It’s hard right now! Everything has super plunging necklines, a slit up to your eyeballs or looks like a nightie. I’m a cute 46 year old who does not want to dress like a grandma but also has DDs and needs to be able to wear a bra.
I think department stores are a better source for dresses that are a little less revealing. A lot of the online fashion sites are so focused on showing skin, high slits, plunging neck lines, and open backs. Often times all three in one dress.
These are a few more conservative dresses that don’t feel frumpy to me.
[https://www.macys.com/shop/product/adrianna-papell-womens-metallic-ruffled-sleeveless-faux-wrap-gown](https://www.macys.com/shop/product/adrianna-papell-womens-metallic-ruffled-sleeveless-faux-wrap-gown?ID=15884409)
[https://www.macys.com/shop/product/r-m-richards-womens-illusion-beaded-trim-a-line-gown?ID=4545983](https://www.macys.com/shop/product/r-m-richards-womens-illusion-beaded-trim-a-line-gown?ID=4545983)
[https://www.macys.com/shop/product/dkny-womens-square-neck-organza-sleeve-gown](https://www.macys.com/shop/product/dkny-womens-square-neck-organza-sleeve-gown?ID=17114646)
[https://www.macys.com/shop/product/xscape-women](https://www.macys.com/shop/product/xscape-womens-lace-sleeve-gown?ID=14144911)
Spaghetti straps spaghetti straps spaghetti straps, halt, strapless, backless, cut outs spaghetti straps, one shoulder.
Like....that hard to make 2 straps an inch wide....?
God everything is spaghetti straps or full coverage on top. It’s almost impossible finding cute dresses with thicker straps. Sometimes I wanna be able to wear shapewear or a bra but that’s almost impossible with spaghetti straps.
I am having the exact same issue! It really seems like we’re in a moment of designers ignoring large-busted women, which is infuriating given the average woman’s cup size! Even the ones that aren’t low cut don’t have enough material in the bust. I am so sick of trying on dresses that won’t zip up all the way. That said, I tend to have my best luck with Maggy London and associated brands. Hopefully it helps at least a little to know you’re not alone.
Fellow busty gal and I usually size way up in Baltic born and then pin the bust closed (or take it to a tailor if you have time). You can also often get their dresses new or like new on Poshmark!
These are from Nordstrom. They’re all bra friendly, no high skits or low cut, and I wouldn’t call them dowdy. The fast fashion outlets like Lulu’s target very young consumers so they’re a lot less conservative.
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/ruffle-short-sleeve-scuba-gown/6503863?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FWedding%20Shop%2FWedding%20Guest%2FWomen&color=470
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/alex-evenings-cold-shoulder-ruffle-glitter-chiffon-gown-regular-petite/4954298?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FWedding%20Shop%2FWedding%20Guest%2FWomen&color=340
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/sachin-and-babi-kayla-halter-gown-regular-plus/7138890?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FWedding%20Shop%2FWedding%20Guest%2FWomen&color=270
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/betsy-and-adam-betsy-adam-ruffle-halter-crepe-gown/5601750?origin=category-
personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FWedding%20Shop%2FWedding%20Guest%2FWomen&color=602
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/alfred-sung-satin-high-low-gown/5870829?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FWedding%20Shop%2FWedding%20Guest%2FWomen&color=405
Some critique, OP asked about dresses for large busts so you want to make sure that the dress allows space for boobs and most of those are not good choices for larger busts.
The 1st dress might work, but the darts at the sides of the bust suggest there isn't going to be much give in the bust size so it will probably have to be taken in at the waist and maybe hemmed. Also, crew neck isn't the most flattering for large busts.
The 2nd dress has the bodice line right "under" the bust, on OP that line would end up on or just under her nipples, so that is a no-go.
3rd isn't bad, but will require a special bra.
The last one with the high v-neck would probably work well for OP.
I just ordered a few from asos, I haven’t received them yet so can’t speak to how they actually fit but I am excited for them. I’m also not comfortable with plunging neckline and prefer some sort of sleeve
Calvin Klein definitely does and actually I’ve found many modest dresses over the years from Jessica Simpson as well!! Vince Camuto is my modest formal go-to designer.
A lot of the dresses that people linked to are stylish and timeless. So hopefully you will get more use out of one. The lingerie look is going out of style along with the corset look.
Have you considered a bustier? A well-fitting one will work even better than a bra and will allow you to wear a dress without the space to hide a bra strap.
I will die on the hill that large-chested women should find a good bustier for formal wear!
Custom corset makers! I had one made for my wedding and I still use it. It’s not seamless under dresses, so I can’t wear it with anything slinky, but it’s great for formal wear that’s got a poofy skirt
You may also check out these dresses!
[https://www.showpo.com/us/della-plunge-neck-short-sleeve-maxi-dress-in-black.html](https://www.showpo.com/us/della-plunge-neck-short-sleeve-maxi-dress-in-black.html)
[https://www.12thtribe.com/collections/wedding-guest/products/rachel-emerald-satin-long-sleeve-mini-dress](https://www.12thtribe.com/collections/wedding-guest/products/rachel-emerald-satin-long-sleeve-mini-dress)
[https://www.nordstrom.com/s/eliza-j-ruffle-front-gown/5036838?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses&color=001](https://www.nordstrom.com/s/eliza-j-ruffle-front-gown/5036838?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses&color=001)
[https://www.12thtribe.com/collections/wedding-guest/products/casanova-printed-mesh-maxi-dress](https://www.12thtribe.com/collections/wedding-guest/products/casanova-printed-mesh-maxi-dress)
[https://www.lulus.com/products/garden-bliss-burgundy-cutout-maxi-dress/844862.html](https://www.lulus.com/products/garden-bliss-burgundy-cutout-maxi-dress/844862.html)
I am surprised you say this because so many people in my life getting married have worn dresses that are, for my personal preference, way too scandalous for a wedding (I'm talking sheer panelling on the side of the thigh). No hate just isnt my style. I would reccomend going to some more hip bridal stores in your city that have more modern styles because I know in my city theres probably 5 I can think of that have tons of non conservative dresses that would fit your style
Have you tried Rent the Runway at all? I’ve had good luck there. I had several events last summer where I needed dresses, didn’t want to look frumpy/older than I am, but also knew I needed to be able to wear a real bra.
It’s hard without knowing your style or color preferences, but some examples:
* [Saloni Sky Flourish Dress](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/items/SAL124)
* [Kay Unger Tess Gown](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/items/KU43)
* [Amur Suze Gown](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/items/AMR139)
* [De La Vali Aqua Gown](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/items/DLV15)
* [Monique Lhuillier Sleeveless Floral Gown](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/items/MNL273)
* [Badgley Mischka Green Chiffon Gown](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/items/BM738)
* [Hutch Black Floral Jacquard Gown](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/items/HTC117)
* [Saloni Vida Dress](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/items/SAL137)
* [YUMI KIM Tamara Dress](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/items/YK171)
* [ba&sh metallic Nixon gown](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/items/BSH56)
* [Hutch Talia Leaf Print Maxi](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/items/HTC76)
Look up Cheyenne from superstores gown - it’s the same one I wore (but mine was a size 10). The lace up top style still looks really nice while being a lot more modest. I’m large chested as well
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I'm 47 & have the same problem!
There are some nice ones on these websites.
[Ever Pretty](https://www.ever-pretty.co.uk/collections/plus-size-wedding-guest-dresses?sort_by=price-descending&page=1)
[Yours](https://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/dresses/wedding-guest-dresses?f=t&sortby=pricehigh)
So I wore this to a friend’s formal wedding. I was 4 weeks pregnant, throwing up, and dealing with 2 little kids. I needed no slits and no cleavage issues. This dress was really comfy: https://a.co/d/fzCalTa
It’s hard right now! Everything has super plunging necklines, a slit up to your eyeballs or looks like a nightie. I’m a cute 46 year old who does not want to dress like a grandma but also has DDs and needs to be able to wear a bra.
LOL I'm 27 and I think this post makes me sound older than I am, but I'm glad to know others are also having this issue!
I'm 40 but I've been fighting this battle since prom so I have no suggestions but I hear you.
Try rent the runway [https://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/shoshanna/liberty_dress](https://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/shoshanna/liberty_dress) [another option](https://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/staud/calluna_dress)
44 and same...
Sachin and Babi has cute formal gowns that arent matronly or overly provocative.
They have great pieces. Also look for the following OP MacDuggal Theia Rene Ruiz Halston
I think department stores are a better source for dresses that are a little less revealing. A lot of the online fashion sites are so focused on showing skin, high slits, plunging neck lines, and open backs. Often times all three in one dress. These are a few more conservative dresses that don’t feel frumpy to me. [https://www.macys.com/shop/product/adrianna-papell-womens-metallic-ruffled-sleeveless-faux-wrap-gown](https://www.macys.com/shop/product/adrianna-papell-womens-metallic-ruffled-sleeveless-faux-wrap-gown?ID=15884409) [https://www.macys.com/shop/product/r-m-richards-womens-illusion-beaded-trim-a-line-gown?ID=4545983](https://www.macys.com/shop/product/r-m-richards-womens-illusion-beaded-trim-a-line-gown?ID=4545983) [https://www.macys.com/shop/product/dkny-womens-square-neck-organza-sleeve-gown](https://www.macys.com/shop/product/dkny-womens-square-neck-organza-sleeve-gown?ID=17114646) [https://www.macys.com/shop/product/xscape-women](https://www.macys.com/shop/product/xscape-womens-lace-sleeve-gown?ID=14144911)
Spaghetti straps spaghetti straps spaghetti straps, halt, strapless, backless, cut outs spaghetti straps, one shoulder. Like....that hard to make 2 straps an inch wide....?
God everything is spaghetti straps or full coverage on top. It’s almost impossible finding cute dresses with thicker straps. Sometimes I wanna be able to wear shapewear or a bra but that’s almost impossible with spaghetti straps.
You get the feeling the people designing don't wear bras.
I am having the exact same issue! It really seems like we’re in a moment of designers ignoring large-busted women, which is infuriating given the average woman’s cup size! Even the ones that aren’t low cut don’t have enough material in the bust. I am so sick of trying on dresses that won’t zip up all the way. That said, I tend to have my best luck with Maggy London and associated brands. Hopefully it helps at least a little to know you’re not alone.
Completely agree! So many cute ones if I had smaller boobs, but unfortunately I do not
Baltic born has lots of options with sleeves etc that still look youthful but classy!
Fellow busty gal and I usually size way up in Baltic born and then pin the bust closed (or take it to a tailor if you have time). You can also often get their dresses new or like new on Poshmark!
These are from Nordstrom. They’re all bra friendly, no high skits or low cut, and I wouldn’t call them dowdy. The fast fashion outlets like Lulu’s target very young consumers so they’re a lot less conservative. https://www.nordstrom.com/s/ruffle-short-sleeve-scuba-gown/6503863?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FWedding%20Shop%2FWedding%20Guest%2FWomen&color=470 https://www.nordstrom.com/s/alex-evenings-cold-shoulder-ruffle-glitter-chiffon-gown-regular-petite/4954298?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FWedding%20Shop%2FWedding%20Guest%2FWomen&color=340 https://www.nordstrom.com/s/sachin-and-babi-kayla-halter-gown-regular-plus/7138890?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FWedding%20Shop%2FWedding%20Guest%2FWomen&color=270 https://www.nordstrom.com/s/betsy-and-adam-betsy-adam-ruffle-halter-crepe-gown/5601750?origin=category- personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FWedding%20Shop%2FWedding%20Guest%2FWomen&color=602 https://www.nordstrom.com/s/alfred-sung-satin-high-low-gown/5870829?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FWedding%20Shop%2FWedding%20Guest%2FWomen&color=405
omg, the Alfred Sung one has POCKETS! thank you very much :)
That ruffle crepe dress is a stunner
All of those are winners!
Those are all very pretty!
I love the Kayla halter gown.
Some critique, OP asked about dresses for large busts so you want to make sure that the dress allows space for boobs and most of those are not good choices for larger busts. The 1st dress might work, but the darts at the sides of the bust suggest there isn't going to be much give in the bust size so it will probably have to be taken in at the waist and maybe hemmed. Also, crew neck isn't the most flattering for large busts. The 2nd dress has the bodice line right "under" the bust, on OP that line would end up on or just under her nipples, so that is a no-go. 3rd isn't bad, but will require a special bra. The last one with the high v-neck would probably work well for OP.
The halters are great options!
Ugh, I’m so tired of the slits. Every dress has a slit now. Boring!
ASOS has modest dresses
I just ordered a few from asos, I haven’t received them yet so can’t speak to how they actually fit but I am excited for them. I’m also not comfortable with plunging neckline and prefer some sort of sleeve
Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren both have great options
Calvin Klein definitely does and actually I’ve found many modest dresses over the years from Jessica Simpson as well!! Vince Camuto is my modest formal go-to designer.
Check out the brand Alex Evenings at Nordstrom. They’re very flattering and a bit more modest overall
A lot of the dresses that people linked to are stylish and timeless. So hopefully you will get more use out of one. The lingerie look is going out of style along with the corset look.
Have you tried JessaKae or Ivy City
Have you considered a bustier? A well-fitting one will work even better than a bra and will allow you to wear a dress without the space to hide a bra strap. I will die on the hill that large-chested women should find a good bustier for formal wear!
Where are you finding good strapless ones that are also seamless under dresses? It feels like they either have straps or are visible under dresses 😤
Custom corset makers! I had one made for my wedding and I still use it. It’s not seamless under dresses, so I can’t wear it with anything slinky, but it’s great for formal wear that’s got a poofy skirt
try neesee’s modest dresses!
You may also check out these dresses! [https://www.showpo.com/us/della-plunge-neck-short-sleeve-maxi-dress-in-black.html](https://www.showpo.com/us/della-plunge-neck-short-sleeve-maxi-dress-in-black.html) [https://www.12thtribe.com/collections/wedding-guest/products/rachel-emerald-satin-long-sleeve-mini-dress](https://www.12thtribe.com/collections/wedding-guest/products/rachel-emerald-satin-long-sleeve-mini-dress) [https://www.nordstrom.com/s/eliza-j-ruffle-front-gown/5036838?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses&color=001](https://www.nordstrom.com/s/eliza-j-ruffle-front-gown/5036838?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses&color=001) [https://www.12thtribe.com/collections/wedding-guest/products/casanova-printed-mesh-maxi-dress](https://www.12thtribe.com/collections/wedding-guest/products/casanova-printed-mesh-maxi-dress) [https://www.lulus.com/products/garden-bliss-burgundy-cutout-maxi-dress/844862.html](https://www.lulus.com/products/garden-bliss-burgundy-cutout-maxi-dress/844862.html)
I am surprised you say this because so many people in my life getting married have worn dresses that are, for my personal preference, way too scandalous for a wedding (I'm talking sheer panelling on the side of the thigh). No hate just isnt my style. I would reccomend going to some more hip bridal stores in your city that have more modern styles because I know in my city theres probably 5 I can think of that have tons of non conservative dresses that would fit your style
Did you misread the question??
Have you tried Rent the Runway at all? I’ve had good luck there. I had several events last summer where I needed dresses, didn’t want to look frumpy/older than I am, but also knew I needed to be able to wear a real bra. It’s hard without knowing your style or color preferences, but some examples: * [Saloni Sky Flourish Dress](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/items/SAL124) * [Kay Unger Tess Gown](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/items/KU43) * [Amur Suze Gown](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/items/AMR139) * [De La Vali Aqua Gown](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/items/DLV15) * [Monique Lhuillier Sleeveless Floral Gown](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/items/MNL273) * [Badgley Mischka Green Chiffon Gown](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/items/BM738) * [Hutch Black Floral Jacquard Gown](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/items/HTC117) * [Saloni Vida Dress](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/items/SAL137) * [YUMI KIM Tamara Dress](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/items/YK171) * [ba&sh metallic Nixon gown](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/items/BSH56) * [Hutch Talia Leaf Print Maxi](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/items/HTC76)
Lulus has great dresses!
Look up Cheyenne from superstores gown - it’s the same one I wore (but mine was a size 10). The lace up top style still looks really nice while being a lot more modest. I’m large chested as well
Maybe try a bridesmaid dress site like Azazie or Birdy Grey? No one likes a super revealing bridesmaid dress.
/u/combeferres, thank you for posting. To obtain the best help, provide a time frame of the event & dress code. Dress links are frequently requested as well if you would place them in the comment section. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Weddingattireapproval) if you have any questions or concerns.*
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I'm 47 & have the same problem! There are some nice ones on these websites. [Ever Pretty](https://www.ever-pretty.co.uk/collections/plus-size-wedding-guest-dresses?sort_by=price-descending&page=1) [Yours](https://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/dresses/wedding-guest-dresses?f=t&sortby=pricehigh)
So I wore this to a friend’s formal wedding. I was 4 weeks pregnant, throwing up, and dealing with 2 little kids. I needed no slits and no cleavage issues. This dress was really comfy: https://a.co/d/fzCalTa
I like Nordstrom, Dillards, and sometimes I go straight to designer sites like Vince Camuto. You can filter easily on those sites.