That Zara dress is going to make most American 36 year olds that have had children look like a whale.

I would look for a dress that skims your shape and has a defined waist. The fabric should have some structure, like a nice woven wool or a wool ponte. I would look for something sleeveless, with a round neckline, *maybe* some detail around the neck or waist or hem, and the skirt of the dress should be a slim cut.

Sleeveless gives you the opportunity to layer under or over the dress and easily change up the look. Keeping the dress simple gives you options for dressing it up or down with jewellery/shoes/ect.

Anonymous wrote:This is a solid LBD.

https://www.zara.com/us/en/zw-collection-limited-edition-short-pocket-dress-p09216085.html?v1=485791304&v2=2420896

For hosting a party, I'd wear it with tall, slim boots . . .

https://donaldpliner.com/products/foxisu-tall-shaft-boot?s7ic=cde75c3c0195&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22422461704&gbraid=0AAAAAD5GOkq_3BjY57Atl1hRNMwSh0gGu&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8K7hv-uzkAMVqV1HAR2_PQprEAQYBiABEgKFhvD_BwE


and patterned tights . . .

https://www.sezane.com/us-en/product/tights/black-fancy-flowers-ultra-sheer#size-S

NP here. Can I hire you as my personal stylist ? You nailed this look!

Anonymous wrote:https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/black-halo-kenna-micro-mini-dress?ID=5695006&CategoryID=1166660#PRODUCT_DEPARTMENT,PAGEINDEX/Dresses,2

This is the first one I've thought was actually HOT.

There are some cute dresses on here, but I am surprised they are being suggested for OP to host dinner for friends at her home - I wouldn’t even wear most to go out to dinner with friends bc they seem more like party dresses to me.

https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/black-halo-kenna-micro-mini-dress?ID=5695006&CategoryID=1166660#PRODUCT_DEPARTMENT,PAGEINDEX/Dresses,2

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a solid LBD.

https://www.zara.com/us/en/zw-collection-limited-edition-short-pocket-dress-p09216085.html?v1=485791304&v2=2420896

For hosting a party, I'd wear it with tall, slim boots . . .

https://donaldpliner.com/products/foxisu-tall-shaft-boot?s7ic=cde75c3c0195&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22422461704&gbraid=0AAAAAD5GOkq_3BjY57Atl1hRNMwSh0gGu&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8K7hv-uzkAMVqV1HAR2_PQprEAQYBiABEgKFhvD_BwE


and patterned tights . . .

https://www.sezane.com/us-en/product/tights/black-fancy-flowers-ultra-sheer#size-S

I’m not a fan of this shapeless shift style - it usually isn’t flattering unless you have a tall, thin model’s figure. (also to nitpick this particular style, the shoulders look weird)

This would not flatter someone with a large bust, as OP says she has, because to be large enough to fit the bust, the rest would hang out like a tent.

OP- yes, that’s cute for someone else but on me, no way. I ordered the tuckernuck one in L and hope it fits!

Anonymous wrote:This is a solid LBD.

https://www.zara.com/us/en/zw-collection-limited-edition-short-pocket-dress-p09216085.html?v1=485791304&v2=2420896

For hosting a party, I'd wear it with tall, slim boots . . .

https://donaldpliner.com/products/foxisu-tall-shaft-boot?s7ic=cde75c3c0195&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22422461704&gbraid=0AAAAAD5GOkq_3BjY57Atl1hRNMwSh0gGu&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8K7hv-uzkAMVqV1HAR2_PQprEAQYBiABEgKFhvD_BwE


and patterned tights . . .

https://www.sezane.com/us-en/product/tights/black-fancy-flowers-ultra-sheer#size-S

I’m not a fan of this shapeless shift style - it usually isn’t flattering unless you have a tall, thin model’s figure. (also to nitpick this particular style, the shoulders look weird)

This would not flatter someone with a large bust, as OP says she has, because to be large enough to fit the bust, the rest would hang out like a tent.

Anonymous wrote:Why no deep V? If you got ‘em flaunt ‘em! BTW, what size are your brea$t$?

32J. I have fairly narrow shoulders/ribcage, so it’s a lot. I don’t wanna lean over a food tray and have some indecent exposure! But also, can’t do shirt dresses or things without a defined waist, bc buttons always popping/gapping and I look like I weigh a whole lot more than I do in shift dresses. It’s a pain to be size 10 in shirts and size 2-4 in pants/skirts.

Why no deep V? If you got ‘em flaunt ‘em! BTW, what size are your brea$t$?