evening gown for top heavy ladies... need good advice!

[praline]

Hi everyone! I am going on my first cruise with hubby and have been cruising this site and taking lots of notes. I do have a "situation" I am concerned about. I am a size 8 (well a 12 in tops because of my situation)... but I am a DD/DDD (depending on brands) cup size. these ARE NOT surgically enhanced and due to birthing and nursing 3 kids I have to put a compass in my bra so the "sistas" know what direction to point

I have been looking at evening gowns and from what i have seen i have 3 options for formal night

1. Cute strapless/ or pretty near strapless adorable dresses in which I might end up in the brig for exposing myself! I can hear the POP now!

2. Grandmother of the Bride cover it all in yards and yards of material ...

3. Chicken out and wear a cocktail dress

I really want to wear an evening gown as i do have a cute figure BUT I need SLEEVES ... i can't get away with strapless bras and those little flower petal things are a joke. I know they have clear bra straps but they are NOT all that clear and I don't like the way they look. Does anyone know of any evening gown styles that are "support bra friendly" but i won't look like grandmother of the bride? I am 34 and too young for Grandma just yet!

[CruisinK n J]

I would think strapless would be hopeless . . . not enough support. Evening gowns can be pretty bare, too, unless you can find something with a jacket. That way, you don't over-expose yourself. Also, how about a wrap(stole)?

Judy

[Trip]

Think Aretha Franklin, and don't do strapless..Are there any long gowns, with wider staps, to hide the bra straps? Not sure how much time you have before you cruise, but check on line for options..I bet you will find many Good luck, and have a ball!

[nlb1050]

how about looking at some of the lines of bridesmaid dress that are separates. Such as this http://www.alfredangelo.com/index.cf...a-6343769b3889

I know that their prices are not that high and the quality is very good. And they have many different styles. They are definitely not the old funky style bridesmaid dress, Also you can mix/match colors.

As a side if you do go this route make sure you order the right size. Can get from bridal stores, direct from them online or there are some great bridal stores online that sell at reduced price. I know of one in particular that is great to work with.

[dina]

I suggest a trip to Victoria Secret. They have everything to hoist them up and keep them in place. That way you have your choice of gowns to choose from.

I do suggest if you go with something that your very comfortable in. Style is lovely but be comfy. Nothing ruins an evening faster then worrying about your dress the whole time.

[LisaK]

another option would be to buy a very dressy, silky or sparkly blouse and pair it up with a long dress skirt, something figure flattering with a slit.

[Russell in MD]

Here is one you can cross off the list of possible candidates.



Sorry I just had to.

R

[Trip]

ROFL!

[nlb1050]

ROFL!!!!!

[dina]

LMAO Oh thats good. HAHAHA

[Fruitcake]

Originally Posted by LisaK

another option would be to buy a very dressy, silky or sparkly blouse and pair it up with a long dress skirt, something figure flattering with a slit.

I think this is an excellent option.

I have a similar problem, as I am a petite size -- but those dresses are designed for women who have an A or B cup.
My daughter recently got married and I had a hard time finding an appropriate dress for the mother of the bride.
Everything -- even on bridal Web sites, and designated as "mother" dresses -- was too skimpy and strapless!

I finally found something after looking for months. The dress is carried by Nordstroms and Dillards. It's 2-piece, a lacy jacket over a lacy sheath.

But I think the skirt/jacket or sparkly top is a good way to go for a cruise.
Or a black tank dress with a pretty and sparkly jacket.

[jonoxl]

After seing Russell's post, I really do think you should go for
that type of dress praline. Btw, when are you cruisin'?

[LisaK]

thank-you Fruitcake.

[SIDWICH]

I suspect I wear almost exactly the same size as you. For formalwear, I usually wear a floor length black evening gown with square cut neckline and cap sleeves (the sleeves hide the bra straps). Scaasi made the one I wear. I've been wearing it for years, and it never goes out of style.

I have to admit I do do strapless formalwear. It's good to invest in a good merry widow for formalwear. At a 36DD, I've never had a problem.

Although some on the board may not consider them strictly "formal," I also have worn black cocktail wear with over "jacket." I've also worn long, beaded skirts with black bodysuits for formal nights.

[Brittany]

Dresses with wider straps and cap sleeves are very common here in northern Utah because of the strong Mormon culture. One of the local shops is setup with a website: www.lynettes.com; the number is 435-755-2800. She has some beautiful dresses that will allow you to wear a supportive bra and show off a cute figure, without having to go for the mother of the bride look.

[mteague]

You can get some awesome fabric on-line already beaded. There is a seamstress in Metairie that does great work. I'll try to get her number if you like. Also, there is a fabric store in Houston, I think it's called Hi Fashion Fabrics. A city block of fabric.

[mteague]

There is also a seamstress in Walker, LA...close to Baton Rouge. She does my sewing. I had a daughter in pageants and she did great work.

[AmazingAngel]

I found a really nice website while searching for a dress as well. The prices are great too. Some of the dresses are a bit too sexy for me...I too am 35 and have the same problem as you, loved your comment on the compass!! I will have to use that, hilarious!!
Anyways check out this site and let me know what you think, I have not ordered from them as of yet. Being from Canada I am not too sure how long it would take for me to recieve anything from them. The site is www.venus.com