getting the tanner on smoothly, and keep the tanner off your palms

I'm going to try some!

[bisous]

So I tried a bunch of black dresses on today in all kinds of silhouettes. I found a green/gray dress that I love at the GAP factory outlet and they have it in black online. I'm buying it! Here's a link. The dress is super flattering. I don't think this dress will last forever. It doesn't feel nearly as nice as many that I tried on today but it sure works for my silhouette and my budget.

Here it is:

https://www.gapfactory.com/browse/product.do?cid=1084360&pcid=1041618&vid=1&pid=437056011

Its actually almost the same dress that TwinFoxes posted! (In fact, maybe it IS the same dress?)

I love it. I think many of the other dresses could work but at this price and availability I'm all about it.

Thank you for all the help!

[gymnbomb]

That looks like a great dress that will be very versatile. Glad you found something!


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[TwinFoxes]

So I tried a bunch of black dresses on today in all kinds of silhouettes. I found a green/gray dress that I love at the GAP factory outlet and they have it in black online. I'm buying it! Here's a link. The dress is super flattering. I don't think this dress will last forever. It doesn't feel nearly as nice as many that I tried on today but it sure works for my silhouette and my budget.

Here it is:

https://www.gapfactory.com/browse/product.do?cid=1084360&pcid=1041618&vid=1&pid=437056011

Its actually almost the same dress that TwinFoxes posted! (In fact, maybe it IS the same dress?)

I love it. I think many of the other dresses could work but at this price and availability I'm all about it.

Thank you for all the help!

They're pretty close! I think the hemlines are different. I'm glad you found something you like, and that's a good bargain. :)

[SnuggleBuggles]

Can't go wrong with a wrap dress!

[citymama]

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/chelsea28-ruffle-wrap-dress/4733786?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FCas ual&fashioncolor=Black&color=black

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tahari-tie-front-crepe-sheath-dress-regular-petite/4934868?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FCas ual&fashioncolor=Black&color=black

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/felicity-coco-rita-wrap-dress-regular-petite-nordstrom-exclusive/4642698?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FCas ual&fashioncolor=Black&color=black

https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=426259002&cid=1115122&pcid=69883

https://www.anntaylor.com/polka-dot-tie-front-t-shirt-dress/499671?skuId=26906966&defaultColor=2222&catid=cata000012

https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/product/reversible+floralgeoprint+fauxwrap+dress/570256051?color=1398&catId=cat210002

omg I love that Tahari dress!