Prom dress/outfit

[CornedBeef451]

Can anyone help find a prom dress or other fancy outfit for teen DD please?

She is just under 4' 11'' tall, about a size 10 at M&S, very hourglass shape with 28E chest. She usually wears baggy t shirts and jeans. Budget under £100 or cheaper preferably as she won't wear it again.

DD has decided she does want to dress up as her friends want to go but neither of us have any idea where to shop. Because of her shape it is very easy for her too look way too "booby", she wants to look dressy but not too grown up.

It needs to have decent straps or short sleeves to hide bra straps. Not too long as she is tiny, also not to short but just above the knee is fine. She doesn't like itchy things so possibly won't tolerate sequins.

I have no idea where to suggest so any ideas will be gratefully received!

I reckon a good seamstress could remove a ruffle or two st the bottom to make it shorter.

thandth.com/collections/outlet/products/camilla-in-roseberry

Thanks everyone!

Feedback from DD so far, we're definitely looking for a pretty frock rather than fancy evening gown.

Nothing vaguely slinky/sexy, based on the face she pulled at some of the suggestions.

No high necks or halters, (feel claustrophobic) conversely nothing too low cut either.

And it turns out the Coast tiered dress that she liked it was mainly the sleeves so I guess nothing sleeveless.

I'm not sure Vinted will work for us as we need to be able to return things easily. It's very hard to find clothes for her as she's so petite with tiny shoulders but big boobs.

I'm the same shape but much fatter and it was always hard to find clothes even when I was slimmer. Too easy to end up looking matronly or way too booby!

Thank you for all the suggestions, we will keep trawling through them.

https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-chiffon-cowl-neck-midi-dress-with-puff-sleeves-and-asymmetric-hem-in-blue/prd/205597183#colourWayId-205597193

Have you tried Pixie Girl?

Go to quiz (most larger malls) to get an idea of shape. Plenty of options on Amazon with free returns too. Choose material with a little give to accommodate sizing but you'll need to either choose a shorter style or get altered because maxi dresses are made for the very tall!

Oxfams in city centres often have a room with bridal and prom, obviously other charity shops too are a possibility. Another option is somewhere like ever pretty online but be aware that their returns are poor to non existent so check sizing charts really carefully (we've had quite a few dresses from there and they punch above their weight compared to price, I choose ones with simple hems and turn up myself)

Chichi London was where dd got her leavers ball dress from I think

I used to live in Oxford, the charity shops would save the 'posh frocks' for ball season and I got a couple of bargains.

I don't know if it is the same now but charity shops in posh places often have bargains.

Would she consider a skirt and top? She doesn't need to have any belly on show.

I'm thinking a sparkly top and a skirt, skirts are dead easy to make.
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fhips.hearstapps.com%2Fhmg-prod%2Fimages%2F17-index-twopieceprom-1549643460.jpg%3Fcrop%3D1.00xw%3A1.00xh%3B0%2C0%26resize%3D640%3A*&tbnid=eS1P6lYCvQTcwM&vet=12ahUKEwjhlPGiz9yEAxVNUqQEHSH_B-8QMyg1egUIARD7Aw..i&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.seventeen.com%2Fprom%2Fg1344%2Ftwo-piece-prom-dresses%2F&docid=LYSqFFRN7tQ8CM&w=640&h=320&q=two%20piece%20prom%20dresses&ved=2ahUKEwjhlPGiz9yEAxVNUqQEHSH_B-8QMyg1egUIARD7Aw

A top like this https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.motelrocks.com%2Fcdn%2Fshop%2Ffiles%2FERIKA-TOP-GAUZY-SEQUIN-SILVER-_13.jpg%3Fcrop%3Dcenter%26height%3D2428%26v%3D1697708296%26width%3D1920&tbnid=-PeVyB8HJWhWUM&vet=12ahUKEwiRpJngz9yEAxU2dqQEHX0kD50QMygDegUIARD7AQ..i&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.motelrocks.com%2Fproducts%2Ferika-low-back-sequin-top-silver-4&docid=pIlB2PD11mzCyM&w=1920&h=2428&q=sparkly%20top&ved=2ahUKEwiRpJngz9yEAxU2dqQEHX0kD50QMygDegUIARD7AQ

JJs house have a great selection of dresses. I've had a few from here and they've been great quality. Some even come with build in bras.

https://www.jjshouse.com/a-line-scoop-asymmetrical-chiffon-lace-cocktail-dress-016297441-g297441?filterColor=slate_blue&_gl=1%2Aqthg33%2A_up%2AMQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrqvbr_vchAMVlmYdCR326AUUEAEYASABEgLFPfD_BwE&pos=nav-wedding-guest-wedding-guest-dresses-cocktail-dresses#/

https://www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/dresses/midi-dresses/feverfish/exclusive-bardot-off-shoulder-frill-midi-dress-dark-green

Maybe something like this, I have a similar one from here and its good quality

https://www.boohoo.com/petite-angel-sleeve-wrap-bridesmaid-dress/GZZ48895-107-18.html?srsltid=AfmBOooJVjt5vztmVQtbgCHjatlmtRo3kaoNcP-vWT2OwKB9EkoOsNdyyIo

Have a look at Quiz - they do dressy dresses suitable for teens.
Be careful of sizing in some prom dress shops - lots are American sized so 2 = UK 6, 4 = UK 8, 6 = Uk 10.

https://www.little-mistress.com/collections/maxi-dresses/products/waterlily-knot-detail-maxi-bridesmaid-dress

https://www.chichiclothing.com/products/petite-bardot-premium-lace-peplum-midi-dress-in-blue

https://www.chichiclothing.com/products/chi-chi-bryanna-dress

https://www.chichiclothing.com/products/v-neck-embroidered-lace-midi-dress-in-blue

At least your DD will look at dresses mine won't.

I've been looking for Jumpsuits, which is fine except she probably only a size 4.

**Nothing vaguely slinky/sexy, based on the face she pulled at some of the suggestions.

No high necks or halters, (feel claustrophobic) conversely nothing too low cut either.

And it turns out the Coast tiered dress that she liked it was mainly the sleeves so I guess nothing sleeveless.**

Given your criteria, how about the Roman Originals Petite Chiffon Cape Midi Dress, in bright pink or navy?

There's also the Petite Textured Spot Twist Front Midi Dress, in light pink or navy.

I know that perhaps Roman might not be generally aimed at the prom market but dresses can be dressed up.

Try shein and light in the box just unfortunately online but also good can get adjusted when it comes but would have bought it fir cheaper.

Sometimes also if you lived in London the nest place is Fisbury Park would get them for cheaper and able to try them out. But l think online and then adjust accordingly.adjustent costs but so long as the dress is cheaper then can do so.

@CornedBeef451
I saw that she mainly liked the sleeves of the Coast dress. Those are “flutter sleeves.” So, for example, here’s a simple occasions dress from next with those same sleeves, that’s only £63, midi so would be okay for her being petite, and should be fine for her wearing a bra and not being too “booby.” But you can also Google “petite dresses with flutter sleeves” and see what you find.

https://www.nextdirect.com/ch/en/style/LS264105/Q45185#Q45185

With a larger bust, I’d be advising your dd to look at clothes with Lycra in them. It looks as though she feels more comfortable wearing slightly more conservative clothing.

Only the lipsy link comes in a petite. However, I wear these brands and am definitely a petite on top (will buy petite dresses if long enough) and they are fine for me…

I know I’m not giving her dresses she says she will wear. But these are dresses she could wear. The Adrianna Papell dresses are heavy fabrics, higher cut. Fully lined. Designed for real bodies.

The shapes I’ve chosen are good for large busts and work for narrower shoulders.

I have this dress. It has sticky stuff at the top to stop it from riding down, plus the sleeves keep it up. They don’t have a 10 but Adrianna Papell dresses are very generous fit (I sized down in comparison to M&S) and they have a lot of stretch. Also comes in pink in size 8.

https://www.debenhams.com/product/adrianna-papell-crepe-tiered-sleeve-gown_p-62d19f28-39a6-4cca-9808-555884d5b0be?colour=Blue

This one comes in a 10 if you want a comparison. Again lined, Lycra, will have the sticky top.

https://www.debenhams.com/product/aidan-by-adrianna-papell-stretch-crepe-popover-gown_p-ccf4744a-eb13-4b05-b709-db411abb1dae?colour=Blue

This one is less structured, not lined but has an asymmetric line, which is great for larger busts.

https://www.next.co.uk/style/ls375739/k30148#k30148

If your dd won’t look at them, have a look at Jolie Moi. A lot of their dresses have Lycra in them. This for example is more conservative but I think your dd may be hot in it with the long sleeves. But it’s just an example. Several retailers stock JM including silk Fred.

https://joliemoi.co.uk/products/wrap-sparkly-maxi-bodycon-dress-2?_pos=12&_sid=dc01419f0&_ss=r

Thanks everyone. We both currently have covid so the search will continue in a few days.

I really appreciate your help, I'm rubbish with clothes and DD is generally uninterested.

A recent need for jeans took 2 months and multiple online orders and shop visits due to size/shape and textural issues. I'm glad we have a while to sort out a dress!

Thanks again.

Second vote here for JJs House. We ordered around four dresses for my DD and she picked one and returned the others. They were lovely quality. Around £100 each but you don't have to pay for all up front. Think we paid around £15 to try them and then just paid for the one we wanted to keep. Good luck!

Thanks for all the help everyone. DD has decided on this wrap dress from Boohoo.

Obviously it needs turning up by approximately a foot but in good news it means the high thigh slit we were worried about being too revealing actually starts below her knee and so only shows a daring bit of lower calf and ankle.

Next question, she would like some sort of belt for security and waist definition, possibly in a contrasting fabric.

Anyone got any suggestions?

Thank you again for helping a very non girly mom!

Lovely dress.

I think a gold or a glittery belt would look good. I also suggest she has a safety pin in her bag in case the top gapes more than she would like.

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fd2j6dbq0eux0bg.cloudfront.net%2Fimages%2F87947269%2F3985594371.jpg&tbnid=uO9i8WGnzSR3nM&vet=10CEkQ94IIKIMBahcKEwjgrq7FtbSGAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAg..i&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kaftancouture.co.uk%2Fproduct%2FGold-Moroccan-Belt-with-colourful-Stones&docid=uB0HqlJJQK2sUM&w=1125&h=1500&q=belt%20gold&ved=0CEkQ94IIKIMBahcKEwjgrq7FtbSGAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAg

Maybe a narrow obi belt. This one comes in 2 inches wide.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1175643552/light-gold-suede-leather-obi-belt?clickkey=556d9de634279370b61b000fb0a865be230470bf%3A1175643552&clicksum=2df29772&ref=market_rv-3&pro=1&sts=1

Or Grecian style in the champagne.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/465358463/womens-gold-elastic-grecian-leaf-waist?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=grecian+belt&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&frs=1&content_source=0c43ad2806e97a00d71fea73eb02ea381283a340%253A465358463&organic_search_click=1&variation1=567873357&variation0=2797839170

Nothing too wide as your dd petite and wide belts accentuate breasts.

I agree with Sashh about the safety pin. I’d pop one on before your dd goes out.