Hourglass dresses w/ sleeves?

Hello! I am new and have a question.

I'm an hourglass shape, and I love dresses--not a surprise, given Angie's recommendations for dresses on the blog. The thing is, I'm looking for dresses for a wedding, and I'm finding little with a nice defined waist that also has sleeves and is appropriate for a wedding this summer at a country club. The billowy dresses that seem so popular now are beautiful on other women, but I don't think they're right for my body. My favorite dress is a wool wrap dress with a pencil skirt, but it's quite wintry, so not really right for this event.

I'm looking for:
-sleeves to the elbow or below, to cover up some scarring on my upper arms
-a dress with a defined waist, and maybe a pencil skirt and v or surplice neck (dare I hope?)
-Wedding appropriate--in other words, no black, no red, no white, and preferably a somewhat summery or jewel-toned color?

I've been finding a lot of "if onlys". Here are two to give you an idea:

If only this came in a better color:
http://content.nordstrom.com/I.....592856.jpg
(link: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....5&P=3)

This was great in-store--if only it had sleeves. Tried it with a cardi, but that made my waist disappear.
http://anntaylor.scene7.com/is...../cover.gif
(link: http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ses#ATLtop)

Can you help? I'd very much appreciate your suggestions!

18 years ago

Maya

Veteran

You're going to have a hard time finding sleeves at this time of year. I would just get a regular short sleeved or sleeveless dress and add a cropped cardigan over it. If you tried the second dress with a cardi, it might just not be the right kind. You'll probably end up having to try on more cardigans than dresses.

Ana

(website)

You could always wear a belt over the cardigan to cinch it in. I am an hourglass and use this trick a lot.

Inge

Moderator

I noticed that the second dress has an empire waist, so I was wondering if you would consider something like this:
http://www.shabbyapple.com/pc-.....erbal.aspx (lots of red and black though, and mabye too casual?)

Or this, defined waist but somewhat flowy skirt:
http://www.tobi.com/product/46.....:c0.261004

I don't know how much your willing to spend, but maybe a Diane von Furstenberg dress, you could definitely dress that up for a wedding.
http://www.dvf.com/dvf/home.jsp?storeId=store_us

This site has discounted prices, e.g.:
http://www.yoox.com/item/YOOX/.....archResult

Nicole

I'm curious about your color requirements. I can understand no white, and no black (unless it's an evening wedding). I don't think I've ever heard "no red" at a wedding though.

I have the hardest time finding dresses, so I'm not really going to be much help. Just wanted to know if red is inappropriate for a wedding, and if so, why?

Yes, I was wondering that myself too Nicole. Over here both black and red would be totally acceptable for day and evening weddings, but things can be different on the 'other side of the pond'.

Found a chocolate coloured dress (too dark probably), and with a bateau neckline:
http://www.barriepace.com/bp/p.....%20Dresses

And these two:
http://www.barriepace.com/bp/p.....%20Dresses
http://www.barriepace.com/bp/p.....%20Dresses

It's turning out rather difficult indeed to find a dress that meets all of your requirements Monica;-)

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Are the weddings day, or evening? Perhaps you don’t like red? The colour red is absolutely acceptable to wear to a western wedding, if you had your doubts.

Why is sleeveless problematic, Monica?

Monica

Active Member

Thank you all for your replies and helpful suggestions! The many links look promising, and Ana, I think I will try your belted cardigan trick very soon. I'm impressed that so many people have taken the time to go and web search for things to help me, and you don't even know me! Thank you.

The wedding is during the day.

Why not red? Growing up, I learned from my grandmother that wearing red to a wedding was inappropriate--something about red expressing a comment on the bride's, er, sexual freedom? But the sentiment is outdated in my view (who are guests to critique her private choices?!) so maybe the fashion rule is, too. If so, that would be great.

Angie, sleeveless is problematic because I have some scars on my upper arms that I don't like to show. They're not so prominent that they're apt to cause distraction to my fellow guests, but I'm still self-conscious about it.

I hear you Monica. Feel free to wear red and keep us posted with what you find. Have you read these cheat sheets?

http://youlookfab.com/cheat-sheets

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