Formal Dress reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 152 Reddit reviews across 24 subreddits and 34 posts to rank the best Formal Dress brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/Weddingattireapproval, r/santacruz, r/UKweddings, r/AskWomenOver40, r/longisland. Top-rated brands include Nordstrom (4.3/5), Amazon (3.9/5), Macy's (4.2/5).
Stats
Reviews152
Subreddits24
Posts34
Brands78
Products45
152 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Nordstrom
4.3
(10)
"Formal attire for a woman does not have to be floor length."
"Online look at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Saks Fifth Avenue, Revolve, and Macy's."
"Adding to the chorus recommending Nordstrom."
"You’ll find tons of petite dresses at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, and Macys."
"I would wear something like this: - https://www.nordstrom.com/s/7986827?color=710"
"Nordstrom and dillards petite and juniors dress section."
"What do you think of these? Connected Apparel chiffon overlay fit flare dress."
"Nordstrom (sale/clearance), Nordstrom Rack, Macy’s (sale/clearance)."
"Nordstrom. Macy’s. Honestly, she’ll have the best selection ordering online."
"Last Chance on Camelback or any Nordstrom Rack."
#2
Amazon
3.9
(11)
"I have been wearing this dress for the past few months (in different patterns) and it is not only flattering, but I always get compliments when I wear it."
"I bought a beautiful (and really well priced dress) off Amazon. It got tons of compliments."
"This style may give you some inspiration."
"I just bought a dress I saw in Macy's from Amazon for $50 cheaper."
"I wore this jumpsuit to my son’s middle school graduation recently and it was great."
"I think they mean something more like this."
"Amazon. I bought a beautiful long black lace dress for $50 for an awards ceremony."
"Try Amazon too - got some cute stuff for my sons first birthday that was pretty cheap."
"I have gotten some decent formal dresses from Amazon."
"Very pretty but feels too casual."
#3
Macy's
4.2
(9)
"Macy’s over the hill at Valley Fair. It’s worth the drive."
"Macy’s is actually amazing for dresses right now."
"I recently purchased a gown for a semi formal wedding at Macy's."
"Macy's is often a good bet."
"Found a dress at Macy’s. Thanks for all of your help!"
"Might as well try Macy's."
"I like the macys in Capitola mall. Usually they have something on sale."
"I have found a few nice things at our Macy’s."
"Macys and Dillards carry petite formals."
#4
Rent the Runway
4.5
(6)
"Look into Rent the Runway! Beautiful items, you can get a few different sizes and styles delivered to try on."
"Rent the Runway is fun, and they have lots of pics of real people."
"Rent the runway :) its sustainable too"
"Rent the Runway does petite rentals if you decide you would rather rent than buy."
"You may want to try Rent the Runway since you’ll likely only need it for this occasion."
"Try renting something?"
#5
Lulus
4.2
(6)
"Something with chiffon will be flattering too to smooth out any insecurities."
"I find Lulus an easy place to shop."
"I think you need more of a long a-line dress."
"Lulus has some great affordable options!"
"Would this be more flattering?"
"Try renting something? Blue Floral."
#6
ASOS
4.0
(6)
"I would check out ASOS petite and Macy’s petite options online."
"Try ASOS or Eloquii"
"They have some lovely formal dresses."
"Asos or club l London? Asos had some lovely ones last time I looked!"
"I saw some on ASOS and Nordstrom."
"Usually, I buy dresses on Asos there is a huge variety of dresses suitable for all body shapes."
#7
eShakti
4.4
(5)
"I also recommend eshakti. They have great customizing options."
"[eShakti] is another great website that will custom make a dress to your measurements."
"Eshakti might have some good options, and they make their dresses customized."
"EShakti has some really pretty dresses in georgette that look like you wouldn't overheat too badly!"
"You can get custom clothes, including nice dresses, from eshakti."
#8
Windsor
4.2
(5)
"Hop on depop and look for lucy in the sky, peppermayo, or windsor dresses."
"Try windsor !! when i was in highschool (2 years ago) everyone got their formal dresses there :)"
"We get our homecoming and prom dresses from Windsor in the Fair Oaks mall most are under $100."
"Try windsor"
"I found some at Windsor online store that appear to be pretty long."
#9
Nordstrom Rack
4.3
(4)
"I love Nordstrom Rack for dresses."
"I order from Nordstrom Rack and then return what doesn't work to the store in Pittsburgh"
"Try Nordstrom Rack!"
"Nordstrom rack can have some good deals."
#10
Birdy Grey
5.0
(3)
"I would definitely recommend checking them out."
"It's my go to!!"
"Birdy grey - free exchanges too."
#11
Baltic Born
4.7
(3)
"This sounds like a time for Baltic Born!"
"I got a baltic born one for maternity photos that doubles as a great wedding guest dress!!!"
"Try some more flowy options."
#12
Abercrombie
4.3
(3)
"A line dress will always be flattering and hits usually smallest Part of your waist and flows out over your waist and hips."
"I have good luck with Abercrombie and Lucy in the sky might be a bit young for your mom"
"What about a semi-formal/cocktail jumpsuit?"
#13
David's Bridal
4.0
(3)
"Consider giving David’s Bridal another chance and have a look at the [Junior Bridesmaid dresses](https://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesmaids/junior-bridesmaid-dresses)."
"I got my prom dresses from Davids Bridal tho."
"David's Bridal. They may not have her size in store, but she can order it and have it shipped to the store."
#14
JJ's House
4.0
(3)
"It was a fairly normal A-line dress with a lace jacket."
"Or this?"
"Something like this perhaps?"
#15
Folkster
5.0
(2)
"Folkster."
"I only know this because that’s where the Mrs goes."
#16
Winner
5.0
(2)
"It’s like 3 stories of gowns. It’s definitely worth the drive!"
"It’s like 3 stories of gowns. It’s definitely worth the drive!"
#17
Azazie
5.0
(2)
"Azazie!"
"Azazie does custom fit dresses! I can recommend them highly."
#18
Kiyonna
5.0
(2)
"Kiyonna has some great dresses that flatter my body type."
"I’ve gotten a couple of wedding guest dresses from online Kiyonna."
#19
Komarov
5.0
(2)
"I'm also mildly obsessed with Komarov dresses."
"Check your link cal department stores for the Komarov brand."
#20
Lulu's
4.5
(2)
"Lulus was (and still is) my go to for formal dresses under $100!"
"Honestly, take a look at [lulu's](https://www.lulus.com/categories/299_2226/formal-dresses.html). Lots of dresses for under $100."
#21
Selkie
4.5
(2)
"Ok I think Selkie may actually be perfect for this then."
"Selkie or Eloquii."
#22
Mac Duggal
4.5
(2)
"What about something like these? Mac Duggal floral gowns."
"If you find something online, such as Mac Duggal or Tadashi Soshi."
#23
Light in the Box
4.0
(2)
"[Light in the Box](https://search.app/Le3k64PFHdfDoCjbA)"
"I got mine from Light In the Box and it was brilliant!"
#24
Dillards
4.0
(2)
"Not something that people think of since there are no stores around here, but I have had such great luck with Dillards!!!"
"What about something like this: https://www.dillards.com/p/mac-duggal-floral-surplice-v-neck-short-flutter-sleeve-a-line-gown/517845292"
#25
Eliza J
4.0
(2)
"I bought a dress (Eliza J brand) that I am getting about an inch removed from the hem with 3in heels."
"I think one of these may hit better."
#26
The Pretty Little Dress Company
5.0
(1)
"I'd recommend The Pretty Little Dress Company! I bought several dresses from them, they're all high quality and so well made."
#27
Estelle's
5.0
(1)
"My family has been getting our event dresses there for like decades lol."
#28
Yvonne
5.0
(1)
"Yvonne in Capitola Village. Pricy but so worth it."
#29
Bra Shop
5.0
(1)
"Go to a bra shop and be measured and get a good quality strapless bra."
#30
Meshki
5.0
(1)
"If you’re open to online, Meshki has gorgeous dresses. Decent prices."
#31
Show Me Your Mumu
5.0
(1)
"I’d wear something like this in the blue satin color."
#32
Lady Luck
5.0
(1)
"Lady Luck is where I got my prom dress!! Love that store"
#33
1st Hand Seconds
5.0
(1)
"1st Hand Seconds in Albany has a great selection of formal dresses."
#34
JJS House
5.0
(1)
"JJS house can do made to measure and they specifically ask for your height."
#35
TBH Studio
5.0
(1)
"TBH Studio (vintage) or Queen's Shoes (high end/designer) in Watsonville both have lovely dresses!"
#36
Universal Standard
5.0
(1)
"Lightweight and comfortable for humid weather."
#37
Nuuly
5.0
(1)
"Rent one through Nuuly! It’s a subscription service with maternity and non maternity clothing and they have a lot of formal options."
#38
Holy Clothing
5.0
(1)
"Have you tried Holy Clothing? I love their dresses."
#39
Jessakae
5.0
(1)
"Try Jessakae! Size inclusive up to 6x!"
#40
ELOQUII
5.0
(1)
"ELOQUII for sure."
#41
MSK
4.0
(1)
"Maybe try for dresses that have waists sitting slightly above the 'natural' waistline, or dresses with jackets."
#42
Connected
4.0
(1)
"Some may be slightly too dressy for dressy casual, but maybe these will help."
#43
Prom Dress
4.0
(1)
"Look at places that sell prom dresses. Don’t let that scare you, you can definitely find things that are extremely formal."
#44
Jumpsuit
4.0
(1)
"I would go for a dressier jumpsuit. Some of the looks are definitely semi formal."
#45
Bridgerton Dress
4.0
(1)
"If somebody is asking for formal, it’s floor length, and I would especially think it would be floor length if it is a Bridgerton themed wedding."
#46
Dillard's
4.0
(1)
"I like the Dillards Clearance for formal dresses on the cheap!"
#47
Caroline's
4.0
(1)
"You might try Caroline's in Aptos. Higher quality thrift stuff there."
#48
Goodwill
4.0
(1)
"I did have success when I needed formal wear and only spent about $10-$20 max on each dress."
#49
eBay
4.0
(1)
"Check eBay there’s lots of great deals on dresses worn for only one or two occasions."
#50
Chi Chi London
4.0
(1)
"Chi Chi London have some midi wedding dresses and an at least 25% off sale on at the moment."
#51
Monsoon
4.0
(1)
"My friend and her wife both got lovely dresses from Monsoon."
#52
Needle & Thread
4.0
(1)
"Have a look at Needle & Thread, and try to get a welcome code for 10% off."
#53
Coast
4.0
(1)
"Coast and phase8 quite often have decent dresses for that budget."
#54
Estelles
4.0
(1)
"Estelles in Farmingdale has a big selection of styles and prices"
#55
West End Boutique
4.0
(1)
"I’ve had good luck with West End Boutique!"
#56
Closet Shopper
4.0
(1)
"Closet Shopper on 41st has some good things for cheap :)"
#57
Cali Couture
4.0
(1)
"Cali Couture (probably spelled that wrong) in Soquel."
#58
Dillard's Outlet
4.0
(1)
"Dillards Outlet has so many dresses so pace yourself."
#59
Palazzo Pants
4.0
(1)
"Palazzo pants are a favorite of mine."
#60
Xscape
4.0
(1)
"Pretty dress, but not formal. A formal dress is to the floor and is a nice fabric, silk, satin, chiffon, crepe."
#61
Ever Pretty
4.0
(1)
"This may work: https://www.amazon.com/Ever-Pretty-Plus-Elegant-Sleeves-Appliques/dp/B0BXKV4D57?ref_=ast_sto_dp"
#62
FARM Rio
4.0
(1)
"Check the ones from FARM Rio to see what I mean."
#63
Maxi Dress
4.0
(1)
"Here are options: maxi dress (a dress that goes down to the ankles), legging under a dress, pantyhose/tights."
#64
Dillard's/JCPenney
4.0
(1)
"I have gotten dressed from Dillard’s/JCPenney that were nice and had good coverage."
#65
Donald Stanley
4.0
(1)
"Have a look at Donald Stanley’s website. They ask for your measurements to make the dresses made to order."
#66
e-shakti
4.0
(1)
"Beside e-shakti, a skater shape or fit and flare dress might work well for you."
#67
Etsy
4.0
(1)
"After that just try some major retailers online. Even Etsy."
#68
Dress the Population
4.0
(1)
"I think one of these may hit better."
#69
Adrianna Papell
4.0
(1)
"I think one of these may hit better."
#70
After Six
4.0
(1)
"I think one of these may hit better."
#71
Torrid
4.0
(1)
"I'd recommend Torrid."
#72
BHLDN
4.0
(1)
"If it’s formal, maybe BHLDN?"
#73
Kay Unger
4.0
(1)
"Kay Unger makes formal jumpsuits."
#74
Cognito Clothing
4.0
(1)
"If your vibe is retro, you may find something at Cognito Clothing downtown."
#75
Pacific Trading Co
4.0
(1)
"It can be expensive, but Pacific Trading Co downtown has a lot of pretty, nice dresses"
#76
R&M Richards
4.0
(1)
"Search for department stores/amazon that sell R&M Richard’s petites."
#77
Marshall's
3.0
(1)
"Try Marshall’s and Ross?!?"
#78
TJ Maxx
3.0
(1)
"Try TJ Maxx"
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