The dress I wore to my 40-year class reunion was by Dress the Population.
I am another person who could not wear that swing/trapeze dress that @abasket linked. I also steer away from anything that is described as a, “shift,” dress. Anything along those lines makes me look the same size up and down as my chest. And, while my chest isn’t huge, I am sort of slim/curvy. Anything that hangs straight down from my chest makes me look larger than I am. I like something to define my waist - a seam, faux wrap style, ruching, etc. However, I have one friend who looks absolutely darling in those trapeze dresses - totally rocks that look. She is very tall but short-waisted with loooong legs and broad shoulders. Small chest.
The important thing is having a sense of what does and does not look good on YOU. Maybe some women are better at gauging that than others. You really have to know your body type. Also, some styles are more universally flattering than others.
I would suggest for those who lack confidence in knowing what does and does not look good on them to schedule a time with a Nordstrom stylist. I have never personally done that, but my friend did when her husband was running for Congress. She found it hugely helpful, and she had a good sense of style/her body type to begin with. If that is not an option, take along a friend who does have a sense of proportions, lines, etc.
I think my own self-awareness of what does and does not look good on me stems from the fact that my mother sewed many of my clothes for me growing up. I am particularly long-waisted - especially for my height. Because I am attuned to that, I often notice when women have on something that is too short-waisted for them.
I like tailored styles in general and clean lines. I’m definitely not a ruffles person. but do admire others who look great in them. I generally can tell what I look good in but am aiming for something s but different to wear as MOG. My closet has lots of jersey sheaths, often with ruching.
I came close to another La Femme gown but the price was more than I wanted to spend. I like their styles! In retrospect, I shouldn’t have agonized so much over the cost of my dress. It’s not like I have 7 daughters to marry off!
I tried on a higher-end sequin dress (marked down, of course) just to rule it out, and it was SO heavy! If going with sequins, I definitely would spend the money to get a quality dress, so you don’t leave a trail of sequins
In my mind, one has to be very petite to pull off the trapeze style dress.
BHLDN does a great job with their formal dresses. This is a popular one for MOB and MOG. Pictures in comments of real people of all sizes wearing it, which I like. Looks like it is flattering on many sizes and shapes. Also has some arm coverage which I prefer, but they have several pretty options! On the pricier end . . . Amsale Pryce Off-Shoulder Satin Column Gown | Anthropologie
Just remembered another point… test the fabric for its tendency to wrinkle! Jersey and crepe are safe choices as is most lace. Satin and some silks… as soon as you sit down and get up, the dress might not look as great. Linen is the worst offender! Hardly anyone wants to have wrinkled dress in photos!
I just ordered 7 dresses to be mailed to me from Nordstrom’s Rack. Happily, no shipping charge. I bought some in brands I know fit me well. I am happy the price wasn’t crazy—each of the dresses was under $100 (many $50 or less). I have 40 days to return to Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack.
Yup, I’m one who goes for comfortable shoes over style. I will definitely require comfortable shoes and normally just have black low-heeled sandals as my default. I could definitely explore beyond that.
I have the same shoe requirements, which is why I hope to wear a floor length gown when my kids get married. I will wear shoes that are comfortable, but don’t show. I wish I could wear the beautiful shoes! I would definitely choose the mules with the bow that ChoatieMom shared.
Ditto here, which is why I only considered floor-length dresses. I will wear my Ortho-Feet men’s size 11 sandals. (I wear size 13 in women’s sizes.) It helps that I am fairly tall (used to be a lot taller but I shrank at least 4 inches) and have pretty long legs.
You should give these a try! Fully adjustable straps making them as wide or as narrow as necessary. Great arch support. Do not look ugly IMO even though they are not glitzy. I’m on my second pair - they are my trail walking sandals.
thanks, @BunsenBurner, but sizes only to women’s 12. My size in women’s shoes is 13. I have become pretty good at picking men’s shoes (athletic shoes, sandals) that don’t look that way when I wear them. Much better selection.
