Help me find a plus-size black, lace dress to wear as a bridesmaid dress.

September 14, 2007 12:02 PM

I need help locating a bridesmaid dress for my sister's wedding. There are a few constraints, but basically I'm searching for a plus-size, a-line, black, lace dress.

I'm having a lot of trouble finding what I want pretty much anywhere.

The basic requirements are that it must be black, long, and formal.

My additional requirements are that it is an a-line cut, has a scoop / v-neck / or strapless neckline, and that the longest sleeve length is cap sleeves (i prefer sleeveless).

I would *really* like a dress that is black with a black lace overlay. I am seeing a lot of dresses with a black lace overlay, but usually the fabric underneath is nude, white or another color. However, the dress has to be solid black.

It also has to be available in actual plus-sizes, not just a line that goes up to an 18.

I've been Googling & searching all the formalwear sites I know. Actual bridesmaid dress lines don't seem to have lace dresses from what I have seen. If you can help me find some sources, I will love you forever.

Thanks!

posted by tastybrains to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (31 answers total)

Must it absolutely be a dress? Or could you wear separates?
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:04 PM on September 14, 2007

It could be separates. Same constraints apply. That's a good idea, actually, TPS, I hadn't thought of separates (though I still am not sure where to find the perfect ones).

It does have to be quite formal though. So the separates would have to look like a dress together.
posted by tastybrains at 12:06 PM on September 14, 2007

So far, this is all I've come up with. This is a tough one!
posted by Sassyfras at 12:12 PM on September 14, 2007

I would check David's Bridal - they have a lot of separates that come in black, most up to a 26.
posted by blackkar at 12:14 PM on September 14, 2007

It looks like this dress can be ordered floor length with a black slip.
posted by slowfasthazel at 12:17 PM on September 14, 2007

Not to be a brat, but have you tried googling "plus size formal dress"?

This place looks like they might be worth a phone call.

This dress is black on charcoal and has 3/4 sleeves, but consider a tailor.

This one has a nude colored bodice, but the whole rest of it is black.

I just did a little googling. If I find something else, I'll let you know.
posted by orangemiles at 12:18 PM on September 14, 2007

You should also check out the dress discussions on Indie Bride.
posted by slowfasthazel at 12:23 PM on September 14, 2007

Have you looked at Sydney's Closet? They have a huge collection of plus size formals. My personal favorite IGIGI, has had things like that in the past, but nothing that fits your description at present.

And you can always ask over at Fatshionista if you need more help.
posted by kimdog at 12:27 PM on September 14, 2007

orangemiles, I have in fact tried googling "plus size formal dress", "plus size bridesmaid dress", "black lace bridesmaid dress", "black lace plus size", etc. I've been looking for quite awhile, both in person & online.

None of the items you pointed to meet my requirements. The shop link doesn't help; the charcoal dress doesn't have cap-sleeves or shorter or the right neckline; and the After Six dress isn't floor length & doesn't look that formal.

This is why it's tough. I know I am being very particular, but before I settle on a plain old satin a-line gown, I'd like to try to find the dress of my dreams.

Thanks everyone so far - the Watters & Watters dress so far looks like it's close to what I would like!
posted by tastybrains at 12:30 PM on September 14, 2007

kimdog - Great link & great suggestion for asking @ fatshionista.

It sounds like you might remember the dress that originally was my favorite @ igigi. They no longer sell it & it didn't come in black on black anyway, but I had always lusted after it and wished I had an occasion to wear it. Now I do and it's long gone!
posted by tastybrains at 12:32 PM on September 14, 2007

In my experience (as a plus-size bridesmaid) the Watters and Watters dresses run pretty true to size. Unlike another brand I bought, where a 22 was nearly too small (and I wear an 18 street size!)
posted by pyjammy at 1:19 PM on September 14, 2007

Another option.
This may not be formal enough and the sleeves may be long.
posted by Sassyfras at 1:29 PM on September 14, 2007

Some of these look promising. Can you perhaps have something custom tailored - lining replaced with what you want?
posted by Sassyfras at 1:34 PM on September 14, 2007

Oops.
posted by Sassyfras at 1:35 PM on September 14, 2007

For the record, this right here is the dress of my dreams. However, they not only do not have it in all black (and the black/nude wouldn't work), but they do not have my size.
posted by tastybrains at 2:06 PM on September 14, 2007

Do you know a seamstress( if not, jump on craigslist)? Print out the page and have your dream dress made for you. I had a very similar dress made for prom by a seamstress and it was amazing and of course it fit perfectly.
posted by stormygrey at 2:16 PM on September 14, 2007

Not identical, but this would be gorgeous.
posted by barnone at 2:28 PM on September 14, 2007

(Hit post too soon -- the arms are too long for your requirements, but I'm sure you could get those shortened to a small cap sleeve without too much trouble.)
posted by barnone at 2:29 PM on September 14, 2007

This one could have the arms shortened as well.
posted by barnone at 2:38 PM on September 14, 2007

barnone - I appreciate your help but those dresses are short & aren't quite formal enough, unfortunately.

I did e-mail all my local friends/family to see if they have a seamstress suggestion. I had a great seamstress work on my wedding gown but she's like 3 hours away now. I'm starting to think I might be desperate enough to drive that though.
posted by tastybrains at 2:56 PM on September 14, 2007

Not all lace, but really nice detailing on this one.
posted by barnone at 3:00 PM on September 14, 2007

Really? This first one is floor length and looks pretty formal. I'll keep thinking...
posted by barnone at 3:02 PM on September 14, 2007

Lace halter. Coco Myles has a self-design feature. Check out the celebrity-inspired pieces. They go up to size 32. The Felicity is quite nice.
posted by barnone at 3:27 PM on September 14, 2007

This is available with black lining and up to size 28. This one has the lace and lining available in black as well.
posted by barnone at 3:51 PM on September 14, 2007

Available to size 26 - could fix the arms. Lots of others on this site - take a look around.
posted by barnone at 4:01 PM on September 14, 2007

I am convinced that the Very Merry Seamstress can make absolutely anything. The photo of the dress of your dreams looks like something right up her alley.
posted by jeanmari at 5:41 PM on September 14, 2007

barnone - those Jim Hjelm dresses are gorgeous! Thank you so much for digging those up. I am going to call some bridal shops about them along with the Watters & Watters tomorrow.
posted by tastybrains at 9:05 PM on September 14, 2007

So? Which lovely dress are you thinking of now?
posted by barnone at 10:18 AM on September 18, 2007

Note: Jim Hjelm dresses are the ones I was referring to in my previous comment. They run very small, in my experience.
posted by pyjammy at 11:49 AM on September 18, 2007

Jenny Yoo goes to size 22. Here's a nice lace one.
posted by barnone at 8:30 AM on September 20, 2007

I think I may have found an answer for you!

And it's on SALE!

http://www.igigi.com/shop/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&currentpage=1&Product_ID=393&fromcat=1&disptype=5

Yes, the sleeves aren't the length you want, but that's an easy fix at a tailor.

Take a look at the other dresses at igigi.com -- they are my go-to source for formal/wedding wear and make wonderful things. Good luck!

P.S. You may also want to check kiyonna.com and/or visit your local Macy's or Nordstrom's, especially with Columbus Day sales starting in the next couple of days.
posted by gritsnyc at 9:34 PM on October 2, 2007