Event dress: first contenders (or not?)

As some of you may recall, I need to find something to wear for an evening event in April. Here are two JCrew dresses and two pairs of shoes. (BTW: I tried 3 BR dresses and none of them worked)

#1-3 JCrew Sara dress.
#4-5 JCrew Gwen dress.

Sarah dress: It's too low cut - you can't tell from the pics, but I'm falling out of it. However, this could probably be fixed by altering the arm holes (taking them up at the shoulders) and with strategic use of fashion tape and the right bra. Also, I'm proud of my back muscles (lots of pilates), but I think I look like a linebacker (albeit one who is 5'2") from behind. Shown with Sam Edelman Nude Okala (tags still on shoes)

Gwen dress: I like the fit in the front a lot, but see how it buckles in the back? This is because I need petite sizing in the torso (I'm short-waisted), but the petite is WAY TOO SHORT (I tried it). If I tug, the buckles go away, but who wants to tug all night? Shown with silver Isaac Mizrahi pumps (already own).

So, neither is perfect, but what do you think?
Which shoes? Can I get away with the IM's? I already own them and they are way easier to walk in. But they are a "weave", which makes them a touch less formal, even though they are silver.

Thanks, as I anticipated, I'm hating this : (.

ETA: What do you think about this one, the JCrew Pamela?

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12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

So frustrating, Sara. The cut of the first dress is flattering on you, but I can imagine it might feel too bare for a professional event. And the fit of the second one is, indeed, off.

In the petite version is there enough seam allowance to let down?

I think you can do better than both of these. And luckily, there is time to find the perfect one.

sarah

Thanks, Suz. Yes, I feel that way about the first one, and no, the seam allowance won't work to let out the petite one. It's quite frustrating that all of the dresses are so SHORT these days. Honestly, it's maddening. And I'm short!

What about the shoes? Given that I find a dress at some point, do you think I can make do with the IM's?

ETA: I've added another contender above - it's not low cut, would be flattering on my shoulders, and might not buckle so much.

Anonymous

I like the Pamela a lot! I think it would be flattering on you.

The nude Okalas are gorgeous, but I like your existing shoes too.

Thanks, Ceit, of course it's backordered until the end of March (I don't need it until the end of April, but that's cutting it close given my issues with finding dresses).

Emily

I think the Isaac Mizrahi shoes are lovely and would look great with a dark blue dress.

Regarding the dresses, #1 is my favourite of the two. I agree that it does need to be altered a touch at the shoulders, but I don't think you look wide from the back at all. The neckline is gorgeous, but a bit too much décolletage for a work event, unfortunately.

ETA - Yes, try the J.Crew Pamela!

texstyle

I'd def. try the Pamela - I think it is like a cross between both of the other dresses in some way. The first one here is just too revealing and the second one is not perfect either but I do like the front.

I love the way the Okalas *look* but would not buy them if they are not comfortable as for me true comfort is the first priority. I bought some shoes for a wedding last year and kept them on for approx. 2 hours at the church, then changed into my second choice for the remainder of the event (less formal pair I already owned) and wondered why I had even bothered with the uncomfortable ones at all. I couldn't return them either so they are in the donate box now, worn once. UGH!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I don't think these dresses are the one. And the Pamela might be too cut away around the arm. Although always worth a try.

I'm sticking to my suggestion of Talbots Petites. I just had a look at those frocks and there were many contenders:

http://www.talbots.com/online/.....ootCategor

Love the nude Okalas. xo

kellygirl

I would try the Pamela. Both dresses are flattering but there is a lot of skin showing on the first one. The second one would be perfect except for the fit issues. LOVE the Okalas but would be hesitant to buy them if they aren't that east to walk in. You look so fit, sarah!

Oh no! Looks like all the smaller sizes are. I see a 6 in the navy blue.

Oh my goodness, Angie, I appreciate that so much, especially given how busy you are. OK, marching orders accepted, I will try the Talbot's petites (I have ordered 5 dresses)! And I'll practice walking in those Okalas a bit more before I decide against them (I am NOT so great in heels) : ).

Gosh, thanks, Kelly - I appreciate that.

Kelly, Text, and Ceit, I will go ahead and order that Pamela dress and can compare to any of the Talbot's that work once it arrives.

thanks, everyone!

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