|
|
Post by shamrock on Aug 21, 2022 17:35:38 GMT
I haven’t worn a formal dress in probably over 20 years. DH got invited to a fundraiser gala by bigwigs at work so we are going. It’s black tie. I’m having the hardest time finding something without spending a fortune! I’ve ordered 3 dresses and sent them all back because they didn’t fit. Another one I exchanged to try a different size.
any suggestions for where to look online? Styles you think would work (usually wear a 8-10, 36D, 5’4”) don’t want a super fitted style. Anyone want to play personal shopper?
|
|
|
|
Post by Legacy Girl on Aug 21, 2022 18:03:26 GMT
Have you checked out Baltic Born? DD got the loveliest dress from them earlier this year. It's just stunning on! They have a lot of longer, formal and flowy dresses for dressy occasions. I'll be curious to see what you think!  |
|
charlatan
Full Member
Posts: 319
Feb 7, 2015 3:53:07 GMT
|
Post by charlatan on Aug 21, 2022 19:40:54 GMT
Are you open to shopping in person? I prefer online shopping whenever possible, but for formal wear I've found that it's so much easier to get it over with and shop in person.
Either way, I've been lucky with national big-name stores (Macy's, JC Penney, Nordstrom), and I have a friend who swears by Rent the Runway.
|
|
paigepea
Drama Llama
Enter your message here...
Posts: 5,609
Location: BC, Canada
Jun 26, 2014 4:28:55 GMT
|
Post by paigepea on Aug 21, 2022 19:41:14 GMT
I like aqua brand at Bloomingdales. It’s their in house brand.
|
|
|
|
Post by ntsf on Aug 21, 2022 19:42:16 GMT
there are also formal outfits that are pants and a top.. maybe widen the search..
|
|
|
|
Post by mom on Aug 21, 2022 19:43:47 GMT
Have you thought about Rent the Runway?
|
|
|
|
Post by ~summer~ on Aug 21, 2022 19:52:36 GMT
By formal dress I assume you mean like a floor length dress. That’s not my look at all so I would look into renting one - or Nordstrom.
|
|
None
Full Member
Posts: 453
Sept 17, 2017 13:10:30 GMT
|
Post by None on Aug 21, 2022 21:04:19 GMT
Dress barn
|
|
Gennifer
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,168 
|
Post by Gennifer on Aug 21, 2022 21:24:08 GMT
Have you looked at eShakti?
|
|
|
|
Post by fkawitchypea on Aug 21, 2022 21:30:14 GMT
I am also petite with a larger bust. The only thing I can recommend is having a dress altered. I have done well at Macy's with finding a dress that I like and taking it to be altered. Macy's does have petite dresses but I feel like sometimes petite doesn't work well when you have a larger chest so I usually buy a regular size and take it to be altered.
|
|
|
|
Post by shamrock on Aug 21, 2022 21:34:58 GMT
Thanks for suggestions! I’m open to looking anywhere. I’ll be trying th local Nordstrom’s, Dillard, Macys & Von Maur department stores this week.
I’d thought about Rent the Runway. Worried about doing that because the 4 dresses I’ve ordered didn’t work out. I’d be totally out of luck if I got a couple dresses from aren’t the Runway and they didn’t work. And that would be just days before the event.
|
|
|
|
Post by nightnurse on Aug 21, 2022 22:05:36 GMT
Windsor has some inexpensive dresses. Most of them are geared toward youth but usually when I take my daughter I find stuff I like while she’s trying things on. If you have consignment shops near you, you might luck out there.
|
|
|
|
Post by SockMonkey on Aug 21, 2022 22:07:55 GMT
I'd check Zappos. You can do free shipping and returns!
|
|
|
|
Post by SockMonkey on Aug 21, 2022 22:16:17 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by SockMonkey on Aug 21, 2022 22:21:23 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by shamrock on Aug 21, 2022 22:28:06 GMT
Thanks SockMonkey ! The first 2 especially are my style- or what I think is my style lol! |
|
None
Full Member
Posts: 453
Sept 17, 2017 13:10:30 GMT
|
Post by None on Aug 22, 2022 0:02:59 GMT
Thanks SockMonkey ! The first 2 especially are my style- or what I think is my style lol! that second dress is just stunning. |
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on Aug 22, 2022 8:45:42 GMT
Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack are my top choices when my formalwear needs updating. You will have a lot more choices online (including dresses with sleeves, if that’s what you like). Have them sent to the store and go in and try them on. The way you will have the big mirrors, no pet hair, and returns are easy since they never left the store.
|
|
|
|
Post by scrapmaven on Aug 23, 2022 15:32:46 GMT
I got a gorgeous dress for formal night on a cruise at Ross for $13.95. If you have a Nordstrom Rack I'd start there.
|
|
|
|
Post by auntkelly on Aug 23, 2022 17:09:43 GMT
Thanks for suggestions! I’m open to looking anywhere. I’ll be trying th local Nordstrom’s, Dillard, Macys & Von Maur department stores this week. I’d thought about Rent the Runway. Worried about doing that because the 4 dresses I’ve ordered didn’t work out. I’d be totally out of luck if I got a couple dresses from aren’t the Runway and they didn’t work. And that would be just days before the event. My local Von Maur has a nice selection of formal clothes and they do alterations in the store, which is nice. Nordstrom always has nice formal clothes as well, and their alterations department is wonderful as well. Online, Nieman Marcus and Saks have beautiful formal wear and you might be able to catch a beautiful end of season dress on sale. I understand why you don't want to spend a lot of money on a dress you are possibly only going to wear once, but I would try and find a quality dress you feel really good wearing. This sounds like an important event and you want to look your best. I think with regard to formal ware, more than any other type of clothing, quality really does count. |
|
bethany102399
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,623
|
Post by bethany102399 on Aug 23, 2022 20:08:02 GMT
I'd second a thrift store in a "good" area of town I found a used prom dress that I was able to wear to a wedding for like 10 bucks. While thrifting is not what it used to be you can still find good deals, especially on things people only wear once maybe twice then discard.
|
|
_on_the_beach.jpg)