Completely frivolous - Help me shop for a dress to wear to summer weddings!

[Trilliumlady]

For anyone who likes to online surf shop, hit me with your best ideas for this summer!  Two weddings in May so far, and one in October.  Bonus I guess if I can make the summer dress transition to the early October one 🙂

Details: I’m 5’3”, size 4.  Longer torso with shorter legs.  Athletic/curvy build maybe?  We’re in the Midwest, and these weddings are going to be slightly more casual but I’m wanting something a bit more than a glorified sundress (I have some of those already).  I generally look best in knee-length or very slightly above knees.  Midi length I think is terrible on me.  Not terribly opposed to maxi length, but haven’t ever wore one so would have to be convinced it could look good.  Don’t need it to be super conservative, but not too much cleavage…  

AND THE BIG POINT - 40 years old!! Does this change what I can wear??  Spaghetti straps?  Certain fabrics out?  Walk with me into these uncharted waters….  LOL

Hit me with all price points!  

[Tap]

What is your budget? Or at least the max you are wanting to spend.
 

Do u have any problem areas that need to be considered or preferences for waist line/sleeves? 

[prairiewindmomma]

What are the event venues like? 

[ShepCarlin]

Have you ever tried Stitch Fix? It can be pricy but they do a good job of taking the info you give them and pulling together outfits. I have had an account for years. I don't use it very often but a couple of years ago I had a special event to attend, gave them the specifics like you did in your post and they sent me 3 dresses to choose from. Made it so much easier...I hate shopping for clothes so much. I'd rather buy a new kitchen appliance or a book. 

[HS Mom in NC]

Chi is very helpful when it comes to dressing a petite frame. I'm 5'1" with a longer torso and shorter legs like you and Chi are. I suggest having a sense of silhouette shape and bust shape if you really want to maximize your style. She has videos for those specifically.
https://www.youtube.com/c/PetiteDressing/videos

[Trilliumlady]

3 hours ago, Tap said:

What is your budget? Or at least the max you are wanting to spend.
 

Do u have any problem areas that need to be considered or preferences for waist line/sleeves? 

I had initially said hit me with any prices, but probably realistically we’re looking at $150 or below.  

No obvious problem areas other than right where the back of my arms hit my back.  Just can’t seem to get that toned.  Assets possibly my legs and as much as a derrière can be an asset at age 40….. 

I don’t think any preference on sleeves.  Waist should be defined.

[Trilliumlady]

3 hours ago, prairiewindmomma said:

What are the event venues like? 

One will be outdoors, the next will be in a Catholic Church and the one in October I’m not sure of yet…

[Trilliumlady]

2 hours ago, ShepCarlin said:

Have you ever tried Stitch Fix? It can be pricy but they do a good job of taking the info you give them and pulling together outfits. I have had an account for years. I don't use it very often but a couple of years ago I had a special event to attend, gave them the specifics like you did in your post and they sent me 3 dresses to choose from. Made it so much easier...I hate shopping for clothes so much. I'd rather buy a new kitchen appliance or a book. 

I did try stitch fix a few years ago.  I‘d forgotten to think about that route, thanks!

[Trilliumlady]

1 hour ago, HS Mom in NC said:

Chi is very helpful when it comes to dressing a petite frame. I'm 5'1" with a longer torso and shorter legs like you and Chi are. I suggest having a sense of silhouette shape and bust shape if you really want to maximize your style. She has videos for those specifically.
https://www.youtube.com/c/PetiteDressing/videos

I just watched a couple of hers, and particularly enjoyed one on maxi dresses for petite women! Two dresses she had on in that video I loved but they are both now sold out 😞

[mmasc]

Maybe something like this?

full disclosure: I haven’t been to a wedding in years. 😁

also, Nordstrom would be a good place to look. You can search “wedding guest dresses”, get a ton of results, then narrow it down. Another pretty one that I can’t link is the kyonna wrap dress at Nordstrom. 
 

(as an aside, does anyone know how to link something when the search result keeps opening in an app?? I can’t link the dress bc it opens in my Nordstrom app, and I don’t see how to from there. Likewise from Amazon, but I know how to avoid going automatically to my app with Amazon)

[importswim]

I really like Boden, you should look at their online store!