I like #3, but what do you like? If you aren't smitten with any, are online stores a possiblility at all?

There seems to be a discrepancy between how the colour of no. 4 is reading on some monitors and what it is in real life. It's a deep purple:
http://www.kiyonna.com/plus-si.....s/14110807

Online stores have been thoroughly cased and found wanting. Also many of them have options that are too expensive for a body that's in transition.
A skirt and top has been considered, but I havent' found any suitable tops to date.
My favourite right now is number 4.

Number 3 looks great!

Michelle, I just read through all the comments, though I was going to vote for #4 from the start --- yes, cobalt is delightful on you, but that last purple gown is a whole class apart in terms of elegance and flattering proportions. Also, having 'seen' you in black on your birthday and admired you in blue here, I'm pretty sure purple will be smashing on you too!

From your last remark, you sounded unsure of its waist definition (this is #4, the purple); but I actually think it does define the waist in a far subtler and a far more effective way than the others. The long vertical lines of the skirt draping straight down and the narrow V and the diagonal pleating across the width of the bodice together converge on the jewelled trim at front waist, and the result is surprisingly hourglass.

I also just checked it out online from your link, and I love that it has a nice V in the back and is otherwise smooth too. Too many evening gowns make one look wider from the back because of a too-high neckline or a wide scoop or square. This one, I think, is a winner in this regard.

I certainly vote keeping this as your failsafe, in case you don't find something even more stellar.

#4 is my favorite by far. I think the purple will look fantastic on you. I am plus size too and I'm jealous that you have someplace to wear a gown!

I have been lusting after this one from Igigi for a while but its completely impractical for me.

http://www.igigi.com/plus-size.....-plum.html

I, too love #4! So classic but a gorgeous color and flattering on you.

Actually, I think you look good in ALL of these dresses, so I think you've done very well!

Michelle, I am confident that the color of 4 is good. It would be the same effect as wearing black in terms of your complexion. I also think that ManidapaM is right on about the waist definition. It really is very flattering and hourglassy.

Another vote for elegant gown #4, Michelle! I especially LOVE the purple hue and the silhouette on you!

Michelle, I totally hear you on evening wear. I am large busted and I just feel too exposed in many of the dresses available. I often put together separates to get the fit and converage that I like.

I love #4 on you. Infact I like them all but 4 is my favourite. The color is beautiful against your skin and fit is excellent and the style of the dress is very sophisticated.

I liked #4 the best because of the shape and style on you. I felt that way even before reading any of the comments. I do think that the true colour that we don't see in the picture would look great on your porcelain skin tone.

I also liked the colour of #2 on you a lot, but the bust part of the dress wasn't right. I loved you in it from the waist down and the neck up! But the revealed chest part even *sounds* uncomfortable from your description.

Michelle, I really love nr 3 on you, side ruffle and all! It has a bit of more structure on your torso which flatter your shape, and is actually higher cut on front for modesty-for me seems it's the best all over fit from all.
nr 4 is a great colour indeed, but a bit too low cut for my eyes I'm afraid, bra is also showing in the deep V neckline a bit, I wouldn't be that comfortable wearring that in it's actually state. I don't know if this can be alterred to good?

Thank you all so very much. I'm feeling better about the process after hearing from you.
I was really feeling number 4, but a couple of the responses from my text message picture gave me doubts. Fortunately Rina has the dress on hold for me and will keep it until she gets a few more gowns in...We just want to make sure I've covered all my options. She's a total star, as usual.
But thanks to you all, I'm feeling much more confident that I will at least have something to pack. Your reassurances about the shape are most timely, and I'm grateful to one and all.

Hi Michelle --

I think those shades of blue and purple are real winners on you!

IIRC this is for a cruise with family, where your weight/shape will be a topic of conversation no matter what the numbers? [Which are obviously smaller these days!]

If so I would vote for #3, with a second for #2 if you can have some kind of magic worked on the bodice to get it into PG-13 range.

If the gown was for a family-free occasion my vote would be split between 3 and 4 (though #2 is very modern Grace Kelly to me).

However, given what you've said in the past about wanting the *most* flattering item when around family, I think the style and probably the satin of #4 draws more attention to your upper mid-section (below the bust) than the others. Not sure if shapewear would put it on an even playing field with the other options.

Sorry to sound so critical -- and do disregard if this is for an event for work/with friends only!

Well, Michelle, after reading your comments in the OP i was feeling your pain and expecting the worst! But when i saw your pics i thought ' oh, she is exaggerating....she'll make one of these work just fine!"

Until i came to pic #4. Taller, longer, more elegant, nicer 'poitrine'.......it was like the corny scene in old movies where the librarian type takes off her specs and lets her hair down: "Why, Miss Featherbottom! I never realized .... here, let me get that for you..." etc.

Very happy to hear that it's on hold!! steph

Wow, I think you look great in all these. You've found some really great options even though it sounds like you aren't crazy about them. #2 reads a little more "prom" dress to me so that would eliminate it for me. #3 is hands down the most flattering dress. #4 is also a nice color and great fabric but honestly it does show a bit of tummy bump and a tiny sliver of underarm/outside chest bulge. It may just be an issue of proper undergarments though (or lighting). As a member of the extra large bust club I have found it easy to smooth the tummy but impossible to find a bra that will take care of that underam/outside chest bulge.

I like 3 and 4 on you. The "fluttery thing" in 3 adds a very nice vertical line.

Oh, I thought #4 was black! Switching vote to the deep purple!!

Michelle, my first choice was #2 but if the neckline is such a silly design then I vote #4. I was put off a bit with your picture at first: color seemed too muted for you but if the color is true in the online shot then it should be a winner for you! I also think it defines the waist quite successfully. IMO you have a winner here!

It sounds like you have been all sorted out here, but just thought I would add my opinion. Without reading everyone elses comments first, I liked number 3 best on you. The color is stunning, it looks like it fits nicely in the bodice and waist. And the fluttery thing at the side is really very flattering, it sort of disguises any tummy issues. I liked 4 also, but 3 is my favorite.

Do you need just one formal outfit for the cruise, Michelle?