Perfect Affordable Modest Dresses for Everyday or Evening Play

Finding fitted long-sleeve chic modest and affordable dresses that can be worn for everyday or evening play seems like mission impossible.  Then along came Boden.  Personally, I never heard of this UK clothing store until I mysteriously got on their mailing list and recently received their Winter 2012 catalogue.  I was pleasantly surprised!  Whether you're looking for the perfect little black (modest) dress or fashionable long-sleeve dresses that can be worn to work or for play, Boden's got a great selection of styles at reasonable prices.  Catch their sale at http://www.bodenusa.com/

Here are some favorite modest chic dresses (all of which are currently on sale at BodenUSA.com):

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Looking for Stylish Modest Wedding Gowns?

Well hello J.Crew!  J.Crew's 2012 wedding collection is offering up two stylish modest wedding gowns that require few alterations.  Are wedding gowns with long-sleeves finally making a come back?  You tell me...

How to Build up Bridesmaid Dresses

I have to admit that I went a little insane when trying to figure out the best choice for bridesmaid dresses that were modest yet stylish and unique (and inexpensive!).  If you already haven’t noticed, it’s hard to find off-the-rack bridesmaids dresses with sleeves.  One common approach to resolve this issue is to select a fabric and color to be used for building the dress and have your bridesmaids figure out the seamstress situation...the design, cut and cost of the dress.  I chose not to take that approach, mainly to ensure that the dresses were not too expensive.  So, what did I do?

1. The Look:  Find pictures of the perfect modest bridesmaid dress:  I used the internet to find inspiring long-sleeve styles. Check out these ideas.
2. Where to Purchase:  Determine whether the dresses that you found inspiring are accessible, reasonably priced, and can be purchased online or at a local store. 
• I couldn't access the dresses I wanted.  I found a great dress online that I would have purchased but it would take too long to arrive with enough allotted time for alterations.  Instead, I got the brand of the dress and the style number so I could refer to the dress when inquiring whether a seamstress could make it or order it and make alterations in time.
3. Reasonably Priced Seamstresses:  Assuming the dresses cannot be purchased online or at a store, find reasonably priced tailors or seamstresses that make custom gowns in your area.  This can be tricky since most seamstresses may not want to give price estimates over the phone.  They will say they need specifics such as the style and material of the dress.  Ideally, you should be prepared to email or refer them online to pictures of dresses that include the style number and designer’s name.  If they still won’t provide estimates, DO NOT give up –some seamstresses may be reluctant to provide estimates but trust me, there are seamstresses willing to work something out.  Find a seamstress willing to give an estimate, but don’t hang up until you have negotiated the best offer. 
4. Negotiating with the Seamstress:  You’ve already found the look you want and can refer to the brand and style number of the dress.  Have the seamstress go online and view the dress to determine if s/he can make the dress or order it and make alterations in time.  Show that the dress online costs x amount and state that you cannot spend over y amount per dress.  If there are at least a handful of bridesmaids, you can also sell the fact that you are buying in bulk.        
• After calling four seamstresses that were unwilling to provide estimates over the phone or were unwilling to try to work something out I was about to give up and give in to pulling out my hair.  I hung in there and called the fifth seamstress on my list.  She was amazing – right from the start it was obvious she was the one.  Why?  When I asked her if she had any Landa long-sleeve dresses and she said no, she immediately followed up with “but I can customize a dress just like that”.  I responded that a customized dress sounds expensive and her response was “what is your price range”.  I said the Landa dress was $150 and I wanted to pay somewhere in that ballpark.  We negotiated to $163 per dress… an amazing deal for tailored long-sleeve bridesmaid dresses that had the look and feel I envisioned.
• Who was this amazing seamstress?  Jacqueline from Staten Island (718.370.3936; jkline46@aol.com ), and yes it was 110% worth driving from Manhattan to Staten Island to get fabulous long-sleeve bridesmaid dresses at a discounted price. 
5. The Pseudo Bridesmaid Fitting (a fitting without having to go to the seamstress):  Now that you’ve negotiated a reasonable price, you need to have your bridesmaids fitted.  But this could be a problem if they live far from the seamstress.  No worries!  My seamstress was willing to have each bridesmaid fax over or email specified dimensions.  My seamstress provided the bridesmaids with a form that had a picture of a woman and all of the measurements needed for each part of the body.  This is a list of measurements she needed with sample inches per part:        
• Bust: 32"
• Waist: 27.5"
• Abdomen: 32" 
• Hip: 39" 
• Shoulder to Shoulder: 12.5" 
• Shoulder to Shoulder Back: 13.5" 
• Center Back Length: 15" 
• Arm Around: 10" 
•  Dress Length: 54"
• Sleeve Length: 15"
6. Since my seamstress was inconveniently located for my bridesmaids, I picked up all bridesmaids dresses and gave them to my bridesmaids at my bridal shower.  End of story!  It’s that easy :)

Stylish Modest Bridesmaid’s Dresses

If you’re looking for long-sleeve evening dresses now is the time to find them.  As the winter months approach, several major department stores offer a wider selection of long-sleeve options.  Not to mention, you’ll find sales, discounts and perks like free shipping and free returns at these stores around this time.  I’ve found the best selection of stylish modest dresses to be at Macy’s, Nordstrom, Dillard’s and Bloomingdales.  While some of these dresses can get pricey, most are affordable and don’t require a schlep to a seamstress for customized cuts.  

There are also certain brands that tend to offer long-sleeve options in their selection of styles.  Brands such as SL Fashions, Alex Evenings, Adrianna Papell, JS Collections, Maggy London, and Diane Von Furstenberg offer some elegant modest styles.

Check out these stylish modest bridesmaid’s dresses:

 Still can't find the perfect long-sleeve dress for your special occasion?  Feel free to contact me or type a  comment in the Comment section.