I have a formal event to go to, and I need a full-length evening gown. Now, I have very little use for one otherwise, and I’m not the one paying for it, so I’m staying away from the Vera Wang and the Carolina Herrera (insert sad, wistful face here). On the other hand, I certainly don’t wish to look like someone who has little use for an evening gown, and the majority of what I’m finding fall into either the “mother of the bride” or “happy hooker goes to prom” categories.
My current front-runners are this and this (in black). What do you think? And can you steer me toward something better?
My requirements:
I’m thin but pear shaped. I need something forgiving around the hips, and if I can show off my fabulous shoulders, arms and cleavage, that would be nice.
Speaking of the girls, fabulous as they are, they still appreciate a little support. If the dress does it, great, but if not, I need to be able to wear a bra.
I firmly believe that the words “jersey” and “gown” should never, ever appear in the same sentence.
Ladies (and gentlemen!), all opinions, advice, and direction are welcome. Thanks!
The second one. The first one has all its “weight” low on the hips and ass - which is exactly where you don’t want it to be if you’re pear shaped. Pair the second one with a dazzling (fake) sapphire or diamond necklace and swingy earrings, and no one will be looking south of the equator.
Actually I think the first one is more forgiving in the booty area. Both dresses are absolutely gorgeous but the second one looks to be cut on the bias (which is normally great for pear shape) but with very little extra fabric–in the photo it looks like a fairly slim cut A-line rather than a bit more generous.
I checked out the back view of your first dress and at least in the photo, it seems to have a bit more drape to it.
Really, though, either one would be a great choice and while you’d need a good strapless bra with the first one, you can definitely wear one.
I like the second, but I tend to steer away from strapless dresses. I always feel like I’m falling out of those.
Have you thought about an empire waist dress? Sometimes they can make you look pregnant, but I’ve found that they’re easier to pull off with a generally slim frame.
Another vote for the Calvin Klein. I firmly (heh) believe that a great look starts with a great foundation, and it looks like you can make use of both a bra and a girdle under that one!
I have worn a number of full-length evening gowns and that’s the one I would choose. I might even go with the champagne color- most gals will choose black and you will stand out.
I’d also go for the second one, but I have a personal bias against strapless dresses - I think they make you look like you just got out of the shower and are wearing a towel. If you have great arms and shoulders, you might also consider a halter style dress, which are very flattering on women with great upper bodies.
From Twickster’s site - I second the idea for a halter-style dress to accent your arms and shoulders. I think this style of dress is extremely feminine and flattering. The dress I linked to (a black satin full-length halter dress) has all the interest at the top and a nice, gentle flare over the hips. It’s a very simple dress, but that gives you the option of making your jewellery, hairstyle and shoes all knockouts without competing with the dress.
I think the second one looks more like a nightgown. I vote for #1.
ETA…changing the color on #2 to black…I don’t know now. They’re both very pretty. If you have the boobage to carry it off, go for it.
Twickster, I did look at bluefly, but I didn’t love their selection in my size. Also, upon finding the Calvin Klein dress on Nordstrom, I noticed that if you look at the back view, it’s… disheartening. If it’s making the models look dumpy, what hope is there for me? I really do think that the BCBG one would be more flattering on me personally, and minimize the need for foundation garments, which is a desirable thing in DC in summer!
HazelNutCoffee, I generally like empire-waisted, but I haven’t seen any I love.
I should have mentioned in my original post that I’m also trying to avoid anything overly shiny (too unforgiving), and I’m picky about color. I’m pale olive, so variations on white/champagne aren’t really great on me, and I really, really don’t like pastels (IMO, even a nice dress tends to look cheap in pastel). I do like muted violets and silvery, greyish blues. Red is also great, as are most jewel tones, but it is a summer event, so I don’t want anything too dark looking.
Guinastasia, thank you for the stylebug link! I didn’t know about it before today, and I do love me a new shopping site!
Another vote for the BCBG. I like it because it has that vaguely Grecian look that I think is so softening, flattering and slightly romantic without knocking you over the head with it.
No matter what you decide though, I’m sure you’ll look lovely. Good luck!
I prefer #1 - it’s much more elegant (the other looks more like a negligee). Also, if you’re a pear like me, that bias cut on #2 is not very forgiving, and it looks like it’s more shiny too.