Dressing Room Diary- Spring Special Occasion and Wedding Guest Dresses
Let me preface this post by saying I brought my low-block heels to the store for this try-on session but neglected to bring my control garments. That means more lines and ridges show than I like. These are not indicative of the garment…it’s entirely user error because I’d never skip wearing the right underpinnings when wearing special occasion and wedding guest dresses.
If you’re new here, welcome. A dressing room diary is when I go into a local store for a try-on session so you can see what’s new and how it looks on a woman over 25. For reference, I am 5’4″ and weigh around 140 lbs. I have broad shoulders with straight hips, a long torso, and long arms. I often buy one size larger on top. You’ll see me try on clothes in colors and shapes that may or may not flatter me because I want you to see what’s in the stores and get some styling ideas.
I will tell you what sizes I am wearing to help you understand how things run. I seem to now be a size 10 in most dresses, but many weren’t available in a ten, so I crammed myself into several so you could see them.
This Maggie London sheath dress is fully lined (I love that) and has 4% spandex in the fabric, which makes it comfy and forgiving. Every dress I tried on that had spandex in the fabric was comfier than the ones without. That’s not a surprise, but it made me start reading labels when I had trouble zipping things up. This has flattering princess seams, which are always slimming. This comes in this magenta or vibrant blue, sizes 0-14. The exaggerated rickrack/ricrac edging adds a pretty detail without being girly.
This Maggie London dress also has 4% spandex in the mix. The 8 is too small for me, but I wanted you to see it. It’s got an asymmetrical neckline which is hard to see in these pictures because the blue is so dark. It has a modern vibe with an exposed zipper in the back and elbow-length sleeves. The body portion is lined. This comes in sizes 0-16.
I shared this dress with you here in the blue last year. I’m wearing a 4/6 in the blue, but this year, I’m wearing a 10, which makes me pretty frustrated with myself. But onward we go…it’s a great dress no matter what size you wear. It’s available in seven gorgeous colors, sizes 6-18 and petite 6-12.
This dress is very pretty but runs small so I suggest you size up 1 or possibly 2 sizes. I couldn’t zip the zipper past my waist, which is making the bodice looks droopy in this photo. I loved the vibe of this dress, but without spandex in the fabric, you can’t fudge on the sizing. The soft color and rhinestone belt make this great for dressy occasions. It’s fully lined in sizes 0-18.
Another dress that’s too small for me but very pretty. The tie waist is very flattering and gives nice shaping. It comes in six colors, sizes 0-18. It’s an elegant crepe fabric with 5% elastane for slight give. I think I’d hem this one up about 2″. I like the 3/4 sleeves and princes seaming in the bodice.
This dress is a change of pace for a more casual bridal shower, graduation, or backyard wedding. It’s a very feminine dress with flowy layers and dainty ruffles. It’s lined and comes in sizes 2-16. This has no stretch to the fabric.
This dress would have really benefited from me wearing a smoothing slip for my tummy. It runs large, which is why the 8 fits me. I almost wish I had an occasion to wear this beauty! It’s fully lined and feels substantial. The slate color is unique and striking. It’s just gorgeous in person. It comes in sizes 2-16. Pissaro Nights are known for its “figure-flattering fits and show-stopping designs that are affordably priced and comfortable to wear.” This one also caught my eye on the way out of the store.
This dress has an outer layer of sheer organza with embroidered flowers. The base is navy, and the description says it runs large, which may be why it fits me :). This would be great for a bridal party or summer wedding. I see it for an outdoor wedding with a big straw hat and pearl earrings. This comes in sizes 0-18.
This dress is called a maxi but clearly isn’t quite that long. It’s a satiny fabric with beautiful blue and white swirls. It’s fully lined and does have 3% spandex in the fabric. This 8 did fit me, so the wrap makes it a bit forgiving. This comes in sizes 2-16. This pretty dress could be dressed up or down for so many occasions.
These Komarov dresses are very popular for dressy occasions. Many come with these lightweight jackets for arm coverage. This one is charmeuse that’s “hand pleated and heat set to create signature texture on a luminous dress that’s figure flattering, easy to care for, and great for travel.” This one is really, really pretty. It comes in sizes S-XL. These dresses are an investment you’ll wear for years to come for many occasions.
MORE KOMAROV DRESSES
Do you have any dressy occasions coming up this spring or summer?
I appreciate that you take the time to add what sizes clothing comes in and if an item comes in plus sizes. I love your blog.
Wow, you look great in all of these dresses! Thank you for the inspiration.
Jennifer, you look pretty durn good without shape wear! I particularly like the orange print dress and the JS illusion dress. But all of them are nice choices. I agree that a little spandex makes clothes much more comfortable. I read somewhere that 2% is the perfect amount, but I find that a bit more can be a good thing. Thank you for showing these to us!
I love the Kamari blue V- neck dress! You look lovely in it and it is the type of dress where you can be comfortable and attractive throughout an event. The dress makes you look good and doesn’t steal from your beauty. I hate to see a dress where the wearer is out shined by the dress. Comfort is number one then style at my age, 78. Thank you for choosing so many lovely dresses.
The Vince Camuto light pink, is extremely flattering on the figure, elegant, and classy.
The Maggie London, hands down.
Hi! My first comment post, I just started following your blog a couple of weeks ago – and visited my first Talbots on Monday ☺️.
For the dresses above , I wore an Alex Evenings to my daughters wedding 5 years ago and I think I really looked great.
My other daughter may be getting married within the year so I’ll keep this article and refer to it then! Thank you for a very nice blog!
Welcome, Natalie! Congratulations on your daughter’s wedding.
The pink is my fav Jennifer.
But I gotta tell you…you look fabulous in all of them.
I really like your neutral sandals as well.
Thanks so much for inspiring me today and every day.
Thanks for being here, Mary Ann.
I wish I had an occasion coming up so I would have an excuse to buy one of these gorgeous dresses. I really like the Tahari print dress. That looks like something I could wear several times because it doesn’t quite scream occasion as much! Thanks for sharing these!
Beautiful dresses for weddings. Problem no weddings to go to. But
if I had too the plum colored dress would be my choice.
Thanks for the beautiful showing.
Some pretty dresses here, but many of them seem “senior citizen” to me. I’d wear the embroidered one, though. I’m not concerned with looking older (I’m very old) but many of these dresses look too much like a designer’s idea of what an older lady would wear to a wedding, almost like a uniform for an occasion.
Interesting observation Kay.
I totally agree Kay. I think separates whether skirts or pants paired with a well made structured jacket looks much more modern and can be More comfortable. Putting it together reflects a sense of style, originality and personality in a way an off the rack dress could never do. No matter how old one gets we can all express our true selves if we are willing to create outfits with clothes and accessories that match who we are…instead of matching the too expensive dress that we might only wear once or twice.
All very lovely but have no weddings to attend, however my two favourites are the Maggie London shift dress as feel with the right accessories would even be appropriate for a career/professional in a boardroom setting etc. Whereas the Pissaro Nights one, being ideal for either the Mother of the Bride or Groom or ….. even a mature 2nd-time-around Bride. -Brenda-
I love many of these dresses on you, particularly the Vince Camuto!
I’ll be attending two weddings this spring and can confirm that the search for a special occasion dress for ‘women of a certain age’ can be frustrating. I’ve found two dresses I love but not before much searching. And trying to find a pair of heels that works for me…eeesh, that was quite a journey.
As you’ve shown us here, it’s important to try dresses on so it’s good to shop in a physical store. At the same time, the selection in stores is a fraction of what can be found online. Perhaps a good idea is to take a ‘scouting trip’ as you’ve done here, and then order a dress in the same style online. Wish I’d seen this before I began my search!
Love the komarov line of dresses and was unaware of the brand . Thank you . You look gorgeous in all of them
Jennifer, you look beautiful in every single dress. And your comments about shapewear made me laugh, as sometimes I spend more on shapewear than I do on the outfit. It’s just essential to looking good, uncomfortable or not. I just recently found your blog and I am so inspired by both you and your fashion choices. You are especially encouraging to me as I have begun a weight loss journey of hopefully 60 pounds to see that I really could look great on the other end. Thank you so much! P.S. buying you a coffee as I am obviously not investing in any clothes for a bit.
Welcome Denise! I’m so glad you’ve joined us.
I am so jealous! You look great in all those dresses. I’m 5’1” about 135lbs and like you, I also have wide shoulders but am small busted and have saddlebags. Big sigh 😞. Being an older pear can be challenging but at least I’m still a fresh pear 😂.
I hope you find some occasions to dress up this summer because you look wonderful ❤️
I agree, being a pear shape is hard. I haven’t really found any fashion influencers with a pear shape. So, I take the generous info Jennifer posts and try to extrapolate.. I think the Kamarov dress would work for a pear. 🙂
It’s a great shape for a pear shape.
Love your fresh pear analogy. If you have wide shoulders you’re likely an hourglass.
Those are all beautiful and fit you great!!! No weddings for me this year, but I’m okay with that!☺️
Have a fantastic day!
Happy Wednesday, Gloria