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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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.

Kate Middleton's Wedding Gown: Royally Modest

As predicted, Kate Middleton’s wedding gown was designed by Alexander McQueen’s Sarah Burton.  A beautifully elegant gown made of ivory and white satin gazar that some have already compared to Grace Kelly’s wedding gown.  The A-Line cut is flattering to Kate’s figure.  The ivory lace overlay that covers her shoulders and arms and sweetheart neckline give the dress a romantic and vintage feel.  The crispness of the folds from the waist down provides a classic and sleek finish to the shape.

Kate’s wedding gown is not quite as dramatic as one could have expected with an Alexander McQueen dress, but  Kate looked stunning as the bride and as her first appearance as Princess Katherine.

The diamond earrings gifted to Kate by her parents are what I believe take the dress to the next level and provides a subtle addition that lifts the dress into a more modern and youthful feel…possibly a reflection of Princess Katherine’s character as a new addition to the Royal Family.

But the day is not over yet, and Kate may be wearing a couple more dresses before the evening ends.  

Will & Kate: Kate’s royal wedding gown could be modest

We know that Kate will wear a wedding gown of Royalty, but will it also be modest, covering her shoulder and neckline?  The design of Kate’s wedding gown is under wraps until April 29^th.  But according to one British designer for royal families, Kate will most likely be wearing three wedding dresses on her big day:  a gown for the ceremony, one for the reception, and a more comfortable one for the rest of the evening.

That means she’ll have three opportunities to sport a modest wedding gown, and if she does, modest women across the world will most certainly be influenced by the design she chooses.  After all, Kate Middleton has not only earned her stripes for her fashionable taste, many of what she chooses to wear is modest.  Her modesty is even expressed in the hats she wears.  For married Orthodox Jewish women halachically required to cover their heads but don’t exactly enjoy wearing wigs or scarves, take a look at the hats worn by Kate Middleton.  She has a talent for making head coverings chic with any outfit she wears.

One rumor that seems to have spread faster than wildfire is that Kate will be wearing an Alexander McQueen wedding gown designed by Sarah Burton.  While formal designs by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen may not exactly be known for “modesty” per se, the brand’s cutting edge fashion forward style will be sure to make a lasting statement.  

But will Kate go Modest for Prince William as they take their vows?  Let’s look at how Kate snagged such a royal catch in the first place.  The first time Will was “introduced” to Kate was when he saw her model a see-through little number at a fashion event.  Thus, there is also the possibility that modesty will not be a concern for Kate.   My humble guess -- Kate Middleton is about to enter into one of the most famous and royal families in the world.  On April 29^th 2011, my bet is at least one of Kate’s three dresses will be Modest, Iconic and Legendary for all to cherish.

The Perfect Modest Bridesmaid Dress: Ideas for modest and long-sleeve

If I had to choose one wedding item where I lost the most sleep, it would have to be finding the perfect bridesmaid dresses for my bridesmaids.  I wanted something modest and classic with a slight edge, something my bridesmaids could wear again as an evening dress...and I wanted the price to be inexpensive.  Such criteria was nearly impossible to find, and I went down a few paths before making the final choice.  If you are also struggling to find modest bridesmaids gowns that are inexpensive yet fashionable, check out these options:

• Dressy Undershirt:  This is the most flexible option and possibly the least costly to transform a not-so-modest bridesmaid dress into a modest one.  But it only works if the fabric of the dressy undershirt is sleek enough to blend in with the bridesmaid dress and serve as long-sleeves:
• Kiki Riki (~$17):  The "Kiki Riki" is a  brand that has become widely known among the Orthodox Jewish world as the undershirt of choice for making a dress more modest.  The 80% cotton / 10% spandex fabric blend along with being only ~$17 / shirt makes this a popular option for transforming practically any non-modest bridesmaid dress into the perfect one.  The catch is trying to track down stores that sell Kiki Riki's, which mainly seem to be in the heart of Orthodox communities or sold online by small businesses.  

• Designer Loft (~$100):  Designer Loft sells a satin shirt that would be worn underneath the dress to provide coverage of chest and arms (comes in black, white, and tan).  Just ask them about it.
• Customized Chinese Gowns:  As I noted in a previous blog, customized Chinese gowns offer a wide variety of long-sleeve gowns along with an exotic flair.  Just be careful about the slits on the side of the dress which may require added stitching.
• Good Orient:  Good Orient's website offers up some fun Chinese gowns that have sleeves.  On the one hand, traditional Chinese gowns can allow for a little mystery that ensures some modesty in the cut and style of the gown.  On the other hand, the mystery can also be risque with the long slits down the side of the legs.  So, keep in mind that the slits should be sown up to keep it modest.  Should you choose this exotic option for bridesmaid dresses, I recommend ordering one dress as a test before ordering several of them to ensure your satisfaction.  Below is a silk cheongsam with mandarin collar and medium sleeves that can be customized by size, color and material, and only costs a mere $94.74.  
 

• Matching Jacket, Bolero or Blazer: I found these examples on Dillard's website:

• Department Store Websites:  Dillard's, Macy's, Bloomingdale's; or try TJ Formal
• Search under" Mother-of-the-Bride" dresses:  Not all Mother-of-the-Bride dresses are matronly, and you may even find "Bridesmaid" dresses at these department stores with longsleeves.  

Left:  "JS Collections Lace & Crepe Gown" ($220); Right:  "Landa Modest Bridesmaid Dress A008" ($158)

• The Wrap:   This may not be realistic for dancing unless it is pinned down properly. However, it a great as a last minute solution for brides pressed with time.  Below is an example of how wrapping material around your shoulders and arms and tying loosely in the back can transform a dress into a modest and romantic look for your bridesmaids.  

• Customized Modest Gown:  Find a fabric store or designer and choose a color / fabric and dress style for your bridesmaids to have tailored.  While this can be costly, there is room for negotiating a set price per dress if you have several bridesmaids.  I ended up choosing a reputable designer in Staten Island known for designing Orthodox Jewish modest bridesmaids gowns and paid $163 / dress.  When I saw a strappy dress that I liked in her store and imagined a more modest version of it, the designer was flexible and said she could use a similar design as the strappy dress and add sleeves. 

Questions on choosing your bridesmaid dress?  Feel free to email me.