https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/serious-shopping-ahead--motb-dress-long-post Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 05 May 2026 01:25:23 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/serious-shopping-ahead--motb-dress-long-post#post-824823 Mon, 21 Jan 2013 18:26:20 +0000 cheryl 824823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm no help either but Congratulations! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/serious-shopping-ahead--motb-dress-long-post#post-824524 Mon, 21 Jan 2013 14:48:48 +0000 velvetychocolate 824524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can't help it, I love looking at pretty dresses! From the dept. of "Leave No Retail Stone Unturned":</p> <p><a href="http://www.zappos.com/eliza-j-three-quarter-sleeve-lace-sheath-dress-coral" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/eliza-j-.....ress-coral</a></p> <p>I'm posting this because it's a pretty colour, the neckline is just what you were mentioning in your post, it has sleeves and it's a 'fruity'/happy colour. Plus, I wanted you to see that it's a bit looser on this model than some of the other similar lace sheath-type dresses mentioned upthread - not all sheath dresses have to be worn as tight as they feature on some models/sites. See what I mean? This one (the way it fits the model) doesn't look too body-con. I think the other similar dresses shown in this thread can be worn a bit looser than they've shown - as seen by this example below. </p> <p>You could wear something like this with nude pumps, not sure what type of clutch, and maybe a simple pearl or gold bracelet (or no jewelry at all, owing to the rich texture in the dress already). </p> <p>I haven't ordered clothing from Zappos before, but I'm pretty certain they have a generous shipping and return policy, so if you tried it, it would be relatively simple to return if you didn't like it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/serious-shopping-ahead--motb-dress-long-post#post-824509 Mon, 21 Jan 2013 14:25:43 +0000 unfrumped 824509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Moira, those are lovely suits. Very good logins for chic mother look and more sophisticated.<br /> Jenava, I couldn't follow the link but get your drift.<br /> Velvetychocolate, great links! Wish I were a bit more bombshell for these but there are iterations that might work.<br /> Clearlyclaire, thanks for the lift!<br /> Joy-- great idea and I used for recent skirt shopping but will measure my dress capsule for the range of lengths.</p> <p>I wonder if I will have to struggle with setting- appropriate ( outdoor, warm) vs. Fabulosity.. I should be so lucky to come up with more than one option! If I were just a<br /> wedding guest, I would feel a lot more leeway since people wear something nice that they have and can't always get a new outfit for all the variations on wedding settings. Imaginary outfit says special/ look fab but welcoming. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/serious-shopping-ahead--motb-dress-long-post#post-824347 Mon, 21 Jan 2013 05:11:15 +0000 Anonymous 824347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I stink at online shopping, but I wanted to offer my congratulations. This is an exciting time! Best wishes to your DD. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/serious-shopping-ahead--motb-dress-long-post#post-824307 Mon, 21 Jan 2013 03:09:07 +0000 Anonymous 824307@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It really helps save time to measure a dress at home to find your ideal length from the shoulder seam to hem and carry a tape measure with you when shopping. It helps to rule out those that won't work quickly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/serious-shopping-ahead--motb-dress-long-post#post-824295 Mon, 21 Jan 2013 02:45:07 +0000 velvetychocolate 824295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like Parsley's suggestion, and I went looking around - there's another variation of the dress...a silver/pale grey colour, which might look lovely against the backdrop of purples and lavenders:</p> <p><a href="http://www.dillards.com/product/Adrianna-Papell-34Sleeve-Lace-Dress_301_-1_301_503444916?df=03896485_zi_dark_silver" rel="nofollow">http://www.dillards.com/produc.....ark_silver</a> (shown in pic #1)</p> <p>Note: I'm not sure why, but I think the one that Parsley posted looks a tiny bit more stylish than this silver/pewter-ish/grey-ish version, but just throwing it in here if you wanted another colour option for Spring and slightly warm-ish temperatures. Also note that the dress itself might not be as short as it appears in the photo - might just be the model is very tall...</p> <p>If you wanted to brighten up a bit, I also saw this on Tadashi Shoji's website, but am not sure which stores are carrying it...</p> <p><a href="http://shop.tadashishoji.com/evening-shop/cocktail-dresses/off-shoulder-jersey-dress-in-claret.html" rel="nofollow">http://shop.tadashishoji.com/e.....laret.html</a> (shown in pic #2)</p> <p>I also saw this on the Tadashi Shoji site, and I found it by selecting dresses that are recommended for pear shapes...it might be a bit too 'frou frou' in terms of the lace/sequin-y look, especially given the overall vibe (ie. BBQ'ish) but the sand colour would be *beautiful* ...</p> <p><a href="http://shop.tadashishoji.com/evening-shop/cocktail-dresses/paillette-embroidered-lace-off-shoulder-dress-in-sand.html" rel="nofollow">http://shop.tadashishoji.com/e.....-sand.html</a> (shown in pic #3) </p> <p>Best wishes for MOTB shopping success!</p> <p>ETA: I *love* Jenava's suggestion....just fabulous-looking. If you can find something like what she's suggesting, then I think this combo would be amazing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/serious-shopping-ahead--motb-dress-long-post#post-824254 Mon, 21 Jan 2013 01:46:42 +0000 Jenava 824254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is what I have in my mind's eye, as far as style. I'd look for something cheaper (natch), and maybe in a better color. I also think I'd like it better if the belt were a contrast color.<br /> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/st-john-collection-cardigan-dress/3413722?cm_sp=merch-_-designer_stjohnresortevening-_-slide4_look" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/st.....lide4_look</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/serious-shopping-ahead--motb-dress-long-post#post-824247 Mon, 21 Jan 2013 01:37:25 +0000 Jenava 824247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have a while to find something. New spring items are JUST coming out now, so keep in mind you'll likely find more options in a few weeks!</p> <p>In my minds eye I am seeing something cotton, in a pastel color, maybe with a beautiful short sleeved cardigan over it and a pretty white patent belt with matching shoes and bag?</p> <p>Since it's going to be BBQ style I wouldn't do any material that is too dressy or fancy. My own wedding was in the front garden of an old farmhouse on Ebey's Prairie and after we had a wonderful, elegant BBQ in the old grain house. (But, this was washington state, so not nearly as warm as TX!) So I think this type of day wedding can be wonderful and casual-elegant, like a garden wedding but a bit more down to earth and less fussy.</p> <p>My own mother wore separates - she had a robin's egg blue chiffon circle skirt and matched 3/4 sleeve top, with white sandals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/serious-shopping-ahead--motb-dress-long-post#post-824184 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 22:54:24 +0000 moira 824184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/kasper-suit-jewel-button-jacket-tiered-skirt?ID=761909&#038;CategoryID=39096&#038;LinkType=#fn=SUIT_STYLE%3DSkirt%20Suit%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D52%26ruleId%3D25%26slotId%3D20" rel="nofollow">http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....lotId%3D20</a></p> <p><a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/tahari-by-asl-suit-three-quarter-sleeve-beaded-jacket-shell-skirt?ID=773555&#038;CategoryID=39096#fn=SUIT_STYLE%3DSkirt%20Suit%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D52%26ruleId%3D25%26slotId%3D6" rel="nofollow">http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....slotId%3D6</a></p> <p>You see where I'm going with this, I imagine? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/serious-shopping-ahead--motb-dress-long-post#post-824182 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 22:51:57 +0000 moira 824182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/le-suit-skirt-suit-metallic-shantung-jacket-pencil-skirt?ID=764034&#038;CategoryID=39096#fn=SUIT_STYLE%3DSkirt%20Suit%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D52%26ruleId%3D25%26slotId%3D2" rel="nofollow">http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....slotId%3D2</a></p> <p><a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/kasper-suit-textured-satin-jacket-straight-skirt?ID=773974&#038;CategoryID=39096#fn=SUIT_STYLE%3DSkirt%20Suit%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D52%26ruleId%3D25%26slotId%3D11" rel="nofollow">http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....lotId%3D11</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/serious-shopping-ahead--motb-dress-long-post#post-824163 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 22:15:56 +0000 unfrumped 824163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are great suggestions, and I will keep hitting head (not too hard, though) and saying, leave no stone unturned! I will focus on the overall appeal of the style and color and not the maybe-details until seen IRL. Try on, try on! </p> <p>I'm feeling more hopeful by the minute! You guys are great support. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/serious-shopping-ahead--motb-dress-long-post#post-824154 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 22:00:39 +0000 JulieJohn 824154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Unfrumped,</p> <p>Not much help for your small quest (ha ha), but I wish you the best of luck and will be interested in your results as I am always looking for wedding garb. Hubby and I are wedding videographers, so I need to be comfy and stylish at many weddings all year long, but usually in warm weather (SoCal). </p> <p>Keep an eye out for Angie's search for an 80s pastel pantsuit, as I think this would look so chic on a MOTB. I'm thinking of Cybill Shepherd in "Moonlighting", and she always looked soooo romantic, pretty, and sleek.</p> <p>Have a look at Macy's if you can, they sometimes have some decent offerings. I enjoyed reading your post! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/serious-shopping-ahead--motb-dress-long-post#post-824153 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 21:57:17 +0000 Suz 824153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh - cross-posted with Joy! I love Parsley's suggestion - very elegant. Unless you are 5'10" or more, ignore the way the dress looks on the model. It will fall to your knee or below if you are shorter. Look at the length of the dress in inches (Nordies usually says, or you can call them and they will measure for you.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/serious-shopping-ahead--motb-dress-long-post#post-824150 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 21:54:43 +0000 Suz 824150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations!! </p> <p>You might take inspiration from Joy, who was a MOTG last year and looked gorgeous. Maybe she will have some shopping tips. </p> <p>The nice thing is that you do have some time ahead of you to look. Your wishlist sounds reasonable and I am sure you will find the perfect dress for the occasion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/serious-shopping-ahead--motb-dress-long-post#post-824149 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 21:49:36 +0000 Anonymous 824149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Last year at this time I was looking for a MOTGroom dress for a summer wedding and it was really hard! Good luck with finding knee or tea length. I hope they will be available this year. I ended up with a floor length and had it shortened. One thing. Forget looking at sizes much and try on anything you might like. My dress was a size 12P when my other dresses are 2/4 regular. Congratulations and enjoy the preparation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/serious-shopping-ahead--motb-dress-long-post#post-824144 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 21:42:15 +0000 Parsley 824144@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wondered about it being too short, too, but then I looked at the solid navy one and it looks longer there, so it's really hard to say. How tall are you? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/serious-shopping-ahead--motb-dress-long-post#post-824138 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 21:34:26 +0000 unfrumped 824138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>caro, I'll keep a lookout for pants possibilities.</p> <p>Parsley, thanks for the link. It's a lovely dress, and Papell items are strong contenders overall. I thought this one would be too short based on the photo, but you've reminded me not to be too hasty, as often the models are quite tall but still in a small size which makes the dresses fall well above the knee, so I should look more at style and be prepared to order items and check out all the issues. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/serious-shopping-ahead--motb-dress-long-post#post-824131 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 21:23:16 +0000 Parsley 824131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations, UF- that's so exciting!<br /> You say you've gone through all of Nordstrom- did you rule this one out? I think it would be perfect for the occasion, and it gets great reviews. It comes in a few different colors, including a purple, but I'm partial to this navy and taupe one.</p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/adrianna-papell-lace-overlay-sheath-dress/3217574" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ad.....ss/3217574</a>?</p> <p>Anyway, good luck with your search, and you know that we will all be thrilled to help you decide! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/serious-shopping-ahead--motb-dress-long-post#post-824122 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 21:00:07 +0000 Caro in Oz 824122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have such a clear idea of what you are looking for, I'm sure someone will come up with something fabulous. I like the idea of a pants suit - very modern &amp; more useful imo (but I am not a dress person). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/serious-shopping-ahead--motb-dress-long-post#post-824112 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 20:31:44 +0000 unfrumped 824112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am the mother of a bride-to-be! My younger daughter has (almost completely) set an April wedding date.</p> <p>Because you all have such great fashion sense and have been so helpful, I am sharing my shopping goals. I've already ordered and rejected one dress from Nordies, so am just beginning my quest in earnest. I hope to post "contenders" for you all to critique later!</p> <p>It is planned as an evening outdoor wedding in south Texas--so expect warm, easily could be 80's though maybe cooling down a bit at night.</p> <p>DD will be wearing a traditional long gown in ivory lace, but the groom and groomsmen may be much more casual as that's what the bride and groom want--a more relaxed, fun barbecue-party atmosphere. So far DD is using purples/lavenders for the bridesmaids--short not long dresses.</p> <p>Oh me, oh my--fun and panic for my MOTB dress! I have such awful luck with finding dresses that work, and then the SHOES.</p> <p>Here's what I'm thinking:</p> <p>Probably dress 'cause that's more traditional for MOTB. (would consider pantsuit--see below).</p> <p>Minds' eye: In my imagination I think of a sort of a garden-party dress (knee or tea-lenght) that looks elegant but approachable, dressy but not "cocktail" in the sense of sequins or shiny satins or nighttime-ballroom look; easy to move around and sit so I at least LOOK relaxed, don't have to keep tugging over thighs when you sit down, in some kind of lovely flattering fruity color, even a pretty print, though the right neutral could work with accessories; silk, polished cotton if looks very nice, or synthetics that look like that, not jersey knit. </p> <p>I am likely to do best in some version of fit-and-flare or dress with waist definition, but not the high/empire girly version.<br /> ,<br /> Sheath dress not out of the question because the right one can look very "chic" (!) but I'm hard to fit even with alterations available. Many are too short to begin with.</p> <p>Separates not out of question, using the term literally--separate top &amp; bottom--in fact that works well with my pear type--but would need to be very coordinated, I think, to look appropriate.</p> <p> Color : I don't consider I have to "match" wedding colors, but just not clash. No black or white/ivory (solids) and likely not tomato-red. Deep pinks, rose, merlot, some peaches, neutrals like bronze, taupe or olive, not soul-sucking beige or too bride-ivory--; teal isn't as good but could work; purples are good for me, but scary due to matching the bridesmaids, but print would work. I never wear typical blue or green solids but again, I'm keeping the door open because there could be tones that work if that's the only obstacle. </p> <p>Goals include nice neckline--boatneck, ballet, high scoop, jewel, high V. can't wear low-V or low scoops (this isn't a good time for a cami underneath), and so many dresses have that but again, trying to stay ever-flexible, if I found the perfect dress with the perfect V for an alteration--an inset that looked like it belonged, for example--I would do that.</p> <p>Sleeves: here's the rub. I don't want to "go sleeveless" and don't want to keep a stole or pashmina wrapped around me. So goal is a sleeve if at all possible--short or elbow.</p> <p>Still, dresses with sleeves tend to be much harder to find, so I'm not ruling out sleeveless if the rest of the dress is great, but would have to shop separately for the perfect topper. That's a potential problem for the expected temps. i don't want to look like I have a regular blazer or cardi over my dress, don't want to wear a black jacket or a white jacket , So would want a really great silky or gauzy jacket-thingy that keeps the dressy look and brings some color; then of course that means I'm "collecting" my outfit and don't know for sure whether it'll come together. </p> <p>Pantsuit--I'm a total pants person so would consider the right pantsuit but my gut feeling is that that will be hard, as I want a spring-dressy look and coordinated, not a mish-mash, and it may be too warm for a typical dressy jacket + top+ pants. </p> <p>Doesn't sound hard at all, does it? ! !</p> <p>I found only 2-3 potential items in the entire Nordie's line-up, and not much at Macy's, if that tells you anything. But new stuff keeps coming in, and I have still to dive into our local dept stores and boutiques and to do a lot more on-line looking. I'm prepared to go the backup plan approach where I might buy one or more items, keep tagged and hanging and watch the return dates while looking for the "perfect" one.</p> <p>I haven't even let myself think about shoes, and I will definitely be old-school and wear hose--undoubtedly sheer nude, as April, so that is going to rule out all the sandals if I abide by the hose/toe police. Maybe not peep-toes.</p> <p>Thank goodness my DD will be the star of the day and not me. But I'd like to look fab, nonetheless.</p> <p>Thank you for reading this long wish-list. It's helping me define my search as well. Pile on if you have any MOTB pearls--I've never done this before. I'll keep you posted! </p>