Help Finding a Dress? - YouLookFab Forum

So, last week my husband and I received an invitation to his former coworker's wedding. Exciting! We're definitely going, and I'm looking forward to it because I LOVE weddings, although I don't know the couple, myself. I'm hubby's plus one.

This is their wedding website: weddingwire.com/laureeandconrad

My assessment, based on the tone of the site and the overall look of their venue (looks like outdoor afternoon ceremony and indoor evening reception), is semi-formal attire, something comfortable but polished. One of the things still on my springtime shopping list has been a versatile dress, and I'd love to find one that'd be perfect for attending this wedding but could also be used for other occasions. Ideally, a dress that can go semi-formal or smart casual.

So then I thought about kinds of dresses that make me feel best, and my favorite type of dress is a fit and flare midi dress, preferably with short sleeves but since that's almost impossible to find, I can deal with sleeveless. I want a lower neckline but not so low that it shows cleavage. I have the perfect dress... in black, which I've read is usually unsuitable for weddings, and since I don't know the bride, I want to play this one safe. (I did wear that dress to a friend's wedding, but she had explicitly told me that it was fine to wear black.) I'm trying to think of possible colors, and I think I'd like a cheerful blue or maybe blush. I also love red, but again, some people find it inappropriate.

Add the fact that I'm plus size (16 usually, sometimes I need to size up for my bust and shoulders) and a low ish budget (I'm thinking $100 max and the lower I can go the better since I have other things to buy that will be worn more often) and this becomes a daunting task.

Any suggestions on where to look? Or better yet, actual dresses you may have seen that might work for me? Any help is welcome and appreciated!

8 years ago

Bijou

Veteran

A friend of mine bought the Francesca dress from Igigi and looks absolutely stunning in it - she bought this amethyst dress and loves it as an alternative to black. I know this is more than you would like to spend, but they have some dresses on sale too. http://www.igigi.com/francesca.....thyst.html

kkards

when i read dress for a summer wedding i thought of dress barn…and most styles have both a "regular" 16 and a "plus" size 16…so lots of style, color and size options.

Dress Barn

Striped Floral Dress

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Top Pick

Plus Size Floral Stripe Belted Dress

Mixed Print Belted Fit-and-Flare Dress

Helena

Kaelyn, trust yourself of course, but I honestly don't think black is inappropriate for a wedding at all. If you have a great dress, I'd be more inclined to just pick up a few accents in your cheerful colors ... Maybe colorful shoes, topper, purse and/or jewellery to make it more springy and festive. Just a thought

El Cee

Another shoutout for Dressbarn. They have special occasion dresses in a whole host of sizes, including Plus Size… but as a 16 you might find also try their regular Misses fits. The prices are very reasonable (all or most under $60). I think they are currently running a buy 2 dresses and save $10 special right now. I am also a cusp size (16/18) and do well at Dressbarn. I have also found some fabulous special occasion wear at Nordstrom, Macy's and Lord & Taylor… some at great sale prices. I am also going to second Torontogirl's statement that black is not necessarily "inappropriate" for a wedding -- especially for an evening reception. A lot of my friends wore LBD's to my wedding (in 1998) and accented with white, metallic or bright accessories and footwear. [I even had my bridesmaids in LBD's.]

BrieN

The dress that Bijou posted is lovely. One of the reviews said that it is lined, which in my book would make it a must see. Hard to judge cleavage until it is on. Not sure about long sleeves for location/that time of year. I think you're going to want something very polished.

JAileen

I think black is okay for a wedding, especially if you already have a dress you like. I think the idea dates back to when people went into mourning and wore black for soecific periods of time. Plus, won't some of the men be wearing black (tuxes)?

Thirkellgirl

Have you had any luck finding a dress? I'm suddenly in the same position and discouraged before I even start. I need sleeves, room to accomodate my bust, a skirt that will skim my hips, and I'm short.

7 years ago

Greenjeans

Have you tried eShakti yet, Kaelyn? I have not but others here have and I love every WIW people have posted. The prices are good with most dresses coming in at under $100, and, best of all, for a small fee they will customize everything for you . . . bust size, neckline, length, sleeve style . . .

http://www.eshakti.com/Default.aspx

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