Cocktail Dress Help? ETA 1st post - found more. - YouLookFab Forum

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Cocktail Dress Help? ETA 1st post - found more.

karen13

Veteran

ETA - I went to buy the Favorite #6 and I found some others I love as much or more. New thread https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....ewel-tones

I'm out shopping for two cocktail dresses for mid-late October. I need to keep the price reasonable and style fairly classic as I won't wear these often. I often don't love the look of sleeveless and short (side boob, freckled arms, and powerful calf issues), but that seems to be what is out there. I have to wear petites for bodice/waist/armhole fit (I'm a very shortwaisted 5'2"/158 cm). I plan on wearing my one pair of pointy gunmetal slingback as shown.

Please forgive the poor dressing room lighting - everything looks black - I lightened and noted colors in descriptions where possible.

1/2 - Navy pearl sleeve tunic dress - the only non-petite in the bunch - they have it online in the bright blue find in petite, but I think it might be too short and look a bit too cheap in the bright vs the navy. I kind of like it but am concerned the side view is not flattering. Could maybe take in waist and raise armpit to petite-ify (I can sew) if that might help.

#3- Hunter green Starburst Calvin Klein sheath (comes in lots of colors, Ind is Aubergine) nice thick fabric, but not sure it is dressy enough. I adore the color - and wish I could find a dressier fabrication in a deep green petite.
#4 - Aubergine Fit and Flare. If this had sleeves, I'd buy it. The flare is forgiving on the tummy. Not sure about the side boob - is there an undergarment fix?
#5- Navy sheath with twist waist detail. Kind short?
#6 - Black Jessica Howard long sleeve Fit and Flare- I like the shape and if it wasn't black I'd buy it. I might still buy it, if I can figure out how to not look washed out. This in hunter green would push all my buttons.
#7 Aubergine Lauren floral sheath. I like the sleeves and neck line but maybe too casual?
#8/9 - Alfani bell sleeve - I liked it better in the dressing room than I do now looking at - too casual and a bit shapeless (I like to hem shape - detail but not too ruffly).

Honest feedback please! And suggestions and other ideas welcome. And if you know of a petite velvet jewel-colored tuxedo dress with satin lapels that isn't a mini skirt, send it my way.

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MSK Petite Embellished Bell-Sleeve Shift Dress

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Calvin Klein Petite Starburst Sheath Dress

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Calvin Klein Petite Illusion-Trim Fit & Flare Dress

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Jessica Howard Petite Draped Twist-Detail Sheath Dress

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Jessica Howard Petite Shadow-Stripe Fit & Flare Dress

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Lauren Ralph Lauren Petite Floral-Print Dress

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Alfani Petite Tiered-Sleeve Fit & Flare Dress, Created for Macy's

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LifeStride Shena Pump

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Urgent

31 replies

Latest reply was from lyn67

Jenni NZ

Veteran

For my taste you look fabulous in 4 and in 8/9. The slight flare and esp the ruffled hem in 8/9 sort of balance your calves better and make the legs look very shapely?
Navy sheath too short, draws the eyes to the knees too much. My pick for you is def 8/9, stunning and more special but that's my taste not necc yours?

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

6 and 8/9 are my favorites. There are lots of ways to lighten up 6--boleros, layered necklaces or one sparkly one, scarves, etc. The same would work for the green sheath, which looks very dark on my monitor.

I also like the auberagine fit-n-flare. Can't say much about the side boob as you don't give us a shot from that angle, but that color doesn't look impossibly difficult to match a cami to.

Sal

Veteran

On my phone and at a glance I like 3 6 and 8/9. I found them the most interesting and flattering. You are in great shape so be proud of your calf muscles.

I like just below the knee - to me that is a sweet spot.

I like pearls, sparkle and some blusher when I wear black- and some skin showing.

Anonymous

I like 1 , 4, and 8 the most. They're the most festive to me. But, you said you wouldn't wear much. 3 is nice and could be useful for both regular work days or the parties depending on accessories.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Yeah I wasn't criticising the calf muscles when I suggested balancing them! I also think they look strong and attractive. Maybe I prefer to balance them in comparison to your knees somehow. The shape of knees doesn't seem as nice to me once we are middle-aged I should get over it. I've got over most other things about lost youth!!

jussie

Veteran

Wow these dresses look really lovely on you! What great choices. The only one I don’t love as much is the 8/9, just the way the bodice and neckline sits isn’t as stunning as the others, but I’m no expert!

Katerina

Veteran

My faves are no 3 and 8/9.
Least fave no 7.
With that said, all the dresses are nice on you. I think it’s a matter of personal taste.

karen13

Veteran

Thanks everyone for feedback and please keep coming! Lots of different shapes and colors I'm trying to sort through. I always value everyone's opinion and logic, even (or especially) the dissenting ones. Every time I tap the YLF wisdom I learn more, and feel more Fab in the process.

Fashintern - Not sure if side boob is the right term - it isn't a coverage/gap issue for a cami, it is that I have a little extra muscle/skin creasing at the underarm area - it showa a bit in the photo. I wonder if there is a bra that helps with this? Or if I am just being overly self critical and don't even notice it on others.

Jenni, dear - I didn't feel any criticism - you are helping me recognize why I like the shape of the hem on 8/9. While my legs don't look like the models in the Finds, I bet I ski faster!

rebekahphoto

Veteran

like 5 & 6, very flattering. I dont see 5 as too short, and the waist twist is an interesting detail. nice neckline for jewelry

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Ugh. I know exactly what you mean. A year or so ago, I circled exactly that area on a picture of me and sent it to the trainers who had helped me lose 40 lbs. asking what to do about it. Nothing /continue the same and hope. Arg.
But even being well aware of what you refer to, I did not notice it in your photo, and it would be a strange conversation partner who would choose to fixate on it.

Laurie

Veteran

I find 4 and 5 both very flattering. You should be able to get good wear out of these dresses. Dress up for the cocktails and dress conservatively for a work or more solemn function. Good luck!

jill58

Veteran

I love #3 and #6. They seem more sophisticated than the print dresses.

Helena

Veteran

These are all lovely! My favorite is the #4 aubergine, but #8 is also gorgeous and has the coverage that you maybe feelore comfortable in? I don't think you'll go far wrong with these choices. A very nice collection!

bj1111

Veteran

Love #1. #6 is also good. The sheaths look like workwear. #7 may do in a pinch. The other prints read too casual for cocktails.

Fwiw, I don’t see the calf issue. Great knees.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I like 6 the best on you -- the more open neckline is nice

Runcarla

Veteran

You have a great shape! No one can have such good luck with 7 dresses! FWIW, my vote goes to #4, then #6.

ladypainter

I really like #4 and #6–that fit and flare shape is nicely proportioned to you on both. The aubergine sleeveless one looks better of the two, I think.
You’re super fit! (Clapping hands emoji). That’s not “side boob”, that’s part of your pectoral muscle where it attaches the arm to the body, and it’s in great shape! We all have our “sensitive zones”, though, so skip it if you’re not comfy with that armhole shape.
Have you taken a look at Talbots? They usually start putting out their autumn/winter party wear this time of year, and their petites selection is pretty good.

rebekahphoto

Veteran

some velvet + jewel tones:
Blue velvet:
https://www.bloomingdales.com/.....ss?ID=3081

Green velvet waist drape sheath (find is showing pink)
Forest Velvet Long Sleeve dress

Maybe all lace? forest green Betsey Johnson

Eliza J Velvet Sheath Dress | Nordstrom

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Petite Chaps Lace Bell-Sleeve Shift Dress

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Alex Evenings Women's Velvet Dress with Sleeve and Hip Detail (Regular and Petite)

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Painted Heart Women's 3/4 Bell Sleeve Allover Lace Fit-and-Flare Midi Dress

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Betsey Johnson Women's Lace Sheath Dress

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Donna Morgan Women's Jean 3/4 Bell Sleeve Velvet Sheath Dress

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karen13

Veteran

This is so helpful, thanks again to all for comments and points I had not considered. The fit and flare silhouette seems to be getting the most love - it is new to me, so I think I will get one of those two and get a different silhouette/color for the second dress. Perhaps something that might translate better for spring/summer but still work for fall, in case I have another rare need for a cocktail dress in the future.

Runcarla - you are made my day. I tried on a lot and these were the best of the bunch. I do like them all.

ladypainter - you are absolutely right! And I went back to look at a bunch of the dresses and noticed several model have pectoral creases too, that I didn't notice when I looked the first time. So in the words of Jenni NZ - I need to get over myself! Longheld self criticism banished!

rebekahphoto - thank you so much for taking the time to post those. I had seen one but it isn't available is my size. Sadly, most of these don't come in petite. But I will keep searching.

Alicewonderland

Veteran

Number 3 and 5. I see nothing wrong with your armpits and your figure looks awesome in those dresses. You have shapely legs and arms that should be flaunted! You have a sleeker hairstyle and sleeker shoes which I feel goes with a sleeker dress. The other ones with flounces just don’t look balanced with your hairstyle and shoes. Also with the simple sheaths you can wear them over and over and no one will notice except how awesome you look each time. I think if you don’t already have a good sheath dress it’s a good idea! Sheaths can do so many things with different accessories, shoes, and jackets.

Bijou

Veteran

You look great in all of these. Dress #1 is less flattering because it does not show off your great figure. The dress fits nicely, it is just a looser cut. Is there a dress that you felt great in?

The black dress #6 is lovely on you and would be lightened up with a pile of pearls... adding in a bright coat or wrap would also add colour to this dress. You may want to see Angie’s Christmas 2016 outfit of a black dress and pearls, as this dress reminded me of that post.

#8 & #9 also jumped out at me as being lovely on you.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like #6 and #8 best. FABULOUS.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I agree with Bijou on #1. It looks great from the front, but the side view looks like you have something to hide—and you don’t! How do the other fit n flares, 4 & 6, look from that angle?

Sara L.

Veteran

These are all great on you. I prefer #6 and #8/9. I really like 4 too but it doesn't have sleeves. I think #1 is actually fine on you, not unflattering at all, but I like some of the others better.

Christina F.

Veteran

I agree with everyone that 1 is not the best one (not bad, but less good). The rest look fab to me. I also join in the general love for 8-9 - please send it to me if you don't want it! (Seriously, though, is it TTS?)

LaPed

Veteran

Of the sleeved dresses, I like 6 the best, but #3 is my overall favourite. Fit looks really good -- less gape-y at the armholes than 4. I guess it could skew a bit corporate -- can you bling it up with jewelry, clutch, etc?

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

These aren't lux fabrics or tuxedo dresses, but petite, fitted (not body con) and have sleeves--

fit n flare in midnight blue.https://www.macys.com/shop/pro.....or-macys?I

about as far from the mean of your dresses as the floral ones: lipstick red (or black) https://www.amazon.com/Nicole-.....scsubtag=2

karen13

Veteran

Thanks all! It is a nice problem to have to have several nice local B&M options for a change. And all the insight everyone has shared has made widen my search to online (all those happened to be in my local Macy's). Now I have 3 very different options on there way from Nordies. Of this batch, I'm leaning towards the black sleeved F&F #6 as I don't currently have a LBD and I like the sleeves and shape - it seems more timeless, and would be easy to wear, comfy (less fitted at waist and hips). I just need to lighten it up as suggested. And maybe wear more makeup.

LaPed - I really like the hunter starburst sheath but it is pretty corporate and I'm am worried that the style has been around a while and will look dated. Other than my Alaska/Hawaii wedding guest dress (which I then shortened and wore to DD's graduation) I haven't purchased a dress in years. They need to last.

Bijou, Sara L. - while I love the retro vibe of the sleeves/shape (and the not-so-subtle bling!) I agree the swing trapeze silhouette of #1 is not as flattering for my shape as others. Good knowledge.

Fashintern - thank you for the Finds - it really helps to have a visual and I thought I had searched exhaustively, but keep seeing new stuff. The F&Fs and sheaths all look fine from the side - I had concerns about the swing dress so I posted the side view. And agree with you!

Christina F - the Alfani (#8/9) runs large. I was wearing 6Ps and 8Ps in the sheaths and F&F dresses, and a 4P in the Alfani - and I might even size down to a 2P as it has a back zip that I didn't have to unzip to try on. It is really nice and actually looked much nicer IRL than the photos I posted. I'm just not sure if it is festive enough, and I'm trying to move away from black, although the pinks/magentas alleviate that. With all the love it has gotten, I might need to revisit.

Joy

Veteran

I like 8/9 best. The pearl sleeve dress could be too memorable and the sleeves may date it if you want to keep it several seasons.
Although sleeveless, I like 3 for a lasting style. You can change it up with different toppers and accessories. I have a similar dress and have added a variety of toppers...2 silk jackets of different weights that look great for a funeral or formal occasion, a silk kimono print jacket, a long embellished piece that looks like it was bought in India, a black lace duster, long cardi, and more. You could do similar things to change up a fit-n- flare. That style looks wonderful on you.
Below in Finds is the basic dress with a few choices of toppers. I need to photograph my silk EF jackets and the lace. Colors and patterns can vary the look even more. The first piece is a consignment EF silk wrap that extends a little over the shoulders. A sleeveless dress with high enough armholes will be your best choice to avoid side boob.

Eileen Fisher Jewel Neck Shift Dress (Regular & Petite)

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