Prom Dress to Flatter Petite IT

Took DD18 on an unsuccessful shopping excursion last night; figured she needed to start early, and Mama says, "Keep it (well) under $100 and don't look like a 'ho'". She has an athletic VERY IT body: Shoulders are probably two sizes larger than torso and absolutely zero hips and pretty much no booty; small boobs and large rib cage. She talks about wanting to rent a dress, but unless we find a style that flatters her, it would be money down the drain for a dress she doesn't want to wear. The girls these days wear short (vs. floor length) prom dresses, and since she is under 5'2", at least most Junior dresses don't hit her at super hoochy length.

I am thinking strapless or one shoulder with ruching in strategic places. Probably due to her rib cage, her waist is larger than mine and is larger than one would think if you looked at her. She really, really, really needs a dress that gives her hips to balance her figure, but I'm not sure what that would look like since my (pear with secondary hourglass) body type is radically different. The IT suggestions I saw online assumed boobs were part of the equation, and here they are not.

TIA for your help!

12 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

My dear sister is about the same dimensions in terms of the shoulders (albeit, she isn't 5'2") ... I think she wore a dress with more poof and tulle to balance out the shoulders; and went with a one-shoulder design. Initially, she had wanted some ruffles because she was short on the boobage (I hope she doesn't read this blog) - but they looked quite dreadful and drew attention to things she didn't want attention drawn to...

Her's was a different colour... but similar style to... this dress from Modcloth ($84).

ETA: Here's the link; currently sold out though: http://www.modcloth.com/shop/d.....sage-dress

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Jilly

Active Member

What about a dress with a ballerina skirt? That's a more girly style, but one that might add some "hips". Also a top with more of a scoop-line or v-neck would be flattering if she has a short neck. If not, a choker style neckline thataks sleeveless is very flattering if you're smaller chested. Good luck and hoping you find something fabulous!

Elly

I would go with strapless or one shoulder, or HALTER with an empire or natural waist, some ruching or embellishment on the bust or waist, and a bit of a fuller skirt. Actually, this is a really popular silhouette, so it shouldn't be too hard to find. The empire waist might be easier to fit with the no boobs and big ribcage thing.

I would look in regular stores for a affordable cocktail/short formal dress. Nordies even has some good options. That way she can wear it again to sorority formals or weddings in the future, especially if she chooses an elegant color and adds sparkly accessories rather than cheap rhinestones and glitter on the dress. My prom dress was a short black chiffon and satin (slightly above knee length) halter dress that was flattering but not hoochie. It was from Dillards in the regular misses' cocktail section, and under $100 and I've worn it several times since to somewhat fancy weddings, the ballet, ect.

I'd take her to a place like DEB that sells inexpensive prom options in juniors sizes, and also a department store or two-- don't be afraid to look in both the junior's and regular formal sections. TJ Maxx often has inexpensive cocktail and formal dresses this time of year, too. Many "prom" type shops are prohibitively expensive in comparison to what you can get a cute fun cocktail dress for. Remember that anything can be dressed up with a rhinestone clutch, a corsage, sparkly earrings and an updo.

These are just a couple of options:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ad.....n=category

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/do.....n=category

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ma.....n=category

Something like this is more of what you will find in junior's formals and the DEB shop, which would be cute on her body type too, but you do have to watch for hoochie shortness, and then the dress is obviously a prom only dress, never to be worn again.

http://www.debshops.com/sequin.....?cgid=1303

DonnaF

We went to one Nordstroms which had dresses that the web site said they didn't -- so I ordered them before we left. They had great reviews but looked terrible on DD. Other than not wanting what she calls a toga look, she is pretty conservative in her tastes, so no sequins or similar bling and no ballet princess looks. At least her size appears to be S vs XS which would be much harder to find.

MsLuna

First of all, I want to say you're such and awesome mom! Not many of us are privileged to have mothers who know about style like you do!

If she has an athletic figure, chances are, she has amazing arms. I'd try to highlight the body without looking hoochie.

So I'm proposing - divide the space on her broad shoulders and have something body-skimming but a more modest length (knee length). I'm thinking of the following:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/so.....n=category

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/xs.....n=category

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/en.....n=category

An assymetrical neckline always creates a sort of visual interest. And if you add some ruching/draping around the waistline, it could create a waist, assuming that her waist is smaller.

Another thing you can do is bare her strong shoulders and balance it out with something poufy. This way, it creates a small waistline and an hourglass silhouette

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tr.....n=category

Good luck on finding a dress for your daughter! Please keep us posted on how the search goes!

MsKatieKat; I'd had such high hopes for that one-shouldered ruched Soprano dress you linked; that was the one I ordered in red and green before we left. It looked terrible, esp. around her waist. White/pales are not good on her, but I think she tried on a one-shoulder in navy that looked like the one shoulder you linked to. Style was good; color was not. We'll have to see if she ever comes around to a more ballerina look. . .I think desperation can lead to a more open mind.

Unlike her mom, DD is the type of gal who will want a real wedding dress down the road. . . .When that day comes. I hope styles are available that suit ITs.

Donna: it's too bad the styles I recommended didnt' work. Well - it could also be the way the clothes are cut - you may need to do some alteration, which is usually the case.

With regards to colouring - what is her hair/eyecolour/skintone like? Maybe I can shed some light on what colours may work?

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