I need a dress for a panel discussion
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Anonymous
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I'm speaking on a panel next month. I don't need to be in business attire, but more dressy than my more casual office attire. i'd like a dress that I can add to my spring summer wardrobe and get use of beyond this event. I'm 5'3" 150 lbs. Thanks to stress and perimenopause I have gained stomach weight. Typically a size 10 petite and need flare or a-line styles to hide the belly. Knee length or midi? Ann Taylor was once my go-to, but I find their quality has declined a lot.
Any go-to petite recos? I know in-store selections are more limited and I will likely need to find something online. Would like to stick to the $200 range (give or take) |
Anonymous
| Talbot’s |
Anonymous
| I’d also see you the dress looks when you’re sitting down. Ive seen women’s pencil skirts and sheaths ride up a bit and felt uncomfortable on their behalf. |
Anonymous
| How old are you? |
Anonymous
Anonymous
I'm 50 |
Anonymous
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I would go midi or longer, in case there's no skirt on the table. Last thing you need to be thinking about is whether you're accidentally revealing more than you intended.
Boden, of all places, has a nice selection of midi-length petite dresses. I don't think those jersey ones would work for a panel but something like this could, I think: if you don't mind sleeveless - bring a jacket or cardigan in case it's freezing in the room: https://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/amy-sleeveless-shirt-dress-mayfly-mosaic-bloom/sty-d0964-sag long sleeves: https://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/jen-cotton-midi-dress-ming-green-peony-sprig/sty-d0871-grn I don't know what field you're in/if these are dressy enough. But they'd be great in my field and I think they look pretty. I don't own any so can't speak to how they hold up in real life - have just been admiring online. Banana often has petite dresses, too. |
Anonymous
I forget Talbot's exists, but yes this seems good for this. They have a number of dresses that aren't suit dresses, but could be dressed up/down as needed for this type of event and beyond. |
Anonymous
^ by those jersey ones I mean the flippy little jersey dresses that Boden has so many of. They also have some more substantial dresses, like the ones I posted, that I think would be perfect for a petite person on a panel. I'd otherwise wear pants and a top. Or a midi skirt and top. Nothing short. |
Anonymous
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White House Black Market's Aura sculpting line is supposed to be great for added support and structure in a dress, while minimizing imperfections, they also have petites -
https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/search?searchTerm=aura%20sculpting&irclickid=QVJyXTQwvxyPW8QWdT0U30gBUkHReN0IeWoCUQ0&irgwc=1&AID=1390208&PID=116548&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=LTK&utm_campaign=Impact&utm_term=116548 |
Anonymous
Anonymous
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Is it a seated panel? If so, I would consider pants. You’ll be so much more comfortable. A dress is great for standing at a podium but much harder to pull of sitting down, especially if you’re larger.
Simple pants and a jacket like this one is what I would go for, personally. https://veronicabeard.com/products/darla-tweed-jacket-blue-multi https://www.anntaylor.com/clothing/jackets-and-blazers/cata000017/835042.html https://www.talbots.com/breckenridge-tweed-jacket/P234019515.html |
Anonymous
Anonymous
heh they also look like you're going to a bridal shower, not speaking on a professional panel. the jumpsuit could work tho. |
Anonymous
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Agree with all the suggestions regarding figuring out the seating/standing arrangement and thinking about how you will sit.
And now, some potential dresses (all in Petites): https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/product/short-sleeve-matte-jersey-ruched-tie-front-midi-dress/570364210 https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/product/long-sleeve-utility-shirt-dress/570361226 And I think this skirt could be super versatile: https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/product/pleated-ombre-midi-skirt/570357919 |