https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 12 May 2026 02:36:09 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures/page/2#post-557773 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:45:37 +0000 Carole 557773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like you have been all sorted out here, but just thought I would add my opinion. Without reading everyone elses comments first, I liked number 3 best on you. The color is stunning, it looks like it fits nicely in the bodice and waist. And the fluttery thing at the side is really very flattering, it sort of disguises any tummy issues. I liked 4 also, but 3 is my favorite.</p> <p>Do you need just one formal outfit for the cruise, Michelle? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures/page/2#post-554401 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:14:24 +0000 Sveta 554401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Michelle, my first choice was #2 but if the neckline is such a silly design then I vote #4. I was put off a bit with your picture at first: color seemed too muted for you but if the color is true in the online shot then it should be a winner for you! I also think it defines the waist quite successfully. IMO you have a winner here! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures/page/2#post-554374 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:41:20 +0000 rae 554374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I thought #4 was black! Switching vote to the deep purple!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures/page/2#post-554345 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:49:08 +0000 Ginkgo 554345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like 3 and 4 on you. The "fluttery thing" in 3 adds a very nice vertical line. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures/page/2#post-554339 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:33:56 +0000 Kappy 554339@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I think you look great in all these. You've found some really great options even though it sounds like you aren't crazy about them. #2 reads a little more "prom" dress to me so that would eliminate it for me. #3 is hands down the most flattering dress. #4 is also a nice color and great fabric but honestly it does show a bit of tummy bump and a tiny sliver of underarm/outside chest bulge. It may just be an issue of proper undergarments though (or lighting). As a member of the extra large bust club I have found it easy to smooth the tummy but impossible to find a bra that will take care of that underam/outside chest bulge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures/page/2#post-554321 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:14:10 +0000 mrseccentric 554321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, Michelle, after reading your comments in the OP i was feeling your pain and expecting the worst! But when i saw your pics i thought ' oh, she is exaggerating....she'll make one of these work just fine!"</p> <p>Until i came to pic #4. Taller, longer, more elegant, nicer 'poitrine'.......it was like the corny scene in old movies where the librarian type takes off her specs and lets her hair down: "Why, Miss Featherbottom! I never realized .... here, let me get that for you..." etc.</p> <p>Very happy to hear that it's on hold!! steph </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures/page/2#post-554319 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:11:49 +0000 Vix 554319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Michelle --</p> <p>I think those shades of blue and purple are real winners on you!</p> <p>IIRC this is for a cruise with family, where your weight/shape will be a topic of conversation no matter what the numbers? [Which are obviously smaller these days!]</p> <p>If so I would vote for #3, with a second for #2 if you can have some kind of magic worked on the bodice to get it into PG-13 range. </p> <p>If the gown was for a family-free occasion my vote would be split between 3 and 4 (though #2 is very modern Grace Kelly to me). </p> <p>However, given what you've said in the past about wanting the *most* flattering item when around family, I think the style and probably the satin of #4 draws more attention to your upper mid-section (below the bust) than the others. Not sure if shapewear would put it on an even playing field with the other options.</p> <p>Sorry to sound so critical -- and do disregard if this is for an event for work/with friends only! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures/page/2#post-554302 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:29:29 +0000 Michelle 554302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all so very much. I'm feeling better about the process after hearing from you.<br /> I was really feeling number 4, but a couple of the responses from my text message picture gave me doubts. Fortunately Rina has the dress on hold for me and will keep it until she gets a few more gowns in...We just want to make sure I've covered all my options. She's a total star, as usual. :)<br /> But thanks to you all, I'm feeling much more confident that I will at least have something to pack. Your reassurances about the shape are most timely, and I'm grateful to one and all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures/page/2#post-554254 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:48:15 +0000 lyn67 554254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Michelle, I really love nr 3 on you, side ruffle and all! It has a bit of more structure on your torso which flatter your shape, and is actually higher cut on front for modesty-for me seems it's the best all over fit from all.<br /> nr 4 is a great colour indeed, but a bit too low cut for my eyes I'm afraid, bra is also showing in the deep V neckline a bit, I wouldn't be that comfortable wearring that in it's actually state. I don't know if this can be alterred to good? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures/page/2#post-554245 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:03:52 +0000 Angela 554245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I liked #4 the best because of the shape and style on you. I felt that way even before reading any of the comments. I do think that the true colour that we don't see in the picture would look great on your porcelain skin tone.</p> <p>I also liked the colour of #2 on you a lot, but the bust part of the dress wasn't right. I loved you in it from the waist down and the neck up! But the revealed chest part even *sounds* uncomfortable from your description. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures/page/2#post-554200 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 07:16:03 +0000 Deborah 554200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Michelle, I totally hear you on evening wear. I am large busted and I just feel too exposed in many of the dresses available. I often put together separates to get the fit and converage that I like.</p> <p>I love #4 on you. Infact I like them all but 4 is my favourite. The color is beautiful against your skin and fit is excellent and the style of the dress is very sophisticated. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures/page/2#post-554177 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 05:59:02 +0000 HelenInCanada 554177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another vote for elegant gown #4, Michelle! I especially LOVE the purple hue and the silhouette on you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures/page/2#post-554147 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 05:25:39 +0000 Scarlet 554147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Michelle, I am confident that the color of 4 is good. It would be the same effect as wearing black in terms of your complexion. I also think that ManidapaM is right on about the waist definition. It really is very flattering and hourglassy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures/page/2#post-554106 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 03:53:51 +0000 Jenava 554106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I, too love #4! So classic but a gorgeous color and flattering on you.</p> <p>Actually, I think you look good in ALL of these dresses, so I think you've done very well! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures/page/2#post-554103 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 03:46:06 +0000 Abie 554103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>#4 is my favorite by far. I think the purple will look fantastic on you. I am plus size too and I'm jealous that you have someplace to wear a gown!</p> <p>I have been lusting after this one from Igigi for a while but its completely impractical for me. </p> <p><a href="http://www.igigi.com/plus-size-dresses/plus-size-evening-dress/michelle-gown-in-plum.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.igigi.com/plus-size.....-plum.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures/page/2#post-554069 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 02:59:12 +0000 ManidipaM 554069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Michelle, I just read through all the comments, though I was going to vote for #4 from the start --- yes, cobalt is delightful on you, but that last purple gown is a whole class apart in terms of elegance and flattering proportions. Also, having 'seen' you in black on your birthday and admired you in blue here, I'm pretty sure purple will be smashing on you too!</p> <p>From your last remark, you sounded unsure of its waist definition (this is #4, the purple); but I actually think it does define the waist in a far subtler and a far more effective way than the others. The long vertical lines of the skirt draping straight down and the narrow V and the diagonal pleating across the width of the bodice together converge on the jewelled trim at front waist, and the result is surprisingly hourglass. </p> <p>I also just checked it out online from your link, and I love that it has a nice V in the back and is otherwise smooth too. Too many evening gowns make one look wider from the back because of a too-high neckline or a wide scoop or square. This one, I think, is a winner in this regard.</p> <p>I certainly vote keeping this as your failsafe, in case you don't find something even more stellar. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures/page/2#post-554033 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 02:13:31 +0000 shoppingisfun 554033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Number 3 looks great! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures/page/2#post-553990 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:54:16 +0000 Michelle 553990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There seems to be a discrepancy between how the colour of no. 4 is reading on some monitors and what it is in real life. It's a deep purple:<br /> <a href="http://www.kiyonna.com/plus-size-clothing/Dresses/14110807" rel="nofollow">http://www.kiyonna.com/plus-si.....s/14110807</a></p> <p>Online stores have been thoroughly cased and found wanting. Also many of them have options that are too expensive for a body that's in transition.<br /> A skirt and top has been considered, but I havent' found any suitable tops to date.<br /> My favourite right now is number 4. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures/page/2#post-553979 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:42:20 +0000 rae 553979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like #3, but what do you like? If you aren't smitten with any, are online stores a possiblility at all? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures#post-553973 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:26:35 +0000 Jjsloane 553973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you don't feel fab the search continues. </p> <p>P.S. I really like #2 on you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures#post-553937 Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:52:08 +0000 Beth Ann 553937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like 4 best, Michelle. While I agree the cobalt color is amazing, the purple has a lovely, flattering line. I particularly appreciate the way the neckline sits wide on your shoulders, opening up the collarbone area, and framing the face. Good fabric is also essential, since people will see you close up on the cruise -- it's a big mark of quality and elegance. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures#post-553915 Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:20:15 +0000 Freckles 553915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Michelle do you think a long skirt and blouse/top would work better for you? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures#post-553912 Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:19:08 +0000 LoP 553912@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look stunning in #2! I also love #4. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures#post-553909 Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:14:57 +0000 Anonymous 553909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loved what number 2 does for your waist and figure (and complexion) before I knew it was X-rated. Corey is right about the peach gown I'm afraid, it's not the best color on you. I'd defer to Angie on this one! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures#post-553887 Wed, 29 Feb 2012 22:45:47 +0000 san 553887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Number 4 is a darker Navy blue so it will be more versatile like a black, only not black, if that makes sense. More like a neutral color I am trying to say. It is really sophisticated and fits you great, except for a possible alteration at the front of the armholes .<br /> Number 3 is a beautiful dress too. It looks saphire blue or cobalt. It actually looks to fit perfectly right off the rack. Both are gorgeous and you did great on your shopping day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures#post-553885 Wed, 29 Feb 2012 22:42:22 +0000 DonnaF 553885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the cobalt/royal blue of #2 and #3 on you, with the style of #3 getting my vote as more interesting than say #4. I don't think the salmon/coral color of #1 flatters your coloring as much. The color of #4 on my monitor reads as a neutral on you; you can wear that color but it does not impart life and energize you. Somehow it ages you without necessarily looking sophisticated; I think the wearing a black dress would similarly deaden you. </p> <p>Sorry this is so stressful and frustrating for you. In the next week or month, I will be going prom dress shopping with my daughter who is at the opposite end of the spectrum with broad shoulders at least two sizes larger than her non-hips, wide back, and tiny boobs. Price is a major constraint, so I am hoping and praying she will like and fit the $54 short prom dress I saw online at Nordstrom. It only needs to hold up for one evening. . .Too bad her girlfriends at other schools are not the same size and have different body types. Fitting her body is so difficult that I don't see renting a dress online as a practical option. Do you think renting would work for you? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures#post-553863 Wed, 29 Feb 2012 22:21:02 +0000 Meredith1953 553863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like #4 best. The darker blue is divine and the cut seems to work so much better. I love all the other colors but am not crazy about the cut of the others. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures#post-553842 Wed, 29 Feb 2012 21:55:36 +0000 missvee 553842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the choice is between #3 and #4. While I love the cobalt colour on you, there is a quiet elegance about #4 that makes me think it will be the better pick. As some of the others have suggested, if you want a bit more colour, you could add a stole or clutch in cobalt or fuschia. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures#post-553775 Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:56:48 +0000 Mander 553775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like number 1 in principle but I think you need a larger size or a body shaper to wear under it, and the cleavage might make you feel uncomfortable. Number 4 is the winner in my view, though. I think the overall shape is very elegant and the color is great. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-hate-gown-shopping-a-story-in-pictures#post-553755 Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:39:05 +0000 Debbie 553755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love 3 and 4 is my second choice. Now to see what everyone else said. </p>