Crawling back for some help... - YouLookFab Forum

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Crawling back for some help...

sarah

Veteran

Hi All, I know I've been largely absent lately, due to being overwhelmed at work, so I hope you don't mind my asking for some help. I need an outfit to wear to an event where I will be receiving an honor along with some other scientists. It's rather a big deal, so I'm nervous about coming up with something to wear. The occasion will be in the evening in April in DC, and the dress code is "business".

To make things simple, I thought I would just wear a dress and pumps. But I'm having a terrible time finding a dress. The parameters are:
-can't be too short
-can't be bodycon
-a bit conservative is probably most appropriate, so nothing too out there

I am rectangular, short-waisted, short-necked, short, busty, so:
-no boat necks, slit necks, or cap sleeves

I don't like "sweet", so A-line is not really "me".

I've tried this Kamalakulture (too body con) and this Adrianna Papell (the ruching around my mid-section "thickens" me in a way that is not that flattering, although it could work if I lose the 4 pounds I've gained this winter). I was wondering about this Ann Klein or this Michael Kors (in regular sizing, they would probably hit me just above the knee). Any suggestions for places to look or styles to try? I've already perused Nordstrom's, Ann Taylor, Zappos, and Anthro. Thanks very much...

Shopping

40 replies

Latest reply was from CocoLion

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Just want to say Hi! I was thinking about you yesterday. Sorry, I don't have any dress leads, though

sarah

Veteran

You're sweet, Mo ; )

abc

Veteran

I don't know your style leanings but I found some work appropriate dresses that still had some flair at White House black market recently. Good luck and keep us posted.

Mellllls

Veteran

As a DCer, I suggest a sheath dress. I can't open the links at the moment so not sure if any os these are sheaths.

April

Veteran

Would you consider adding a shorter, fitted jacket to a dress? It seems like April in DC could go a number of ways in terms of weather, so layers might be good.

Also, a jacket can address some "overly bodycon" issues.

6PM often has a zillion dresses, BTW.

sarah

Veteran

Mel - yes, they are all sheath dresses (not sure why the links aren't working for you). That's the vibe I was leaning towards.

April - indeed, I would definitely consider adding a jacket and have several that might work. I hadn't thought about 6pm for dresses. I'll check that out.

nancylee

Veteran

I've always had very good luck with Calvin Klein and Lauren Ralph Lauren when I need a simple but nice occasion dress. The fit for both of these brands is usually flattering and consistent. Here are a few links:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?k.....ategoryid=

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/la.....ar-petite/

You can wear jacket over the dress in order to look professional when accepting the award, then take it off to look more relaxed/elegant if there is some sort of reception afterwards.

Congratulations!

Diana

Veteran

Hmm, at first glance both of these choices read too casual to me. Like more daytime and less evening.

I think I'd probably go for a solid color (or mostly solid) sheath in a fabric that is NOT jersey or ponte, as that looks more dressy to me. I'm assuming since all of the things you've tried are sheaths that you don't have a ton of trouble fitting them (unlike, for example, me who is smaller on top than on the bottom). And definitely a blazer or other short jacket on top. If you have a black dress, you could do a print or a color for the blazer, or just black if you want to be more conservative. I think Ann Taylor, J crew, or BR would be good places to look for business-appropriate evening wear.

Or you could just go for a suit if you have one. I'm sure that would also be perfectly appropriate.

Personally I would either wear my more conservative LBD with a jacket (either a black cropped jacket or my printed Bellatrix), or a suit.

How about this cobalt colorblocked one from BR?
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=633071002

Same dress in navy/black:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=932440002

Very businessy but could work:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=633055002

Some J Crew options:
Don't know if you like the sleeves on this one, but the material looks nice and the neckline is interesting:
https://www.jcrew.com/womens_c...../25087.jsp

A plain sheath:
https://www.jcrew.com/womens_c...../06246.jsp

One with sleeves, in a bunch of colors:
https://www.jcrew.com/womens_c...../08173.jsp

ETA: I tend to be really overdressed for a scientist though so take that as you may...

Diana

Veteran

And oh! Can't believe I forgot to say Congratulations!

sarah

Veteran

Thanks for those suggestions, Nancy and Diana. That gives me more ideas for places to look.

I do like that "Gwen" dress, Diana - that may be promising. Of course the dress that I really like at JCrew is this one:

https://www.jcrew.com/browse/s.....;FOLDER%3C

which (1) would look horrible on me and (2) is not appropriate for the occasion. Sigh. I was just not made for formal events.

I could go the suit route, but don't have one in my possession, so the strain of trying to find one seems like too much.

catgirl

Veteran

Congratulations! I am not good with dresses at all, but if you post pictures when you find some options, I am happy to chime in with my opinion.

shiny

Veteran

I'm also short, short necked, busty, short waisted, with apple leanings. Google "Ralph Lauren jersey dress" and take a look. Yes, it's jersey, but I think these dresses can be dressed up or down for the occasion. Comes in lots of fun colors and in petites. The jersey is nice and substantial -- smooths, doesn't cling. Hits at the knee. Not overly body con, but still fitted in the right places to give you a figure. Travels well. There are different styles -- I like the cowl neck style the best as it is fitted for a higher waist, the cowl is not too low, and works with my apple belly. The V neck is pretty low - good for evening. Pop a cami under for day.

I first bought the black cowl neck with elbow sleeves, loved it so much, I duplicated with sleeveless navy cowl, and a v-neck plum (which is a gorgeous color). I may get yet another. VERY comfy.

I think if you chose one in a color (not the black) that it would "read" just right for the occasion. Plus, you'd pop in the photos.

Congratulations!!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Is this too boat neck for you? I have a Pendleton sheath dress and it's excellent.

http://www.pendleton-usa.com/p.....TH/171674/

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sarah, congratulations!!

I think Diana has some great ideas and suggestions for you.

I really love the one that Anna linked to for an event like this, if you have a jacket that might work with it. I also worry a bit about jersey, although not all jerseys are created equal, so that might be on a case by case basis, and the beauty of jersey, of course, is that it will travel well.

I seem to remember you've had good luck occasionally at Talbots, haven't you? Here's one with sleeves. But might not read dressy enough. I'm not really sure about the level of dressiness required.

Or there's a really simple wool dress in various neutrals.

They have some on sale as well but not in all sizes.

I'd also do as Diana says and check out BR -- they have quite an array of new dresses coming in now. You have a bit of time for this, which is great!

sarah

Veteran

Shiny, Anna, and Suz, thanks for more suggestions. I wouldn't have thought of Pendleton (and I know you always find things there, Anna), and Suz, I've been "off" of Talbots for some time now, but hadn't remembered that they actually might have something quite appropriate.

This is great - I've got some perusing to do now.

Suz, I may have lots of time, but it's because I knew I would need lots of time LOL. This is really the worse kind of shopping for me - I don't enjoy it at all : ).

kkards

Veteran

Congrats! Very exciting.
Have you tried the wrap dresses from BR ? The ones I like best are the faux wraps, all the figure flattery of a wrap, with the worry of a wardrobe malfunction
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....le=1005908

DonnaF

Veteran

Hi, Sarah;

Congratulations! I'm not too experienced with finding dresses, as I find the search too frustrating. I think I have some of the same fit issues as you. . .Macy's has quite a few Petite dresses but I don't know if they have any appropriate for your event. If it were me, I would probably start with Talbot's and watch for sales.

I have a dressy Calvin Klein sheath dress that I bought from Zappos of all places. For dresses, I search both Petite and Regular racks because Regulars might be a better length BUT the waist and hips can also hit too low.

Might a suit be more versatile for you? In your shade of power red? Just envisioning what you might wear as the keynote speaker at a conference. . .

Deborah

Veteran

Wow, congratulations! And you don't have to crawl back... we want you standing so we can welcome you back with open arms

Sorry being in Aus no real suggestions but the others have made heaps. My only suggestion is block colour and streamlined.

Ginkgo

Veteran

Congratulations!

My vote goes to Anna's Pendleton choice; it would look "exactly right" for the occasion, fab with a jacket, and you could easily wear it again later.

Marina

I would go with Michael Kors. It looks very stylish, and probably hiding everything that should not be exposed. In addition, the dress provides freedom in motions, not to get frightened if some plait will come out (as for me, this is one of my true fears - when some extra kg I've gained become visible right away).

Isis

Veteran

Sarah! Congratulations! A national honor in DC is a really big deal; you go girl!

I love your Michael Kors but I think it is too casual. And I would also avoid busy prints. Remember there will be lots of photos taken at those events, often with the presenter and other honorees and you want your dress to blend in.

I love the idea of a sheath dress and really like the one Anna linked to. (didn't follow everyone's links).

Do you own a suit? I don't, but that would be super appropriate.

Isis

Veteran

PS. I've noticed one honor often inspires another, so if you've received a national honor, more will probably follow. Plus you may be called on increasingly for national talks, to serve on national policy committees, etc.

All this is to say that I think you need an "honors and Big Deal" capsule.

If you have time, I'd seriously consider getting a fabulous suit and wear that with a silk blouse in a wonderful color. You will wear it over and over.....

sarah

Veteran

Thank you everyone, you've helped me realize that I had the wrong search image (too daytime/casual). I've ordered a couple of dresses from JCrew to start with - they are more expensive than I'd like, but they look like good quality, so I'll see how they work. I'm not as keen on black which is making me shy away from the Pendleton dress, but I'm keeping in the back of my mind.

https://www.jcrew.com/womens_c...../06246.jsp

https://www.jcrew.com/womens_c...../02890.jsp

(Isis - no suit, unfortunately, so I can't channel Diane Keaton or Ellen Degeneres)

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What Isis said about "honours and big deal capsule." You are going to need a dress that you can wear this way. And it will pay for itself for sure in time.

I have this dress. I got it on sale at Nordie's for much, much less. And the neckline might not work. But I have to tell you the quality is amazing, and I am wondering if a dress by this maker would be worth searching out. Here's another example.

Diana

Veteran

Sarah, I think some of the j crew sheaths actually match their jackets, so if you ended up with one of those you could turn it into a suit at a later date.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Congratulations.

You have done well in the past with the Talbots petite fit. Have you tried looking there for dresses, Sarah?

sarah

Veteran

Isis and Suz, that is a good point about the capsule. I guess I have to grow up sometime, perhaps 50 is a good age to do it. Suz, I will look around for those dresses - they are beautiful.

Diana, that's a great point, as well.

Angie, Talbot's is on my list of places to check out. They do have some wool sheaths. Thanks.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

In light grey. Limited sizes though

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/.....;cgid=0317

Scarlet

Veteran

Congratulations! This sounds like a very big deal!! I second, You Go, Girl! I love the idea of a sheath dress on you, but as I think I recall you prefer pants I would really look into a pants suit. Maybe from J. Crew or Theory? I wouldn't be surprised if more occasions cropped up in the next five years where you could use it, and, for example, Angie has demonstrated on the forum how she mixes up her separates too. I would think to pair it with a lovely silk blouse and low heels. I am smiling for you today!

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