Great Formal Dresses and Where to Find Them

A friend of mine recently contacted me for advice on where to find a good dress for a formal occasion. It occurred to me that although I blogged not long ago on where to find gown similar to celebrities' red carpet looks, there are lots of wonderful, beautiful, flattering-for-many-figure-type gowns available at many retail stores! So if you are in need of an elegant dress for a formal occasion, here are some reasonably-priced gowns that are available at stores throughout the United States. 

Macy's

I love Macy's for formal dresses, not only because they usually have an excellent selection, but because when I get to the register, 90% of the time I get a discount or sale I wasn't aware of. Here are some lovely looks that are currently available in their stores - and why I love each one. 

I love this Betsy & Adam Tiered Ruffles Scuba Crepe Gown (available in red, black, or navy for $259) because it's form-fitting without being too clingy, the ruffles give a nice line without being too voluminous, and the high neckline and angled shoulders are flattering to lots of figures. It skims the body without being tight, which is a boon to those of us who rely on shapewear for a smooth silhouette. The ruffled slit calls attention to legs rather than likely problem areas like that little "mom pooch" that so many of us in our 40s and 50s are dealing with. And the red is such a great color, but the black and navy are fabulous basics that can be dressed up with a colorful bag, wrap, or shoes. 

This Off-the-Shoulder Metallic Knit Gown by XSCAPE ($269) has a lovely gathered waist detail that is flattering to many figures. The neckline is lovely but sturdy, and the color is a step above basic black but still a wonderful neutral that can be popped up with a colorful bag or wrap, and I love the little hint of a train at the back. This is the updated version of an LBD. 

Does anyone remember Halle Berry's amazing Oscar dress from 2002? This Betsy & Adam Embellished Chiffon Illusion Dress ($269) is the version of that look that works for mere mortals like you and I. I love the deep burgundy color, the halter neckline, and the wonderful metallic gold detailing on the bodice. Most of us can't pull off a sheer bodice, but this look works. 

If bare shoulders aren't your thing, consider this wonderful Adrianna Papell Embellished Godet-Insert Gown ($249) with its fun 1920s art deco vibe. Fitted almost to the knee with a flared skirt, it moves beautifully and is available in marble taupe (shown) or "blush multi," both with metallic detailing. Gorgeous and comfortable. 

Lord & Taylor

I tend to think of L&T as stodgy and expensive, but they are definitely not stodgy, and although they may be a bit more pricey than some of the other stores listed here, there are definitely some affordable options. Here are some of my favorites:

If you like a little more coverage, this Long Sleeve Empire Waist Sequin Gown by Mac Duggal ($498), available in amethyst (shown) or bronze features full sleeves, a plunging neckline, and a long, slim silhouette. Lovely!

Bias-cut satin is flattering on every figure (when properly fitted, of course), and that is absolutely true for this deep green Spring & Mercer Long Satin Dress ($128) with angled hem, knee-length slit, puffed sleeves, and angled seaming. Also available in classic black. 

I love metallic gold dresses, and I love surplice dresses, so this Mac Duggal Column Gown  ($398) is a double winner. With long sleeves and a straight skirt, it's not too clingy or revealing, but the deep v-shaped neckline is sexy on any figure, and the narrow belt slims the waist. 

Lady Black Tie

Lady Black Tie is a store that is local to me, but you can order online. They're known for prom dresses, but they also carry formalwear for more mature women as well. Here is a sample of what they carry:

This elegant Kinsley Gown ($169) is available in a rainbow of colors, making it perfect as  a bridesmaid gown, but it's also flattering on all figure types, with its empire waist and full skirt, so it's a good basic formal piece for many types of occasions. 

Much like the gold Mac Duggal gown above, this Moscow Gown in gold ($199) features a wrapped waist, covered shoulders, and a deep slit to highlight your best assets. 

I love so many details about this Noelle Gown ($189), including the diagonal wrap across the hips, the ruching at the back, and the graceful flare of the skirt at the back. The silhouette is clinging but has plenty of camouflage and forgiveness for problem areas. It's also available in an array of colors.

Nordstrom

Similar to L&T, I usually expect Nordstrom's prices to be higher than they are. They're certainly not cheap, but their clothing is excellent quality at a reasonable price. Nordstrom also seems to offer more options for mature shoppers, not just teens going to the prom. 

Like the Noelle Gown above, this Alex Evenings Embellished Chiffon Gown ($249) in violet or deep navy has gathering to one hip and ruching at the back, but a little less cling and a lovely sheer spangled overlay with three-quarter sleeves, for added coverage that doesn't look matronly.

 

If you don't mind bare shoulders but have a bit of a tummy, this Imogen Twist Halter Charmeuse Trumpet Gown ($231) is perfect for you. The bias cut of the fabric creates a soft, figure-skimming line, and the tail of the halter ties drape gracefully down the back. Simple but elegant, and available in evergreen, midnight, cabernet (shown), and toasted sugar. 

 

Standing out from a sea of draped, clinging styles, this Morgan & Co. Metallic Brocade Ballgown ($159) has a sweet, vintage silhouette with its most structured skirt, but the strappy, open back gives it a contemporary pop. The brocade has just a hint of lavender in it to add some color. It also has a slightly raised waistline for a bit of tummy concealment. 

If you like the structured fabric of the ballgown but prefer a sleeker silhouette, this elegant Redefine Regal Strapless Floral Jacquard Gown ($88) fits the bill. A hint of wrapping at the waist to bring in the eye, a deep slit to elongate the leg, and fabric with enough body to skim and flatter the figure. The jacquard has just a hint of blush pink to warm the color palette. 

 

A wrap gown is flattering on all figure types, so this Mac Duggal Sequin Long Sleeve Faux Wrap Gown ($398) will look great on almost anyone. The demure long sleeves are balanced by a deep v-neck and super high slit (which can easily be adjusted to your level of comfort). Available in 5 shades to flatter anyone's coloring. 


Kohl's

I usually think of Kohl's for casual dresses, not formal wear, but they have a surprising range of evening dresses.

I love this R&M Richards Rhinestone Waist and Double Slit Gown ($139)! The fabric has just a hint of sparkle, the raised waist and bright rhinestone bands call attention to the narrowest part of your body, and the double slits in the slightly full skirt allow for just a peep of leg. Available in navy (shown) or classic black.

We've been seeing all kinds of capes on the red carpet this season, so if that's your style, check out this R&M Richards Beaded Neck and Attached Cape Sheath Dress ($109).  The bodice gathers in to a rhinestone neckband to create a halter-like effect, but the shoulders are covered by the sheer cape. The front of the dress also drops down to skim the figure, rather than clinging. I love the plum color, shown, but it's also available in navy (although currently in limited sizes).

Sparkly metallics are always in fashion, and this Nightway Striped Sequin Evening Gown ($159) is no exception. I love the diagonal lines of the bodice the draw the eye in at the waist, and the vertical lines of the skirt that elongate the leg. The sparkle of the fabric is all the embellishment needed. 

David's Bridal

Bridal stores tend to be a bit pricier than department stores, but they also carry a wider range of styles for a wider range of ages. And I was pleasantly surprised at the reasonable prices of many of their dresses.

I love the flared skirt of this Beaded Sheath Tank Gown with Godots (usually $349.95 but currently on sale for $107.99). The dress skims the body without clinging and has just enough sparkle without being overdone. 

A-line dresses are another style that's flattering for most figures, so this Metallic Floral A-Line Tank Dress ($180), with both a wrap bodice and an A-line skirt is a sure win. Add in a subtle print and you have a real eye-catching look. 

Another great combo of covered-up and revealing is this Three-Quarter Sleeve Glitter Lace Ruffle Sheath ($199.95). The three-quarter sleeves feel less bare, and the wide v-neck and low angled slit create the illusion of showing more skin than they really do. And the softly draped ruffle running from waist to hem is feminine without being too girlish.

This Glitter Metallic High Neck Cap Sleeve A-Line gown ($199.95) has a more demure bodice without feeling too covered-up, and the full skirt creates a lovely fit-and-flare silhouette. In addition, the sparkly gold is a little toned-down from a true metallic, creating a subtle shine. 

If you want to stand out from the crowd, this Cap Sleeve Satin Ball Gown with Embellished Waist ($269.95) is for you. The vivid "Begonia" colored satin and the narrow rhinestone belt will catch anyone's eye, and the simple v-neck and cap sleeves allow the gorgeous fabric to (literally) shine.

Note: Many of the styles at David's Bridal are available in plus sizes (not just separate matronly "plus size styles"), and they also have many pantsuits with or without jackets for those who want to be dressy but don't like wearing actual dresses. A few examples of both:

 

  

So next time you realize you need a new dress for a formal occasion, here's an idea of where to start looking!