As I was perusing the web, attempting to answer a reader's question about her upcoming holiday party (more on that later), I couldn't help but find some gorgeous cocktail dresses that would be perfect for moms. On the off chance that some of you are living fabulous lives that involve high heels, cocktail parties, and babies that sleep...I thought I'd share my finds.
psst: Does anyone else love this all-white look as much as I do? It's actually this shirt and this tulle skirt from Shabby Apple. Genius! And also comes in black (shirt and skirt).
For the Busty or Over-all Curvy Mom
Most of the dresses below have the following in common: A neckline that can be worn with a serious bra, a nipped-in waist, and a slightly lower neckline to show off 'the girls'. Curvy mamas, dresses with a bit of structure, and ones that show off your tiny waist are your best bet.
If you are pretty well proportioned, I'm loving Shabby Apple's El Capitan or Beverly Hills dresses, both pictured below. (And everything at Shabby Apple is currently 20% off, until...uh - oh wow. Until tonight!)
Oooo...I'm also loving the plum LA dress and the lace Holiday Hills dress.
Gah!! If only I didn't have this pooch!!!
Aaand, on that note.....
For the Poochy Mama
Sigh. These are dresses that should hide a pooch - and some, (like the bright blue number from ASOS, top right) should even hide a post-partum pooch.
Look for sheath dresses (like the leopard below), and keep 'em short to make them feel sexy, rather than dowdy. And please ignore the ridiculous pose by the Victoria's Secret model - this dress could actually be pretty cute.
For Moms Who Hate Their Arms
I just noticed, the other day, that my arms wobble. Which, OK - it's beyond time to get back to ballet class. And...that's probably not gonna happen anytime soon. Happily, winter is a great time to stock up on dresses with sleeves. And split sleeves - which just let the top of your arm peek out (ahem - the toned part) can amp the dress's the sex appeal.
(Whoa. That's the second time I've talked about sex appeal in one article. What's gotten into me today? I can tell you what hasn't gotten into me today...heh heh heh. JOKING! I'M JOKING!)
But seriously - how cute is the star dress? I think I'd be Raines' hero in a space-themed dress. Also, poochy mamas, the DVF number would also do an amazing job of pooch hiding.
A note about DVF dresses:
Gang, these dresses are seriously amazing. Yes, they cost a bit of cash, but they literally never go out of style, look good on virtually any body type, and have killer drape. They look good at weddings, cocktail parties, work, date nights, whatever.
I tend to recommend going with cheaper holiday dresses, simply because we don't wear them that often, but a DVF dress, because of it's versatility, is an exception to that rule.
I'm currently loving (in addition to the ones above) the Emsley Vintage Silk Jersey Dress, $345. (IknowIknowIknow!)
Happy Holidays!!!
xo,
S
ps. Nursing Mamas, I didn't forget you. We covered holiday nursing dresses last week.
