Daisy, if I remember correctly, this is a high school graduation, not college, right?

I am very confused as to why your dress has to be fancy since you mention mother of the bride.

Can you post a picture of yourself, blur your face if you choose. We are all very critical of ourselves and I don't want to take your "word" for your perceived flaws.

By actaully showing us your body type we can do a better job of helping you shop.

Now is actually a good time to look as there are many spring/summer type options.

When both my DD's graduated high school, I wore a sleeveless shell and a skirt. Skirts seemed to be shown more than. The graduations are held in June, typically a sweltering day out on the bleachers.

I love these threads on "threads."

Wow, my son is graduating this June. Am I supposed to dress up? Is he? Omg I am so clueless.

Hmm, maybe we do things differently here? We have a grad night that starts with a formal dinner with the grad, her date and family in a hotel ballroom. The family leaves after the dinner (except for those of us lucky enough to be working the safe grad security) and then the dance and party takes place for the grads and their guests.

We do have the regular graduation exercises where they receive their diploma and I have a casual outfit for that.

I will attempt to find a photo, but have no idea how to blur. Maybe I could even get out of my pjs and take a pic.

Daisy, the other thing we need to know is your approximate budget. It is possible to be comfortable and look nice but it usually means a lot of time in the dressing room. I think that Talbots might have some options for you.

localeater - The school will probably tell your son the dress code for graduation. Boys are easy, unless your son refuses to wear khakis. Does he have a decent pair of shoes? Graduation is a life event (like a wedding) so many people like to dress up a bit.

Do you feel more comfortable in pants? Why not dressy slacks with a dressy blouse or top? You can also take a more plain top and dress it up with jewelry.

I don't like dresses and wore dressy pants and tops to three weddings last year and will do the same for two upcoming weddings.

PHEW! I think our process is very different than Daisy's and I am OK. We have a pretty small community. We have a convocation ceremony which is in a church and I will wear church appropriate clothes, kids wear cap and gown and most families do go out to dinner afterwards to my son will be in dressed 'business casual' and he has no problem dressing nicely he considers hims stylish.

Ceremony is a few days later on the lawn of the school. And that is casual again,

Daisy I think your dream dress is very pretty. I wish I could offer you assistance but you have probably figured out from this post that I am fashion-challenged. Goodluck in our dress hunt and for your daughter's graduation!

localeater, you make me laugh. I am so like you. I dislike dressing up (unless I have the perfect outfit, which I never do) and invariably wear the wrong style of outfit for the event. But I actually really like fashion - just more casual.

I'm 5'7" and 160 and here is my attempt at a picture but it is more flattering to my body shape than I appear in real life. See how I cleverly avoided having to learn how to blur faces.

Budget is about $300 Cdn which sounds healthy enough until you change it to USD (about $200).

I am not adverse to a flowy dressy trouser and will look around and see what I can find. I have a beautiful shell pink blouse that might work with the right accessories and trousers.

I love this tunic (I saw it last week on Sale at Dillard's $80.00). I'd pair it with black slim fit pants. IC Collection.

You have a cute shape-- don't be so hard on yourself! A few thoughts, a surplice/wrap style top is one of my favorites. I think it's very flattering and easy to wear. If you are more comfortable in pants, maybe something Eileen Fisher will work for you-- price is a factor but perhaps a pair of silk pants paired with shirt, shoes you already have? I think Eileen Fisher styles are very adaptable and artsy- a style that seems to be what you lean to?

I think you look cute, even without a head :) You might want to search for fit and flare dresses to see if you like the style. The skirts are usually fuller and longer and I find them to be more comfortable than sheaths (which tend to grab my thighs).

Aw, you guys are sweet.

I will have a look at that tunic maddielee, but I'm worried where it hits on the hips might not be flattering on me, but I do like the overall look.

I found some silk pants I really like, but none in budget or size.

These Theory silk pants in navy are on sale but sold out except in size 0. Found them not on sale, but they are about $500 I think.

These are also out of budget, but would look great with the shell pink blouse.

Or I could just forget budget and go for this outfit. It's timeless, right? I could get a lot of use out of it, right? Over $200 for the shirt (on sale!) and it doesn't even come with a cami. I like it, but not very summery.

I too vote for a fit and flare.

I started another thread on dresses from eshakti.com but it didn't get a lot of hits. They give you the options to customize your dress and the prices are very reasonable. I have never ordered from them but would love to hear from anyone who has.

You are like me, a pear! But I have the added issue of being short.

i agree with fit and flare. Try Ann Taylor and Talbots.

Since it's in a ballroom, I guess that means a cocktail dress?

There really is a dress out there, you just have to be patient.

personally the pants you are showing are not suited for your body type.

Hmm, I'm willing to go in and try on a fit and flare, but honestly, whenever I've seen them on real people rather than size 2 models, they seem to make mildly pear shaped women look like they have massive bottoms.

I like the shape of the shifts posted and that's my go to style (especially that liz claiborne), but maybe going from 150 up to 160 lbs has made that style unwearable for me. I think I need to get over my shopping phobia and head into a real store to try different styles on (or even better, I could get some will-power and lose 10 lbs, so I have more options :)

I agree with you regarding fit and flares-- I just don't think it's a good style for a pear shape. I would trust your experiences and stick with the styles that have worked for you.

Do you have access to Chico's? They have dressy slacks and many selections for tops. I have a very dressy pair of black slacks from their Traveler line. Would look nice with your pink blouse.

Deleted-missed your mention of a formal dinner, so my comment was not applicable.

Hope you find a dress you love-no matter what, it will be a happy and fun evening, so no stress. Relax and enjoy.

I think you need to go out shopping, as much as you dislike it. That way you can try dresses/pants on, buy them, bring them home and look at your options. We have Nordstrom here and I buy online (free shipping) and try on and return what I do not like (free shipping again.) Do you have a store comparable in Canada?

http://www.lastcall.com/Taylor-3-4-Sleeve-Lace-Shift-Dress-Black/prod40610002/p.prod?ecid=LCCS__GooglePLA&utm_medium=CSE&utm_source=LCCS__GooglePLA

http://www.lastcall.com/P-Luca-Scoop-Neck-Lace-Trim-Dress-Black/prod42170008/p.prod?eVar4=You%20May%20Also%20Like

http://m.belk.com/AST/Main/Belk_Primary/PRD~15002811309/RM+Richards+Corded+Lace+Jacket+Dress.jsp?navPath=Women/Shop/Dresses/Cocktail&cm_mmc=SearchDex--Products--Dresses-_-rm-richards-corded-lace-jacket-dress-P15002811309

http://m.belk.com/AST/Main/Belk_Primary/PRD~15002818998/RM+Richards+2+Piece+Sequin+Poncho+Pant+Set.jsp?navPath=Women/Shop/Dresses/Cocktail&cm_mmc=SearchDex--Products--Cocktail-_-rm-richards-2-piece-sequin-poncho-pant-set-P15002818998

Pants

Daisy, I think I see what you mean. Not all fit and flare are puffy at the bottom, so my example probably wasn't the best.

Geeze, I agree with others - why are you so worried about your size and shape? I'm 5'7" and only wish I was 160lbs! You'll find something comfortable I know it.

Ya, sorry. That is really just a schtick I do. Self-deprecation is my go-to defence mechanism. Just as ridiculous now as when I was doing it at age 20 and 118 lbs. I am careful never to do it in front of my DDs.

Eld, I'm not throwing the fit and flare suggestion out the window. I need to go try on and break out of my mindset. I never used to wear tailored button down shirts either and now I realize that style really suits my current body style. I think I just need to get the picture of Kitty Foreman out of my head and look at more A-line fit and flares.

Funny that so many are suggesting the black lace over a neutral slip look. I had one just like that and it was my favourite. I always got so many compliments on it. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in the fire. Maybe I should just replace it. Some of those are cheap enough that even if they don't work, it wouldn't be a huge deal.

I will look at chico's and I think I could easily become addicted to that last call place. Can you do returns there? Or are things so cheap that people don't really worry too much about that? I will have to look closer at their policies.

Our Nordstrom's would probably be the Bay. I have to admit that I have already ordered and returned two dresses from them. I will try to head out tomorrow and try some stuff on so that I can at least figure out what style suits if I do decide to order online.

I was going to say stay-tuned for fitting room pics, but I'm not sure I will be brave enough to either take the pics or post them. Wish me luck!

Daisy

these pants are on Hudson's bay. And are on sale for 69.00. I think they would be lovely and comfortable with any kind of fancier top and jewelry. Look here

You have a nice shape, don't be so hard on yourself.

I bet this would be very flattering.

and this reminds me just a tad of your dream dress

I like that last one Mtn posted. I also think that cut would actually suit you more than the shift style. If the fit is just right, I find this style to be the most flattering on me ( I am shorter but from your photo look to be similar proportion wise).

Yes to that style! Fit and not too flare. Although it might not be formal enough for the ballroom setting?

BTW, saks off fifth is a great place to search. They have a ton of stuff, good prices, and a great search function where you can search on dress length and sleeve length as well as the usual.

Shifts are my favorite style dresses

If you're not averted for something pre-owned or new but no tags, new with tags but from individual sellers-check eBay for Cop.Copine and maybe Vince..right now their quality seems to go down but older styles you might find there were my most fabulous buys, extremely affordable even if/when shipped from Europe. (under 100 each that's for sure..range 40-80 $ for very very cool unique yet unpretentious dresses)

If you'd prefer new, easier returns etc, and can spend a bit more money-look into Anthropologie, they usually have a good choice of dresses.

My most expensive dress ever was bought there and was/is a shift (my daughter's graduation as well). But it was around 300. It was fab and fancy. They have all sorts though. I tried several but this one just happened to be the best. I also feel uncomfortable in fancy clothing-this one is actually comfortable. Maker: Sachin & Babi

as it was several years ago I've no idea whether they keep to the same quality..things are going worse and worse in fashion industry quality wise, from what I've noticed..

Check also Peruvian Connection..if you ask me they're a bit overpriced but some interesting designs and comfy fabrics

Daisy, shifts are my favorite style too, mainly because I'm so long-waisted and tall and they just fit me better. I like both of the dresses Mtn posted. Keep searching on Nordstrom's site and other similar sites where you can search by features (size, price, length, sleeve length, etc). I have the best luck with Nordstrom, or even Neiman's, where you can order several and return easily. I love internet shopping.

You're in Canada and don't know if you can order from Dillard's but sometimes I've seen things there you might like.

There is a great dress in the Garnet Hill catalog - it's by Eileen Fisher.

http://www.garnethill.com/eileen-fisher-viscose-jersey-three-quarter-sleeve-v-neck-dress/womens-fashion/eileen-fisher-clothing/414230?&defattribvalue=main

I bought this dress in black and it's a truly great dress - can be dressed up or down - and it's SO comfortable. It also packs like a dream. Get it in black and buy a lovely shawl that is a bit dressier - maybe even something with a gold thread through it - and you'll be good to go and you'll actually wear it again. HIGHLY recommend! It runs pretty true to size - you will probably either take a L or XL.

How about this?

http://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/tadashi-shoji-illusion-yoke-lace-sheath-dress-regular-petite/4543403?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=RED%20GERANIUM

I keyed in cocktail boho dress on a google search and found this. It looks stylish yet very comfortable. The sticking page didn't name the dress. It would look great with a long simple neckless. Get some nude heels and your legs will look longer and fantastic. I'm not keen on the shoes she is wearing.

Sorry to have gone AWOL, but it was a crazy week at work and I hadn't had a chance to shop (or sleep). One good thing with being busy is that I've lost 4lbs so I will try to keep going with that and hopefully feel more comfortable in whatever I choose.

I appreciate the further suggestions. I had been thinking I had to have sleeves of some sort, but that daisy dress that mtn posted got me to try on a similar yoke style and it seems to help to slim the upper arms.

April, I have been searching ebay and don't mind used just haven't found anything.

Outside, yes I am sooooo long waisted, too. Short little legs, but long waist. Our best online dept. store is the Bay and I've got a couple on order (see pics below). Not sure what I'll do if the dept. store goes the way of the dodo bird.

Anglo, I love that dress. However, I think the jersey makes it too casual for this event. If it weren't so pricey, I'd order it for everyday.

Spanish, I really like that, but I tried on a similar one and it was very body concious. If I could be sure I could lose that 10 lbs it would be lovely, but if not, I think every jiggle would show :(

Justterrilyn, I tried on the twin to that one yesterday in black. It is definitely in the running. I like how it just skims over everthing, but is still a little bit sexy.

These are the ones I've ordered so far. I'm still thinking about the pants or a skirt and that is why the little pink jacket.

Daisy, check this site. https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/category/dresses/cat210002/?sortOrder=lowToHigh

Lots of dress dresses in the $150 to $200 range. I haven't bought any thing from there lately but in the past the quality was good for that price point.

Oh, there are more nice dresses on that site that are sleeveless. I was going by your original comments when picking the above.

Thanks, JT. Best thing about that website is that they have video not just pics. I just found this on the site. Is it apprpriate for someone my age? Do you think I could figure out how to get it off in order to use the facilities?

Funny I was going to post that because I really like it but wasn't sure if you would. I'm not sure how easy it would be but ...how often do you pee while out?

Also, supposedly this is the year of the skirt and in particular pleated skirts. I didn't see much on that site though. I'm not big on pleats for my body type (short waisted) but they look nice on others. The great thing about skirts is that you can mix and match tops and get a lot of use of it.

edited: I might get that pantsuit myself : )

Justeri, if you do, post a picture of you in it!

Me again, if you buy a dress don't forget this for your legs. And, buy the larger mitt.