Plus size dresses that'll knock their socks off
March 28, 2016 9:46 PM Subscribe
I'm performing in a revue at my school in a week and a half; I'm going to be singing a real knockout of a song. I want to look just as amazing as I'll sound. I'm a size 18. Where should I shop this weekend to find my drop dead gorgeous dress? Physical stores preferred.
My budget can probably go up to $150. I'm currently in Suffolk County on Long Island.
I want to look stunning, sexy, and maybe even arresting. I need to look good on stage, and need to be able to sing. I'd prefer not to need to buy a special bra. I'm imagining a knee length dress, not a gown.
My budget can probably go up to $150. I'm currently in Suffolk County on Long Island.
I want to look stunning, sexy, and maybe even arresting. I need to look good on stage, and need to be able to sing. I'd prefer not to need to buy a special bra. I'm imagining a knee length dress, not a gown.
Nordstrom! They tend to have a good selection of beautiful plus-size dresses.
posted by babelfish at 10:04 PM on March 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by babelfish at 10:04 PM on March 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
And if you have time, don't forget to check your local thrift store first, just in case. Although, with prom and wedding season coming up, the pickings may be slim. But that's where I've fpund some of my favorite stage clothes.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 10:30 PM on March 28, 2016
posted by The Underpants Monster at 10:30 PM on March 28, 2016
A local consignment shop. One of a kind items at remarkable prices. Size 18 shouldn't be tough to find.
posted by bearwife at 10:58 PM on March 28, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by bearwife at 10:58 PM on March 28, 2016 [3 favorites]
Oh, check out this black cocktail dress from Nordstrom! A little sparkle with the belt, the flutter sleeves, that plunging neckline = showstopper!
posted by mochapickle at 11:01 PM on March 28, 2016 [8 favorites]
posted by mochapickle at 11:01 PM on March 28, 2016 [8 favorites]
If you have a good Macy's, then that's worth a stop. I like this one if you're looking for something less form-fitting. If you're going for something more body conscious, then the shimmer of this one would look good with stage lighting.
posted by 26.2 at 12:34 AM on March 29, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by 26.2 at 12:34 AM on March 29, 2016 [2 favorites]
Maaaaybe Long Island is different but as of yet there are NO nordstroms stores in NYC (though there is a Nordstrom rack/outlet store)
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 4:41 AM on March 29, 2016
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 4:41 AM on March 29, 2016
I don't find the plus section to be huge in my area, but Burlington Coat Factory often has some good gems hidden in the racks. It's worth a stop to take a look.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 4:52 AM on March 29, 2016
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 4:52 AM on March 29, 2016
Nordstrom Rack can have great deals on fancy dressed in plus sized, but it's hit or miss. All the prom dresses are out and there may be some remnants of New Years Eve dresses on the clearance rack at Macys. As a plus sized person, I get about 90% of my clothing at Macys.
Here's a really pretty dress at Macys. You'll also get YEARS of wear out of it.
This dress is just barely in your price range, but there's always a sale or coupon, so just look for one in the newspaper or ask the cashier. Another classic, and would look fantastic with silver shoes.
Here's another in Navy.
I can't wear halters, but this is a great price, a show-stopper and if you don't have too ample a bust, could be a winner.
You get the idea, Macys has great dresses.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 5:46 AM on March 29, 2016
Here's a really pretty dress at Macys. You'll also get YEARS of wear out of it.
This dress is just barely in your price range, but there's always a sale or coupon, so just look for one in the newspaper or ask the cashier. Another classic, and would look fantastic with silver shoes.
Here's another in Navy.
I can't wear halters, but this is a great price, a show-stopper and if you don't have too ample a bust, could be a winner.
You get the idea, Macys has great dresses.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 5:46 AM on March 29, 2016
don't underestimate asos! they can trend a little young but they have some nice pieces buried in there.
also - igigi dresses are boobtacular and fitted. it's not my style, but every time I see a friend wear one of their dresses, I'm always like DAMN GIRL. so something to consider!
posted by kerning at 6:51 AM on March 29, 2016
also - igigi dresses are boobtacular and fitted. it's not my style, but every time I see a friend wear one of their dresses, I'm always like DAMN GIRL. so something to consider!
posted by kerning at 6:51 AM on March 29, 2016
The last dress shown by Ruthless Bunny is fab. At that price you could pay to have it hemmed shorter and it woul still be fab.
posted by mightshould at 6:54 AM on March 29, 2016
posted by mightshould at 6:54 AM on March 29, 2016
Came to recommend Torrid & see I got beaten to the punch.
The red dress in this lot of dresses has been sitting in my basket for way to long, if only I could find somewhere to wear it, but any of them would do. The long black one is rather sultry as well.
On the plus side their stuff is cut to suit larger figures & not just skinnier clothes made larger if that makes sense.
posted by wwax at 8:37 AM on March 29, 2016
The red dress in this lot of dresses has been sitting in my basket for way to long, if only I could find somewhere to wear it, but any of them would do. The long black one is rather sultry as well.
On the plus side their stuff is cut to suit larger figures & not just skinnier clothes made larger if that makes sense.
posted by wwax at 8:37 AM on March 29, 2016
Ye Olde Dress Barn, which always surprises me, should be getting their spring and summer wedding wear in soon, I imagine. Their db RSVP dresses are really reasonably priced and look quite sassy, even as LBDs go. This one and this one are online only, but maybe you could do a ship-to-store thing.
The first dress that made me truly feel like a knockout as a plus-sized woman was from Igigi.com. They are only mail order, but it's only Tuesday so you could probably do a ship-and-return.
There's also David's Bridal...
posted by St. Hubbins at 9:57 AM on March 29, 2016
The first dress that made me truly feel like a knockout as a plus-sized woman was from Igigi.com. They are only mail order, but it's only Tuesday so you could probably do a ship-and-return.
There's also David's Bridal...
posted by St. Hubbins at 9:57 AM on March 29, 2016
Torrid has some lovely things but may skew a bit less formal/more clubby than you want. I love them for casual dresses but my go-to for dressier stuff is Dillard's and Dress Barn.
In terms of brands, I have had a lot of success with Calvin Klein's plus line, which you can buy at both places.
posted by oblique red at 2:38 PM on March 29, 2016
In terms of brands, I have had a lot of success with Calvin Klein's plus line, which you can buy at both places.
posted by oblique red at 2:38 PM on March 29, 2016
I also love Dress Barn (despite their terrible name).
posted by radioamy at 4:54 PM on March 29, 2016
posted by radioamy at 4:54 PM on March 29, 2016
Response by poster: Thank you for all these suggestions! I'll be shopping this weekend with these in mind.
posted by ocherdraco at 8:21 PM on March 29, 2016
posted by ocherdraco at 8:21 PM on March 29, 2016
Think of the colour of the curtain or upstage wall that you'll be performing against. To really stand out, wear a highly contrasting colour (so if the curtain is red, try a green or blue dress). White usually looks great onstage- it reflects back light. A deep, bright saturated jewel tone colour will also tend to look fabulous (fuscia, scarlet, goldenrod, apple green, aqua, cobalt, and vivid purple are great). Black, grey, and brown will kind of disappear. I'd say go for something really bright!
posted by pseudostrabismus at 10:16 PM on March 30, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by pseudostrabismus at 10:16 PM on March 30, 2016 [1 favorite]
Ooh, so if you do go with white -- it's dazzling! -- this one from Macy's looks like a winner. Maybe with some crystal dangle earrings?
posted by mochapickle at 11:12 PM on March 30, 2016
posted by mochapickle at 11:12 PM on March 30, 2016
Response by poster: Alas, my ears aren't pierced. But the white dress is an intriguing idea (though that particular link appears to be dead).
posted by ocherdraco at 11:42 AM on March 31, 2016
posted by ocherdraco at 11:42 AM on March 31, 2016
Response by poster: Oooh. Their website says it's in stock near me, too.
posted by ocherdraco at 8:19 PM on March 31, 2016
posted by ocherdraco at 8:19 PM on March 31, 2016
Response by poster: I ended up going with a dress from Torrid. I felt really comfortable in the dress, and I think I succeeded pretty well in the socks-knocking department.
posted by ocherdraco at 6:39 PM on April 13, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by ocherdraco at 6:39 PM on April 13, 2016 [1 favorite]
Holy cats, those pipes! And the dress is simply perfect.
posted by mochapickle at 7:00 PM on April 13, 2016
posted by mochapickle at 7:00 PM on April 13, 2016
« Older Cyber Security Forensic Analyst | I used to be stylish. 1 injured toe and 2 years... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by toomanycurls at 10:02 PM on March 28, 2016 [2 favorites]