https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fall-casual-dresses-on-a-budget Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 15 May 2026 14:47:42 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fall-casual-dresses-on-a-budget#post-413186 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:57:33 +0000 Freckles 413186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great advice from the ladies, best of luck in your shopping.</p> <p>I like Jones NY t-shirts, they have many with a print lately. Do you have an outlet near you?</p> <p><a href="http://www.jny.com/Short-Sleeve-Crew-Neck-Tee/25566028,default,pd.html?variantSizeClass=&#038;variantColor=JJ0DCXX&#038;cgid=22962158&#038;prefn1=catalog-id&#038;prefv1=jonesny-catalog" rel="nofollow">http://www.jny.com/Short-Sleev.....ny-catalog</a></p> <p>I don't see them online at the moment but they have many with black, cognac, etc prints that look fab. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fall-casual-dresses-on-a-budget#post-413109 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 04:14:08 +0000 christy 413109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh boy, I can totally relate. I carried all of my extra weight in my tummy after pregnancy. Still do quite frankly. I know a lot of people have luck with empire tops, but I was never able to make it work without looking pregnant all over again. Tops with a banded bottom are a great way to disguise the tummy. I like mine with a slim (not skinny) pant or a more fitted skirt or tailored bermuda short. Target had a pretty good line of bermuda shorts that were on the dressier side of casual. Hope that helps! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fall-casual-dresses-on-a-budget#post-413021 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 02:35:55 +0000 kimana517 413021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First: I'm also in NE FL! Westside of Jax, to be more specific. If you live anywhere near there and are up for coffee or something one of these days, let me know. I have a 3-year-old son so depending on how old your oldest is, maybe our kids could play together.</p> <p>Second: I will go about this assuming you're near enough to Jax that hopefully the locations will be familiar to you. Some of the Beall's Outlets tend to be better than others. The one in Mandarin near Goodwill (on San Jose across from KMart) seems to be consistently good. I got an Ann Taylor LOFT boyfriend cardi there for $6. The one at the St. Augustine outlets is also pretty good. We are also blessed to have several Ross stores in town. They have TONS of dresses, and cute ones at that. They have a lot of cute knit and woven tops you could try on to get a feel for what looks good on you. Style-wise, I've heard that wrap and faux-wrap dresses are almost universally flattering, and are often recommended for helping to camouflage one's midsection.</p> <p>Finally, I don't know how you feel about thrift stores, but Jacksonville has some of the best in the country - maybe the world. My friends come visit often more for my thrift stores than to see me! LOL. If you can find your way to The Thrift Store (address/info here: <a href="http://jacksonville.citysearch.com/profile/2249206/jacksonville_fl/thrift_store.html" rel="nofollow">http://jacksonville.citysearch.....store.html</a>), you should. Bring someone over 55 with you on Wednesdays or go without them on Saturday to get 50% off everything except one tag color. The store is HUGE but there are amazing finds there! (If you're looking for layering pieces, check out their jackets. I got a gorgeous black leather blazer for $20, and a vintage blue leather trench for $25!) That is the first thrift store I take people to and usually they spend their whole shopping budget there because they find so much, so we don't go anywhere else. Depending on your kids, you may well be able to take them with you even though you should plan to spend 2-3 hours there. (I'm telling you, IT'S HUGE.) They have a decent toy section and a small section of children's books, so my son actually likes to go there because he gets to play with the toys while we're there. Also, wear leggings and a cami or something else tight under your clothes because they don't have dressing rooms. As annoying as that may seem, you really do get used to it. They have a few full-length mirrors around so you can see how things look. Also, they are cash only, though they do have an ATM near the doors. And yes, I know all that (cash only, no dressing rooms, gonna be there a while) seems like a lot of work, but I swear you could get an entire new (name brand) wardrobe there for well within your $500 budget, easily. I'll be going there this Saturday afternoon with my SIL (who saves her entire yearly clothing budget for her annual trip to visit me so we can go to The Thrift Store and Ross!), and then we'll probably be going to The Thrift Center near Wilson &amp; Blanding intersection on Monday because they often have storewide half price sales on holidays, so Labor Day will probably be one. Then you get CRAZY deals - Ann Taylor shirts for $3, BGBC dresses for $5, etc. </p> <p>Anyway. That was a lot of info, especially if you don't like thrifting, but like I said, if you want to get coffee sometime, or even go thrifting with me, let me know! And good luck with your wardrobe rebuilding! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fall-casual-dresses-on-a-budget#post-413020 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 02:34:44 +0000 Anonymous 413020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think everyone is right on with the knit wrap and knot style dresses. Anything with an empire waist will be very forgiving.</p> <p>The clearance rack's at Kohls are good right now. Do you have a Ross Dress for Less? They have a fantastic dress department. I would look for printed dresses, as they camouflage like no tomorrow and grab yourself a cropped denim jacket. For an inexpensive alternative, try the boy's department at Wal-mart. I found a Wrangler one there for $13 marked down to $1 on clearance. It looks cropped and like it has 3/4 sleeves because it is a boy's Medium. When it gets cold, you can add leggings or footless tights and ballet flats.</p> <p>I would spend the bulk of that $500 on things that will fit you no matter what size and shape you are. Some casual Mom-on-the-go shoes that make you smile and great tote bags that look great and hold everything. I am just learning to spend on accessories and it doesn't come naturally to me, but some great sunglasses and maybe some baby-proof scarves and earrings will really amp up your look. </p> <p>Have fun, and be sure to post pics! Can't wait to see what you find. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fall-casual-dresses-on-a-budget#post-412978 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 01:17:29 +0000 yellowgirl 412978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another dress style that works really well to cover tummy issues is a twist-front, or knot-front dress. Generally, they have a twist of fabric, or a knot that sits right below the bust, and the fabric drapes down from there. The look is very flattering and doesn't have a 'pregnant-looking' effect. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fall-casual-dresses-on-a-budget#post-412957 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:25:54 +0000 tt1023 412957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, you ladies have given me so much to think about. I may actually be looking forward to going shopping again :)</p> <p>Inge, thank you so much for taking the time to find all those links for me. The ponte leggings or the jeggings with a flowy shirt sounds so much more comfy and stylish than what I wore last winter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fall-casual-dresses-on-a-budget#post-412927 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:12:43 +0000 rachylou 412927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wrap dresses are a great idea! Or even faux wrap dresses. Lots of ways to dress them up and down. JC Penny's, Sears, and Kohl's also have stuff. They can seem stodgy, but they have gems. But frankly, I don't think anything beats Target. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fall-casual-dresses-on-a-budget#post-412909 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:30:44 +0000 EmilyC15 412909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm 5'2 and 150 lbs, and I am very pleased with some pants I ordered from Land's End on sale. Their UltraFit Slim pants in Petite are currently on sale for $12.99 and a good "multi-season" weight. They'll hem them to your instep length.</p> <p><a href="http://www.landsend.com/pp/UltraFitSideZipNowaistSlimLegPants~186576_48.html?bcc=y&#038;action=order_more&#038;sku_0=" rel="nofollow">http://www.landsend.com/pp/Ult.....038;sku_0=</a>::BLA&amp;CM_MERCH=search-_-slim+pants&amp;origin=search</p> <p>This is an absolutely basic foundation piece! To dress up or down, to go under sweaters, tunics, even shorter dresses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fall-casual-dresses-on-a-budget#post-412903 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:11:33 +0000 Kristine 412903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was going to suggest H and M also. I found two dresses there for $35 each that I live in. Their prices are great and they're stuff is usually modern and interesting. </p> <p>I'd try items like stretchy belts too. They're comfortable, adjust to nearly any body and can cinch in looser things for a better fit. </p> <p>I think accessories can give you a lot of impact on a tighter budget. Do you like colorful scarves? They're so easy to throw over a basic t-shirt or simple dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fall-casual-dresses-on-a-budget#post-412864 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:14:10 +0000 Inge 412864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, I found these for you:</p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/trouve-ponte-knit-leggings/3155643?origin=keywordsearch&#038;resultback=2407" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tr.....tback=2407</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?searchCID=25781&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=847793&#038;scid=847793002" rel="nofollow">http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=847793002</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.express.com/5-pocket-ponte-knit-pant-38025-30/index.pro" rel="nofollow">http://www.express.com/5-pocke...../index.pro</a></p> <p><a href="http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=587583&#038;PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results" rel="nofollow">http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....sn_results</a></p> <p>Do you have an H&amp;M near you? I've often found decent jeggings, leans and ponte knit leggings there in the past too.</p> <p>Regarding top length for skirts: I think a good general rule is to keep them on or just above your hip bone, see also:<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2008/04/23/different-tops-for-skirts-and-pants/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2008/04/.....and-pants/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fall-casual-dresses-on-a-budget#post-412863 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:13:11 +0000 rachylou 412863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hej, tt! I am a total fan of "jeggings" - they're jeans with some stretch, but not those elastic band pants from Dr. Leonard's catalog (not that I don't love Dr. Leonard's catalog).</p> <p>I'm 5'6" and 140 lbs myself, and need to drop at least 5 to make my doctor happy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fall-casual-dresses-on-a-budget#post-412859 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:02:43 +0000 Inge 412859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Let's see, I'll have a look around the internet for you. Are knee-high boots too hot for your climate? They always look fab with leggings (any material really).</p> <p>But ballet flats or something with a small heel or wedge will work too. See e.g. Angie's outfit in this post (which reminds me: floaty blouses and shirts will look great with straight-legged jeans and jeggings too)<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2011/07/14/dressed-down-chanel-and-dutch-orange/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2011/07/.....ch-orange/</a></p> <p>Ooh and how about clamdiggers or walk shorts with a fun top and ballet flats, like Angie is wearing in this post?<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2011/08/24/lions-and-bellhops-at-the-bellagio/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2011/08/.....-bellagio/</a></p> <p>It's this top, the cut and ruching are good for camouflaging a little tummy. You could also wear this kind of top with a (denim) pencil skirt.<br /> <a href="http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/product%3A264426/AT-Knits-%26-Tees/Crossover-Halter-Top/264426?colorExplode=false&#038;skuId=89916872&#038;catid=cat70008&#038;productPageType=fullPriceProducts&#038;defaultColor=1000" rel="nofollow">http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/p.....Color=1000</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fall-casual-dresses-on-a-budget#post-412858 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 20:56:55 +0000 tt1023 412858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Inge, I love the idea of leggings with a tunic top. Where can I find ponte de roma leggings? Also, what shoes would I wear with something like that? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fall-casual-dresses-on-a-budget#post-412855 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 20:54:32 +0000 tt1023 412855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy, I do have a denim skirt, but no tops to wear with it. What kind of tops would work? I don't want something tight due to muffin top, but I am afraid to go too loose and cross over into maternity looking territory. Also what length top with a denim skirt? It is a pencil skirt.</p> <p>Thanks for all of the other shopping suggestions </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fall-casual-dresses-on-a-budget#post-412853 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 20:52:03 +0000 Inge 412853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great to see you post on the forum Tt and I hear you on wanting some variety in your dress collection.</p> <p>Aside from dresses, what do you think of ponte knit leggings or denim leggings with a longer tunic style blouse over it (you can add a jacket of cardi to dress it up or to keep you warm if necessary)? It's a comfortable yet stylish look.</p> <p>Also: perhaps Angie's guidelines for the adorable apple figure can help you with determining what types of dresses and tops to look for (even if you are not an adorable apple these tips are great for anyone who wants to draw attention away from their stomaches).<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2010/05/10/how-to-dress-the-adorable-apple-body-type-2010/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2010/05/.....type-2010/</a></p> <p>Many ladies have found great dresses at Macy's in the past. Perhaps you might be able to snap up some fab ones from the sales racks at shops like Nordstrom etc. too?</p> <p>Keep us posted? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fall-casual-dresses-on-a-budget#post-412848 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 20:47:33 +0000 Queen Mum 412848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>try places like TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshall's adn the Rack.<br /> Although I never get there, I have a friend who got several cute dresses from JC Penney's earlier this summer. You might check them out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fall-casual-dresses-on-a-budget#post-412843 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 20:44:14 +0000 Mo 412843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since you are in FL, have you tried Beall's Outlet? Unlike Beall's they carry more than just the same certain brands. Sometimes you can find Michael Kors or DKNY or Target brands like Merona and Mossimo. They even had a Canadian brand, Jacob, that I bought (non cargo skinnies). It's a total crap shoot but you can find excellent prices if you're willing to wade through the racks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fall-casual-dresses-on-a-budget#post-412840 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 20:37:04 +0000 Anonymous 412840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tt, how do wrap dresses or faux wraps work on you? They tend to work well for weight fluxuations. Also, you might try Target for dresses. Theirs are usually well made and washable and inexpensive.<br /> Lands End and Eddie Bauer are other places to look. there should be lots of sales on summer dresses now and you may find the right colors to take you into fall in Florida.<br /> You might be careful not to get anything in a clingy knit that shows every bump. Do you have a denim skirt or basic skirt in a neutral color that you can pair with different tops? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fall-casual-dresses-on-a-budget#post-412834 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 20:26:17 +0000 tt1023 412834@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a lurker, and I haven't posted in a really long time but I am hoping you ladies can point me in the right direction. I am a SAHM in the process of losing baby weight from my second child (what a slow process this time around) and I need a whole new wardrobe for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. Unfortunately I don't have a lot to spend, maybe $500 max. I have studied the MOTG formulas but I am still lost. </p> <p>I live in NE FL so we still have quite a bit of warm weather but I don't want to keep wearing the same 4 knit dresses I have been rotating all summer. I would like to find some casual fall dresses that can transition through the seasons and through weight fluctuations. I would also like to find some jeans and tops, but I have not had much luck with anything that has a waist I do need a few things to wear to Mass on Sundays as well.</p> <p>Right now I am 5'4" and 140 lbs, with most of my extra weight in my stomach area. What should I look for with my limited budget and where should I try to shop? Thank you for any ideas! This whole process is very frustrating right now. </p>