Welcome, JoyAlison! Have you already looked for day dresses in some places (online or in stores) and have been disappointed with the selection? That would be great to know. "Modest" can be interpreted in many ways, so we need to hone in on the requirements a little. E.g., are you ok with sleeveless, or do you want your arms covered?
Also, what is your body type? If you could post a picture (you can cover your face), we can help you figure out what styles of dresses to look for.

But just to take a first stab, a shirt dress might be a good choice, something like this: http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=26862

Also (depending on your body type), what about a wrap dress like this, with a cami underneath for more coverage? http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=26862

Sheath dresses typically have a high neckline (and won't be as short on most women as on the model), e.g. http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=26862

I'm only throwing these out as first suggestions so we can get your reactions and continue to refine.

Wow. Antje, you are good. I love the dresses you picked so far! Yes, I have been perusing items online and haven't found anything I would feel comfortable wearing (super low-cut or super short is all I've found thus far).

Sorry I didn't give more info. I, as far as I can tell, am a rectangle. My hubby took the camera with him today, so I can't upload a pic, but hopefully soon. :)
I can totally do sleeveless, and even a little bit of a scoopneck. I just don't want to be flashing everyone as I bend down to pick up my twins or goof around with my older ones. :)

Thanks for the help!
Blessings,
JoyAlison

Ok,
I uploaded a pic of myself. Please forgive my terrible fashion sense. That's why I'm here, right?!

Thanks for your help in advance!
Blessings,
JoyAlison

http://i565.photobucket.com/al.....oypic4.jpg

Hi, JoyAlison. You look fantastic! I can't believe you're a mum of five, you look in much better shape than me, with all of my zero kids...;)

I would probably agree that you're a rectangle, but we'll see what Angie says. There is basic info on rectangles here:
http://youlookfab.com/2006/05/.....rectangle/

For dresses, specifically:
http://youlookfab.com/2007/04/.....ectangles/

The only thing I'd say is, looking at the styles recommended for rectangles, some of them seem a bit "straight" for playing/running around with kids, if you know what I mean. I know it drives me crazy to wear a more restrictive skirt if I'm trying to be even remotely active. Choosing a slightly fuller or A-line skirt might be more practical for you.

As for specific dresses, I'm afraid I can't be much help, as I don't live in the US. Good luck, though!

That dress post Ele linked to should be very helpful. And I agree, you look fantastic and will look great in many types of dresses. How about a shirt dress for a day dress (like the 2nd one in the bottom row), and a sheath dress (1st one in bottom row) for dressier occasions? With the shirt dress, just pop a cami in a contrasting color underneath to avoid too much exposure. Are you liking those ideas so far, or are you looking for something else?

WOW antje

I love the wrap dress at Macys you posted. Now to decide if I want the royal blue or good ole' black?

The Budget Babe posted these dress ideas today, and I thought of this thread immediately when I saw some of them: http://www.thebudgetbabe.com/a.....l#extended

Numbers 1, 5 & 7 would be great with a cardi or denim jacket.

Ok, you all are wonderful! I feel inspired!!
Now, can I pick your brain just a little more? Ok, I love the shirtdress idea for every day, but I think that one like the one in the racy rectangles example might be too straight for a day of chasing kids. Could I do one similar to the first shirtdress you showed, Antje or #7 in the budget babe link from merry77?

And, would a dress like this fit the criteria for this formula for flop-proof dressing? http://youlookfab.com/2008/08/.....-outfit-3/

Thanks for answering all of my "fashion beginner" questions!!

Blessings,
Joy

Anyone?
Thanks a million!
Joy

Hi Joy. I'm not an expert on dressing rectangles, but I think they could work.

Have you been to the academichic.com site? The ladies there wear lots of dresses in different ways that might give you some further inspiration. Some of them feature layering a dress on top of a dress, like this one: http://www.academichic.com/200.....han-one-2/

That's probably too warm for summer, but a great idea to keep in mind for the colder months and a way to get more versatility from your dresses.

Joy, I actually own the dress #7 from the budget babe and I love it. I can pop a cami under it or wear it buttoned up. You can put a belt on, wear it under a denim jacket or a cardigan or sweater for a different look. It is long enough to come to my knees (I'm 5'10) and is a very nice dress. I think it would definitely work for the flop proof outfits (I'm counting on it doing so!). I also own a shirt dress and found it very versatile last year.

I'm also considering this dress from Boden:
http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/.....Dress.html

Hope that helps!