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Attire & Accessories Forum
FoxandCrow
member
Intimidated by Dress Shopping
Hi folks,
So, I have some bridal appointments coming up on the 22nd of this month. I made one in the morning at one salon, and another at 3PM that day, so there will be time in between for lunch and talking over the first place before going to the second place. I'm bringing my mom, my maid of honor, one other bridesmaid, and my little brother. I've been told that bringing a group isn't always the best idea, but that isn't the part I'm really worried about.
I have never in my life been able to find a dress of any kind that properly flatters my body, and I'm honestly convinced that they don't exist. My measurements currently are 42-37-42. All the body type calculators and such online tell me I'm a rectangle, but their description of a rectangle isn't me at all. I don't have a flat butt AT ALL, and I wear a 36D bra.
I've lost 10 pounds in the last month and a half, and intend to continue with my weight loss plan right up until my wedding day. Here's the kicker though: I'm currently 170 pounds and only 5'2". 10 pounds off of me is at least 2 dress sizes. I just tried on a size 14 dress that I wore to another person's wedding over the summer, and its too big on me now. It is also not at all flattering, but nothing ever is. My breasts are very wide-set, I can't ever buy pants because my athletic legs swim in any pants big enough for my booty, and most of my body fat is right over my abs. Last time I had to shop for a dress, I tried on 76 nightmares before settling on something that only looked passable.
What styles should I be trying? What looks good on a very short person with unusual proportions? My fiance says I have a typical Irish body, which makes sense because I am almost 100% Irish, but it doesn't help to know that if there aren't any clothes to fit that type. Help?
So, I have some bridal appointments coming up on the 22nd of this month. I made one in the morning at one salon, and another at 3PM that day, so there will be time in between for lunch and talking over the first place before going to the second place. I'm bringing my mom, my maid of honor, one other bridesmaid, and my little brother. I've been told that bringing a group isn't always the best idea, but that isn't the part I'm really worried about.
I have never in my life been able to find a dress of any kind that properly flatters my body, and I'm honestly convinced that they don't exist. My measurements currently are 42-37-42. All the body type calculators and such online tell me I'm a rectangle, but their description of a rectangle isn't me at all. I don't have a flat butt AT ALL, and I wear a 36D bra.
I've lost 10 pounds in the last month and a half, and intend to continue with my weight loss plan right up until my wedding day. Here's the kicker though: I'm currently 170 pounds and only 5'2". 10 pounds off of me is at least 2 dress sizes. I just tried on a size 14 dress that I wore to another person's wedding over the summer, and its too big on me now. It is also not at all flattering, but nothing ever is. My breasts are very wide-set, I can't ever buy pants because my athletic legs swim in any pants big enough for my booty, and most of my body fat is right over my abs. Last time I had to shop for a dress, I tried on 76 nightmares before settling on something that only looked passable.
What styles should I be trying? What looks good on a very short person with unusual proportions? My fiance says I have a typical Irish body, which makes sense because I am almost 100% Irish, but it doesn't help to know that if there aren't any clothes to fit that type. Help?
Re: Intimidated by Dress Shopping
I hated dress shopping and I'm an hourglass who carries my weight in my waist (5'3" and 170 as well).
First of all, be honest with your shop coordinator about your concerns. At the sixth shop I told my coordinator about my 3 previous trips and how awful they were and about how I felt like a pregnant marshmallow. She was very sensitive to my needs and made sure I didn't try on any samples that were small and would exasperate my existing feelings.
Second, try on something in every style and decide then what works and what doesn't work and communicate that.
Third, I did shots of Jameson. Just saying.
Good luck!
First deep breath - remember what's important - you found someone who loves your body as it is to marry! Before you go look at dresses, plan your undergarments - Going in to look at dresses with your strapless bra (I'm a fan of long-line zip-corset type since I'm loaded on top) will help give you a better idea of how the dresses will look on you. I know you're in process of dropping some pounds, but IMO it's worth it to have a strapless you own that fits properly for trying on dresses.
When it comes to sizing, if you do find "the dress" your first day out (DO NOT allow yourself to be pressured in to purchasing a dress that day, you will have a dress even if this was the Tuesday before your wedding that'll look amazing on you that fits your budget!), order the dress in the size you are the day you order it, if you're between two sizes you can go lower, but remember taking a dress in is far easier than letting it out.
There are plenty of dress styles that'll make you look amazing, you just need to try some on. Most of my friends have a true athletic build (powerlifters and bodybuilders), and you're going to look amazing!! The only thing to really think about is the hem for the dress because an ornate lace around the bottom is going to cost a small fortune to alter versus something with a straight hem.
I'm glad that you are already feeling better about the process. I agree with the PPs to just tell the consultant what your problem areas are. I also HIGHLY recommend getting a decent bra that is strapless before you go!! Holding up D ups is not the easiest thing to do, and droopy girls will completely change the look of the dress compared to ones where they belong (Hello, 38H here!).
I would also keep an open mind about styles and try on a bit of everything...I thought a corset would be great, but it cut me in odd place, trumpets looked better than I expected, but I ended up in a ball gown style because that is what looked the best and made me the happiest when I put it on. Once you find your dress STOP Looking!!!
Nothing beats an amazing bra! I just wish I didn't have to replace mine so quickly, as I tend to stretch them out rather quickly (even if I only hand wash as needed, never place in dryer, etc...I just abuse them I think!)
Normal shopping if finding clothes you like that fit you as they are. Wedding dress shopping is finding clothes you love that can be MADE to fit you. Keep that in mind!
Remember, you don't have to find "THE DRESS". You have to find "a dress" that makes you feel pretty and bridal. There are hundreds of dresses out there, and you only have to find one that makes you feel good. Now that doesn't sound so scary, does it?
This post was from more than three months ago. By now the bride has probably solved her dress problems. Please don't resurrect dead zombie threads like this one, just to make a comment. It is annoying.