Dress me for a wedding?

[bisous]

My niece is getting married in May. The reception will be outside. Her colors are mauves and purples--though I'm not sure I have to wear something in that color family.

I'm looking for a dress that has sleeves and isn't too low in the front or back. Also, I would love it to be below the knee. Recently I've gained weight in my KNEES (it is the darnedest thing!) and all the sudden knee length stuff isn't looking too hot.

I'd love for something to accentuate my waist which is still small. I'd also love for it not to be too tight through the tummy as I still have a bit of a mummy tummy from my 4 c-sections.

I'm currently a size M in tops and 6 to 8 in jeans. I am currently exercising and trying to lose about ten pounds. But I'm not sure I'm going to get there by the end of May! Instead of beating myself up about it, I've determined to just get myself a really beautiful dress and love my middle aged body. Would love any leads you might have!

I'm not much of a shopper and I don't really know where to start. I just tried on a bunch of dresses at Old Navy which is where I discovered that my knees aren't cute anymore, lol. I liked the "short sleeved waist defined" dresses on me but I'm afraid that since I have a bit more in the bust I look more like a medieval serving wench than an appropriate middle aged aunt, lol.

Money is an issue but I'm in a position where I can afford to spend a little more than I would have in the past. I can't imagine spending more than $100 but might consider it for a dress that I could wear much more than once (like maybe regularly to church?)

Thanks in advance!

[WatchingThemGrow]

Following, same situation but size 12, navy are the colors, so maybe I can’t wear that. Can’t wait to see what the suggestions are!!


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[SnuggleBuggles]

I’ll look later tonight but those color being their wedding colors I’d more “stay away” because those colors are “claimed” by the bridesmaids. Obviously it’s no biggie since most people have no clue what the colors are before the show up unless it is a close friend or family or they just happened upon the info. [emoji4]


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[SnuggleBuggles]

Is it a daytime wedding where something like this would be appropriate:
https://www.loft.com/floral-godet-drawstring-dress/580156?skuId=32731415&defaultColor=3242&catid=catl000013&selectedColor=3242

https://www.jcpenney.com/p/perceptions-short-sleeve-floral-midi-fit-flare-dress/ppr5008176130?pTmplType=regular&deptId=dept20000013&catId=cat100210008&urlState=%2Fg%2Fwomen%2Fdresses%3Fid%3Dcat10021000 8&productGridView=medium&badge=new

https://www.jcpenney.com/p/msk-short-sleeve-floral-shirt-dress/ppr5008151674?pTmplType=regular&deptId=dept20000013&catId=cat100210008&urlState=%2Fg%2Fwomen%2Fdresses%3Fsleeve_length%3D short%2Bsleeve%26womens_product_size_range%3Dmisse s%26id%3Dcat100210008&page=2&productGridView=medium&selectedSKUId=22395120109&facetSelected=sizerange

https://modcloth.com/collections/party-dresses/products/established-aplomb-long-sleeve-dress-navy-gold

Or does it need to be more cocktail style?
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/julia-jordan-twist-neck-sheath-dress/5873032?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FCoc ktail%20%26%20Party&color=617

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/lulus-fallen-for-you-satin-high-low-dress/5782700?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FCoc ktail%20%26%20Party&color=410


This dress is so fun...do you require sleeves or just prefer them? Could you do sleevelss and wear something over it if you're chilly https://www.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-satin-mix-sleeveless-dress/5944714?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FCoc ktail%20%26%20Party&color=001

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/connected-apparel-leaf-jacquard-cowl-neck-sheath-dress/6109902?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FCoc ktail%20%26%20Party&color=001

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/connected-apparel-floral-print-lace-ruffle-sheath-dress/6109907?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FCoc ktail%20%26%20Party&color=301

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/connected-capelet-overlay-sheath-dress?ID=13244768&CategoryID=5449

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/msk-split-dolman-sleeve-jersey-dress?ID=12650842&CategoryID=5449&swatchColor=Navy

https://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/florrie-jersey-dress-ivory-oriental-bird/sty-j0849-crm?cat=C1_S2_G4


bit over budget https://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/jersey-midi-dress-radish-geo/sty-d0147-drd?cat=C1_S2_G4
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/chi-chi-london-kyla-applique-detail-fit-flare-party-dress/5407036?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses&color=413

[bisous]

Snugglebuggles, thank you so much for linking all those dresses! I really like the 2nd cocktail link, although I'm not sure there is enough substance on the sleeves so yes sleeves are a must! I might order it and try it. These are also good sources that I can scroll through and see if I can find anything.

Honestly, after poking around it seems like the dresses I'm looking for are more "mother of the bride" which makes me feel sort of old. But everything else is strapless, sleeveless, backless, or short, lol. I like those looks but they won't work for me.

[bisous]

Regarding color, I don't think in my case that the bride's family will mind that we "match" the scheme but neither do they require it? We will be in family pictures. This is my niece that is getting married. DD is a flower girl. :)

[SnuggleBuggles]

Is it a fashion thing (like you don't think they look good) or a requirement for religious reasons? If it's a fashion thing, a cute dress will distract from any of your perceived flaws. :)
Don't go the MOB fashion route! All of the ones I linked are perfectly appropriate for your current age. I feel like I found a good number of modest, flattering options. Happy to keep looking but I am not shopping in the MOB section for you. ;)

[bisous]

Also, has anyone tried eShakti? My sister was telling me about them. They have dresses that you can customize--add length, change the neckline or sleeve, etc. I'm curious as to whether anyone here has tried it?

TIA!

[SnuggleBuggles]

Regarding color, I don't think in my case that the bride's family will mind that we "match" the scheme but neither do they require it? We will be in family pictures. This is my niece that is getting married. DD is a flower girl. :)

If you wanted to coordinate but not be confused for a member of the bridal party, this Macy's one from above pulls in the purple
https://www.macys.com/shop/product/connected-capelet-overlay-sheath-dress?CategoryID=5449&ID=13244768&cm_mmc=Google_adnet-_-Macys-Branded_Macys-Branded-_-macys-074463914650296068373937393202666777401-_-kclickid_5f175ab1-9f7d-47a6-bbc4-d56f8ae586ab_hoo_mobile_us_web&type=pid|$CLICK_ID$|5f175ab1-9f7d-47a6-bbc4-d56f8ae586ab-5f175ab1-9f7d-47a6-bbc4-d56f8ae586ab&ADNETID=074463914650296068373937393202666777401&m_sc=sem&m_sb=Ad.net&m_tp=Search&m_ac=Google_adnet&m_ag=macys%20branded&m_cn=macys%20branded&m_pi=kclickid_5f175ab1-9f7d-47a6-bbc4-d56f8ae586ab_0744639146502960683739373932026667774 01

[bisous]

Is it a fashion thing (like you don't think they look good) or a requirement for religious reasons? If it's a fashion thing, a cute dress will distract from any of your perceived flaws. :)
Don't go the MOB fashion route! All of the ones I linked are perfectly appropriate for your current age. I feel like I found a good number of modest, flattering options. Happy to keep looking but I am not shopping in the MOB section for you. ;)

Religious! Or it has been. But I also don't want to show my knees. Above the knees but not short is ok but not cute on me. If I get to pick my dress, I'd rather the hem be longer. I like the MOB looks! Maybe that's just because a lot of my social circle adheres to the same dress styles as we share a religion? You definitely do not have to keep shopping for me and I do appreciate the time you put into pulling together those looks!

[SnuggleBuggles]

I love dress shopping! If you want to rock the MOB style, rock on! There are some cute ones. [emoji4]
But, if you have anymore thoughts on maybe ones above that we’re definitely going the wrong direction vs ones that were close, let me know.


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[bisous]

I love dress shopping! If you want to rock the MOB style, rock on! There are some cute ones. [emoji4]
But, if you have anymore thoughts on maybe ones above that we’re definitely going the wrong direction vs ones that were close, let me know.


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I'm looking for a little bit longer. Below the knee is fine--doesn't have to be floor length though I'm not opposed to that either! I'm realizing that the top is going to be really hard to find. Must have an actual sleeve (can't be lace or illusion fabric), must have a back, and can't be too low!

Some of the jcpenney links looked like they might work! I'm looking into it, but prefer other patterns.

FWIW, I bought this dress yesterday and DH said it looked amazing, though did make me look busty. Even in this dress I'm going to have to buy a camisole to wear underneath because the armpits are cut too low. It is tricky. I actually really liked the color of this dress but I think overall the style is too casual. But I really don't know!


https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=815917012&cid=15292&pcid=15292&vid=1&nav=meganav%3AWomen+%26+Women%E2%80%99s+Plus%3ASho p+Women%27s+Categories%3ADresses+&cpos=27&cexp=2223&kcid=CategoryIDs%3D15292&cvar=16846&ctype=Listing&cpid=res22031108193119378384723#pdp-page-content

I kind of love this dress but the top may not work. I like the length and shape of it:

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/dress-the-population-corey-chiffon-fit-flare-cocktail-dress/5077685?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FCoc ktail%20%26%20Party&color=001

Price is just outside of what I could pay and if it was amazing I could be talked into it I think...


Love this one except of course the top!

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/dress-the-population-alicia-mixed-media-midi-dress/5682147?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FCoc ktail%20%26%20Party&color=312

This is like my dream but totally out of my price range and I don't know if I'm slim enough to pull it off. It is just PRETTY!

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/pisarro-nights-beaded-mesh-column-gown-regular-petite/5490678?origin=coordinating-5490678-0-2-FTR-recbot-recently_viewed_snowplow_mvp&recs_placement=FTR&recs_strategy=recently_viewed_snowplow_mvp&recs_source=recbot&recs_page_type=category&recs_seed=0&color=BLUSH

I'm going to keep looking!

[bcafe]

I wore this to my niece's wedding. The lace is soft and there are many colors to choose from.
https://www.amazon.com/MEROKEETY-Womens-Sleeveless-Elegant-Cocktail/dp/B01MS1GE55/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2CLOX95KHXIOM&keywords=meerokitty+lace+dress&qid=1647016492&sprefix=Meero%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1

[SnuggleBuggles]

The Corey Chiffon Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress was my top pick but I didn’t share it because of the price [emoji4]
The Old Navy dress is really casual. But maybe the wedding is?
Sleeves are definitely a challenge. Are there stores that specialize in LDS attire? I’m thinking of the Indian stores around me where one would go to buy a great Sari.


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[SnuggleBuggles]

Ooh, how about this? It covers the knee if you get a tall, I bet https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-cotton-model-jersey-surplice-fit-and-flare-dress/id_362111?attributes=43307,43324,44256,44967,49810

this too https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-cap-sleeve-twist-front-fit-and-flare-dress/id_358147?attributes=43307,43324,44256,44967,46365

[SnuggleBuggles]

Maxi dresses
https://www.amazon.com/GRECERELLE-Womens-Bohemian-Dresses-PD-Navy/dp/B07ST86HXJ/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=fit+and+flare+maxi+dress+ for+women&qid=1647019659&s=apparel&sprefix=fit+and+flare+maxi%2Cfashion-womens-clothing%2C89&sr=1-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFCUkFYM01YS0ZVSzYmZ W5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAwMDg4OTgzRVFSUEQ5N0dLUDRRJmVuY3J 5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAwNjU3NDIyVTE0RFY0OEgyNjJMJndpZGdld E5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm9 0TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

https://www.amazon.com/OUGES-Womens-V-Neck-Pattern-Floral-6/dp/B078Z5TYDN/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=fit+and+flare+maxi+dress+for+w omen&qid=1647019738&s=apparel&sprefix=fit+and+flare+maxi%2Cfashion-womens-clothing%2C89&sr=1-7

in "flowers 14" https://www.amazon.com/WOOSEA-Women-Sleeveless-Loose-Casual/dp/B08BJJWL5L/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=fit%2Band%2Bflare%2Bmaxi%2Bdre ss%2Bfor%2Bwomen&qid=1647019738&s=apparel&sprefix=fit%2Band%2Bflare%2Bmaxi%2Cfashion-womens-clothing%2C89&sr=1-8&th=1&psc=1


Not a maxi but knee length https://www.amazon.com/Bridesmaid-Graduation-Homecoming-Flower-2XL/dp/B07XCNXY2K/ref=sr_1_106?keywords=fit%2Band%2Bflare%2Bmaxi%2Bd ress%2Bfor%2Bwomen&qid=1647019976&s=apparel&sprefix=fit%2Band%2Bflare%2Bmaxi%2Cfashion-womens-clothing%2C89&sr=1-106&th=1&psc=1

[bisous]

The Corey Chiffon Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress was my top pick but I didn’t share it because of the price [emoji4]
The Old Navy dress is really casual. But maybe the wedding is?
Sleeves are definitely a challenge. Are there stores that specialize in LDS attire? I’m thinking of the Indian stores around me where one would go to buy a great Sari.


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It is on the expensive side! It is so close though...I'm kind of tempted but I'm also not certain that it will work on the top. Glad you liked it too!

I think there are some sites that cater to LDS women. I just don't shop enough. I'll ask my SILs where they get stuff.

[bisous]

Maxi dresses
https://www.amazon.com/GRECERELLE-Womens-Bohemian-Dresses-PD-Navy/dp/B07ST86HXJ/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=fit+and+flare+maxi+dress+ for+women&qid=1647019659&s=apparel&sprefix=fit+and+flare+maxi%2Cfashion-womens-clothing%2C89&sr=1-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFCUkFYM01YS0ZVSzYmZ W5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAwMDg4OTgzRVFSUEQ5N0dLUDRRJmVuY3J 5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAwNjU3NDIyVTE0RFY0OEgyNjJMJndpZGdld E5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm9 0TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

https://www.amazon.com/OUGES-Womens-V-Neck-Pattern-Floral-6/dp/B078Z5TYDN/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=fit+and+flare+maxi+dress+for+w omen&qid=1647019738&s=apparel&sprefix=fit+and+flare+maxi%2Cfashion-womens-clothing%2C89&sr=1-7

in "flowers 14" https://www.amazon.com/WOOSEA-Women-Sleeveless-Loose-Casual/dp/B08BJJWL5L/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=fit%2Band%2Bflare%2Bmaxi%2Bdre ss%2Bfor%2Bwomen&qid=1647019738&s=apparel&sprefix=fit%2Band%2Bflare%2Bmaxi%2Cfashion-womens-clothing%2C89&sr=1-8&th=1&psc=1


Not a maxi but knee length https://www.amazon.com/Bridesmaid-Graduation-Homecoming-Flower-2XL/dp/B07XCNXY2K/ref=sr_1_106?keywords=fit%2Band%2Bflare%2Bmaxi%2Bd ress%2Bfor%2Bwomen&qid=1647019976&s=apparel&sprefix=fit%2Band%2Bflare%2Bmaxi%2Cfashion-womens-clothing%2C89&sr=1-106&th=1&psc=1

1st link didn't work but the other two links are super cute! I think I'll try them. We have a Prime Fulfillment Center in my city now and we get orders super quick and returns are easy.

[bisous]

1st link didn't work but the other two links are super cute! I think I'll try them. We have a Prime Fulfillment Center in my city now and we get orders super quick and returns are easy.



I just got my first dresses in! I ordered all Mediums.

The dress in the second link is SO perfect for me. It is like wearing pajamas, lol, but it is comfortable, fits super cute and if it is appropriate for a wedding then I'm set. I also got a similar dress in navy that I think will also work for a wedding! It is not a very "notice me" dress (the one in navy) but it will be incredibly serviceable for family weddings going forward and for wearing to church frequently. I do need to wear a camisole underneath as the V neck is just a tad too low but that was pretty easy to add.

The third link dress came and I think with a few tweaks it would be THE PERFECT silhouette for weddings. The top and sleeves are appropriate and flattering. My issue is that the waist is like an inch too short to be really cute? Like it is fine enough but just short of amazing looking, if that makes sense. I'm wondering if ordering up a size might make it fit better? Or maybe it will overwhelm me. It isn't a very well made dress TBH and I can actually see this as a case where individual garments might fit differently! I might ordering a few sizes/colors because it has a lot of potential. I wouldn't mind finding this dress in a little higher end model if anyone can find it!

Anyway, thank you so much snugglebuggles for sticking with me and for sending over some great finds. I hope this might help out someone else!

[SnuggleBuggles]

Awesome! Yeah, I’ve found Amazon sizing super inconsistent so you never know! Sometimes you can even find the same dress under a different brand name…you can really fall down an Amazon dress rabbit hole by following “people who liked this also liked these” pages. [emoji4]


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[mom2binsd]

I totally understand your struggles, I have a few LDS friends and they find sleeves challenging, most may not understand that you need at least mid bicep and it can't be sheer/lace etc or fluttering.

I think floral maxi dress would be appropriate unless the fabric is more tshirt like, so maybe not dressy enough. It looks like the sleeves will be long enough though. I think the Old Navy dress is too casual for a wedding.

[bisous]

BTW, this exact dress--originally linked by snugglebuggles, finally came this week. I got another version of it in a print that I liked that nearly worked but not quite--and it is REALLY cute on. I wear a medium in it. It is a little tricky around the arm but doable with a cami underneath (it is low in the armpit area) and it is super cute on! I'd totally recommend it. :) I think it is probably "the one" for the event I'll be attending! Hope this helps someone else. And again, thanks to all of you for your help!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XCNXY2K/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B07XCNXY2K&linkCode=as2&tag=vbbabybargains-20