Plus size preference dresses
 

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking on this site for months, trying to learn all I can, but just registered today as I have a question. I'm rushing a school in New England next month, which I don't believe is very competitive. I'm a bigger girl, and I've done my best to lose as much weight as I can so that I'll look my best for recruitment. I know it's not all about looks, but I also know from real life that my weight does matter at times to some people, so I'm doing the best I can. Anyway, can you let me know what you think of these dresses for pref? I've seen other girls post cute dresses but they don't come in my size. :-(


http://assets.charmingshoppes.com/is...id=290&hei=377

http://assets.charmingshoppes.com/is...id=290&hei=377

http://assets.charmingshoppes.com/is...id=290&hei=377

http://media.redcatsusa.com/is/image...5&op_sharpen=1
I was leaning towards the first one with some bold colored shoes and acessories...

The lane bryant ones only take you to the home page.
the last one doesnt look dressy enough to me but I can't say for sure.

to post the pics right click the picture, copy image address and post in here using the picture icon (mountains & yellow)

Ooops. Sorry. I think I fixed it.

I like the 1st and 2nd ones, and I do want to compliment the fact that you understand that a plus sized dress should have a top, a middle, and a bottom, therefore making the waist (or actually slightly above) the smallest part of the dress. Some plus sized women don't get that a mumu has the opposite effect. Good choices! It's all about knowing how to dress the body you have.;)

I think the first one with the bold accessories like you said is the best choice for pref, because it will be the easiest to dress up. Also, it's cute. :) Target is a really good place to find cute shoes and accessories in one stop...that's where I usually go for both shoes and jewelry these days.

If you pick heels bring some flip flops to walk in between houses.

Re: weight...make sure you're being healthy while losing weight...recruitment is NOT worth making yourself sick or developing unhealthy habits. (And I don't mean to assume that you're doing anything extreme, just throwing it out there.)

From The Avenue site, I found a few that I like:


http://media.redcatsusa.com/is/image...5&op_sharpen=1
(It's denim, so not right for pref, but cute)
-----------------------------------
http://media.redcatsusa.com/is/image...5&op_sharpen=1

(Love the shoes and style of necklace she's wearing with it!)
-----------------------------------

http://media.redcatsusa.com/is/image...5&op_sharpen=1
(Pref - Wear a thin tank to avoid major cleavage)
-----------------------------------

http://media.redcatsusa.com/is/image...5&op_sharpen=1
(Pref - add some silver or gold heels with a cuff bracelet)
----------------------------------
http://media.redcatsusa.com/is/image...5&op_sharpen=1
(If you're into patterns. This is very slimming because of the vertical stripes and a great color!)

I really like the first one you posted. I think it would be awesome with some red shoes! I also like the second one ree-xi posted

I saw the dresses ree-Xi posted and couldn't resist going to the same site...to me, these dresses would also be appropriate for pref:
http://media.redcatsusa.com/is/image...5&op_sharpen=1
This one with accessories and shoes similar to what the model is wearing would be really cute.
http://media.redcatsusa.com/is/image...5&op_sharpen=1
I LOVE this one, but you'd have to pick the right accessories to make it work for pref. I think nude shoes like these:
http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aaca...PORCILE.PD.jpg
and some gold jewelry would dress it up enough.

And this is my favorite:
http://media.redcatsusa.com/is/image...5&op_sharpen=1
You could wear nude or black shoes with it and pearl or diamond earrings...that would look super classy.

I like all of these. Good luck to you.

Also these (this time from Lane Bryant):
http://assets.charmingshoppes.com/is...id=290&hei=377
This is similar to the dress you picked, so like you said bold accessories and/or bright shoes would be perfect.
http://assets.charmingshoppes.com/is...id=290&hei=377
This one is similar to the paisley dress I posted in that you'd need the right accessories to make it appropriate. The shoes the model is wearing are probably the best way to go (though you could get them in a color) and some simple but noticeable dangling pearl earrings or black glass/onyx chandelier earrings would make it dressy.

I totally understand what you mean!! I'm a bigger girl myself because I have thyroid disease. Really tall, really big feet, big chest, big bones. You should be proud of yourself for losing weight!

http://www.forever21.com/images/Seas....jpg?8/12/2010This one is from Forever 21's plus size brand Faith 21. Can you believe it's only $25??

Also from Faith 21, also $25
http://www.forever21.com/images/Seas....jpg?8/12/2010

Another good site is Torrid.com. They didn't have the copy image function so I'm posting links.

http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clearan...ess-529849.jsp
http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clearan...int-520859.jsp
http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clearan...ess-566488.jsp
http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clearan...ess-539806.jsp
http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clearan...ess-544868.jsp


If your style runs into the more vintage/indie looking type here are some more good options.

This one is from ModCloth
http://static0.modcloth.com/products...9fbd5d8515942f

Also from ModCloth, goes up to size 3X
http://static3.modcloth.com/products...9fbd5d8515942f

Modcloth, up to 3X
http://static1.modcloth.com/products...9fbd5d8515942f

Modcloth, up to 3x
http://static0.modcloth.com/products...9fbd5d8515942f

Macy's, up to 3x and in many colors
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/produc...tegoryID=51889

Another one from Macy's that I couldn't copy the image from. http://www1.macys.com/catalog/produc...tegoryID=51889

Sorry that this post is so long, but I sympathize with you and I just really wanted to help you and let you know that there are beautiful dresses out there for us bigger girls, it just takes some looking!

Thank you!
 

Thanks for all of the advice and the suggestions for other dresses!! I love them all. :-) I'm going to have lots of fun shopping. And thank you for whoever suggested Target for shoes/accessories. I never think about Target!

http://static3.modcloth.com/products...9fbd5d8515942f

I don't look good in yellow (light hair/skin) but I do LOVE this dress!!!

Unless she's just barely plus, the waist is too low on that second dress. I do like it though.

Happy to help! Let me know if you need anything else :]

I like the black Macy's dress, rococobaby, but I'm still maintaining that Forever 21 is NSFP (Not Safe For Pref).

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/produc...tegoryID=32926
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/produc...tegoryID=32926
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/produc...tegoryID=32926
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/produc...tegoryID=32926

From Macy's. Where color is an option, go with black. I'd wear very classy pumps (elegant, not clunky) and bold but not over-the-top jewelry. Soft, feminine makeup and glossy hair.

Of course coming with the standard "personality above clothes/looks" caveat. Best of luck.

One thing to be aware of, is what shape dress/skirt looks best on you and look for those dresses.

If you don't know which shape(s) are best on you (yet), try on a bunch of different dresses. Take a friend with you to take pics, or take pics with your phone in the mirror. Figure out which ones are flattering to you and which ones are less so. It can make future shopping a heck of a lot easier.

And don't get discouraged if some dresses just don't work for you. It took me a long time and many tears of discouragement to understand that. Try as I might, I couldn't carry this dress off (although I LOVE the shape; A-line is just so feminine), because I'm bigger on top and smaller on the bottom. Another shape I love is empire-waist, but it makes me look pregnant because of the girls. Sheath dresses look best on me, because of my shape and also my height (not quite 5'2").

Good news NewEnglandPNM!! I found that dress that you love in 2 other colors!!

http://static0.modcloth.com/products...9fbd5d8515942f
http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModClo...Black+Licorice

Here are the links so you can view details, sizing, and reviews.
http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModClo...s+in+Deep+Blue
http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModClo...Black+Licorice

The dress is super cute for sure, but not for me. :-( I defintely don't have the right built, but I am forwarding this to a friend who I know looks great in this style. I just think it's SO CUTE.

If you're the creative type, you could always try making your own dress. I sewed all my formal dresses in high school for a couple of reasons. Stores didn't have what I liked, I wanted it to fit perfectly, and I wanted to be unique! Its not very hard to learn at all, and it's so much fun! I'd recommend it if you're looking to pick up a new hobby :]

Maybe for the future, but not for rush, not now.

Bad advice.

I think it's great that your so eager to help and I don't think suggesting dresses is to much. But please just be careful about the advice you give out, you are not greek and have not gone through recruitment. It would be horrible if you gave bad advice and it negatively impacted someone's recruitment.

As someone who's not a size 2, I love these dresses from this thread (and am sorely tempted by several of them):

http://media.redcatsusa.com/is/image...5&op_sharpen=1

http://media.redcatsusa.com/is/image...5&op_sharpen=1

http://assets.charmingshoppes.com/is...id=290&hei=377

http://www.forever21.com/images/Seas....jpg?8/12/2010

But this is definitely my fave, it looks ridiculously flattering for several body types:
http://static0.modcloth.com/products...9fbd5d8515942f

OP, you may also want to double check to see whether wearing black to Pref is recommended or discouraged at your school- that'll narrow your choices down substantially. That info may be on the Panhellenic website, or you can try calling the Greek Life office.

http://media.redcatsusa.com/is/image...5&op_sharpen=1

WANT.

I'm a size 14-18 (depending on store/cut/what have you), and I'm in LOVE with Faith21. My pref night dress is from there -- though I'm active. I'm really liking the ModCloth picks, but watch the price. Some of the nicest ones there can get kind of pricey, and it's always a shame to spend hundreds or so on a dress you won't fit into in a few months. My pref dress from last year was expensive, and now it's waaay too big. Hopefully I'll never wear it again! ;]

It'll be fine, she is trying to think outside the box.

If anyone DOES want to make their own dress, I'd suggest checking finances first to make sure you're able to buy a back up dress. You need to do this in case what you make doesn't work out. You don't want to be left scrambling and stressing at the last minute. Buy one that will be appropriate for pref and other occasions so that if your creation works do work out it won't be a waste, or be sure to keep the tags on. (If I know I might take an item back I keep the tags on and put the garment and the receipt in the bag, then put it where I will not forget it. Keep track of how many days you have to return it.)

Also about Modcloth...I buy a LOT from there and love it, but read reviews before purchase, check the fabric the item is made of, and take your measurements before ordering. Because they use so many different designers it can all vary a lot. I've bought items that were amazing and I couldn't believe they were only $50 (good for what I was buying), but I've also paid $50 for items that were worth $20 and had to send them back, disappointed.

(Side note, though, they offer free returns/exchanges, so if you give yourself enough time to get a different size, no big.)

I'm not all that creative, unfortunately, but I'm sure someone out there is! I'll have to stick to buying my dresses for now. I can crochet a little bit but something tells me a crocheted dress might not be the impression one wants to make at pref. :p

You've picked out some really cute stuff so far and you're going to make a great impression at pref. :)

Hmm...I'll have to check on that. I didn't see much info on the Panhellenic site, so I will try to give the Greek Life office a call.

I think many of the Modcloth and Macy's suggestions are terrific, but some of the Torrid choices would be a mistake. I think that strapless in general, and tube-style in particular, do not work on well-endowed girls, plus size or no. It's just impossible to look tasteful and restrained with DD's doing their own thing. Support is your friend.

If you're going for a sexy-siren look, that's a different story, but at pref, you won't be.
________
MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD

No matter how awesome your dress is, appropriate underwear is key. Bras are such a pain but they make a world of difference on how things fit. Don't be afraid to get things tailored either.

yeah, Torrid's whole MO is "big girls can be sexy too." True of course, but not where you want to be for rush. Although the 2 black & white dresses from there in the links would be OK if they fit correctly.

Torrid is another NSFP for me...there's a reason that it's only one letter away from Horrid.

If you find the right thing, it's totally fine. Depending on places like Torrid or Forever21 isn't gonna fly, though. Sometimes they'll have a few items that would be ok, and sometimes it's hoochie city.

I've been searching around and clicking links that have been posted, and I was curious if the following would work for Rush?

This?

Or this?

Looks spot on to me...just give yourself enough time to have the dress shipped and then exchanged if the size is off.

The first one might be a little low cut depending on how big your boobs are, but you could fix that with a cami.

I wear a plus size sz. 16 or 18 (depends on the designer or style) and I have to say I find the clothes at Torrid to be a little bit on the 'questionable' side, but maybe that's because I'm a bit older. You can find some wonderful dresses at Dillard's and Belk this time of year at GREAT prices.