I’ll be attending the annual Birthday Ball this November (no, it’s not the one Mila’s going to, but there’s a distinct possibility it’s the one Justin will be at). I… have clothing issues. At nearly 38, I struggle with dressing myself for anything beyond ‘business casual’ (and even there I have as many bad days as good ones). So it goes without saying that I’m utterly clueless what on earth I should wear to such an important event.
Additional info (if there’s anything I left out, let me know!):
I have extensive tattoos on my back that would preclude any backless/scooped dresses. They stop just below my shoulderblades, so a horizontal-cut dress should be fine.
I don’t know if it’s a requirement, but I definitely want a floor or ankle-length dress.
I’m on somewhat of a limited budget- I don’t really want to spend more than $300.
I’m mid-range in height (5’6"), fairly proportional as far as torso-to-leg, but ‘hippy’ (if I was a bit bustier, I could be termed hourglass-shaped- there’s a very distinct curve there).
I think they are all lovely. The red is a bit va-va-va-voom (not that there’s anything wrong with that, but just a note). I think that would also be the least flattering to your figure. I think the most flattering would probably be the first one, the mauve. The white is OK, but to me not appropriate for November.
The first is the best. The red one is lovely for what it is, but it’s very clearly a prom dress. The white would look bad unless you have very dark skin, and looks a little too bridal.
If so, you’ll want ankle-length, not floor-length. Not too full a skirt; no train or scarf/shawl/etc that will need managing. Not backless, but you have already, er, covered that …
If you don’t know how to dance – your local community college may have basics classes at a modest price, and the fall term starts just about now.
Check out any re-sale shops in your area. The evening dresses will typically have been worn only a few times.
To get an idea of what kinds are dresses are usual at this Ball, try to find photographs of previous year’s events.
Update: Turns out there is indeed a Nordstroms Rack only 9 miles away! Unfortunately their selection was seriously wanting. Somewhat let down, The Date and I (why yes, the manly Marine went dress shopping with me!! ) began the long walk through the mall back to the car. Suddenly he stopped and said “Hey, how about this place?” It was a ‘Group USA’ shop that we’d completely missed on the way to NR. I thought it looked a bit pricey, but figured I’d give it a shot. Walked in, and 20 feet from the door we both stopped at the same time and said “Oh, that one’s really nice!” Twenty minutes ( cause it turns out there were several possibilities, and of course trying on needed to happen, but luckily there were big comfy chair for The Date to relax in ) and $148 later, I walked out with the dress that had caught both our eyes. Turns out it had been put on the rack a mere hour beforehand! I didn’t find shoes to go with it, because their selection was mostly comprised of heels that I would break my neck in, but I have a couple months to find an appropriate pair.
So thank you to everyone for their help, especially Vita Beata for the Nordstroms suggestion. I’ll be sure to update in November with pics.
I’m a pale-skinned redhead. Nearly translucent, except where the freckles are.
) began the long walk through the mall back to the car. Suddenly he stopped and said “Hey, how about this place?” It was a ‘Group USA’ shop that we’d completely missed on the way to NR. I thought it looked a bit pricey, but figured I’d give it a shot. Walked in, and 20 feet from the door we both stopped at the same time and said “Oh, that one’s really nice!”