Help me figure out what to wear to this wedding

[ESF]

SIL is getting married in Hawaii next month.  It's not actually on the beach, but in a garden area that abuts a beach.  It's Hawaii, so something not too fancy or black is ideal.

Question 1.  Here is a dress that I just bought.  Mine is in navy blue, which is very much not a color I think when I think "Hawaii beach wedding."  

Here's the style --

www1.macys.com/shop/product/calvin-klein-sleeveless-belted-dress?ID=1585955&CategoryID=5449&LinkType=#fn=BRAND%3DCalvin%20Klein%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D78%26ruleId%3D%26slotId%3D

This lovely color was not in my size in the store. The belt that came with mine is cream, though I guess it could be changed.


So how would you style this navy dress for a Hawaiian beach wedding? Can it be done?  

I'm not really a preppy person, so I'd rather not try to go nautical with it.  


If that dress is not salvageable for this occasion, please help me.  @smorriso!!!!!

I am a store 14W or 16 or 18 or XL or XXL, depending on the store.  As nearly every store in America does not either carry these sizes, or does not stock them in the actual store, it's been a giant pain in the ass to actually try things on.

So far, I have been to the following stores to find a dress:

Ann Taylor
Loft
Ann Taylor Factory Outlet
Nordstroms Rack
Macy's
Banana Republic
Talbots
Dress Barn
Avenue
Lane Bryant

As well as done investigating online.   Yesterday, I called the fancy, giant, two-building Macy's to ask about what they had in stock, and was told tons.  Today, I drove all the way out there, only to discover that I was "misinformed" and that they don't have any dresses larger than a 16 in the store, save for a couple casual dresses in Women's sizes.

So I'm really fucking sick of spending my weekends in the stores only to continually be disappointed.

But on the other hand, I don't have enough time to take a chance that the one I order is going to fit and look good, so I feel like if I go online, I'm going to need to order a dozen+ dresses in the hopes that one works.  I can't rely on any size charts or anything.  The above dress is a size 16 Calvin Klein. But I tried on a Calvin Klein dress at Dress Barn last week in a size 16 that was way too tight.  So it's just a crap shoot.

Ugh.

Help please.

[debatethis]

Have you tried Eshakti, Modcloth or Rent the Runway? I don't know that I'd spend $165 for a rental but this dress would be great for a wedding: www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/badgleymischka_dresses/utopiamaxi

[ESF]

I just went through my jewelry to see what I have. Here are the pieces that seem beachy. Maybe something here will work with it?

I have gold wedges but no other appropriate footwear for this kind of occassion. I'm not opposed to buying new stuff, especially since the dress was only $38.

[Deleted]

Coral accessories and a nude shoe

[darnkatz]

I've had my eye on some dresses from ModCloth that I think would work for a wedding. Not sure if they are your style or not.

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[ESF]

Sept 1, 2014 15:40:20 GMT -5 debatethis said:

Have you tried Eshakti, Modcloth or Rent the Runway? I don't know that I'd spend $165 for a rental but this dress would be great for a wedding: www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/badgleymischka_dresses/utopiamaxi

RTR won't work because I will be traveling for the wedding, and the timing on the front and back end is tricky. Plus, given how irregular sizing is at my range, I don't want to chance having nothing at all.

I have heard that eshakti is unpredictable? Like sometimes the dresses are of poor quality and fit? And doesn't it take weeks for orders?

I always forget about Modcloth, because I don't like retro styles. But I will check it out! Anyone know how the fit is?

[Deleted]

I really like the original dress though. And I'd think you'd get better mileage out of accessory shopping than possibly finding a new dress that may very well need new accessories as well.

I've also seen navy paired with white, with yellow, with red, or with mint and look fabulous for summer.

[ESF]

Sept 1, 2014 15:48:01 GMT -5 @helenabonhamcarter said:

I really like the original dress though. And I'd think you'd get better mileage out of accessory shopping than possibly finding a new dress that may very well need new accessories as well.

I've also seen navy paired with white, with yellow, with red, or with mint and look fabulous for summer.

Yeah, this is what I'm thinking.

I had visions of an adorable turquoise shift, but I apparently should have thought about this in the spring. It just doesn't feel like a fun dress, but it is probably a good lesson in what you were saying the other day -- sometimes, you have to go with what looks best instead of what you love on a hangar. I just don't want to look too New England yacht club.

I really like your coral suggestion. Would you keep the cream belt with nude sandals? Or some other belt?

[MixedBerryJam]

Hat dress in the color shown would be perfect, but I think navy could work, too. How about some shell jewelry. I dont know if you have time to order from etsy but I searched there and found a ton of possibilities - shells, coral, or sea glass. A statement necklace of ay of them would really beachify the navy blue. That dress looks really comfy, too.

[Deleted]

Sept 1, 2014 16:01:33 GMT -5 ESF said:

Sept 1, 2014 15:48:01 GMT -5 @helenabonhamcarter said:

I really like the original dress though. And I'd think you'd get better mileage out of accessory shopping than possibly finding a new dress that may very well need new accessories as well.

I've also seen navy paired with white, with yellow, with red, or with mint and look fabulous for summer.

Yeah, this is what I'm thinking.

I had visions of an adorable turquoise shift, but I apparently should have thought about this in the spring. It just doesn't feel like a fun dress, but it is probably a good lesson in what you were saying the other day -- sometimes, you have to go with what looks best instead of what you love on a hangar. I just don't want to look too New England yacht club.

I really like your coral suggestion. Would you keep the cream belt with nude sandals? Or some other belt?

I'd do a coral belt if you can find one. Otherwise, the cream would be cute.

[Deleted]

If the dress looks good on you, go for it. Coral accessories would be cute.

[scout8]

I think that dress is really cute. As long as you do colorful accessories, I think it is perfect for a Hawaii wedding. I like the coral idea, but think aqua looks really pretty with navy as well.

[LoveTrains]

Sept 1, 2014 16:01:33 GMT -5 ESF said:

Sept 1, 2014 15:48:01 GMT -5 @helenabonhamcarter said:

I really like the original dress though. And I'd think you'd get better mileage out of accessory shopping than possibly finding a new dress that may very well need new accessories as well.

I've also seen navy paired with white, with yellow, with red, or with mint and look fabulous for summer.

Yeah, this is what I'm thinking.

I had visions of an adorable turquoise shift, but I apparently should have thought about this in the spring. It just doesn't feel like a fun dress, but it is probably a good lesson in what you were saying the other day -- sometimes, you have to go with what looks best instead of what you love on a hangar. I just don't want to look too New England yacht club.

I really like your coral suggestion. Would you keep the cream belt with nude sandals? Or some other belt?

I was at a wedding this weekend where they had to stop and take a yacht club photo. The most amazing part of it was the older gentleman wearing pink seer sucker pants with navy whales embroidered on them. 

I don't think you will look like that.

[mominatrix]

Could you obtain a white / cream floral Lei that would be smaller / more elegant than your basic tourist version? Like, see if you can get something made by a local florist...

It might be a bit much, but with a simple dress, it might also be stunning.

[Deleted]

Did you look at Dress Barn, either in store or online. It's nice because it has regular sizes to 16 and most things also come in plus size.

Not a shift, but cute
m.dressbarn.com/mt/www.dressbarn.com/detail/plus-size-pleated-fit-and-flare-dress/101855200/802

The navy is nice, but I think it would be pretty tough to Hawaii it up.

[sparrowsong]

I think the dress would be fine. I would do some cute flat sandals, cute earrings and bracelet, and either a fake or real flower accessory for your hair.

[Deleted]

Please remember that it is officially September. If you try going into the store to find a summer dress, the pickings will be slim, will all be on the clearance rack, and thus, all of the good sizes will be gone.

[ESF]

Sept 1, 2014 18:32:36 GMT -5 @kcpokergal said:

Did you look at Dress Barn, either in store or online. It's nice because it has regular sizes to 16 and most things also come in plus size.

Not a shift, but cute
m.dressbarn.com/mt/www.dressbarn.com/detail/plus-size-pleated-fit-and-flare-dress/101855200/802

The navy is nice, but I think it would be pretty tough to Hawaii it up.

Yes, I went. I had no luck there because a lot of the 16s were too tight all over, but the 14Ws were often too wide in the middle and shoulders. I didn't love anything enough to want to pay more for alterations.

I don't think I actually tried on any fit and flare dresses. I can't remember why. The colors in stock were either not good IRL, or they didn't have the right size.

[Deleted]

What about this dress? They have the tomato color in your size:)

www.landsend.com/products/womens-sleeveless-ponte-sheath-dress-with-pockets/id_269765

[Deleted]

This is nice in the pink or coral

www.landsend.com/products/womens-sleeveless-pattern-cotton-modal-fit-and-flare-dress/id_237136?sku_0=::VB2

[ESF]

Earrings?

www.baublebar.com/coral-polynesia-drops-earrings.html

I've got $24 in points that to use there so I can get them for $12. With gold wedges, and cream or coral belt? Maybe a couple gold bangles. Yes?

I can't wear a necklace with the dress. It's got a keyhole opening at the top. And that's latched with a metallic clasp, so I just tried a few necklaces with it, and they looked really weird.

[kimibrighteyes]

Have you tried Igigi - they do plus size starting at size 12. I have a couple of their dresses and they are very flattering and fit well in my opinion.

the sale dresses are another 50% off until tomorrow.




I have this dress and it would be great for Hawaii, but it is regular price

[ESF]

Sept 1, 2014 18:59:52 GMT -5 @kcpokergal said:

What about this dress? They have the tomato color in your size:)

www.landsend.com/products/womens-sleeveless-ponte-sheath-dress-with-pockets/id_269765

The tomato color is not going to be good on me, but I do like the full priced cinnabar. I may be adding that to my fall clothing wish list.

[ESF]

Sept 1, 2014 19:02:16 GMT -5 kimibrighteyes said:

Have you tried Igigi - they do plus size starting at size 12. I have a couple of their dresses and they are very flattering and fit well in my opinion.

the sale dresses are another 50% off until tomorrow.




I have this dress and it would be great for Hawaii, but it is regular price

I've never heard of this company, but will check them out!

[Deleted]

Sept 1, 2014 19:01:13 GMT -5 ESF said:

Earrings?

www.baublebar.com/coral-polynesia-drops-earrings.html

I've got $24 in points that to use there so I can get them for $12. With gold wedges, and cream or coral belt? Maybe a couple gold bangles. Yes?

I can't wear a necklace with the dress. It's got a keyhole opening at the top. And that's latched with a metallic clasp, so I just tried a few necklaces with it, and they looked really weird.

I like those!!

[kimibrighteyes]

Sept 1, 2014 20:01:12 GMT -5 ESF said:

Sept 1, 2014 19:02:16 GMT -5 kimibrighteyes said:

Have you tried Igigi - they do plus size starting at size 12. I have a couple of their dresses and they are very flattering and fit well in my opinion.

the sale dresses are another 50% off until tomorrow.




I have this dress and it would be great for Hawaii, but it is regular price

I've never heard of this company, but will check them out!

They are designed and manufacture in San Francisco, so you will be buying local

[studytime45]

Attachment Deleted


www.asos.com/ASOS-Curve/ASOS-CURVE-Exclusive-One-Shoulder-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4376731&cid=9577&Rf900=1465&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Green

[RoxMonster]

This one is ModCloth. You said you don't care for vintage, so I tried to steer clear of the obviously vintage-inspired ones. If you click the link, you can see the dress on a person.


www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/lesson-in-allure-dress

[RoxMonster]

Old Navy


oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=83836&vid=8&pid=971624002

[RoxMonster]

How do you feel about strapless?



That one is also Old navy. If you go to ON's website and go to plus size dresses, there are a lot that look beachy/summery. I think a 1X in plus might work. Given your size, you could fit in their "regular" sized stuff, but most of those beachy-looking dresses are totally sold out/picked over.