Formal Gown that is not bare

[louanddave]

Hi

 

I am 56, although I am in pretty good shape for my age I would like to find

a formal gown that is not so bare, like strapless, halter, spaghetti straps etc

I have several of those dresses, but would like something more elegant

and I must admit I don't want to freeze all night.

 

Where would I find a dress with cap sleevees or long sleeves?

I am tired of shawls. wraps etc...

Can anybody help?

Thanks

Lou

[SOMBRERO6]

I found mine online at JCPenney.com., then I went to a local store and bought it. They have several dresses for people of our age. Type in item # 223-3367...that's the one I bought. A $90.00 dress for $29.99. Sorry I don't know how to enter this on the boards. I was looking for a jacket dress. I really don't like feeling cold either. The dress is sleeveless. They also have a mint green one that is similar....Good Luck.

[BeachBumMama]

Other option would be a formal black skirt and a beautiful blouse, or two. Can be mixed and matched with black slacks also. I have a couple I have used on occassion and makes for varied outfits.:) Just know that you're not limited to strictly a 'dress'.

[greatam]

LOTS of formal gowns with sleeves. All of mine are heavily beaded with long sleeves. I like the look-simple and elegant. Zip up the darn thing and go.

 

I buy most of my formal gowns from two or three sellers on Ebay that specialize in beaded PAGEANT gowns. Quite a few PAGEANT gowns have long sleeves. There are also a couple of fashion stylists that sell on Ebay-consignment stuff from VERY wealthy women and celebrities.

 

Here's a list pulled off Ebay 5 minutes ago. Just typed in formal + women + gown

 

Then you get to pick your sleeve style. There should be something that you like. Also search for Mother of the Bride dresses-a lot of them have sleeves

 

http://listings.ebay.com/_W0QQsocmdZListingItemList?sofocus=pf&sbrftog=1&dfsp=1&socmd=ListingItemList&catref=C3&from=R2&_trksid=m37&satitle=&sacat=63861%26catref%3DC6%26curcat%3Dtrue&a6=43552&a43556=2372&a43557=-24&a22868=-24&a47=-24&a94=-24&alist=a6%2Ca43556%2Ca43557%2Ca22868%2Ca53%2Ca47%2Ca94%2Ca3801&pfmode=1&reqtype=2&gcs=1112&pfid=1285&pf_query=&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=85354&sabfmts=1&saobfmts=insif&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&fgtp=

[Houndmom]

I got a beautiful one at Dillards a few years back that I will wear on my next cruise. It's form-fitting but not bare. It has a moderate v-neck and little flutter sleeves, and iridescent beading. They don't have the exact one anymore, but it looked similar to this in shape and color:

http://www.dillards.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=301&langId=-1&storeId=301&productId=501295696&view=80&N=1604009&searchUrl=%2Fendeca%2FEndecaStartServlet%3Fview%3D80%26N%3D1604009&R=02398653

 

The good bit is, I got in sale at half price!

 

 

Here are a few more pretty ones:

http://www.dillards.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=301&langId=-1&storeId=301&productId=501476088&view=80&N=1604009&searchUrl=%2Fendeca%2FEndecaStartServlet%3Fview%3D80%26N%3D1604009&R=02626824

 

http://www.newport-news.com/shop/product_single.aspx?style_id=31459122&index=12&gp_coll_id=9&gp_cat_id=1649&nav_cat_id=1686&category_id=1689

 

http://www.chadwicks.com/clothing/Mock-Two-Piece-Jacket-Dress.aspx?PfId=119288&DeptId=8219&ProductTypeId=1&PurchaseType=0

 

http://www.chadwicks.com/clothing/Mock-Two-Piece-Jacket-Dress.aspx?PfId=119288&DeptId=8219&ProductTypeId=1&PurchaseType=

 

http://www.chadwicks.com/clothing/Beaded-Cocktail-Dress.aspx?PfId=120196&DeptId=8219&ProductTypeId=1&PurchaseType=0

 

http://www.chadwicks.com/clothing/Mock-Two-Piece-Beaded-Dress.aspx?PfId=116537&DeptId=8219&ProductTypeId=1&PurchaseType=0

 

http://www.chadwicks.com/clothing/Shirred-Faux-Two-Piece-Gown.aspx?PfId=107697&DeptId=8219&ProductTypeId=1&PurchaseType=0

[cb at sea]

How about a nice evening jacket? I have a few that are sequined and because of all the colors, they go with MANY different dresses. (Just do do a "busy" gown underneath! You may be able to wear your strapless by just putting the jacket over it!

[laurspag]

There was a beautiful red dress at ablambin.com. It's under the section that says red carpet dresses, and it's $99.00. Chadwicks is a good source as well.

[JanineM]

Nordstroms has all kinds of them on their website.

 

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2966042/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6014150?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6014150&P=4

 

All of the major department stores seem to have at least a few that are more covered up, but some of them are a bit matronly looking.

 

What is frustrating to me is the decolletage on so many of the dresses. I really need to wear a bra and many of them are cut so low that you either need a specific bra for each dress, or you have to go without :eek:.

[celbercrz333]

Lou,

I'd opt for the black skirt and look for fancy tops to go with it. I just like top/skirt combos. Do you only have one formal night or more than one? If you have more than one, then you can have 2 different tops to go with the skirt. Change the look with jewelry. Picture a fancy white top with gold jewelry. Then picture a dark red top with jewelry that has a little bit of red in it. Or a pink top and silver jewelry.

[JolieMadam]

louanddave:

 

You don't say if it's necessary to purchase a dress online or if you are in a large city near lots of shops. Frankly, I've only had luck once with purchasing a dress online at ebay...fortunately it was something to be used as a costume so the fit was not too important. Buying online is something I can't imagine and if it doesn't fit...sending it back...too much hassle.

 

Dillards is the most wonderful place to find formal wear and some is discounted deeply. Just bought a dress which fits your style in formal wear and all I paid was 18% of the original price! They carry quite an array of various styles to choose from. However, Dillards is mainly in the southern and southwest part of the U.S., but I have never shopped with them online.

 

Good luck in your quest and have fun on the cruise.

[Lois R]

Hi,:) I have a beautiful dress from David's Bridal. It is black, long,

ribbed matte jersey. It is a tank style with plenty of coverage.

It has a beautiful black & white jacket that is glittery,

but not overdone and not too heavy either. And matte jersey is a dream

to pack!

I have worn it on formal night before and received many

compliments.

I am bringing it with me next week when I sail again:D

 

Oh that sounds so good....I sail again on March 7th:D

 

Good luck with your search. By the way, I never wear

halters or spaghetti strap dresses for my formalwear

and have always found many selections:)

I agree with WaterBaby, I feel much more comfortable

in fancy dresses with a bra underneath.

[louanddave]

Thanks to everyone for all your suggestions

I ended up ordering the red dress from ABLAMBIN

Keeping my finders crossed that it will fit! and nobody else will be

wearing it ha ha

Unfortunately there are not many stores in our town, I would love to

find something in Matte Jersey

 

Once again

Thanks

Lou

[ChefPeg]

Hi

 

I am 56, although I am in pretty good shape for my age I would like to find

a formal gown that is not so bare, like strapless, halter, spaghetti straps etc

I have several of those dresses, but would like something more elegant

and I must admit I don't want to freeze all night.

 

Where would I find a dress with cap sleevees or long sleeves?

I am tired of shawls. wraps etc...

Can anybody help?

Thanks

Lou

 

I found two on sale at Macy's last month. One cap sleeve and one long sleeve. Both were 70% off. One was 22.00 and the other 30.00.

 

Good luck and have fun shopping!

[SOMBRERO6]

I love that red dress....so pretty....I like it better than the one I bought, however mine does hide some of my flaws!

[BlueHerons]

Thanks to everyone for all your suggestions

I ended up ordering the red dress from ABLAMBIN

Keeping my finders crossed that it will fit! and nobody else will be

wearing it ha ha

Unfortunately there are not many stores in our town, I would love to

find something in Matte Jersey

 

Once again

Thanks

Lou

 

I saw at least two by David Meister on eBay and one by St.John or Escada that was long sleeved and matte jersey.

[simplelife]

I can identify, Lou. I'm 51 and petite, but most dresses that fit me have a 25 year old body in mind.:(

I've started going the evening separates route mostly - dressy flowing pants or skirt and elegant beaded tops/jackets. Dillards has a beautiful selection and carries petites. Very comfortable and you can wear your regular (comfortable) underwear and "foundation garments".

For a one piece gown, I've had luck at Chadwicks dot com. They have a nice selection of gowns with sleeves or jackets. Wide range of sizes and very reasonably priced

Also you might try the MOB section a discount Bridal Shop such as David's. Each season they offer "last year's" styles at drastic reductions (The styles are conservative, so does it really make a difference?)

Also try Ebay - Lots of folks sell their MOB dresses there.

[Kathie44]

I have two long black dresses. One is sleeveless, ankle-length with a zigzag ruffled hem. It came with a sheer black poncho-style topper that has a beaded flower design in front. The other dress is a floor-length black tank dress. I can't wear the top it came with due to losing some weight, but I have several other glittery tops that fit. I also have a black pants suit with sparkly shell and jacket and a periwinkle blue flower print ankle-length dress with a built-in short jacket. I've worn all of these on cruises and to weddings. Last month on our Mercury Aust/NZ cruise, to save packing space, I brought only the poncho dress with two other tops. I wore a different one with the same dress for every formal night. I looked elegant, but covered up and fit right in with the dining room crowd.

[Soon2beMrsL]

My mom is having the same problem, but she needs it for my wedding! This is what she found last week, we both really love it! Now, to find that skirt!

 

http://www2.oprah.com/beauty/fashion/slide/20080220/fashion_20080220_306.jhtml

 

Good luck!

[tekdiva]

What about the "Mother's" dresses? Also, try this site - despite the name they have all sizes. http://www.plussizebridal.com

[luckycruzer]

Thanks to everyone for all your suggestions

I ended up ordering the red dress from ABLAMBIN

Keeping my finders crossed that it will fit! and nobody else will be

wearing it ha ha

Unfortunately there are not many stores in our town, I would love to

find something in Matte Jersey

 

Once again

Thanks

Lou

 

make wonderful mix n match..filmy sleeve jackets..shells/dresses in solids..and the ever popular in my closet..blk, wht/brn Carwash pants, and velvets. I wait til sale..usually $110 and up..they were just on sale at 75%, + 25% more..I get them for under $30..pack well also..not heavy fabrics, but enuff to keep off the DR chill. love all mine..oh, they are in reg misses dept, and in dillards woman..try both depts. all the way to 3x, down to petite

[KLLund]

Thanks to everyone for all your suggestions

I ended up ordering the red dress from ABLAMBIN

Keeping my finders crossed that it will fit! and nobody else will be

wearing it ha ha

Unfortunately there are not many stores in our town, I would love to

find something in Matte Jersey

 

Once again

Thanks

Lou

 

When I started reading this thread I thought to my self .. oh tell her about the red gown ( I already got mine ) a AbLambin .. Nice choice :)

[rhecker]

I bought a dress with a jacket at coldwater creek. Look at

http://www.coldwatercreek.com and then under dress shop and then jacket dresses .

 

 

 

here is one

http://www.coldwatercreek.com/Products/Product.aspx?productid=39669&ensembleid=45586

 

here is another

http://www.coldwatercreek.com/Products/Product.aspx?productid=37259&ensembleid=42968

 

They also have formal pantsuits

 

I bought this one awhile back in their outlet. It is sold out but there are a couple of simular ones.