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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