theelfqueen Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 (edited) And you don't want to wear what you already own. Where do you shop? What are you looking at? In other words -- HELP ME FIND A DRESS!!!! I'm in the 14-16 size range. I cannot wear an empire waist it makes me look pregnant (and I definitely am NOT). Wrap dresses are frequently flattering but sort of boring. And I don't like my dresses much above the knee. Edited November 9, 2017 by theelfqueen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 Depending on your body shape and personal style/preference, this could vary widely but I would start at J Jill. https://shop.jjill.com/shop/womens-clothing/dresses?productBeginIndex=0#facet:&facetLimit:&orderBy:&pageView:grid&pageSize:& 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechWife Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 I'm keeping my eyes open on the Talbot's website for a "festive" blouse to go with my black pencil skirt. I can get matching flats if I find some that aren't expensive, otherwise I'll just wear my black flats. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 Target has some really cute dresses right now but I'm not sure what their plus size options are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 I'm keeping my eyes open on the Talbot's website for a "festive" blouse to go with my black pencil skirt. I can get matching flats if I find some that aren't expensive, otherwise I'll just wear my black flats. I've done this before and also worn a similar look with black dress pants and heels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loowit Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 It would depend on my budget and how dressy I was looking to be. Most of the time I just buy stuff at Target. When I was looking for something nicer a few years ago I got a dress from Holy Clothing. I really like their dresses, I find them very comfortable and flattering to my plus size body. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4Kiddos Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 Boden has amazing dresses that always look nice and have a longer length. They are pricey though. I only buy their items when they have major sales but they are super nice quality so if you find one you like it will last for years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltopmom Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 Dress barn 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 I have recently ordered a couple of things right off amazon. I paid attention to the reviews and pics submitted by real customers. There's a lot of reasonably priced choices out there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caroline Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 I would go to Talbots and tell the sales woman what the occasion was and be her bring me dresses in the dressing room. Or J Jill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 I would wear my Vickki Vi LBD but buy a stunning, long, narrowish scarf to dress it up completely differently from any other outfit I have. I saw this gorgeous silk scarf recently that had one color way on one end, and a different one on the other, and that would be my first pick, except that it was more than I would spend so it would have to be on sale for like 50% off. I wouldn't tie it, I would just wear it down, and I'd dig through my oldest costume jewelry for a gaudy necklace to wear in the middle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Geek Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 Not cheap but several years ago I went to Dillards and they had someone who really knew how to find clothes that fit and looked flattering that helped me out. I would start there again if I had to find something else. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
displace Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 (edited) Dress barn- lots of options, flattering styles, and plus sizes. ETA - plus not too pricey Edited November 9, 2017 by displace 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theelfqueen Posted November 9, 2017 Author Share Posted November 9, 2017 I don't evne know if I have some of those stores LOL If I can't buy it at Target, COSTCO or Amazon -- or the scrapbook store -- I don't buy it LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madteaparty Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 Depends on the wrap dress, I don't think they're boring (check Diane Von Furstenburg for e.g., these are often on sale). I'd look at jcrew and Boden too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wabi Sabi Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 I would find something made to order on eShakti. I've been wanting a holiday party so I have an excuse to order a pretty dress!http://www.eshakti.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theelfqueen Posted November 9, 2017 Author Share Posted November 9, 2017 (Boring because I wear them for church a lot not because they are inherently boring) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 I tend to go to Macy's (or Burlington, if I am on a budget; they often have a "ladies' better dresses" department. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbecueMom Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 I've bought company Christmas party dresses at Dress Barn and Dillard's. I may have squealed with glee when DH took his current job, because they do not have an annual holiday party. I'm off the hook! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theelfqueen Posted November 9, 2017 Author Share Posted November 9, 2017 We haven't gone in YEARS... DH got a promotion and we kind of have to go now. It's a semi-formal kind of event -- not quite cocktail dresses but dressy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calm37 Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 I loved the "Jessica Howard" dress I bought on Amazon for my daughter's wedding. Free returns. It was so comfortable! I got a jacket dress as they are the most flattering for me. I was surprised at the nice packaging it came in, too. It was not all wadded up like most things I get there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KaleSprouts Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 I'd check Ann Taylor! Sometimes they have great sales. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aaplank Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 Another vote for dress barn 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechWife Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 I would go to Talbots and tell the sales woman what the occasion was and be her bring me dresses in the dressing room. Or J Jill. In recent years I have found that Talbots doesn't stock many dresses in their stores. They have two or three options in the store but many more on their website. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abacus2 Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 Amazon has many choices in the under $40 range with free returns. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 Have any of you ordered anything from popjulia? Ads keep popping up as I read online and while I rarely chase a rabbit on internet ads, I did see two things I really like. Just don't know anything about that company. (Sorry to hijack, OP, but if anyone has had a positive experience, it might be another source for you.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, Black White Market are a few stores I like. They do carry 14-16 but you may have to order online. I tend to shop their clearance racks because the clothes are pricy. But I have one Ann Taylor dress that's 15 years old that I still wear and a BW Market dress I've worn for 10 years and still get compliments on. If you have a mall, you may just want to go see what's available. A place like TJ Maxx or Marshalls may be an option too. Also, Target does sometimes have clothes that will work for an event like this. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 (edited) This may be too formal and expensive but it is beautiful! My last dress there was a clearance dress I paid $35 for last summer, so I was having sticker shock tonight looking at the dress prices. https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/product/black+lace+fitandflare+dress/570183267?color=001&catId=cat210002 ETA Theres a promo code for 25% off a purchase at WHBM, it expires in a few day, I can't get the link to work but it's on the website. Edited November 10, 2017 by Rach 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 Depends on the wrap dress, I don't think they're boring (check Diane Von Furstenburg for e.g., these are often on sale). I'd look at jcrew and Boden too. I should have kept that Diane Von Furstenburg from my youth. My dd laughs at me when I tell her I wore all these clothes once before. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mbelle Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 I just ordered my dress today from Nordstrom Rack and I hope it fits. Last year I got one at Dillards. Ann Taylor is always a great place and if you hold it in your cart for a few days it is sure to go on sale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3andme Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 (edited) Dress Barn and then Kohls and JcPenney are good too. They have a wider variety of dresses online but just wait for a sale. Lord&Taylor has some surprisingly good buys as well if you check out their sale section. Edited November 10, 2017 by 3andme 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3andme Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 There's also Rent the Runway where you rent the dress for a special occasion or Gwynnie Bee which is a subscription service for size 10+ . You can try it free for 30 days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madteaparty Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 I should have kept that Diane Von Furstenburg from my youth. My dd laughs at me when I tell her I wore all these clothes once before.Vintage DvF probably worth even more! I don't know what to do with all of mine; my chickens don't seem to apreciate 🤔 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 We haven't gone in YEARS... DH got a promotion and we kind of have to go now. It's a semi-formal kind of event -- not quite cocktail dresses but dressy. In that case you may have to go a step above Target. Do you still have a nice Macy's or Nordstrom nearby? Salespeople who have a good eye for shape, color, etc are invaluable. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 This looked good on all body shapes of my dd's bridesmaids https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Z2LC39S/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 One of my FB friends just posted a link to this dress. ;) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercyA Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 One of my FB friends just posted a link to this dress. ;) That is adorable. I envy people who are cool enough to actually pull off that kind of thing! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 One of my FB friends just posted a link to this dress. ;) Purrfect!😂 Seriously, if my dd sees this she'll be begging for it. So much better than another year of ugly Christmas sweater party attire. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewber Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 https://m.zappos.com/p/karen-kane-cascade-wrap-dress-black/product/7955331/color/3?ef_id=WgZykgAAAeXXrPVo:20171111034626:s This is a flattering dress that can be accessorized. It's a nice fabric for the price and mine washes up well in the washing machine. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Dress barn :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 I've bought company Christmas party dresses at Dress Barn and Dillard's. I may have squealed with glee when DH took his current job, because they do not have an annual holiday party. I'm off the hook! My husband's company does a family event instead....a big casual pasta dinner that is catered, and then hot chocolate and a movie under the stars, a little train ride, photos with Santa, etc. Casual outfits :) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbecueMom Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 My husband's company does a family event instead....a big casual pasta dinner that is catered, and then hot chocolate and a movie under the stars, a little train ride, photos with Santa, etc. Casual outfits :) That's awesome! I like adult only outings, but I don't like freezing my butt off in a dress every December. Gimme sweaters and fuzzy boots and cocoa. DH's employer lets them bring kids with them to work on the 24th, or whatever the last workday is before Christmas. They have food for the kids and let them watch holiday movies in a conference room. That way the other parent can finish wrapping... or shopping... or get their own work done without hiring childcare when school's out. If I wasn't such a germaphobe around the holidays I'd send them all. 36 hours later... yep kids, Santa came, now here's the barf bucket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvbug in Ohio Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Another vote for Dress Barn. I was having a clothing crisis earlier this fall, and Dress Barn was recommended to me by this forum. I've been back several times now, and I always find lots of things I like. I actually purchase whatever's on sale, and I've slowly been building my wardrobe again. And I appreciate how helpful the sales clerks are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 In addition to those places, I would try to JCPenney. They usually have a decent selection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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