It's odd, since I shop for dresses all the time, but I really like having a new dress for Easter. I've got a long list of criteria, though! (My first search on Nordstrom, just specifying skirt and sleeve and style preferences, narrowed it from over 6700 to 225. Picky!)
1. I'm in the church choir. We don't wear robes, but we do wear solid colors, and no black or white. Easter is the only time we can wear prints, so I would really like to have a print! But the right solid is fine, too.
2. If a print or pattern, it needs to be work suitable. I really want to be able to wear it more than just Easter and to the occasional shower. So not lace or obvious cocktail-type dresses. (Work dress code is not strict, but I know what will work and what won't.)
3. Styling requirements.
* Short, cap, or flutter sleeves. Cold shoulder might be okay if it's not huge.
* Fit and flare styling. No sheaths, no shifts.
* Pleated or flared skirt. No gathers.
* Knee length or midi. Guessing 40" minimum length because I'm tall.
4. I don't want bra straps to show, so nothing sheer in the wrong area. (I adore sheers, but not that type for a workday!)
5. Color! I would LOVE a giant floral. White, not ivory or cream. No all-neutral designs. Preferably not a dark ground, or lots of orange.
6. Price. I want to keep it under $100. Unless it's perfect in every way and I know I will wear it regularly for the next ten years. (If it IS that perfect, I will. Including for more Easters.)
I've found some things so far, shown in Finds. None is screaming at me yet, but they're contenders. I'm willing to order a lot to try, but prefer free shipping/returns.