flattering dresses

rieann84

Hey yall..

Going to a wedding in about 20 days or so, and I haven't picked up something to wear yet. It's going to be a combo of indoor & outdoor and its probably going to be HOT (its at the beach), but she says to dress formal. Anyone have advice for what kinda dress I should get? I'm self conscious about my arms, and believe it or not, i'd rather have strapless or small straps rather than a sleeve/cap sleeve.

Part of the problem is that so many formal cocktail dresses are so dark. And the other alternative is WHITE - which we all know I can't do. Not to mention some of the pastels look yucky on me because I have fair skin. Suggestions?

sunglasses_and_ocean_waves

formal dress on the beach .... just no.

rieann84

formal dress on the beach .... just no.

I know right? But I asked her and she says "formal". FWIW the ceremony will be on the beach followed by reception indoors.. but still.


Whatcha guys think of something like this??

http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/S.L.-Fashions-Womens-Draped-Neck-Dress/8924147/product.html?refccid=XKEBXXLY66DIVXSHKYYQWK4AOU&searchidx=125

Kitten2629

I would look for a strapless or spaghetti strap flowy type dress that way I can be comfortable while being dressed up. Though not sure why she wants formal for a beach. Heels do not do well in sand.

rieann84

yeah..still not sure if it's actually on the sand or just on a pier or something.

Kitten2629

formal dress on the beach .... just no.

I know right? But I asked her and she says "formal". FWIW the ceremony will be on the beach followed by reception indoors.. but still.


Whatcha guys think of something like this??

http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/S.L.-Fashions-Womens-Draped-Neck-Dress/8924147/product.html?refccid=XKEBXXLY66DIVXSHKYYQWK4AOU&searchidx=125

That dress is cute.. I would prefer something not as plush against the body since it's summer right now.

ActuarialChef

formal dress on the beach .... just no.

I know right? But I asked her and she says "formal". FWIW the ceremony will be on the beach followed by reception indoors.. but still.


Whatcha guys think of something like this??

http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/S.L.-Fashions-Womens-Draped-Neck-Dress/8924147/product.html?refccid=XKEBXXLY66DIVXSHKYYQWK4AOU&searchidx=125

That dress is cute.. I would prefer something not as plush against the body since it's summer right now.

I have a dress just like that from Express (except it only has 1 shoulder). Super comfy and flattering.

ItsCasey

I would clarify what she means by "formal." That is such a widely and inappropriately used term that she could mean any number of things. "Formal," to me, indicates black tie. But black tie weddings are not held on the beach on a summer day, so I highly doubt that's what she means. For a lot of people, "formal" means simply "Don't show up at my wedding in cut-off jorts and a tank top."

rieann84

well if anyone is interested in being a peacock for halloween, i found this:

http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Mac-Duggal-Womens-Rhinestone-High-low-Gown/8995097/product.html?refccid=ZJEGVHHXSK4I67KOEO2F2YGPRA&searchidx=350

starznholes

UGH! I'm in the same boat! Going to a wedding a three weeks, at a winery and its going to be HOT. I guess that's a little easier than the beach but still. Its hard finding a dress last minute! Good luck.:flowerforyou:

peleroja

Something with a chiffon overlay? In a jewel tone, maybe, if you're not into pastel?

http://m.nordstrom.com/Product/Details/3675339?categoryid=b60136820|f6000379,6000380,60129638|f60131568

http://m.nordstrom.com/Product/Details/3658978?categoryid=b60136820|f6000379,6000380,60129638|f60131568

http://m.nordstrom.com/Product/Details/3651244?origin=browse

spiralated

Could you find something like this in a darker coral or jewel tone?

http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/S.L.-Fashions-Womens-Peachy-Corss-over-V-neck-Dress/8924145/product.html?refccid=UWG3W5XVCGQLDACC7J4UKKJFZY&searchidx=14

or this? but this style might be a bit warm.
http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Tahari-Arthur-S.-Levine-Womens-Criss-cross-Pleated-Bust-Dress/9116180/product.html?refccid=UWG3W5XVCGQLDACC7J4UKKJFZY&searchidx=41

patfriendly

Why is it so hard to pick a dress?

CyclngChick

This one is pretty:
http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Studio-One-Womens-Cobalt-Blue-Ruffle-Front-Mock-wrap-Dress/8793842/product.html?refccid=YLEX3VIL5C43542L4IHRZ5VIYY&searchidx=18

katy84o

I would clarify what she means by "formal." That is such a widely and inappropriately used term that she could mean any number of things. "Formal," to me, indicates black tie. But black tie weddings are not held on the beach on a summer day, so I highly doubt that's what she means. For a lot of people, "formal" means simply "Don't show up at my wedding in cut-off jorts and a tank top."

This is exactly what I was thinking. I would clarify for sure. However I think the dress you posted is really nice. I think it's appropriate for formal.

rieann84

Something with a chiffon overlay? In a jewel tone, maybe, if you're not into pastel?

http://m.nordstrom.com/Product/Details/3675339?categoryid=b60136820|f6000379,6000380,60129638|f60131568

I like that first one And I have a Nordstrom nearby. I was worried about going long though..

EmmieBaby

a nice colorful cocktail dress should do the trick

I wore a bright orange one to my uncles wedding and I look fantastic

1HappyRedhead

I think that's a cute dress. Depending on how comfortable you'd be with this, I might ask her to send me a couple examples of what she considers "formal" for something on the beach.... as we all know... what's formal to one person might actually be casual to someone else. :flowerforyou:

EmmieBaby

Something with a chiffon overlay? In a jewel tone, maybe, if you're not into pastel?

http://m.nordstrom.com/Product/Details/3675339?categoryid=b60136820|f6000379,6000380,60129638|f60131568

I like that first one And I have a Nordstrom nearby. I was worried about going long though..

wont know until you try it on

dpwellman

How do you feel about seafoam? I think it goes fairly well with fairer skin.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=seafoam+maxi+dress&go=Submit&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=seafoam+maxi+dress&sc=3-18&sp=-1&sk=

I'm a fan of halter dresses, but maxi, cocktail should be ok

Oh. Gold tones go great too especially with green eyes,

Lleldiranne

I agree that you should clarify what she means by "formal" (I think of prom dresses or what the bridesmaids might be wearing).

But I found a few that might fit the bill for beach and dressy:

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1438942/chaps-embellished-faux-wrap-evening-gown-womens.jsp

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1693733/elle-floral-chiffon-hi-low-maxi-dress-womens.jsp

http://www.jcpenney.com/clearance/50-70%-off/women/scarlett-side-drape-dress-/prod.jump?ppId=pp5003721641&catId=cat100210008&deptId=dept20000013&N=100260280&Nao=24&pN=2&extDim=true&topDim=Categories&topDimvalue=evening+and+cocktail+dresses&dimCombo=Categories|&dimComboVal=evening+and+cocktail+dresses|&currentDim=Categories&currentDimVal=evening+and+cocktail+dresses&colorizedImg=DP0131201417022291M.tif

http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/S.L.-Fashions-Womens-Peachy-Corss-over-V-neck-Dress/8924145/product.html?refccid=X3N3L2DGM4NZ5JKH5UEAOGMW3Q&searchidx=23

latenitelucy

This one is pretty:
http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Studio-One-Womens-Cobalt-Blue-Ruffle-Front-Mock-wrap-Dress/8793842/product.html?refccid=YLEX3VIL5C43542L4IHRZ5VIYY&searchidx=18

I like this one. And now it is showing in the ads on the side. :P

annemariemk4

http://www.lulus.com/products/tricks-of-the-trade-taupe-maxi-dress/104930.html

chelseababy22

Get a maxi dress with the chiffon material.. they look way nicer than cotton and they are a little fancier but not over the top

Check out a few of these-

http://www.junkytrunkboutique.com/fave-fall-chiffon-bottom-maxi-4

http://www.junkytrunkboutique.com/no-regrets-maxi-dress-2

http://www.junkytrunkboutique.com/newport-stripe-bottom-maxi-dress-2

chelseababy22

Also- sounds extreme.. but have you considered an outfit change?

For my sisters wedding there was a long time in between the ceremony and reception... you could do something a little more informal on the beach and then maybe change into something a little more elegant for the night?

Holly_Roman_Empire

I got married on the beach, and my one bridesmaid wore a maxi dress in a dressy-type fabric like chiffon (can't remember exactly). She was able to walk in the sand just fine with it, and it made for beautiful pictures since it was slightly windy.

An aside since I mentioned pictures--if you plan on being in any pics, I would advise you to fix your hair pinned up in a bun of some sort. It was only slightly windy on my wedding day, and my hair was shellacked pretty good. Everyone else looked ridiculous in pics because they thought it would be sexy to have long beach waves.

luvsherhubby

Something with a chiffon overlay? In a jewel tone, maybe, if you're not into pastel?

http://m.nordstrom.com/Product/Details/3675339?categoryid=b60136820|f6000379,6000380,60129638|f60131568

I like that first one And I have a Nordstrom nearby. I was worried about going long though..

Deff something like this but shorter... also I think a coral would look great on you!

rieann84

Something with a chiffon overlay? In a jewel tone, maybe, if you're not into pastel?

http://m.nordstrom.com/Product/Details/3675339?categoryid=b60136820|f6000379,6000380,60129638|f60131568

I like that first one And I have a Nordstrom nearby. I was worried about going long though..

Deff something like this but shorter... also I think a coral would look great on you!

Never thought to do coral..but like someone else said.. ever know til you try it on. Now I have some great ideas to look for once I get in the store!

rieann84

probably shouldn't have, but i bought a dress online. they have a really easy return policy, so if it doesn't fit and i don't want anything else from the site, i'll lose out on 6 bucks.

http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/captivating-charisma-dress

ericalyn73

White House Black Market never disappoints. Lots of great dresses on sale and good quality.

dpwellman

http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/captivating-charisma-dress

I approve