Cute summer dress recommendations for a plus petite pear?

Ivy

I've done some browsing, but nothing I've seen seems to be a good fit: I need a summer dress to wear to a wedding rehearsal dinner in August (in the American South, so it'll be HOT).

I'm looking for something preferably knee-length and with sleeves. I'm a size 14w-16w petite pear shape, and love fit-and-flare styles, though I'm open to fashion wisdom on what else might work, too! The rehearsal and dinner are deliberately casual, but I'm the bride's honor attendant so a smart casual option would be fine.

Has anyone run across or can recommend a dress that might work? Thanks!

9 years ago

Shopping

13 replies

Latest reply was from Desmo April

tulle

Veteran

Ivy, have you looked at Madewell's site? They have a number of dresses in cotton/linen and silk that would work well for a smart-casual dinner in a hot climate. They are cut short, and so come to a good knee length for most petites, and many of their dresses are slightly A-line shifts that flatter pears. Some have pretty embroidered borders that draw attention to one's face. As a petite pear myself, I recommend them!

9 years ago

tulle

Veteran

Just checked the Madewell site . . . maybe something like the V-neck Eyelet Tunic Dress in ink? Also, Net a Porter is having a huge dress sale. There were several tempting summery ones there. Good luck!

9 years ago

Ivy

Active Member

Ooh, thanks, Tulle! I haven't looked at either of those before. Much appreciated!

9 years ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

It's winter where I am! But have you looked at ASOS? There is a lot to choose from there.

9 years ago

Ivy

Active Member

Thanks, Brooklyn! Another place I haven't tried.

9 years ago

crazyone

Veteran

I'm not sure Madewell is great for plus size, doesn't their sizing run out at 12 or 14? But some of their pieces do run a little big.

I found this thread while googling, maybe it will help you? http://ask.metafilter.com/2204.....Ann-Taylor

9 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

When I read plus petite I always think of Talbots. They've got some great summer dresses this year, florals if that's your thing or solids.

9 years ago

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

You could also try eShakti. They have a ton of fit and flare styles, automatically hem to your height, and you can add sleeves to any dress for about $10. The only thing is that a lot of their fabrics are casual, so you'll have to be particular.

9 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

Check Talbots. Online and if there's a store by you.

They've been running huge summer sales, so their inventory might be slim.

If you like a sleeveless dress (they have LOTS of those in fit and flare) they sell coordinating shrugs that actually look good with fit and glare dresses.

Also, check their skirts. I'm also pear shaped but with a long torso, so I have trouble with dresses. They have lots of fit and flare skirts, too. With the right shirt, it can be as dressy as a dress.

9 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I like these, and you can see the shrug in the pictures

https://www.talbots.com/online.....an+Petites

https://www.talbots.com/online.....alog20002))

Sheath dress or two

https://www.talbots.com/online.....alog20002))

And the stores carry stuff not on the web if there's one close to you.

9 years ago

Chris987

Veteran

Another vote for Talbots.

Also Lands End carries fit 'n flare dresses in petite sizes, mostly pretty classic/traditional. They have sheaths and a-line dresses too. Check out sizing, it looks like some of them may not come in your size.

9 years ago

Ivy

Active Member

Thank you so much!! I'll be browsing Talbots, Lands End & eShakti this morning. You guys have the best ideas

9 years ago

Desmo April

(website)

Veteran

My go to for plus size dresses:

Kiyonna is size 10+ and made in the USA. They also show their items on average women as well as models.
http://www.kiyonna.com/

Eloquii is 14 and up and is a little more fashion forward. They are a big favorite with the plus bloggers so there are also a lot of pictures available on non models.
http://www.eloquii.com/

9 years ago

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