[JenAnne]

Ugh... I need CHEAP formal ideas ladies!

Every year my employer hosts an awards night for our workers (I'm staff @ the county's sheltered workshop for disabled adults). It's wonderful for everyone, and generally a really fun night.

Well, it's a themed event and all staff are expected to dress up accordingly. This year's theme is Mardi Gras. Not too bad, then the beast who organizes the event decides to announce 2 weeks ago that it's Mardi Gras Ball.

This is my last child = my last pregnancy = I'm not spending a ton on a dress that I will literally wear one time. But... I don't want to look totally out of place when everyone else is wearing formal gowns.

Any ideas?

[noworries]

Short Sleeve Beaded Detail Maternity Dress | Motherhood Maternity

Sleeveless Pleated Maternity Dress | Motherhood Maternity

Spaghetti Strap Pleated Maternity Dress | A Pea in the Pod

Sleeveless Pleated Maternity Dress | Motherhood Maternity

Sleeveless Babydoll Maternity Dress | Destination Maternity

Sleeveless Empire Waist Maternity Dress | Destination Maternity

Sleeveless Sash Belt Maternity Dress | Destination Maternity

Velvet Long Sleeve Ruffle Front Maternity Dress | A Pea in the Pod

Liz Lange® for Target® Maternity Sleeveless Knit Dress- Ebony : Target

Oh Baby by Motherhood Knot-Front Dress

Oh Baby by Motherhood Faux-Wrap Dress

[MamaAnna]

Maternity Evening Dresses & Formal Gowns | Motherhood Maternity

I would try something from there. You could use accessories to make it more or less formal to fit the occasion and the prices are much better than you'll see in a lot of stores.

[mommydiva]

Since its a ball something that is ankle/floor length would be appropriate.

what about something like this?
Olian Maternity 'Kora' Bead Trim Dress - Dresses & Skirts - Nordstrom

Then maybe sell it on ebay or something.


We have a military ball next month and I had a dress that would have been perfect had I not gotten pregnant. So now I am hoping DH isn't home for it so then I don't have to find a dress and all that.

Also check out Debs ect if your not showing much you could get away with something simple and non maternity since a lot of those places have their formal gowns out now due to prom.

[pthree]

Gold Maternity Halter Dress Formal Cocktail - All Sizes XL - eBay (item 330346249047 end time Mar-17-10 14:24:59 PDT) This one says all sizes but it's only available in XL - but it ties in the back so it might be workable. I love this dress!

Maternity Formal Dress Wine Burgundy Silver S M L XL 2X - eBay (item 330350189204 end time Apr-02-10 10:10:57 PDT)

Maternity Dress Black White Formal Cocktail S M L XL 2X S - eBay (item 330378670863 end time Mar-18-10 16:44:35 PDT)

Same as the one linked before, but in green and black: Maternity Dress Cocktail Formal Black Green Gold S M L - eBay (item 230409779437 end time Apr-07-10 06:42:54 PDT)

Maternity Formal Cocktail Dress Rhinestones Black S M L - eBay (item 330346445145 end time Mar-18-10 11:05:32 PDT)

[pthree]

Any luck?!

[laisydaisymama]

hmmm......when is it? how much are you showing? I am matron of honor this weekend, and my dress isn't maternity, just empire waisted.

[JenAnne]

The awards thing is April 8, so I still have a few weeks to shop around.

I really like all of the suggestions everyone's giving me!

If money wasn't an object, these are my favorites:
Short Sleeve Knot Front Maternity Dress | Destination Maternity
This is my fave. I have tons of jewelry I could wear with it.

Platinum Audrey Dress
Love how flowy this is, but I like the longer ones.

Goldfish Gown
I think this one is soooo fun! lol I'm not crazy though, so there's no way I'd spend $1,400 on a maternity gown!

Oh! Also, I feel like I'm showing a lot, but I suppose it's pretty average for early second trimester. I like stuff fitted so that it shows that I'm pregnant and not just boxy! I have a short torso and naturally I'm an hourglass shape, so when I'm pregnant, if you don't define the bump I just look awkward!