This topic is about finding the right dress for a young woman who is recovering from ostomy surgery. She wants to wear a dress to a wedding in the warm Carolinas, as her mother wishes, but is unsure about what styles will be comfortable and flattering with her new ostomy. Here are some helpful suggestions:

1. Dress styles that can hide or accommodate the stoma and pouch:
- Consider knee-length or just-above-knee A-line dresses made from lightweight, breathable fabrics. These should be loose and non-binding.
- Empire-waist dresses and wrap-around or tie dresses offer room for the pouch and create a slimming effect.
- Retro or rockabilly high-waist dresses with full or "poofy" skirts are a good option and come in various colors.
- Two-piece outfits or separates, like a pretty top or jacket with a skirt, allow for easier adjustments and looser waists.

2. Undergarments and shaping:
- A thin cami or singlet, or tighter spandex underwear or shapewear, can help hold the pouch close to the body and smooth out the silhouette.

3. Managing the pouch during the event:
- Eat lightly, chew food thoroughly, and avoid gas-producing vegetables and drinking through straws to minimize gas and bulging.
- Plan for periodic bathroom trips to empty the pouch, perhaps under the guise of "checking hair and makeup."

4. Covering tattoos or scars:
- Dermablend® camouflage makeup is recommended for concealing tattoos or scars and can be found online or in cosmetics stores.

5. Alternative clothing items:
- "Comfort Fit" pants without zippers, which look like jeans or dress pants, are ostomy-friendly for other occasions.

6. Footwear tips:
- Pair dresses with mid- or high-heeled sandals or pumps. While platform stilettos are fashionable, they may be uncomfortable, so choose something you can comfortably stand in.

7. General reassurance:
- Many people with ostomies continue wearing their pre-surgery clothing. The key is to focus on personal comfort and confidence.
- Dresses can often be easier than pants because they are looser at the waist and don’t press on the stoma area.