Help me shop: cocktail dress for work function

[Chrysanthemum]

I have to attend a gala in a few weeks for work. I need to buy a new dress for it. The weather will likely be cold (40s). I'd like to keep it around $100. Any recommendations? TIA

[NachoProblem]

The attire is cocktail? What's your body shape like? What styles do you like/avoid?

[tarheels]

Ditto nacho - the words "cocktail" and "gala" don't normally go together - are you sure on the dress code? If so, for short dresses, anything from J.Crew's my style (though I might try to find something similar for less at a local dept store).

[Chrysanthemum]

I've attended this event before. Yes, women wear short, but conservative, dresses. I'm 5'7", average weight. I have a narrow waist, but larger hips. Medium bust. Most styles work with my body type.

I'd like a fun dress, but it also needs to be conservative/work-appropriate.

Any links would be great!

[bimbi284]

Ooh I really like the 2 Zara ones Mav posted, and an lbd seems perfect for the occasion.

If you don't wanna do black, Zara also has these which I like:







And from Topshop:

[fashionx]

Love that red dress from Zara, Bimbi!

And the lace Nordstrom dress is amazing, Mav. Nice find.

[hbomdiggity]

It's $188, but I just got the black lace column dress at anthro. It's comfortable and easy, and can be dressed up or down. I'll be wearing it tonight for a work/professional gala event.


images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/24576688_001_b?$product410x615$

[Chrysanthemum]

Thanks, ladies! I like the first Zara dress that Mav posted and the red one from Bimbi. I've never worn peplum, so I'd need to try that style on before chancing an online order.

I haven't shopped at Zara in years. How do the sizes run? I'm usually a 6-8. Length is sometimes the determining factor because my legs are long and I don't want the skirt too short!

[bunnies]

You said you have a narrow waist, and larger hips, and a medium bust, yes? Honestly, I'm the exact same shape and have never found any Zara clothes that fit. :-( Generally speaking, if it fits in the hips, it's too big in the waist and if it fits in the waist, it's too small in the hips. The red flare dress might work.

[bunnies]

↑ Love that dress you're wearing, Mav! ↑

[carylee07]

So this mannequin doesn't do this dress justice but I wore this earlier this year and for some reason it popped in my head when I read your description.
m.bluefly.com/bcbgmaxazria-pumice-chiffon-angel-convertible-strap-dress/PRODUCT_FEED/317930301/detail.fly?referer=ca_shopstyle&cm_mmc=ca_shopstyle-_-BCBG+MAX+AZRIA-_-dresses-_-3179303&partner=Gate_CSE_shopstyle_BCBG+MAX+AZRIA_dresses

Here it is on me. I'm 5'-2" but my hips are the biggest part of my body so this dress fell perfect on me.

And that Bluefly price is amazing for it.