Where can I find a unique and flattering black floorlength bridesmaid dress?

January 24, 2011 11:33 AM

Please help me find a unique black, floorlength dress for a bridesmaid dress! I don't want to look like I'm going to prom, and am having a hard time finding online stores that might carry something more unique or whimsical while still appropriate.

I'd love something with a fun skirt that's organza, lace, or something similar. I've tried the usual suspect stores from Jcrew to Banana Republic to Saks and can't find much. What are some online stores that might have something unique and afforable (Under $300)?

I've looked on Etsy but am having a very hard time narrowing down the results using search terms or their categories.

posted by beebers to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (24 answers total)

What size range are we talking about here? Will you need sleeves?
posted by ocherdraco at 11:45 AM on January 24, 2011

ModCloth has a few cute floorlength black dresses to choose from. And tons of other dresses in several other categories, as well. Hubba.
posted by scarykarrey at 11:48 AM on January 24, 2011 [1 favorite]

Unique Vintage has some adorable black dresses in a variety of sizes and price ranges.
posted by SamanthaK at 11:55 AM on January 24, 2011

Have you looked at Bluefly.com at all?
posted by jillithd at 11:56 AM on January 24, 2011

Response by poster: Upper size range, but not plus size. No sleeves, though I'm open to halter/v-neck/etc. I have a big bust, so strapless might not be ideal, but not out of the question.

I've looked at Bluefly, but found it also to be a little... typical. :(

I love ModCloth's style so much, but so far I've had little luck with the quality/fit of their clothes!
posted by beebers at 12:00 PM on January 24, 2011

Don't overlook Rent the Runway and the bricks-and-mortar formal-wear rental options near you.
posted by Sidhedevil at 12:01 PM on January 24, 2011

This one at 6pm.com is pretty, and so is this one. (No sleeves on either one, in case that's an issue.) 6pm is an online outlet, so their offerings are marked down and can go fast -- but there's always lots of new stuff, too.
posted by virago at 12:08 PM on January 24, 2011

Nordstrom has some cute options, as does Zappos.
posted by scarykarrey at 12:16 PM on January 24, 2011

Response by poster: Thanks for the ideas so far, everyone! Does anyone have anything kind of like Shabby Apple or other lesser known stores that might have some neat things?
posted by beebers at 12:25 PM on January 24, 2011

Trashy Diva has a very few floor length black options.
posted by crush-onastick at 12:29 PM on January 24, 2011

have you tried BCBG? i had all of my bridesmaids wear long black dresses, and both of my sisters wore BCBG.
posted by sabh at 12:31 PM on January 24, 2011

Might be worthwhile to look into separates, too. A long skirt and a fancy corset or awesome jacket blouse?
posted by small_ruminant at 12:35 PM on January 24, 2011

There are a few black, floor-length options on eShakti. Bonus: you can get it custom made to fit you.
posted by MsMolly at 12:35 PM on January 24, 2011

Response by poster: I'd love skirts too! I really want the skirt to be something fun/flowy!
posted by beebers at 1:05 PM on January 24, 2011

Overstock has a few nice dresses at a great price.
posted by JujuB at 1:20 PM on January 24, 2011

ShopBop.com has a wide selection in a wide price range.

Asos looks like a possibility too.
posted by annsunny at 1:54 PM on January 24, 2011

What about this fishtail skirt on etsy? Or maybe this floor-length tutu? Silk brocade with dragonflies?
posted by MsMolly at 1:56 PM on January 24, 2011

One more from Etsy.
posted by MsMolly at 2:02 PM on January 24, 2011

Response by poster: MsMolly - I actually love that long tutu, but am not sure if it's too much as a bridesmaid. I am afraid to do anything with too much additional color too.

I actually love the skirt on this, but not the top...

http://www.dillards.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=301&langId=-1&storeId=301&productId=502227170&view=20&No=20&Ntt=lace+dress&Ntk=all&N=1000894+4294959923&Nty=1&searchUrl=%2Fendeca%2FEndecaStartServlet%3Fview%3D20%26No%3D20%26Ntt%3Dlace%2Bdress%26Ntk%3Dall%26N%3D1000894%2B4294959923%26Nty%3D1&R=03275981

I wish there was a listing of beautiful boutique shops on the web. I know they're out there, but not how to find them!
posted by beebers at 3:16 PM on January 24, 2011

Yoox has (approximately) a billion options. BCBG is a good one too, they always have a ton of dress options.
posted by grapesaresour at 3:17 PM on January 24, 2011

Where are you located? I just got an amazing dress for our very formal company holiday party at a shop in Oakland called "Dress" that, like sidhedevil's suggestion, rents couture dresses. The woman who runs it is super awesome. If you aren't near Oakland - I'm guessing she is connected enough that she could tell you if there was a shop like her's where you are. http://dress-sf.com/
posted by Wolfie at 3:22 PM on January 24, 2011

You can find this brand/designer at local locations depending on where you live. I can't link directly to the ones that seem interesting... but just click on bridesmaid dresses and have a look. Really interesting designs and some "normal" ones.
posted by KogeLiz at 3:42 PM on January 24, 2011

Maybe this one from Ralph Lauren or this Leyendecker for a more relaxed feel?

The tulle ballerina gown from White House Black Market looks good too, if you can get your hands on it.
posted by hellopanda at 9:00 AM on January 25, 2011

Response by poster: That tulle one is lovely! I wish it wasn't sold out!
posted by beebers at 12:36 PM on January 25, 2011