MOG dress question - YouLookFab Forum

My son's wedding is in July. I'm involved in planning and enjoying every moment of it. It is all very exciting, you can imagine. All but one thing - buying a dress to wear. Not looking forward to it!!!!
I need a formal, floor length dress, dress that I will in all likelihood, wear once. I can't buy a "party dress, I have to meet certain expectations since our bride prefers more .... an elegant vibe to the evening. Her wedding - her rules I love her and wouldn't dream to disappoint. Also, I don't really wear dresses in real life. So, what are my options?
I looked at the rentals - I figured I can get an evening dress for one day for a fraction of the money. I'm size 2, 5'3. Most of the dresses will be at least too long. The mother of the bride is going to rent and she assures me that the store will "tape" an extra fabric at the bottom. I have serious doubts about the outcome. Does anyone have any experience with such alterations?
Or should I bite a bullet and buy and then alter my own dress as much as I want?

7 years ago

Bijou

Veteran

As you have plenty of time, I would visit rental shops to see what they have and whether they cater for petites. I imagine that they would have different lengths, so you may find a perfect dress there.
This is such a special occasion that you want to feel happy and confident in what you wear. Worrying that tape will come undone is not something that I would want to "have on my mind" on an occasion like this - so if a rental dress does not fit, I would buy one that does fit perfectly. I loved what RunCarla wore to a wedding, a shirt and long skirt, which may be more versatile than a dress.

Runcarla

Irina, this is the perfect time to look for a formal dress. Everything is on sale post Holiday season.

Below is the outfit Bijou referenced. I was very happy, comfortable, and got lots of compliments.

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Irina

I love Runcarla's outfit. One of the first I considered. My concern is that the shirt might be a bit too hot for July. I love the idea of separates but haven't seen anything suitable so far.

kkards

l'd give rent the runway a try---while you can't filter on it, they do have petites available. and they have pretty detailed sizing info and lots of reviews to help.

Ledonna N.

I wish you could wear an elegant pant suit maybe with wide leg pants or a jumpsuit.

None the less you are making you soon to be DIL happy.

Look around and look often. They can do wonders with tape and smaller sizes.

gradfashionista

(website)

I second the Rent the Runway suggestions. I was considering using them, but ended up buying a dress instead because I lacked a gown/long dress. I own the dresses below (the DVF blue corded lace dress and the Jill Jill Stuart gown, both available on RTR), and think that they would work on someone petite, although the gown would need to be hemmed. FWIW, I wore the black gown as part of the bridal party.

Zappos

JILL JILL STUART Harlow Strapless Hourglass Gown

$398.00

View Info

Top Pick

Jane

I love RunCarla's outfit! I think this is where I would be thinking, separates, classic, chic, and may be I would wear some amazing shoes that peeked out.

merwoman

Congratulations , what an exciting time for you!
I needed a MOB dress last year and must have tried on 50+ dresses. I also booked an appt at DressFrockRepeat...similar to rent the runway but located in Toronto. While I didn't end up with a rental dress, I did appreciate trying on a variety of different gowns which helped me narrow down the style I was looking for. Eventually ended up with a beautiful BCBG gown from TheBay. And funny enough, although previously I wasn't much of a frock gal, I've been turned. I actually like the simplicity of a dress for the summer and ended up buying three more! Good luck with your search.

Custom Find

by merwoman

Thank you all very much for your suggestions and support!

Merwoman,
DressFrockRepeat is the rental I consider. I'm going to check Nordstrom and today I booked an appointment with David's Bridal. I'll start there and the rental will be my back up option. I'm slowly making peace with "one time use only" type of purchase. It goes against my practical attitude towards clothes. But as my friend told me, I should keep it for the sentimental reasons

tulle

Irina, high-quality department stores like Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom's, etc. are likely to have holiday formal wear on sale right now. My daughter and I stumbled on one by accident (and found her a gorgeous, size-2 champagne-colored designer gown for $100 the Winter before her senior prom.) If you can buy a dress for a good price, you can alter it to suit you perfectly, and not have to worry about smudges or spills at the wedding.

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