Moment of (sad) truth for MOTB--dress delivery

Here are several dresses that arrived. Not aiming to "style" in these photos, but just try on.

1-3 is the suggested lace dress, It's in the navy over taupe --looks almost black more than navy but the taupe under is a nice softening touch. I like the style very well for a possible cocktail/party dress and am glad I tried it but it's too short! Also technically too body-con--have to breathe carefully!

Second is a floral experiment. Would have added a jacket and would have to have an insert at the v-neck (?lace) but I don't like it.

Last was not for MOTB, but an Adrianna Papell for possible cocktail wear. May be a whole size too big though certainly the bodice. However, even in my struggles with whether I aim to be classic and lady-like, this is too frumpy for me. Want more pizzazz.

Thought I would show and tell after all the help and suggestions.

Back to the drawing board!

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13 years ago

Jules

Veteran

The navy is a stunning on you, but I get that it's too short for MOTB. Keep it for... engagement party? Rehearsal dinner? I'm totally an enabler

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I agree that the dress in #1 is too short - which is highlighted so well by the other two dresses with longer hemlines (#4 and #5). They instantly look better and more elegant to my eye.

Dress in #5 is just gorgeous! But I cannot judge the fabric or quality from the photo. The silhouette is an 11 out of 10 though. May I suggest going in this direction.

Susie

I don't see frumpy with the last one except maybe with the sedate pump. I think that could be gorgeously, elegantly chic with different shoes.

unfrumped

Jules, I wish. Maybe 30 years ago!

Angie, thank you for the advice! #5 caught my eye because I like skirt movement , the waist, the neckline etc. in a dress. The fabrication is very nice, and I might see if it comes in a size 2 just in case, because the too-bigness is a lot of the problem. I have another kind of similar style on order, but again, it's also in black, so is part of, well as long as I'm looking at dresses I may as well try on some possibilities to fill some other wardrobe holes. I would like a MOTB dress for April to be a different color, but so far it is hard to find a more springy-looking frock in this kind of style--I'm hoping new choices will keep coming in over the next month.

Amy

I like the last one too. Sassier footwear would make a big difference. I sympathize with the frustrations of dress shopping!

MsMaven

My sad experience as a MOG and sister to a MOB a few years ago is similar: it is extremely difficult to find a decent dress or even two or three piece outfit that isn't either frumpy, too mature, or else black. I hate to see Moms being relegated to these choices.

I haven't followed every step in your search, but have you considered a personal shopper or stylist to aid in your search? She could help you weed through a lot of chaff and save time and frustration.

rachylou

I liked the longer skirts too. You look really good in the lace dress, but my knees feel cold, it's true, looking at the skirt.

I don't think I'd like the floral dress with a jacket and insert, but I can understand why you'd want them. This one is really my favorite because of the pizazz factor. It has zing.

Black dress, ya, lovely fit, a little boring.

Side comment: This has been very educational for me in terms of how details change the nature of a dress.

cciele

You do look great in #1, but I agree it is too short. I also like the silhouette in dress #5.

How about something like this:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ad.....sultback=0

Beth Ann

Another vote for the silhouette in #5 --

Don't give up! You look terrific in dresses.

memel

Active Member

You look beautiful in silhouette 5, i like the dress in the nordstrom link!

velvetychocolate

Love the shape of #5...

You are on the right track with this shape and style on you ..you look fabulous in this silhouette:-)

I'm sure non-black fit and flare options will come your way over the next few months!

You guys are so encouraging!

Angie, I am already seeing more "color" coming out. Keeping fingers crossed!
The too-short dress is described as 36" length, shoulder to hem. #5 is supposed to be 38 3/4. That gives a target, although I agree with prior suggestions that you never can know if it's running true to measurement.

Don't y'all think dresses in general are SO SHORT now? My experience in the past year or so is that eliminates 95% of dresses right there, for me. It used to be, a dress might be a tad long but you could get it hemmed to whatever is the perfect knee-area length for you, given the drape of the skirt. Hem allowances are too skimpy to let out, and of course some hems are lace or complicated designs. Sorry for rant. Back to happy MOTB dress hunting.

Kristin SF

I noticed this post and thought of your search. This was a fun read, although pretty common sense. The dresses are gorgeous, and prices are steep. However, great ideas for inspiration!
http://40plusstyle.com/how-to-.....the-bride/

I love the idea of working with a stylist for help. The Nordstrom stylists are great and free!

Yes, UF, dresses are almost all a couple of inches too short. More casual dresses sometimes allow for leggings or tights -- which can open up more possibilities, but even that is limited. You might try eShakti.com. They allow you to make modifications to you dress --- specifying sleeve type or length, and they specialize in dresses.

Mander

I don't see frumpy in the last one, either!

I hear you on the too short thing. I don't really consider myself all that tall, but I have noticed that many of the dresses and skirts on offer in the last few years have been just too dang short. Even when I was looking at business suits and dresses, I had a hard time finding any that were not mid-thigh or shorter. True, I am a bit taller than the average British woman but even if I were a bit shorter they would have been well above knee length, which to my mind is not a business appropriate look!

Nadya

I hear you on the too short! And if they are long enough they often have a detail I find juvenile, like a puffed sleeve. Argh!

Suz

Oh - I love the lace one -- but for the length. Alas!!! If you look for dresses that are 39" that might work. This shape is terrific on you.

I also adore the last one (#5) so if you could get one in that shape in your size, it would be terrific!!

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