Time to More Than Play Dress Up
By Caitlin Brown
After the year we’ve had, a simple tweak to our usual — in the direction of normal—goes a long way. It’s high time to enjoy each other’s company and venture out from hibernation. I can’t think of a better time to put the tie-dye sweats away (I’d like to burn mine in the name of bad juju) — maybe forever — and embrace the new, re-envisioned dresses of the season.
Never has putting on a dress sounded so good. It’s been one of the things this girl, for one, has been looking forward to since lockdown. If you’re a dress gal, there are noteworthy trends to get excited about that scream cheerful, from vibrant colors and patterns to fresh and feminine shapes.
Re-envisioned dresses play a huge role in warm-weather style. Here are some to look out for:
The Shirt Dress
Sedate and business-appropriate when seen from desktop upwards but has enough grace and poise to make an entrance.
The White Dress
Summer is all about effortlessness, and no dress is more quintessential than a laidback design in white. Crisp and fresh iterations of white from super feminine to minimal will be everywhere.
The Transitional Day Dress
This is a big one and takes special cue from quarantine living: easy-to-wear day dresses that transcend season and specific occasion. These are dresses that are inherently feminine and sophisticated and can be worn in a myriad of ways and work as well for a casual day at home as a night out.
Tacky Florals
Florals for spring will always be a thing, but this season, 1980s-inspired and overall vintage vibes reign supreme: a surge of cheery colors and motifs, from punchy shades like hot pink and tangerine to new takes on tie-dye (it hasn’t left us quite yet), and poppy floral prints.
The Cut-out
We’ve seen it before, and we are seeing it again, except this time these skin-exposing holes seem to be concentrated on the sides of the torso. This style is not for everyone. However, if you spent quarantine working out a lot, and feel like giving the curves some fresh air, go for it.
Eyelet and Lace Finishes
With laser-cut lace and eyelet fabrics, designers gave spring dressing a decidedly feminine twist. These pretty pieces aren’t just for dressing up — consider these frills suitable for every occasion.
The Romantic
Dramatic frills, ultra-puffed sleeves, and waist-enhancing fits.
The Midi
The length of the season: not short, not long.
The Basic/Slinky Dress
Think Calvin Klein aesthetic in simplicity: muted colors, easy fabrics, and a little cling: second-skin knits — garments that stay close to the body (comfortable) but look nothing like athleisure wear (presentable).
There you have it, ladies. Until next time, start dressing up!
Links for pics:
Great Stuff: (trends here are: Day to Night / Shirt Dress)
Angela’s Edit: (trends here are: Knit Dress/ Emroidered Lace/Midi )
Angela’s Edit: (trends here are: basic/slinky dress and white/transitional)
