The little black dress

[Vanquisher]

I have a wedding to go to on February 3rd. It is a 6:00 wedding, and since I am significantly fashion challenged, I need help.

I was thinking I should probably do the little black dress (attire is semi-formal according to the bride and grooms website, and the reception is at a country club). They are LDS, and most people will not be attending the wedding itself, including us.

As I am going down sizes, albeit slowly, I have nothing to wear. SHould I try to find a little black dress, and where should I look?

Please keep in mind I will probably be wearing this outfit only once, and would like to spend less than $50 if at all possible. I know the thing with the little black dress is that you can wear it anywhere, BUT, I will probably not be the same size that I am now in two months. Also, I can only shop at places that carry pus sizes, and I really feel I should try it on before I buy. I don't think I have the time or inclination to get something tailored.

Where do I go? I need a size 18 or 16W. I've been to JC Penney and Lane Bryant.

[Vanquisher]

Oh, and help me accessorize PLEASE!!! I really, really am very awful at this!

[houseelf]

You can never go wrong with a little black dress.

Your accessories should be something you love. You will keep necklaces and earrings a lot longer than your current size. (You go girl).

Oh, and have fun.

Kelly

[madeintaiwan]

You might want to check out Old Navy. There is a store (I think) near you that carries their plus line. COLUMBIA MALL
As far as accessories I am horrible at this. This dress should be appropriate. My friend who is LDS has a similar dress and wears it to church and other functions regularly (dressing it up and down).

http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/product.d ... =461070002

I think a little black dress is good because you can dress it up with nice accessories. Do you have a Lord and Taylor near you? In my opinion, they have the best accessories. How about pairing a beautiful wrap with the black dress--you could get this at a department store. I think wraps are awesome. And then how about a nice beaded purse--maybe a pearl or silver beaded--you could get this at a dept. store too.

The Old Navy wrap dress looks great!

I suck at accessorizing too. So I usually just don't do it. If you buy that dress, you'll have $20 left to buy some jewelry to go with it.

Very Similar to Davita's rec, but $5 cheaper

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/re ... B000K243PG

or

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/re ... B000K27Z1A

or

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/re ... B000K27Z10


To accessorize:

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/re ... B000JJHGCW

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/re ... B000JJMBWW

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/re ... B000JJK854

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/re ... B000JJNJ8C

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/re ... B000J1XGKQ

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/re ... B000J1VD6K


Jewelry:

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/re ... B000GI7HG6

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/re ... B000GUO8HK

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/re ... B000FE5PA6



Also try the Dress Barn, they have some beautful dresses, at good prices.

I love shopping with other people's money

[Vishenka69]

I was also going to suggest the Target dresses. While I agree about adding some color with the accessories, I'm not crazy about the patterned bags. I'd keep it simple like this,

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr ... B000IJU7M4

A wrap is your best option for warmth. Either black or a color that matches bag/shoes. However, DO NOT get bag, shoes and wrap in one color. Do two items max, the rest should be black.

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr ... B000GB3HVC

Also try to match the accessories in material. For instance, leather shoes, satin bag and velvet bow on the necklace would clash. Bag and shoes don't need to match in color but it's best if they're both leather or satin or suede or whatever. Do you already have any jewerly? Something big to bring attention up to your neckline would be great.

[Vishenka69]

Forgot to add, if you go for a real wrap dress vs a faux wrap, it will accomodate weight change for about a size either way. That way you'll be able to wear the dress again at least once.

[Stella]

Heidi, as a fashionista myself, I have to add that a black dress is perfect and here are the accessories I would choose:
(Also, I like this dress that Julie picked out: http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/re ... B000K243PG )


http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/re ... B000J3YM34


http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/re ... B000K6B5YO


http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/re ... B000BGJUJK

I chose this dress because I like the v'neck and the sleeves and the length. With an LDS (or any religious) wedding, it is nice to bear in mind the typical conservative dresscode (i.e. no bare shoulders or short skirts). Plus, you might be self-conscious about your arms and this will make you more comfortable. Add a soft black pashmina as well to keep you warm.
As for accessories, I wouldn't wear a necklace with the dress. I like the open V with some fun earrings to draw the attention to the face and lengthen the neck. Also, I would go with a brightly colored accessory that isn't too flashy. I chose the green bag because it is bold, but not as bold as red so you wouldn't feel uncomfortable or like everyone is staring at you. The only other accessory I might add is a light bracelet in green stones or brushed gold or maybe a ring. The shoes are good because the leather style matches the bag and will hold up in any ground. The heel isn't too high so they should be comfortable and the toe is closed to keep you tootsies warm and abide any conservative dress code regarding open toed shoes. Also, I went against ankle straps because they chop length off your legs and these shoes will make you look taller and thinner. Any questions?

[MissCrabette]

:thud: Drop dead gorgeous. We have two fashionistas in the house.

Stella, you have to organize some shopping trips in the MD-VA area.

Oh I totally forgot about the shoulders, duh... Yeah keep them covered. If the neckline is low throw on a camie underneath if you really like the dress. That way you have a dress you like to wear out on say a date... maybe right Same goes with the shoulders, if you like a sleaveless dress, throw on a shrug of a contrast color, or a cropped jacket.

[Stella]

:thud: Drop dead gorgeous. We have two fashionistas in the house.

Stella, you have to organize some shopping trips in the MD-VA area.

That reminds me, I'll be in Leesburg on the 30th. Wanna hit the outlets?

[Vishenka69]

Looks like I have some competition.

[MissCrabette]

That reminds me, I'll be in Leesburg on the 30th. Wanna hit the outlets?

I'd love to but there's nothing I need to buy and I can't stand window shopping. Maybe once I have something to shop for but thanks for the invite.