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Dress panic

Mochi

Veteran

Hi, everybody. Shannon's post reminded me that I could throw my own anxieties out here and see what sayeth the YLF hive mind....

I have a tango milonga (social dance) I'm going to on June 16th. I've come a long way with my dancing and also have started feeling comfortable and made friends in the community at this point, so I really want to enjoy myself, try some dancing and of course look as nice as possible.

I have waited practically till crunch time (predictably) but am now trying to see what I can buy. Here's something that I ordered from Nordstrom. Let's hope it gets to me in time and works:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/b4.....igin=keywo

The type of dresses I'm looking for are tasteful but a bit flirty, allow for comfortable dancing, and obviously (hopefully) would flatter my challenging body type. With the above one I can always wear leggings and a cami underneath; I'm not really worried about being overexposed.

Anyway, I am beyond clueless about dresses; until I got one from BR a few months ago (also for a tango dance, but it's too hot for June), I hadn't even owned a dress for maybe a decade? Ridiculous, right? But I had no occasions for them and they are really a challenge, more than a skirt and top, for someone who's petite, shortwaisted, busty, etc.

By the way I would consider a skirt/top combo as well; women wear them to tango dances. I just thought it would be easier starting out with a dress in mind and they seem to have more dramatic flair. And I'd only need to buy one thing. And with a dress I wouldn't be worrying about the top riding up my apple belly while dancing, etc.

Thanks for any suggestions, everyone. I do live in Boston and have more opportunities for in-store shopping at big department stores (and boutiques), so hopefully I haven't procrastinated too much!

Shopping

27 replies

Latest reply was from Peri

Anonymous

Are you doing Latin dances like the tango? I know nothing about dances except what I see on reality TV shows but the one you linked to looks alluring and comfortable. I hope it works for you.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I like the one you linked to! It can be worn in many ways, and I'm sure it is comfortable and very feminine on. You will look fab in it! I so much want to learn tango, but DH is not interested, so I have to find someone else. The milonga sounds like great fun - grab the dress and get going

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I looked at a few videos online to make sure I knew the dance style. I think - honestly - it's a lovely dress, but I think you need something that gives your legs a little more room to move, without worrying about the skirt riding up and bunching. Dancing is no fun if you're worried the entire time about what is happening with your outfit, or having to constantly adjust clothing! I'd suggest either a fitted straight-skirted dress in stretchy material, with a slit on the front of one thigh, or a dress or skirt that has more sweep at the hem, so you can really move without feeling constricted or worried about what your dress is doing.

Try on that dress, do a few moves, see what happens. I recommend dance trunks or lightweight spanx-type shorts underneath, so you can still have the sexy look of the dress, without a costume malfunction And a black bra.

Maybe something like this? http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ad.....=category-

This skirt looks like it's got some flare - but I don't know how stiff the fabric is
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ta.....in=categor

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fe.....343096?ori

Dance shorts to wear underneath (or wear a Spanx-type garment but in a regular fit - not super-control) This is just so you don't give someone a better view than you wanted :

http://www.discountdance.com/d.....=491625278

http://www.discountdance.com/d.....;search=tr

And HAVE FUN!! And post pictures, if you can!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Great dress Mochi - I also like the ones that La Belle linked to. Do you know what styles the other ladies will be wearing?

Mochi

Veteran

Wow, LBD (heh), thank you so much for all your research. Those dresses are gorgeous too. I feel very timid and uneasy about fit and flare (though that would be a natural for a dancing dress) because my practically non-existent waist is what I least want to draw attention to. I don't think it's the right cut for me. I also want to stay with something v-necked or at least with a low-ish neckline because of my bustiness.

You are right that I will need to make sure the dress I have ordered (assuming that I like it overall) will move well. It does look snug around the hem, but I'm hoping it's a stretchy enough material. Also I think I may get away with it; tango moves are slow and sinuous rather than a lot of hopping around, so we'll see. I can practice at home and get a better sense. I also appreciate your links to the dance shorts. Definitely a great idea.

Shannon, it's hard to get a good representative pic of what women wear. Online I saw a lot of really dramatic, over-the-top dresses, which I guess you do see, but mostly it's just women taking care to dress glam and (particularly in the case of younger women) sexy but in clothes they can move in. (I've even read that in tango, it's all about the shoes. That's definitely true.)

Here is a pic of my tango teacher (scroll toward the bottom). Her dress here is tight and fitted, so that gives me hope that my choice won't be a problem.

http://southend.patch.com/even.....ne-eve#pho

Thanks again for all your assistance. I really appreciate it.

Mochi

Veteran

lgunn, my DH is completely uninterested too, and if I'd let that dictate my learning tango, I would have missed out on this amazing experience. I get to have both a style journey AND a tango journey! I really hope you try one class and see if you enjoy it.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Thanks for the pic of your tango teacher - now I know your dress choice is perfect!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

On the train where I can't open links to photos well, but I wish you luck in the search and have confidence that you will find the perfect dress! Stretchy is probably a really good thing.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Ooh, I like the idea of the B44! I know they are usually a comfy and flattering brand. The only way to know is to try some of those babies on, though! Good hunting! This is such a fab event for you; I'm glad you struck out there to learn and made some friends. xo

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I hope that dress works out Mochi because it looks really lovely to me - and seems to have the perfect cut/style for you!

Anonymous

Hi there!

Although I love the black dress, if I was shopping with you, I would persuade you to try something less clingy.
I am thinking anything similar to this, shape wise, would look lovely on you. Not a maxi, but shorter.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/el.....O8kyflx75A
Not this one, just a similar shape

Let me see if I can find what I'm talking about.

Let us know how the black one turns out!

Anonymous

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/bc.....fined_17_D
Something like this - with proper undergarments.

or,
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ma.....egoryId=PP

or
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/bc.....fined_12_B

My idea is a looser fit in the body, with a shorter assymetrical hem - you gotta go shorter in this type of dress or it looks frumpy - and a vibrant color to show off you amazing coloring and gorgeous gams!

Mochi

Veteran

Thank you, darling Zap. Your choices are awesome. Especially the second, red, one--what gorgeous back detailing!

I agree that a non-clingy midsection would be ideal.

When I went thru all the online Nordstrom dresses yesterday before placing my order, I focused on necklines first of all, and on avoiding certain cuts (sheaths, etc). I am not averse to a more typical dance-y type of dress, like a skater dress, but they seem to have a higher neckline. I should go back and pay more attention.

Angie had this great pick a few weeks ago that immediately seemed perfect in that red:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ei.....er&cm

However, I really thought that $200 was a lot for a dress.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Ooh, that red Max & Cleo is gorgeous!

Mochi

Veteran

am working on researching promo codes as I write this....got it down $25 on the EF site so far....yes, that's a beautiful dress. Black would be my typical, safe choice, but am hoping I could pull off red!

Diana

Veteran

Hmm, when I think of tango dresses, I think of something swishy and flippy, not too short or tight so you don't get wardrobe malfunctions. High low hem would be fun and I think it would be fun to dance in. Like the red Max and Cleo Zap linked, or:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/bc.....ordsearch-
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/mi.....rigin=rela
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ko.....in=categor (or any of the Komarov dresses actually... they are $$$ though.)

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ni.....38;context

ETA: one more, this one is gorgeous!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ci.....rt&co

Anonymous

I am so glad you liked the Max and Cleo, I'd like to point out that the back detailing was an orchestrated choice on my part, because that's what people see the most when you tango...That's how I rooooll
( and your hair is short, so it will show)

ETA: and I like the EF too, gorgeous.

rachylou

Veteran

The dress is beautiful. But I have a question: Do you have to kick in tango? Can you kick in this dress?

Mochi

Veteran

Damn straight I can kick in that dress, woman! Hee hee. No, I mean, sure I can. I don't think we learned kicking in class yet, though. I think they're called "patadas"??

rachylou

Veteran

Awesome!!

T-Rex

Veteran

I really like that dress. Sexy, but not like it's trying too hard. Even if you don't end up wearing it to dance in, I really do like it.

When I think of dresses for Latin dance, I think of a "fit and flare" kind of silhouette. OR, now that I've googled up some images, I see quite a few dresses with straighter skirts but with slits that will allow a lot of leg movement. I did another google search for "tango dresses", and I see lots of dresses, many of which look costumey and overtly sexy, but some of which are pretty nice. I wonder how the "high/low" hemline that seems to be in fashion this year would work with tango. I suspect it might be a good, and readily available choice.

Whatever you decide to wear, I highly suggest putting on your heels while wearing the dress, and giving the outfit as much of a dress rehearsal as you can. Go through the moves you would go through while dancing, and see how you feel in the dress. If you feel awkward, or restricted, or if you find yourself wanting to adjust the dress as you move, it's not the right dress. If you can move with ease without focussing too much on your dress, then it's a good choice.

I have a suggestion for future dress purchases, although I don't know how easy it will be to find this. It's the kind of thing that comes in and out of fashion, I think. If you had a skirt and top in the exact same fabric, it would look like a dress when worn together. It will look more "seamless" and more like a dress if the fabric is a print, but solids will do as well. If you need different sizes on top and bottom, then you can purchase them that way. And, for me at least, it seems to help with the shortwaisted problem. The additional advantage is that you can break them up and wear them separately, which makes this option more versatile than buying a dress. So keep a look out for something like this.

Glory

Veteran

I love your new hair cut and think the dress looks great on you. In my opi it is perfect for the dance. Keep looking if you must but I think you have a winner

T-Rex

Veteran

Once again, I've gone down a rabbit hole looking for Tango dance wear. There are Tango pants! Who knew? Apparently I have quite a few wardrobe items that are appropriate for Latin dance. Which means I should probably take a class, since I have the wardrobe already.

And...I found a top that I really want for myself.

Must stop this now and get to work.

Mochi

Veteran

Don't even start looking at the shoes, T-Rex. If you like a sexy heel, you're done for.

(thx for the suggestions above, btw)

T-Rex

Veteran

You are welcome! And yes, I love a sexy heel. A sexy heel that is *wearable*, which I seem to find more often when looking at dance shoes.

Care to see the top I'm lusting for? Most of the items on this site seem costumey to me, and geared toward performing for an audience. (Not necessarily a bad thing.) But I love this. http://www.latindancefashions......ts_id=4080

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

No more frock anxiety! We're here to help you, and you're going to look wonderful, Nancy!

I'm with LBD and Zap, and vote for a frock that moves and is preferably not black. Start with Tadashi Shoji. You are going to love his fit.

Peri

Veteran

Hi Mochi,

I do ballroom, not argentine, but I can say I would not be comfortable in the first dress. You really need to be free to move. I love the red one Zap linked because I always think about that in dance...even more in ballroom hold, my back is what people see the most! But there's the bra issue. The first two Diana linked are great.

And yes for the dance shorts! Hugely important!