Hubby and I are going to the military ball in June, and I'm freaking out!

I will be a size 14-16 at that time, and am 62 inches tall. I have pics on my blog of myself if you need a few reference photos.

My question is, what is a good dress "type" for someone short and heavier? I'm really nervous and scared to try on dresses. In fact, I'm horrified.

Suggestions, links welcomed!!!!! Thank you!!!

Don't go too matronly. Sometimes when you feel insecure about your size you tend to cover up too much or wear something boxy. It just ends up making you look larger. Wearing something a little more form fitting (but not too form fitting) is more flattering.

Empire waist or a drop waist is universally flattering. A large print would also be slimming.

Probably a well fitting cap sleeve V neck dress with some sort of formal print would my recommendation.

Maybe something like this?

http://www.dillards.com/product/Igni...13857_zi_lapis

Love that Turquoise dress from Dillards, it looks just about perfect.

Is there a part of your body that you really like? Because I'm seeing that you have seeexxxxyyyy legs. Don't want to cover those up!

That dress is fantastic! Thank you so much for the replies! To be honest, if left up to me, I would check out all the boxy moo moos! LOL!!

As far as the legs comment, that's funny! I'm actually starting to love my legs! Hahahaha! It happens to be the only part of my body I even remotely like! Hahahahahaha!!

Have you tried googling pictures of celebrities (just because they wear fancy gowns often!) that resemble your body type? Then you can get an idea of what may look good.

The first beautiful larger celeb that comes to mind is Queen Latifah.

Google Results

I do agree with Scarlett, empire waist/A-line thing fits usually really well! If you are short, it could also create the illusion of a longer upper body

If you love your legs, you could also opt for a knee length dress! Is that acceptable for a Military Ball? I don't really know the conventions to be quite honest!

RAVEN!!

I'm having a similar problem My husband and I are going to a military ball in June too! Some of the ladies on the thread I posted yesterday have given good advice too, along with the ladies here!

I'm going to check into some of the local bridal shops and possibly consignments. One bridal shop is supposed to be having a decent sale in May so I am hoping they have some pretty ones. I was thinking empire waist/a-line too.

Yeah...You need a slit to show off those legs! I'm apple shaped and don't get that luxury!

From what I have been reading, You will want something light on the top (one shoulder, stapless), an embellishment of some sort to create a wasitline, and the opportunity to flaunt your leggy assets.

I'm just learning to dress for my body shape and have no idea what I'm doing. I actually have to take pictures to compare items and see what they do to my body shape, because I get confused.

http://www.dillards.com/product/R-M-...70693_zi_royal

http://www.dillards.com/product/Patr...3044_zi_purple

http://www.dillards.com/product/Xsca...66466_zi_royal

http://www.dillards.com/product/Hail..._zi_aquamarine

I don't know what's acceptable for dresses at that kind of event, but do you have a Deb near you? I got all of my formal dresses there in high school and a lot of them are under $100. It's nice to try stuff on in store, but if you can't, you can check it out here. It helps that the dresses are shown on plus sized models!

Raven, Pink Hurricane, you are both in Georgia, is it possible you are going to the same ball? Maybe you could shop together if you are near each other?

That would be awesome!

Lunar--those dresses are gorgeous. Is Dillard's a department store like Macys? I never heard of it!

Yup. Very much so! Maybe someday I will start shopping there if I can convince myself to stop hate shopping. MIL is taking me shopping this weekend- first at Goodwill and then Macy's. -_-