Bat Mitzvah dress?

Renee P

Hello, Lovelies!

How are you? I am going to have a Bat Mitzvah to take the sting out of turning 50 in two years. I have been searching for the perfect dress for it.
I am busty, like 38 F busty. Sometimes it can be hard to find a flattering dress that doesn't look frumpy, but would also be synagogue appropriate.

Any ideas?

2 years ago

Dressing

9 replies

Latest reply was from Mary Cassatt

Sloper

Veteran

Mazel Tov!! What a great idea!

Will it be Friday night only or Friday night and Saturday morning? Do you need something that will go from shul to luncheon, or will you have a celebratory dinner later?

I'm thinking brands like St. John, Shoshanna, Teri Jon by Ricki Freeman, or Max Mara. Brands for grown ups, if you know what I mean. Erdem is nice too, if you like florals and ruffles - very size inclusive if you go their website.

2 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like to help you find a dress. When is the occasion, and are you petite?

2 years ago

Renee P

Active Member

Angie: I am 5'8" so I am pretty tall. It's not until Dec 2022, so I have some time. I am long-waisted with long arms and legs.

2 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I was going to ask if you were short waisted - I am and it makes a difference. When my best friend was getting married… I told her ‘you can’t show your shoulders to god’ and she didn’t like that and was even madder when the rabbi told her that… lol. But um… ahem… you know… it’s easiest to get along with longer sleeves and not show a lot of collar bone… that’s my perennial thought that always pops up…

2 years ago

cjh

(website)

Veteran

That doesn’t sound like Angie’s typical answer. Angie, was that really you?

2 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

cjh, I thought the same thing.

It sounds like Sloper has some good ideas!

2 years ago

April

Veteran

RP -- how is your search coming along? My first thought was to tell you that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts July 28 this year. It's a huge deal for YLF members -- autumn fashions, early, but at sale prices.

Angie always reviews a huge number of items and will mention useful details such as "works on a fuller bust" or "best for longer arms."

I'm sympathetic to the desire to find something flattering, yet appropriate. Can you say more about the level of observance at your synagogue? So much variability in terms of what's "appropriate" depends on that factor.

2 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

That was me in the first comment. Excuse the typo. I make a lot of those typing from my phone unfortunately

Thanks for the info, Renee. We have time! You might need a tall size, so good heads up. I expect quite a dressy look, too.

I like Sloper’s suggestions. I will add brands like Marina Rinaldi, Ralph Lauren, Boden, Adrianna Papell, Tadashi Shoji, Talbots, Macy's dress department, and Michael Kors. The trick is to look online and in stores from Oct to Jan. That’s when the largest assortment of dresses attire is available in the US. And remember that alterations can be an easy fit fix.

We are here to support and help you! Let us know what type of look you like, what type of coverage you need in terms of the setting, and the types of dress silhouettes that make you happy. Or maybe a skirt and top?

2 years ago

Mary Cassatt

Active Member

Mazel tov!
For my daughter's January bat mitzvah, I bought an Eliza J dress on deep sale from Nordstrom. It's a heavy knit, crew-necked fit & flare, midi length on me. It didn't read frumpy because it's a bright teal and the 3/4-length sleeves felt fresh. I also wore kind of architectural earrings that felt modern.

One suggestion: If you're going to wear a tallit during the service, you might want to consider any competition from a complex neckline or pattern in your top. Because my tallis has pretty multicolored embroidery, I chose a dress in a solid color that complemented the colors in the tallis. The crew neck didn't distract or require fussing when I adjusted the shawl. Sounds like you might do well with a v-neck, which I also think would work well. Enjoy!

2 years ago

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