I like Cato clothes. I find their prices to be about half of stores like Penney's and other stores similar. They have cute clothes and they are made pretty well. I buy nearly all my new clothes there.
A style that is popular right now is the Empire waist with gentle gathers underneath. This is a style that will look good on you any time. I have the typical pear shape and that style has been one of my favorites since high school.
I am putting some sewing pattern links that show the styles of dresses I think would be nice, not so you can try to make a dress but see actual pictures of dresses in the styles that would look nice on your body type.
This one has minimal gathers under the bust but still has shape that is flattering to your body type. It has an open neck that will draw the eye's upward and to your neck and face.
http://www.simplicity.com/p-6063-misses-miss-petite-dress...
The deep V of this neckline will also draw the eyes up and look flattering. The waist is defined by the wider band and it minimizes the hips. It could be dressed up with a few very nice pieces of jewelry or simplified by leaving them off.
http://www.simplicity.com/p-5910-misses-amazing-fit-dress...
This style has a side tie that gives the top structure and again draws the eye towards the upper half of the body. It has very soft lines and is very feminine. It could be something very soft and drape very softly. I would say make sure if you go with this style that you make sure it is the right size so it doesn't fit to tightly across the hiney.
http://www.simplicity.com/p-5090-misses-dress-separates.aspx
If you are not to bottom heavy you can wear a straight skirt. If you are then wear a slightly full skirt, fitted around the waist and top of the hips but flares out at the bottom a bit. Like a trumpet bell. It will minimize the fuller hips when wearing a suit. The aqua jacket is lovely in this suit, the details of the button and soft draping really make it special.
http://www.simplicity.com/p-4471-misses-sportswear.aspx
The ruffled neck of this jacket is very feminine but can look a bit older. So the fabric can make it or break it. The other jacket is a bit immature due to the schoolgirl collar. The skirt style is what I was mentioning above. The trumpet/bell look. It flares a bit but not too full and gathered.
http://www.simplicity.com/p-1597-misses-dresses.aspx
If the wedding is a bit formal then this style might be something you can wear. A bit more formal but still tasteful and it shouldn't take away from the bride any. The aqua/teal colored one would be right for your body style. Also the purple one. Flared out at the bottom a bit and details at the waist or neck that draw the eyes up.
http://www.simplicity.com/p-1508-misses-special-occasion-...
If you like drama then something like this might be a good look for you too. It has the higher, empire, waist and a definite style that no one else will have one. The peach dress the model has on doesn't fit her well. It is a bit baggie or something. The line of the dresses on the pattern are more flattering. If you have pretty shoulders and upper arms this style would look awesome on you. You could find something that is shorter if you wanted and it would still look awesome.
http://www.simplicity.com/p-1642-misses-special-occasion-...
Good luck and good fun in your shopping adventures.