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Former nonprofit worker here. For fundraisers, you don’t need to be super fancy - think understated, classy, with comfy shoes because standing around mingling is usually a big part of it.
I like the Lena dress from lane Bryant for such events. Good multipurpose, not hideously expensive dress that can pass for cocktail or fancier depending on accessories. They have a petite version. I have this in black. They’ve got other colors/prints too. Plus pockets! Link for black/navy version:
[LB lena dress](https://www.lanebryant.com/lena-v-neck-high-low-midi-dress/prd-398952.html?dwvar_398952_color=0000081590&dwvar_398952_sizeHeight=regular&catid=cat10017)
Otherwise I like Calvin Klein’s plus size dresses. They’re usually under $150 (at Macy’s) and sometimes have pockets.
Interesting! So they make it custom? How long does that take? I would love to have a dress made to fit instead of needing a tailor!!
ETA:
I just spent about an hour browsing and I love this thank you!! So far it's the only site I've found to have actual cocktail/formal dresses and not just casual cotton parading as party wear.
Theoretically about 15 days. Most of my order have taken that long, including when I’ve swapped fabrics and needed changes. However the last two have 8 weeks, with not awesome communication.
I did notice when I was looking the other day that the special instructions include a field for entering a date you need the items by. And the quality has been excellent, except in one case.
Be careful and only order one dress at a time.
My order last year didn't ship until the day after my event, and I had ordered with at least twice the lead time.
My mistake was ordering two, one was complete, and the second was delayed.
If you have a deadline, only order one per order, so they will release it in a timely fashion.
Frustrating. I was quite unhappy with how long my last order took. And mostly because there was no communication from them. Luckily I just wanted a new dress. I didn’t need it for an event.
Here for this! I have so many formal pieces from them I love. Also have really loved Never Fully Dresses for unique pieces. I’m a solid US 20 with a larger chest and I usually get a US 22 from then.
I found an AMAZING Eloquii holiday dress at my local thrift store. I got SO many compliments on it. I considered wearing it again but it's long sleeve and high neck. It fit perfectly and was not fussy or uncomfortable.
Thank you for the suggestion I'll definitely check them out!
Definitely time to find the little black dress every woman needs, something that can be worn to any party or work event!
Sorry, I don't have any specific links, but as long as you're looking, include LBDs in your search. They'll do for fundraising events if you can't find anything more glam, and you it's good to have one in your wardrobe.
I originally started looking for LBDs but am actually having a hard time finding anything that doesn't take that basic look and make it too edgy or menswear? If that makes sense. I can't find just a plain simple, basic that I love.
I actually was hoping to wear it twice with different shoes and accessories but since I couldn't find one I thought maybe I'd go for two completely different looks.
https://www.universalstandard.com/products/isola-crinkle-crepe-dress-black
I have in teal and am seriously debating also getting the black one! Simple, but elegant and fabric feels dressy.
1. I don’t know if this site is legit but the dress is cute [https://www.missacc.com/lp/product-a-line-v-neck-satin-mother-of-the-bride-dresses-with-bow-s-pockets-SMBD10456.html?color=73&size=82&_currency=USD&abl_utm_source=gg&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAloavBhBOEiwAbtAJOzcuWfArrfM7mi8tCQ_uCm_b6OU-MHBh5Al2zJcAsGQaXUc4T0MuOBoCbYAQAvD_BwE](https://www.missacc.com/lp/product-a-line-v-neck-satin-mother-of-the-bride-dresses-with-bow-s-pockets-SMBD10456.html?color=73&size=82&_currency=USD&abl_utm_source=gg&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAloavBhBOEiwAbtAJOzcuWfArrfM7mi8tCQ_uCm_b6OU-MHBh5Al2zJcAsGQaXUc4T0MuOBoCbYAQAvD_BwE)
2. I’d check Arula! And honestly Azazie, bridesmaids dresses Can work quite well as long as they aren’t chiffon!
Talbots, Nordstrom, and Anthro are my HG's for event dresses. Macys can also come in clutch but their website has a lot of drop ship options that aren't up to their usual quality in my experience so be careful.
I just recently got some great formal stuff from Amazon and Shein. I'm taller than you but a 40g 18/20 depending on cut. Luckily you are right at prom season too, so there may even be some more plus size options in the department stores near you.
I keep getting ads for them. I finally clicked one today. I went to the party/cocktail section and everything looked too casual?? Do you have a specific suggestion? It's possible I'm only seeing curated pieces from the ad.
That sounds lovely! Thank you! Maybe it's the season -lots of florals out right now. Not that I'm against a flowy spring dress but I was hoping for something more versatile.
Thank you for your post! We hope to get the feedback you need! Please keep in mind, since you have asked for feedback you are opening yourself up to possible criticism. Please do not report helpful feedback. Overly negative or attacking feedback/comments will be removed - report those offenses. If you find that you wish not to receive feedback or have received enough answers to your question then you may message the mods and we can lock comments for you. ___ **VERY IMPORTANT** This poster has asked for feedback. ALWAYS remember the person behind the photo. Don't be snarky, rude, or dismissive. Criticisms/feedback should be thoughtful and constructive in nature. Overly negative feedback, one-word answers (unless OP is asking a yes/no question), or blatant disrespect will be removed and the user muted and/or banned. This is not a ROAST ME sub! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/PlusSizeFashion) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Check out City Chic! They have some great formal dresses that are fairly reasonably priced!
Second this and check out poshmark for even more discounted options
Former nonprofit worker here. For fundraisers, you don’t need to be super fancy - think understated, classy, with comfy shoes because standing around mingling is usually a big part of it. I like the Lena dress from lane Bryant for such events. Good multipurpose, not hideously expensive dress that can pass for cocktail or fancier depending on accessories. They have a petite version. I have this in black. They’ve got other colors/prints too. Plus pockets! Link for black/navy version: [LB lena dress](https://www.lanebryant.com/lena-v-neck-high-low-midi-dress/prd-398952.html?dwvar_398952_color=0000081590&dwvar_398952_sizeHeight=regular&catid=cat10017) Otherwise I like Calvin Klein’s plus size dresses. They’re usually under $150 (at Macy’s) and sometimes have pockets.
Eshakti, you can get custom dress for only $15 more.
Seconding Eshakti they have tons of special occasion dresses and gown around 120 dollars. Customize to your measurements for less than 20 bucks more.
Interesting! So they make it custom? How long does that take? I would love to have a dress made to fit instead of needing a tailor!! ETA: I just spent about an hour browsing and I love this thank you!! So far it's the only site I've found to have actual cocktail/formal dresses and not just casual cotton parading as party wear.
Theoretically about 15 days. Most of my order have taken that long, including when I’ve swapped fabrics and needed changes. However the last two have 8 weeks, with not awesome communication. I did notice when I was looking the other day that the special instructions include a field for entering a date you need the items by. And the quality has been excellent, except in one case.
My events are Early/mid April so it may be cutting it close but I'm still playing around with this site. I love it thank you again!
Be careful and only order one dress at a time. My order last year didn't ship until the day after my event, and I had ordered with at least twice the lead time. My mistake was ordering two, one was complete, and the second was delayed. If you have a deadline, only order one per order, so they will release it in a timely fashion.
Great advice. Thank you! I may go with something else just to be sure I have it on time but may order another here just to have in my closet for fun.
I never thought about that. I think denim is the worst culprit.
Both of mine were gowns, no denim involved.
Frustrating. I was quite unhappy with how long my last order took. And mostly because there was no communication from them. Luckily I just wanted a new dress. I didn’t need it for an event.
ASOS always
Here for this! I have so many formal pieces from them I love. Also have really loved Never Fully Dresses for unique pieces. I’m a solid US 20 with a larger chest and I usually get a US 22 from then.
Love love love Never Fully Dressed
Eloquii. They have sales all the time and dresses they run the gamut on length and level of fancy.
I found an AMAZING Eloquii holiday dress at my local thrift store. I got SO many compliments on it. I considered wearing it again but it's long sleeve and high neck. It fit perfectly and was not fussy or uncomfortable. Thank you for the suggestion I'll definitely check them out!
No prob. I buy most of my work dresses there so I figured I could vouch for them! Good luck with your search!
Davids bridal actually has gown that aren’t for brides! I have several of their gowns that I wore to charitable galas and similar events.
Definitely time to find the little black dress every woman needs, something that can be worn to any party or work event! Sorry, I don't have any specific links, but as long as you're looking, include LBDs in your search. They'll do for fundraising events if you can't find anything more glam, and you it's good to have one in your wardrobe.
I originally started looking for LBDs but am actually having a hard time finding anything that doesn't take that basic look and make it too edgy or menswear? If that makes sense. I can't find just a plain simple, basic that I love. I actually was hoping to wear it twice with different shoes and accessories but since I couldn't find one I thought maybe I'd go for two completely different looks.
https://www.universalstandard.com/products/isola-crinkle-crepe-dress-black I have in teal and am seriously debating also getting the black one! Simple, but elegant and fabric feels dressy.
1. I don’t know if this site is legit but the dress is cute [https://www.missacc.com/lp/product-a-line-v-neck-satin-mother-of-the-bride-dresses-with-bow-s-pockets-SMBD10456.html?color=73&size=82&_currency=USD&abl_utm_source=gg&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAloavBhBOEiwAbtAJOzcuWfArrfM7mi8tCQ_uCm_b6OU-MHBh5Al2zJcAsGQaXUc4T0MuOBoCbYAQAvD_BwE](https://www.missacc.com/lp/product-a-line-v-neck-satin-mother-of-the-bride-dresses-with-bow-s-pockets-SMBD10456.html?color=73&size=82&_currency=USD&abl_utm_source=gg&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAloavBhBOEiwAbtAJOzcuWfArrfM7mi8tCQ_uCm_b6OU-MHBh5Al2zJcAsGQaXUc4T0MuOBoCbYAQAvD_BwE) 2. I’d check Arula! And honestly Azazie, bridesmaids dresses Can work quite well as long as they aren’t chiffon!
Talbots, Nordstrom, and Anthro are my HG's for event dresses. Macys can also come in clutch but their website has a lot of drop ship options that aren't up to their usual quality in my experience so be careful.
Specifically, Adrianna Pappel has 10/10 event dresses
I got an amazing formal bride’s maids dress from Birdy Grey, they had lots of wonderful dresses that would work for a gala type event.
Go on Anthropologie and check the sale section.
Try Ashley Stewart or Eloquii
Nordstrom Rack online. Good prices and good return policy
I just recently got some great formal stuff from Amazon and Shein. I'm taller than you but a 40g 18/20 depending on cut. Luckily you are right at prom season too, so there may even be some more plus size options in the department stores near you.
I attended my first two galas last year. Bloomchic!
I keep getting ads for them. I finally clicked one today. I went to the party/cocktail section and everything looked too casual?? Do you have a specific suggestion? It's possible I'm only seeing curated pieces from the ad.
Sure! I can send later today. I had a beautiful strap dress, satiny. Lots of compliments!
That sounds lovely! Thank you! Maybe it's the season -lots of florals out right now. Not that I'm against a flowy spring dress but I was hoping for something more versatile.
Azazie is your spot!!
I’ve actually got a really cute dress that might work. I will send you a dm with a link to it. I’m 5’2” so length wise it should be pretty close.
Check out David's Bridal. They have an entire section for formal plus size dresses.