Ball Gown options! - YouLookFab Forum

As an update to this thread, I did some real-life and online shopping this weekend. Here is where I am so far (cross-posted on my blog):

Of the ones I tried on, the pictures didn't come out well, but there was a long cornflower-blue sleeveless empire waist one from Patra at Lord & Taylor (no link available) that was the top option. But I am leery of sleeveless in March, so I wanted to look online too. So far this one is my second favorite, another Patra from Nordstroms. (option 1)

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/pa.....sh/3144013

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/pa.....me=product

Look at that back! I die.

Kyle over at YLF recommended I look at the Tadashi brand. All I found for larger sizes was this exquisite assymetrical neck chiffon gown at Neiman Marcus (option 2), and the 16 is probably too small anyway. But isn't it so pretty?

-Nordstroms had this Adrianna Papiel (option 3) that is similar to the Patra I tried on. I would go for it in navy. Seeing a theme? Me too -- black is too harsh on me, and navy appears to be the color of the ball gown season!

Dillards had a few options, too, if I want to go safer/conservative/boring:

4. Jkara Beaded Chiffon (the beaded wrap top reminds me of Charlie's Angels, which is trendy again, right? 70s!)

5. KM Collections Beaded Lace Jacket Dress (the eggplant is so pretty, and I could ditch the jacket if it too matronly)

6. Alex Evenings Woman Mesh Gown (This one is closest to the Patra I tried on, and I like the cap sleeves better on this one.)

Some random options from New York Apparel (never heard of 'em):

7. Alex Evening purple column sheath (love the color, love the idea of a matching shawl. But the shape might be too fitted for me.)

8. Alex Evenings 3/4 sleeve criss-cross georgette dress (Zzzzz, boring. The waist is pretty, and I would like to cover my arms, but black is not flattering on me.)

9. Cachet Matte Jersey Dress with Beaded Detail (Also one that looks like the Patra. Hmm.)

I also have some option put aside if I find out the dress code includes shorter cocktail style dresses.

10. Adrianna Papell rosette applique dress. (So, so pretty on. Loved the floral skirt!)

11. Adrianna Papell lace bodice banded dress (Jessie tried this one on, and she was smokin' in it.)

I am going to hit my local mall this week/weekend and see if I can see any of these in the stores, otherwise I think I am going to order #1, 5, 6, and 9, and see what works. Once I settle on a dress, then it will be onto undergarments, bags, and shoes. Whee!

Any suggestions from the peanut gallery? Any of these sticking out for you more than others?

15 years ago

Kyle

Veteran

Hmmm. I've looked at them all and am having difficulty picking a favorite for you without seeing them on. I think they are pretty and would be flattering, and you always light up a room, Kristen. I find myself drawn to the simpler styles, which could be a personal preference. If you like Tadashi, I think they do come in a range of sizes. I think this color is luscious and it got 4.5 out of 5 star ratings.
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com.....;ev19=1:12

Steph

Kris, you have some really pretty dresses here! I have to admit my personal favorite is the one you fear might not fit--the dress from Neiman Marcus. It just has such a beautiful ballgown look to it, yet is still unique. I love it! Maybe order it, just in case it does fit?

I would probably eliminate the last two, just because they are short and it's so rare you get an excuse to wear a floor-length gown.

Of the remaining dresses, I think that 6 is my personal favorite, although I also liked 1 and 3. I agree with you about number 8, and I thought number 9 looked a little plain as well. I loved the eggplant color in number 5, but I would take off the jacket--I do feel like it looks a little dowdy (in the photo, at least). Dress number 4 just didn't speak to me--I don't think I liked all that beading up top and the way it worked with the rest of the dress. I did like the purple dress (7), and agree the style looks fitted, although I don't think that means it is a no--maybe it is worth a try?

Of course, all of this is just based on the photos. Once you try them on my opinions could change drastically!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

#10 has my top vote.

But *anything* can happen when you throw on a dress so you must try on lots and take it from there.

I love this:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/js.....tback=4395

And this:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/js.....ultback=41

Kristen, I just saw the first dress that Angie suggested; I actually wore that as a bridesmaid dress (in bright cobalt blue) so I thought I would give some feedback. I thought it was an incredibly well-made dress for the price--it was fully lined and the fabric felt substantial. We didn't have any plus-sized bridesmaids, but my guess is that the dress fits similarly. It was flattering on several different body types, including a bridesmaid who was six months pregnant (she had purchased the dress several sizes larger than normal and then had it altered and it looked really good).

I know you said you don't like black, so here is a link for it in two other colors: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/js.....9672-0-0-1

After wearing it for the wedding it just felt too bridesmaid for me to wear it again, so I sold it to a friend who ended up wearing it to a black-tie holiday party.

Kristen

Kyle, I'm having the same trouble figuring out which are best from the pictures too, but I was surprised at how well the empire waist was on me in real life. LOVE the Tadashi you linked;I forgot about Saks when I went through all the department stores I could think of! Thanks for the reminder. I'll be hitting the stores again this week and then ordering what I can't find and really want to try.

Angie, great picks! The problem with the plus-sizes is that there aren't many to try in the stores so it's harder to try on lots of them. #10 was one I did, and it was gorgeous. If only the skirt were longer. I'm definitely going to try the flutter-sleeve you linked, thank you!

Steph, thanks for all the feedback! I've decided not to order any of the Dillards or NY Apparel for now unless the others don't work out. They are all just too...matronly or not right. Love the feedback on the strapless one, thank you so much! I was getting a bridesmaid vibe from it, so it's funny you said you wore it to a wedding. It is super pretty, but I don't have the shoulders to carry it off, alas.

Laura

I like the flutter sleeve dress that Angie posted - isn't it fun to pick a ball gown?

Polly (thunalata)

I'm just looking forward to seeing some pics of you in some of these!

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