Where to buy dresses?

[mrsbornkuntry]

Where is a good place to buy a dress? My husband's regiment is having a "dining out" next month and he has to go, but I don't even own a dress! I'm really a jeans and t-shirt person. I don't even know where to start. I know I want something about knee length, fairly conservative, and not too formal, I'm pretty small, 5'3". I'd like to stay under $160 if possible, is that reasonable? I'm mostly looking online because my husband isn't here right now and I don't want to take 5 kids shopping.

 

[Tinkerbelle32]

I think I would try JC Penny. They have good prices and lots of beautiful holiday outfits. If you don't like dresses try a nice pantsuit. Some suits out around the holidays are quite elegant(velvet, sequin, etc.) Good Luck!

 

[kc10family]

I would try Macy’s, JC Penny’s, and Nordstrom’s, Sears or a bridal shop. Check the clearance racks in the stores, you can usually find something nice in them. Also you should try to get a dress that complements his uniform. I know you don’t want to take 5 kids to the stores, but all dresses fit different. I am 5’2” and can wear anything between a size 6 to 10 depending on the dress maker. Make the time to shop, not all in one day. You can buy a dress and if you don’t wear it and leave the tags on usually take it back. Check with the clerks in the stores about returns.
I have been to many military formals and I usually come home with 5-6 dresses and let my DH pick the one he likes, then I return the other dresses (not the next day, it takes time to get back to the stores). Best of luck!! Have a great time at the Dining Out, it will be so much fun. Oh… and READ THE RULE OF THE MESS! Other wise you could end up with you DH at the “GROG BOWEL” (usually a toilet with a mix of alcohol and stuff in it). If it’s anything like the Air Force Dining Outs, you’ll have a wonderful time. Let us know how it goes. And if you have any questions PM me.

 

[crisi]

Consignment is often great for this sort of thing. If you have a second hand store near you - occation dresses are often worn once or twice and sold.

 

[Lyn5]

Do you have any family or friends that are your size? If you need a dress for only one night, it might be easier to borrow it from a relative.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

Thank-you for all of the replies already! I don't have anyone I can borrow from, but I'll try to check our local thrift shop and the other stores mentioned, we have most of the in our mall. I know I really need to go out shopping so I can try them on, but I don't know if that's going to happen with DH gone. I mentioned a pantsuit to DH a couple days ago (I may even have one in my closet), but although I think it's fine, DH said he thinks it's inappropriate and wants me to wear a dress I guess it won't kill me, at least it gives me an excuse to shop for myself

 

[ErinC]

I got my formal for our cruise at a Ross store nearby. They have great prices, I think I paid, $22 for a ankle lenth black dress, and I was very happy with it. you might also try Chadwicks online, they usually have some good bargains and they have petites too. Good luck!

 

[jeepgirl30]

Check on ebay too. I bought some nice formals for a cruise on ebay.

 

[canwegosoon]

I find the best bargains at Macy's.

 

[KarenAylwood]

I find the best bargains at Macy's.

Ditto!! I've gotten a bunch of formal/dressy dresses at Macy's for incredible prices. You just have to dig through the sale racks.

JC Penney's is another good one as others have mentioned. Goodluck!

 

[NoelGypsy]

I just got an email from Fashion Bug (www.fashionbug.com) for $10.00 off of Dresses... the code is 776143406 and it is good until Nov 10th.
They have some really nice dresses.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I like Chadwick's! They have a wide range of styles and are reasonably priced.

I hope you find something you like and will use again! It's no fun buying a one use dress! Good luck and have fun!!

http://www.chadwicks.com/chadwicks/...rent_id=50&view_all=1&sparent_id=&rootdept=1&

ETA- They often have discount codes too. Just type in "Chadwicks discount or promotional code" in a metasearch engine, you'll probably get some sort of discount.