Trying to find a good dress - What do you think?

[HopeDream]

Hi Ladies,

My wedding is in June, so it's almost dress ordering time, and I'm trying to figure out what to wear. I'm 5'2" and bony - one of those gals that was told throughout high school that one day she would blossom into a woman and then...didn't. I'm a flat-chested little stick of a woman, but I do have quite a curvy butt. - so I'm kind of funny looking from the side.

I'm hoping for a dress that will fill me out a bit and minimize the difference between my top and bottom halves - Something that will make me look womanly and well-balanced.

Some pictures:
The clingy dress I wore to my friend's wedding, and as you can see it's slinky, but not great. The second more fully cut dress I wore to another friend's wedding and I thought it was fantastic.

The last picture is what I hope could be a good wedding dress - full skirt to camouflage my butt and flower details on the torso to fill me out a little. I do worry that it will show off my bony arms too much though. More pictures of the dress here:http://www.ieieshop.com/wedding-gowns/ball-gown/cm1005w.html

So what do you think?
(I’m trying to stay under $500 and avoiding strapless like the plague)

 

[HopeDream]

Trying on dresses has been a lot like this:

 

[tammy77]

Delurking to say that I love the potential dress that you posted. Have you gone to a shop like David's Bridal to just try things on? If you're looking to keep it under $500 and want a place where you can have a LOT of different dresses to choose from, that's a good place to start!

I bought my dress there and it was $650ish but there were many priced lower. They have TONS of dresses to choose from, regardless of your body type! My recommendation is to try on anything and everything, even if it looks ugly on the hanger. I originally turned my nose up at the dress I ended up LOVING because it didn't look like anything special on the hanger. If you can go the first time by yourself and schedule a full hour appt, you won't feel rushed. Plan on going a couple of times though.

Good luck, and have fun!

 

[Gypsy]

Honey you have body image issues big time. You look FANTASTIC in that slinky dress and adult! If you hadn't told me you think you are flat chested I wouldn't even have looked at your boobs, because you look boobed in both those pics. I actually prefer you in the slink though over all.

Seriously. It's in your head. You are beautiful and have a great womanly figure! Many woman need to pad their bras or get hydrolic lift bras, or get minimizing bras... if you have it you complain about it and if you don't you lament it. It's the nature of being a woman but honey you have blossomed. Even if you need a little padding in the bosom to make a dress work... you won't be the first or the last!

As for your rear. Jay-zuz you really don't cut yourself a break at all do you? People get ass implants and here you are trying to cover yourself up. Adults have butts. That's the way it is. Stop trying to cancel out your butt! On the one hand you are complaining about your lack of curves, and those that god gave you you try to cancel out.

Listen to me... it's not you body that's the problem, it's your head.

I totally think these might be worth looking at for you:


Also flowy and GORGEOUS with straps: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod136190032&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=69&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732&isEditorial=false (have you seen Frankie's wedding pics she's a petite girl and she's wearing a flowy style like this and it looks great, I think you could carry this off)

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod134450137&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=177&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732&isEditorial=false I love this one.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tadashi-shoji-layered-one-shoulder-chiffon-gown/3190096?origin=category

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306422140&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446409622&R=636699736526&P_name=Sue+Wong&N=306422140&bmUID=jemcFfy

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod138560109&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=39&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732&isEditorial=false

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod136160212&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=168&isEditorial=false&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732

I know you said no strapless but I am betting this would look amazing on you and flatter you everywhere: http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306422140&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446386761&R=628710522782&P_name=Theia&N=306422140&bmUID=jemcFgs

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/sue-wong-embellished-v-neck-gown?ID=527068&CategoryID=21683&LinkType=#fn=DRESS_OCCASION%3DEvening/Formal%26spp%3D2%26ppp%3D96%26sp%3D3%26rid%3D52

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/alberto-makali-rosette-applique-silk-gown/3113785?origin=category over budget and strapless but I thought you might like it.

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod135100051&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=163&isEditorial=false&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/amsale-one-shoulder-sash-gown?ID=556450&CategoryID=21683&LinkType=#fn=DRESS_OCCASION%3DEvening/Formal%26spp%3D81%26ppp%3D96%26sp%3D1%26rid%3D52

 

[Gypsy]

Another option is to buy a bridesmaid's dress in white. You can try them all on at a couple salons then order for your size and even get a shorter length since you are petite. I think it's a great idea you should consider.

Here are a few options: Please note the lack of big bust on these models... you would look beautiful in any of them.

http://watters.com/Product/WtooDresses/866

http://www.jlmcouture.com/Jim-Hjelm-Occasions/Bridesmaid/Fall/2011/Style-5188 LOVE this one. Love many of them, truth to tell.

http://www.amsale.com/bridesmaids/chiffon/G591C.shtml

http://watters.com/Product/WtooDresses/649/#Colors:white,mocha

http://www.jlmcouture.com/Jim-Hjelm-Occasions/Bridesmaid/Fall/2011/Style-5184

http://watters.com/Product/WtooDresses/753

http://www.jlmcouture.com/Jim-Hjelm-Occasions/Bridesmaid/Fall/2011/Style-5190

http://www.amsale.com/bridesmaids/chiffon/G592C.shtml

http://watters.com/Product/WtooDresses/620

http://www.jlmcouture.com/Jim-Hjelm-Occasions/Bridesmaid/Fall/2011/Style-5177

http://www.amsale.com/bridesmaids/chiffon/G583C.shtml

http://www.jlmcouture.com/Jim-Hjelm-Occasions/Bridesmaid/Fall/2011/Style-5181

http://watters.com/Product/WtooDresses/418

http://www.amsale.com/bridesmaids/taffeta/G648T.shtml

http://watters.com/Product/WattersWatters/4538/

http://www.amsale.com/bridesmaids/taffeta/G646T.shtml

http://watters.com/Product/WtooDresses/955

http://watters.com/Product/WtooDresses/428

Some designers do upcharge for a single white BM gown, but with a 500 budget you should be fine. Most BM dresses are under 400.

 

[Amys Bling]

you look fab! I don't understand how you feel you don't look great in anything!! I'll come back and post with some ideas!

I am also flat chested and let me tell you- a victoria secret push up bra and a sweet heart neckline did wonders for me on my wedding day!

 

[Amys Bling]

Another option is to buy a bridesmaid's dress in white. You can try them all on at a couple salons then order for your size and even get a shorter length since you are petite. I think it's a great idea you should consider.

Here are a few options: Please note the lack of big bust on these models... you would look beautiful in any of them.

http://watters.com/Product/WtooDresses/866

http://www.jlmcouture.com/Jim-Hjelm-Occasions/Bridesmaid/Fall/2011/Style-5188 LOVE this one. Love many of them, truth to tell.

http://www.amsale.com/bridesmaids/chiffon/G591C.shtml

http://watters.com/Product/WtooDresses/649/#Colors:white,mocha

http://www.jlmcouture.com/Jim-Hjelm-Occasions/Bridesmaid/Fall/2011/Style-5184

http://watters.com/Product/WtooDresses/753

http://www.jlmcouture.com/Jim-Hjelm-Occasions/Bridesmaid/Fall/2011/Style-5190

http://www.amsale.com/bridesmaids/chiffon/G592C.shtml

http://watters.com/Product/WtooDresses/620

http://www.jlmcouture.com/Jim-Hjelm-Occasions/Bridesmaid/Fall/2011/Style-5177

http://www.amsale.com/bridesmaids/chiffon/G583C.shtml

http://www.jlmcouture.com/Jim-Hjelm-Occasions/Bridesmaid/Fall/2011/Style-5181

http://watters.com/Product/WtooDresses/418

http://www.amsale.com/bridesmaids/taffeta/G648T.shtml

http://watters.com/Product/WattersWatters/4538/

http://www.amsale.com/bridesmaids/taffeta/G646T.shtml

http://watters.com/Product/WtooDresses/955

http://watters.com/Product/WtooDresses/428

Some designers do upcharge for a single white BM gown, but with a 500 budget you should be fine. Most BM dresses are under 400.

great idea regarding a bridesmaid dress in white! My mom got a bridesmaid dress in black/white for her mother of the bride dress becuase she was on a thighter budget and wanted something simple.

 

[minmin001]

I'm just like you flat chest and only 5'1"
Here is the dress that I bought for myself. It's been at my friend's place for alteration so here are few pic. the seller took for me with her on it since I bought it second hand

 

[marymm]

OP - I really do love that Snow White dress you posted - and I think you'd be beautiful in it! (though maybe with a little less volume in the tulle underskirt?) But, is the ballgown design the wedding look you always envisioned for yourself? In terms of style it is very different from your other two dresses which seem more streamlined and classic.

Have to say, I could definitely envision you in these particular finds by Gypsy:
1. Tadashi Shoji Layered One-Shoulder Chiffon - this is my top fave I think - http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tadashi-shoji-layered-one-shoulder-chiffon-gown/3190096?origin=category
2. This Watters Sahara Shantung dress - this is my other fave - http://watters.com/Product/WtooDresses/753#Colors:off+white
3. The Amsale Taffeta One-Shoulder - love this one, but color swatch does not include white or ivory - http://www.amsale.com/bridesmaids/taffeta/G648T.shtml#

Probably the best advice - go try on many gowns - you may be surprised by what looks and feels right on you!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Gosh if you are flat chested then I am Sponge Bob Square pants: you look FABU! And the dress you wore suits you very well.

The wedding dress you posted is gorgeous--you must try it on and show us! You'd look like an angel.....

cheers--Sharon

 

[HopeDream]

Thanks for all the replies ladies! and all those fantastic dress ideas!

Tammy- David's bridal is a great idea, where I live now I'd have to travel 2 hrs to Washington state to visit the nearest one, but my Fiancé has been Talking about it, so we might make the trip. One is supposed to open closer to my area sometime within the next year, but I'm not sure when that will be.

Gypsy - You are a kind woman with a good heart! Don't worry, I don't hate my body, I'm just honest about my physical dimensions. In both pictures I was padded about 2 extra cup sizes - and I plan to do the same on my wedding day. You found so many beautiful dresses! Thanks for reminding me about bridesmaids dresses - another great avenue of inquiry.

Amy's bling - Great idea about the extra support - I think I have to go on a serious mission to find the best foundation garments I can for my big day.

Minmin001- Your dress is gorgeous! I love the pleating on the bodice- You'll look stunning!

Marymm - I've never really envisioned any bridal look - I'm just not a dream about the wedding type of girl - But the idea of a ball gown is actually quite appealing - I'm not sure if I'd ever get the chance to wear one otherwise. I'm definitely going to keep an eye on skirt volume - I don't want the tulle to become an all-consuming monster.

Canuck Gal - Hello Sponge Bob! Supporting my dresses were some lovely stick-on jelly-boobs in one case, and a well padded bra and a strategically pleated bustline in the other case. I'm happy to use artifice to my advantage whenever I can - Ah the wonders of modern materials! I am quite interested in the dress I posted, but because it's a "made custom in China" type I can't try it on. I have tried on a similarly cut gown and did like the result.

Some of my fiancé’s family members and even my own grandmother have commented on my narrowness (even though I am a healthy weight for my height), and so I was hoping to camouflage it to some extent for my wedding. I like a good slinky/sheer dress and will have plenty of occasions to wear them at other events, but for my wedding I'm looking for a dress that will give me extra body and depth.

 

[Echidna]

HopeDream, I wore the ever-popular La Sposa Fanal for the reasons you describe. I am not tall but quite bony/ungainly, no real butt, no womanly shape. This dress gave me amazing curves with its sweetheart neckline and tiny waist once I sewed some bra cups in The seamstress even told me I could sew in two sets if I was so inclined. I've attached a pic from our TTD that I got back and went- wow, I seriously don't look that womanly EVER!

Not sure what it retails for where you are but it could be an option?

PS. DH doesn't want our photos all over the net, but I'm pretty sure we're not that identifiable here...

 

[swingirl]

Just my 2 cents, I think the slinky dress on you looks great! Your "bony" shoulders are model-like and you do not look out of proportion. The gown you picked out looks a little too puffy for you, tho. Too much foo foo and fabric. Take advantage of your sleek physique and go for something slinky.

 

[HopeDream]

Echinda - Wow you look gorgeous! I should definitely look into a sweetheart neckline.

Swingirl - Hmm you have a very good point about the amount of fabric. I was worrying a bit about how foo-foo it is, but at the same time in an odd way I kind of like it. I'm not sure if the flowers will actually stick out that much in real life, and I could probably steam them flatter.

I'll keep my options open and shop around some more. Ugh I hate dress shopping, especially because I have no one to shop with.

 

[mrswahs]

I'm with Echidna. I'm also 5'2, with a similar build. My dress was a sweetheart neckline and it was a mermaid dress which was the only cut that I found to be flattering on my body and 'mature' enough to not make me look like a teenager in a prom gown.

I think the dresses you posted above look beautiful on you, and the potential dress you found is gorgeous, but don't be discouraged if it doesn't look good ON you. There were so many dresses that I loved that once I got them on me I hated. The dress that I wound up falling in love with and buying was not at all what I thought I'd end up with, and I hate the picture of it on the model.

I posted all of my wedding pictures 2 posts below this one (Maui Pro Pics) if you want to see them. I have no chest to speak of but like you have a curvy butt/hips. That cut did wonders for my figure! It looks like Echidna had a similar cut to her dress.

 

[Echidna]

I'm with Echidna. I'm also 5'2, with a similar build. My dress was a sweetheart neckline and it was a mermaid dress which was the only cut that I found to be flattering on my body and 'mature' enough to not make me look like a teenager in a prom gown.

I posted all of my wedding pictures 2 posts below this one (Maui Pro Pics) if you want to see them. I have no chest to speak of but like you have a curvy butt/hips. That cut did wonders for my figure! It looks like Echidna had a similar cut to her dress.

Yes, mine was very similar. You looked fabulous, Mrswahs

HopeDream, best of luck! Sometimes shopping on your own is easiest, believe me We're here to help if you need a second opinion.

 

[amc80]

If I could give you some of my boobs I would. I have the opposite problem- trying to find a dress that will support them.

Sort of to echo what some others have said, you have a great figure. Be sure that whatever dress you choose doesn't swallow you up. You want to wear the dress, not have the dress wear you.