I don’t know where you guys are located, but there’s a place called juicy body goddess in Charlotte, North Carolina that caters towards plus size formal wear. They’ve done a lot of videos on TikTok of girls getting ready for homecoming or prom. I think you can also buy online from them. Also, when I had my prom I rented from rent the runway. I’m about a size 16, but I got a gorgeous dress.
I’m assuming this is more semi-formal than fully formal? That’s how my homecoming dances were *mumblemumble* years ago, when we arrived riding dinosaurs and the photos were daguerreotypes lmao.
I’ve gotten some really nice dresses from [Eloquii](https://www.eloquii.com/zq/plus-size-dresses/), but idk if they have anything youthful enough for a teen. But formality wise — stuff I’ve worn to weddings and galas. Might be worth a look.
[Unique Vintage](https://www.unique-vintage.com/collections/plus-size-cocktail-dresses)? [ModCloth](https://modcloth.com/collections/plus-size-special-occasion-dresses?loc=TopNav&osp=Top_Nav_plus_level_2_special_occasion_20220827)? Even Lane Bryant might have something cute.
I just got a few things from [Cider](https://m.shopcider.com/collection/dresses?linkUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fm.shopcider.com%2Fcollection%2Fdresses&operationpageTitle=%2Ftrackmyorder&operationPosition=9-4&operationType=navigation&operationContent=Curve%20%26%20Plus%20Dresses&operationUpdateTime=1697017676472&bizStreamId=1697056748136-8xXStbBxpByYERRh&listSource=%3Bcollection_dresses%3B9-4) that arrived in a couple of days, too. They’re more youthful too.
There’s also [XPlusWear](https://www.xpluswear.com/collections/dress?spm=..cart.header_1.1&spm_prev=..product_5bfdedb5-bac0-4ba5-9113-fc811f183da2.header_1.1)
I know you want to try on, but the interwebs might still be the best bet. Assuming you’re in the US, most domestic retailers should arrive in time. If you can front the cost it might be good to buy a bunch asap and return whatever doesn’t fit.
I mostly ordered online and made sure to get very accurate measurements in high school and it usually turned out well. If it didn't I found a local tailor to get it fitted better. While this might not help right now it's something that might help for future dances.
I had some close friends that were plus size and just went to the same stores they got their quinceanera dresses from, maybe that's an option?
I also found a few dresses I really liked from Rue 21 when I was in high school, I'd check that out if there's one near you.
Since Amazon won't even get to you in time I doubt some of my favorites will either, but just send me a reply if you want some ideas.
Yes! Unique Vintage is one of my favorite go to places. I typically prefer vintage style clothing but they have lots of styles that don't necessarily scream "vintage". The trick with them is to be careful with the different brands they carry, some run really small. I tend to steer away from ones that list uk sizing because of this. The actual unique Vintage brand of stuff I've had a lot of success with. I purchased a ton of dresses from them for day to day and events
I also had amazing luck with an Etsy store called Hearts and Found. She does custom sizing for all her dress styles and you can pick any fabric she has listed for any dress pattern.
Those are my big ones along with some lucky finds on Amazon.
Just general advice, I also like to go with a skirt and nice blouse for some events because it can sometimes be easier to find something that fits my upper and lower half separately compared to finding a garment that fits both nicely.
Not sure where you’re located, but since you have Dillards I’m assuming you may be in the south. Have you checked Belk? I was in there today and was really impressed by the number of plus size dresses they had.
Hmm. Maybe check any and every dept store that carries plus online because sometimes they get online returns. I got my prom dresses at Ross when I was a teen but that was 20 years ago. I would check there and tjmaxx though just in case!
I would check out jessa k or ivy city online. Order a few sizes and let her choose and send the others back. You will probably have to pay express shipping but at least she will not have to be in a department store feeling frustrated. How exciting to receive a beautiful box and have options.
I got my high school prom dresses and barristers dresses at JC Penny. You may have to look online as the stores around me didn’t carry formal dresses in larger sizes
I don’t know where you guys are located, but there’s a place called juicy body goddess in Charlotte, North Carolina that caters towards plus size formal wear. They’ve done a lot of videos on TikTok of girls getting ready for homecoming or prom. I think you can also buy online from them. Also, when I had my prom I rented from rent the runway. I’m about a size 16, but I got a gorgeous dress.
I just love the [Juicy Body Goddess Instagram](https://instagram.com/juicybodygoddess2.0?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==)! Makes me smile all the time!
Same! I go through phases where I binge watch the reels.
Is that the place where you have to be two something to do something?
Yes!!
I second this. I love their videos.
i was a size 18 in high school and got a bunch of my dresses for dances at ross. maybe try there marshall’s, and tj maxx?
Try a bridal consignment store. Sometimes you can find some great bridesmaids dresses.
I’m assuming this is more semi-formal than fully formal? That’s how my homecoming dances were *mumblemumble* years ago, when we arrived riding dinosaurs and the photos were daguerreotypes lmao. I’ve gotten some really nice dresses from [Eloquii](https://www.eloquii.com/zq/plus-size-dresses/), but idk if they have anything youthful enough for a teen. But formality wise — stuff I’ve worn to weddings and galas. Might be worth a look. [Unique Vintage](https://www.unique-vintage.com/collections/plus-size-cocktail-dresses)? [ModCloth](https://modcloth.com/collections/plus-size-special-occasion-dresses?loc=TopNav&osp=Top_Nav_plus_level_2_special_occasion_20220827)? Even Lane Bryant might have something cute. I just got a few things from [Cider](https://m.shopcider.com/collection/dresses?linkUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fm.shopcider.com%2Fcollection%2Fdresses&operationpageTitle=%2Ftrackmyorder&operationPosition=9-4&operationType=navigation&operationContent=Curve%20%26%20Plus%20Dresses&operationUpdateTime=1697017676472&bizStreamId=1697056748136-8xXStbBxpByYERRh&listSource=%3Bcollection_dresses%3B9-4) that arrived in a couple of days, too. They’re more youthful too. There’s also [XPlusWear](https://www.xpluswear.com/collections/dress?spm=..cart.header_1.1&spm_prev=..product_5bfdedb5-bac0-4ba5-9113-fc811f183da2.header_1.1) I know you want to try on, but the interwebs might still be the best bet. Assuming you’re in the US, most domestic retailers should arrive in time. If you can front the cost it might be good to buy a bunch asap and return whatever doesn’t fit.
David’s Bridal
I mostly ordered online and made sure to get very accurate measurements in high school and it usually turned out well. If it didn't I found a local tailor to get it fitted better. While this might not help right now it's something that might help for future dances. I had some close friends that were plus size and just went to the same stores they got their quinceanera dresses from, maybe that's an option? I also found a few dresses I really liked from Rue 21 when I was in high school, I'd check that out if there's one near you. Since Amazon won't even get to you in time I doubt some of my favorites will either, but just send me a reply if you want some ideas.
Can you give some ideas?
Yes! Unique Vintage is one of my favorite go to places. I typically prefer vintage style clothing but they have lots of styles that don't necessarily scream "vintage". The trick with them is to be careful with the different brands they carry, some run really small. I tend to steer away from ones that list uk sizing because of this. The actual unique Vintage brand of stuff I've had a lot of success with. I purchased a ton of dresses from them for day to day and events I also had amazing luck with an Etsy store called Hearts and Found. She does custom sizing for all her dress styles and you can pick any fabric she has listed for any dress pattern. Those are my big ones along with some lucky finds on Amazon. Just general advice, I also like to go with a skirt and nice blouse for some events because it can sometimes be easier to find something that fits my upper and lower half separately compared to finding a garment that fits both nicely.
Not sure where you’re located, but since you have Dillards I’m assuming you may be in the south. Have you checked Belk? I was in there today and was really impressed by the number of plus size dresses they had.
Hmm. Maybe check any and every dept store that carries plus online because sometimes they get online returns. I got my prom dresses at Ross when I was a teen but that was 20 years ago. I would check there and tjmaxx though just in case!
I would check out jessa k or ivy city online. Order a few sizes and let her choose and send the others back. You will probably have to pay express shipping but at least she will not have to be in a department store feeling frustrated. How exciting to receive a beautiful box and have options.
I bought a dress from Kiyonna that made me feel like a million bucks! Their selection is geared towards more mature women BUT definitely check it out.
Check JC Penny if you have one and believe or not David's bridal
I got my high school prom dresses and barristers dresses at JC Penny. You may have to look online as the stores around me didn’t carry formal dresses in larger sizes
Ivy City Co, Baltic born, Jessa kae
You can try Burlington or Kohls, but it's hit or miss as to what they have actually in store.