ereks mom Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 (edited) I need to buy or make myself a dress (or dressy pants suit) for MIL & FIL's upcoming 50th anniversary reception. I never wear dresses except for occasions such as this, or funerals and weddings, so I would prefer something that has a classic look (won't go out of style) as opposed to trendy, and if possible, something that could be worn in all seasons. A light or medium-weight fabric would be wonderful. As for my body type, I am 5'6", long-waisted, mostly proportionate (my hips & bust are about the same measurement, and I do have a defined waist), but I am about 40 pounds heavier than I'd like to be. I carry my extra weight all over, but I am most self-conscious about my tummy and my thighs. Oh, and my upper arms, so 1/2 or 3/4 sleeves would be great! Or sleeveless with a 1/2 sleeve or 3/4 sleeve jacket. So, what kind of dress or pants suit would you fashion-conscious folks recommend for me? Keep in mind that money IS an issue, so think economical too! Please post links to pictures! ETA: Forgot to say that I generally wear a size 16, but sometimes I can wear a 14. I've found a couple of 14W things (usually the plus sizes start at 16W), and they were too big. Edited October 8, 2009 by ereks mom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueridge Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 You might try looking at pictures at the Woman Within site. They have some cute things. Also Roaman's has updated looks, but more pricey. You'll be beautiful! http://www.womanwithin.com/plus-size-clothing/occasion-dresses-suits-separates-shoes-accessories.shtml http://www.roamans.com/Search/SearchResults.aspx?SearchHeader=dress Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EthiopianFood Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 http://www.roamans.com/clothing/Ruffle-Front-Dress.aspx?PfId=165422&DeptId=13985&producttypeid=1&PurchaseType=G&pref=ps Do you see how this dress shows that she has a figure, even though it's not tight? This is so important to not looking chubby. Anything that hangs straight down will make you look bigger, I don't care how many plus size dresses are cut that way! I would stay away from the floofy arms for that same reason. I think fabric is really important too. If a fabric is very thin and flexible, it will show every bump (think satin, silk without a good liner). Fabric that is a bit more substaintial, or that has a more structured liner, will be much more forgiving. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ereks mom Posted October 8, 2009 Author Share Posted October 8, 2009 So pretty, but 14W (smallest size) would be too big! :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Buckin' Longhorn Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 So pretty, but 14W (smallest size) would be too big! :( Then you're not really overweight . . . are you? :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justamouse Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 http://www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=50434&CatID=51368&GrpTyp=SIZ&ItemID=16fe537&attrtype=&attrvalue=&CMID=50434|50444&Fltr=&Srt=&QL=F&IND=8&cmVirtualCat=&CmCatId=50434|50444|51368 Oy that's a long link-sorry. It's a little black dress but it skims over everything that you want skimmed. Or, something with this kind of styling -a twist or knot at an empire height, then falling away. Yo just want to make sure that the front isn't pleated, otherwise if you have a bit of tummy you can look pregnant. But if you have a pair of Spanx that could remedy the tummy. With a great pair of heels and a necklace, any body shape should be able to rock this style. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 You might try looking at pictures at the Woman Within site. s Thank you thank you. I've been hunting and hunting for long cottony dresses for work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EthiopianFood Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 http://www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=50434&CatID=51368&GrpTyp=SIZ&ItemID=16fe537&attrtype=&attrvalue=&CMID=50434|50444&Fltr=&Srt=&QL=F&IND=8&cmVirtualCat=&CmCatId=50434|50444|51368 Lovely! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlebug42 Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 For my Dad's funeral, I just bought myself a nice black skirt at Sears that is made to be slimming. I am a size 14-16 as well. I got a dressy sweater-type top at Macy's to go with it (on sale). For both pieces, I paid about $50. A nice classic black skirt can take you many places and I like that I can change out the top if I want to look less like I am going to a funeral. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ereks mom Posted October 8, 2009 Author Share Posted October 8, 2009 Well, yes, but not WAY overweight. And thank you!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadiegirl Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 If you have a Dress Barn near you, you might be able to find what you are looking for there. My mother-in-law has had luck there as well as Coldwater Creek but there are pricier. Try Cato as well...not as good quality but she has found some things there as well when she needed to in a pinch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ereks mom Posted October 8, 2009 Author Share Posted October 8, 2009 ...of the page you linked: http://www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=16a3516&RefPage=X6&deptID=50434&catID=51368&cmOrigID=16fe537&cmPosID=2&CmCatId=EXTERNAL|51368 I think I like it even better. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadiegirl Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 If you have a Dress Barn near you, you might be able to find what you are looking for there. My mother-in-law has had luck there as well as Coldwater Creek but there are pricier. Try Cato as well...not as good quality but she has found some things there as well when she needed to in a pinch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ereks mom Posted October 8, 2009 Author Share Posted October 8, 2009 If you have a Dress Barn near you, you might be able to find what you are looking for there. My mother-in-law has had luck there as well as Coldwater Creek but there are pricier. Try Cato as well...not as good quality but she has found some things there as well when she needed to in a pinch. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diana in OR Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 So pretty, but 14W (smallest size) would be too big! :( I am just about your height and weight and it sounds like we have the same proportion. Recently, I went into Ann Taylor Loft and the saleswoman who greeted me promptly directed me to the Women's section. Women's sizes have always been too big for me but I guess she couldn't tell that by looking, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MariannNOVA Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 I would look at J. Jill (www.jjill.com) or if you are fortunate enough to have one of their mall stores near you, I would look there. Also, I would look in Lord and Taylor if there is one nearby. I buy most of what I wear at J.Jill and L&T and Nordstrom's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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