Ok this is my 3rd attempt to comment on the dress in the link above. Two words scare me off: “scuba” and ”14% spandex.” I think it will be rather form fitting.

The reason that the first 2 did not post is because I used a term that is apparently unacceptable. If any of you remember Jerry Lee Lewis’ nickname, I used that word with ”bod.” Who knew you can’t say that???

Ha! I wasn't sure what scuba meant. In the video it looksed like a heavy crepe .But I hear ya. I'm not svelte.

This is a very pretty dress that popped up when i searched for images of this query: “dressy ballet length dress with illusion sleeves”

It looks cool and pretty and is from a store i am not familiar with, Soft Surroundings. Surely with a name like that it would be comfortable, and I thought the price must be wrong— it is on sale for $79, marked down from $189.

adding… it has only three reviews and they arent great, but it’s not clear how the dress differs from the description.

I'd like something like this....Macy's https://www.macys.com/shop/product/r-m-richards-womens-illusion-beaded-trim-a-line-gown?ID=4545983&CategoryID=5449&swatchColor=Black%20Black

Formal enough, the embellishment at the neckline draws the eye up and it means no need for a necklace which I find most bothersome in the summer heat.

Here's another from dillards...https://www.dillards.com/p/r--m-richards-short-sleeve-v-neck-sequin-bodice-long-chiffon-a-line-dress/516684371

For a big selection of formal dresses in many colors for reasonable, check out JJ's house. MoB ordered from there for her sons' wedding and was very pleased with the quality and the price. https://www.jjshouse.com/a-line-cowl-knee-length-chiffon-cocktail-dress-with-beading-sequins-016140373-g140373

Or this...and it comes in many colors...

https://www.jjshouse.com/a-line-scoop-asymmetrical-chiffon-cocktail-dress-with-bow-cascading-ruffles-016252904-g252904

I would wear the black scuba dress with a pair if chandelier earrings and an over-the-top bracelet adding simple skinny strap black sandals and a small statement bag.

Okay, many posts while i was looking and see now that you don’t like beige or light colors. I gravitate towards dresses I would wear, sorry !

The black ”scuba” dress eith asymmetrical hem looks a little like a flamenco dress and I wouldn’t recommend it for a formal or semi-formal wedding.

What is the venue? That might help guide the search.

I lean toward the fit n flare, and this faux wrap top is flattering on the well endowed.

https://www.jjshouse.com/a-line-scoop-asymmetrical-chiffon-cocktail-dress-with-bow-cascading-ruffles-016252904-g252904

This is from Alex Evenings on Amazon for $229. It’s a dress but looks two piece. If your husband has a navy suit you’d look fab together.

detail is nice

I’d replace the ribbon with something wider, but the color and style are pretty.

Would you consider something like this - from Chico’s:

https://www.chicos.com/store/product/Chiffon-Off-Shoulder-Black-Maxi-Dress/570348038?color=001

Dillard’s

KSWL, that is a beautiful dress, and I like Ballet Lenght ( didn't know the name ) but it's just not me. Also yeah, it's not that I don't like beige or taupe, it's that they don't like me at all.

Annie-I remember you shared that JJS house link previously and it looks worthwhile. However, it says dresses are made to order, 12 -14 days and then 3 -5 for shipping so I think I can't really entertain that at this point. Yikes now I'm getting super nervous timewise. I really liked the last one , the navy, and agree shape would be flattering. ( do want a bit more on the upper arm though.

I like the Macy's one (only it looks like the armhole is sort of interesting) I remember from my MOB search that RM Richards, SL Fashions and Xscape were good for me ( along with Alex evening)

All the dresses are beautiful really and it's great having shoppers helping me. Maddie, that Chico is pretty but I will only consider wearing a regular bra so shoulders bare no can do.

Eld, I like tthat first one especially.

You've all given me a lot to consider. I can see my credit card will be mega busy with sizing and returns. I'm really going to try to get to either MAcy's or Nordsrom to see what is in store ( I know, very little) but to get a handle on some of the brands and sizes.

“Scuba” dresses cling to every curve. I am a tall size 8, and they are not my friend. YMMV

I like the navy and purple ones posted above.

At jj's house, dresses can be made to order or you can order "off the rack"...it says ready to ship. Those are also returnable vs. the custom made ones which are not.

I like the simple elegance of this RL gown ..

What I found this past year was that I had to size up in long dresses.

Don’t forget that ”petite” means 5’4” or shorter in any size. I often have to have a dress and trousers hemmed for me.

I love the first dress that Annie posted. Perfect for a formal wedding. The pretty neckline details might be a problem though with wearing a bra. I feel the same way Salvona about bras with formal dresses. I need the suppoort and comfort, especially when dancing. I have tried specialty bras up to the $200 range and none have felt comfortable and supportive enough.

I really like the last gown that Funky posted. Add some sparkly earings!

salvona I am following this closely. I am a bit shorter (5'2") and smaller (prob 10/12) than you, gray/white hair, also busty and HATE bra shopping. Who am I kidding I hate any clothes shopping! I have 2 formal fall weddings and dread both. I'll be posting for help soon as well.

Y I thought about a bra with that first dress I posted. If the straps are close to your skin color...or they make bras with clear straps...under the illusion, I think it would be fine. I have managed to find a supportive strapless bra that's actually comfortable for me, so they are out there, but bra shopping is work for sure.

I would find the same issue with the dresses that have boat necks. They are so elegant looking but really require a strapless bra.

Good morning.

So yes I 'm full of issues lol. I recognize I'll likely have to order online, but I would prefer to do so from stores that I could physically return the items. ( like Macy's, Nordstrom, and I guess I am ok with A River because I haven't had a problem with that).

I'm glad you understand about the special bra thing. I've found wearing a nude color or black color often doesn't really show even if it is not hidden so I'd have to try on some of the dresses. Even if it shows, it often blends in with the dress.

There will be lots of dancing and that's what I enjoy at weddings so I am determined that the dress will work with a normal bra.

I do like Annie's first one and I know ( the illusion neckline) there was one I tried where it actually only looked sheer but did not show the bra strap. Wouldn't that be lovely. I like the one from Dillard's as well (but its not in my area for returns. I may search for the dress to see if a local store has it.)

I love the one funky shared- will have to look for it.

I still like the 2 Spanish shared.

Good points about the petite sizing. and about sizing up. I really need to get to a store to get a clue about size and brands and THEN order some

Oh and one more thing- I can't wear glamorous high heels so a petite length might not require shortening. That's also why I was thinking not floor length; long but not floor length.

Editing to say

ok just checked and Funky's pretty RL dress is off the shoulder. There is a plainer one that is not which could be an option.

I see Annie and I posted at the same time- so yes exactly my points about the bra colors etc.

Totally get the bra thing. I'm a 34DD and finally found a strapless that works for me (Wacoal Red Carpet) but man is that thing sturdy!

The time of day (4pm) seems to indicate you could wear something a shade less formal. If so, I wonder if you could look at some pretty maxi dresses vs gowns?

I found a really good strapless Wacoal. I'm was shocked that it comfirtablevall through my DD’s wedding.

I'm also very large busted.

So, don't rule out the illusions if they look good other wise.

@eld6161 - which Wacoal do you have? I was also considering the lacy one (Halo maybe) that is a little less structured. Thanks!

Eld I’m happy you found a strapless bra that works for you! That’s a game changer especially for special occasion outfits.. Wacoal bras are my go-to and I wear several styles. I just can’t do strapless. Maybe its a large bust + saggy situation for me? :) haha TMI?

The bra in question is in NY. i will be heading home next week.

Ruby, no lace.

Cold, I am in the same situation as you and yet this bra worked.

I have tried wacoal several times and they simply don't do it for me. They are too stretchy and they really make me bounce when I walk. I need something that was built by the same guys who do the M1 abrams tanks.

I have a strapless that fit my DDD/ F cup, but it’s not a long line and is ridiculously uncomfortable. But it will work in a pinch, literally and figuratively.

I keep intending to look for a long line bra to distribute some of the support across my upper body, but I’m short-waisted, so that will be a “short-show“ as well!

Well, I had a very productive 2 days. Yesterday I was able to try on a bunch of dresses and even tried on the one that Annie suggested . It was gorgeous BUT it had molded cups (which probably works for most people). Even with that, it looked pretty nice. ...I also tried on the shorter one Spanish shared (cap sleeved lace top) and it looked horrible.

I found 2 that could be contenders and I figured if I slept on it and came back, probably neither one would be there so I bought both to decide at home. I've already eliminated one.

I told my daughter who asked why I wouldn't wear the dress I wore to her wedding.. She said it would totally be appropriate and it was really pretty..... I had thought about it briefly but wasn't sure if it would be kind of strange since it's my son in law's family .. She thought why not.

.. I came home and tried that dress on, and it fit. So now I have options up the wazoo.

Here is the contender, purchased today. It is navy and has sequins but is fairly understated and comfy. The neckline is too low, but I think I can tweak the lining to fix that. That's my real issue with it. I like the sleeves, the comfort, and the fit.

Here' is the MOB dress,on the size 8 model.:) Hard to see but the tiers have ssparkly beads at the edge.

90% sure I will wear it. I have the shoes and they were comfy.

(and they both work with my black bra )

I was really getting nervous thinking about trying to find something.

I feel so relieved. Two good options.

Thanks for holding my hand!

They are both lovely!

Both are lovely. I really hate biying something to wear once. Wear the one you have! No one that matters will ever notice.

I like the tiered one much better— it’s elegant and lovely! You would likely to see many variations of that black dress if you wore it. I also don’t care for the lengthy slit but that’s a personal preference.

I like the one you already have better than any of the suggestions. It’s beautiful.

Go with the MOB dress! Accessorize it differently. If the Princess of Wales and the Queen of Spain can re-wear dresses, so can we common folks. 😂

Molded cups? Who knew?

Oh yes-- love the dress you already have! It looks so flattering!

Also agree with Bbstx -- just accessorize it differently!

Your daughter gave you good advice. I would only be hesitant if this was a wedding for one of your children.

Both dresses look really lovely! I think there is nothing wrong with re-wearing your MOB dress at a wedding of someone else. I could see what @eld6161 is saying that it might be weird to wear it as a MOB/MOG dress again, but honestly if my mom did, I wouldn't mind. Personally, I think you should go with the one that feels most comfortable on you, and it sounds like that's the second dress (that you already own). If the neckline of the first is uncomfortably low, I feel like you might end up being uncomfortable at some point in the night with it, even if you try to adjust the liner.

You've got this. Listen to DD.

I'd go by how many of the same people will be there. If only a few, fine. But if there will be a lot of the same people, I wouldn't. Especially since as MOB you were part of the leading cast so were well noticed.

Annie, why would it matter? For this event she is just part of the crowd.

I agree with Eld; especially if you change up your accessories. It's a shame to only wear the dress once.

A. what is wrong with wearing something twice?

B. if truth be told, all eyes were on the bride and few if any looked at the MOB closely enough to remember what she wore.

thank you for the vote of confidence.

For the record, the one I just bought is flattering and while the slit is definitely there, it was way less noticeable than on the model photo which accentuated it. The issue of the (too low) neckline is a negative.

The tiered dress i( and you all helped me select it way back when) is comfortable and neckline totally fine as is. I'm thrilled to wear it again. I love it, and I think I wasn't sure if it would fit.

There will be many people who were at my daughter's wedding (again, it's her husband's sister getting married........so his family's friends and family).

However, her wedding was 9 years ago, and while I'm sure someone will recognize my dress,I am fine.

At first I did think it might be tacky to wear it to the same crowd but then I thought

ta da--Who am I trying to impress? For what?

:)

Not sure why I'm getting pushback here. She wants our opinions and I said what I would feel comfortable with. YMMV.

Late to the party, but your MOB dress, was my MOG dress, but in plum, from a few years ago! It was comfortable to wear, and it’s great that you got to use it again. I loaned mine out to a former employee, and haven’t seen it since!