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?