<p>How about something like this? I would stay away from prints because solid colors look much better in photographs. Tadashi is a brand that is flattering on many different body types. Even at a casual wedding I think it is appropriate for the mother of the bride to be a bit more dressed up, just as the bride is more dressed up.</p>
<p>I’m really glad this thread was started because I’ll be looking for a dress soon as well. My stepson will be getting married this summer. No date yet, and no location. They’re looking for a venue that will allow their two dogs, so I’m assuming it’s going to be very casual!</p>
<p>Your link doesn’t work for me, nottelling - it just goes to the NM home page.</p>
<p>You people must have fabulous arms. I could never wear any of these sleeveless dresses. Although I really like many of them. I agree the CC one could work with a change of belt and careful accessorizing.</p>
<p>One observation I have not seen yet: I believe the original CWC dress is a wrap dress…BEWARE of wrap dresses in beach environments!!! Even a light breeze could make things very awkward…</p>
<p>Garland, it seems you and i could be twins, shape-wise. I strongly agree with those who have said a dress longer than the bride’s (which I LOVE, by the way!!!) would not be appropriate. I also think that maybe a solid would be a good choice for photos…though I do love the colors and print of the original dress you posted, and it seems to me that the print might be “dense” enough to “read” almost as a solid in photos… particularly if others in the bridal party are wearing similar colors…</p>
<p>This may have already been suggested so I apologize if it is a repeat. Provided you are able to return items I would buy a dress or two (or three) and try them on at home. Try them on with the correct shoes, accessories, and under garments so that you get a sense of the whole look. I would move around in each outfit - sit, twirl, pose etc… I would also have someone take photos of you in each outfit (front, back & side) because things such as prints or body parts have a way of looking very different to the minds eye vs. in reality or in a picture.</p>
<p>One of my first jobs, back in the day, I worked at a nice boutique. One of the things we did was dress the local news anchors. They were not allowed to wear anything with stripes on air. They were discouraged from wearing prints as a print does not always translate well on air or in photos. They were encouraged to wear things that were solid in color and had interesting details (buttons or collars etc…) and to wear interesting & bold accessories. I know that you are not dressing to be a news anchor but these are some good guidelines for dressing when you will be a focal point.</p>
<p>In the end your special MOB glow will be your ultimate accessory! You will look lovely in whatever you decide to wear!</p>
<p>I agree that it is probably best to avoid prints, or at least very graphic prints, because they may not translate well in the photos. That said, a sleeveless, fitted waist, full-skirted, ballet length dress in a wedding appropriate fabric and color seems to be very rare item. I hope you can find something - not much online. Many of the dresses posted are probably too fitted at the hip.</p>
<p>I love all your viewpoints–thanks so much!!! I’m so dress-averse. However, I’m not much of a dress pants person either (I wear khakis to work, jeans otherwise), so I think I’ll go with a dress. I think the hardest part might be length, as I have sort of confined myself to something below knee but not maxi (believe me, if you saw my fat knees, calves, you’d see the problem. I do have something of ankles, so some calf showing is okay, but the bulgy knees are dreadful. Will try to lose weight this spring, but when I do, it generally goes away top down–. :(.</p>
<p>This is expensive, but I thought I’d post it anyway just because it is so lovely. I just bought it for an upcoming wedding. It’s quite a bit longer on me than shown on the model - closer to ballet length. I’m on the hunt for something along these lines for you.</p>
<p>Call me crazy, but what about this? Take it to a seamstress and have the sleeves removed! I think it would be flattering on your figure - the fabric is full enough at the hip and would fall softly without adding bulk. I think the floral parts would probably photograph as solid. </p>
<p>You may also want to take a look at Talbots. They have a section on their site called Aisle Style. It might not be exactly what you are looking for but it could give you some additional inspiration.</p>
<p>If I was picking out a MOB / MOG outfit I would go for something very plain (probably dress pants w/ an appropriate top/jacket) and then I would really do it up with the accessories - either big chunky pearls or one of the big J Crew necklaces along with a big bracelet. I would finish the look with awesome, awesome, awesome shoes! That is my two cents! I am sure you will look stunning! Let us all know what you decide to wear!</p>
<p>I still really like post #7, dress number 2. Alex Evenings…the price was right, the dress was in a beautiful emerald green (solid) color…it had a flowy bottom that could be hemmed slightly…dressier that the original CWC dress…why don’t you purchase them both? Try them on and see what you think! </p>
<p>As was already mentioned, maybe the CWC dress could be used for a rehearsal dinner, or something similar…or even for another occasion!</p>
<p>The Julie dress Gourmetmom posted in #54 is very similar to the Suzy Chin pleated jersey dress you mentioned liking, Garland, but were concerned was too short. If you went with the Julie dress, you could alter as Gourmetmom suggested and have it just the length you want.</p>
<p>You all talk about altering like that’s a thing I know anything about, LOL. Apparently there’s a whole world of dressing like a grownup I have missed in the past 54 years!</p>
<p>Good job Gourmetmom. Very pretty dress that can be hemmed to ballet/tea length. Amethyst color gorgeous. Again, garland would possibly look into a wrap or short jacket or unstructured short cardigan or shrug, if needed…</p>
<p>Kajon: Really cool website…those dresses are nice!</p>
<p>Garland: Call the stores customer service and see if you can order dresses over the phone. Maybe size 10? If it’s flowy, could fit you on the bottom with minor adjustments to the top area that a good tailor could fix. Maybe they are out of the smaller sizes temporarily. Calling cust. serv. will tell you if they are being re-ordered and when to expect them in. Also, if they can be ordered, they can order one for you and send it directly to your home.</p>
<p>It’s fun dressing like a grownup on occasion! ;)</p>
Will try to lose weight this spring, but when I do, it generally goes away top down–.