Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Guest Post: How to Stay Chic with Summer Dresses 2011

This is a glorious summer for dresses of all styles and fabrics, from modern to retro. Nothing beats the ease of slipping into a dress for work or weekend and finishing the outfit with sandals and a bracelet. Dresses that suit the wearer's figure radiate elegance and confidence, and could not look less like a uniform. They are easy to wear from work to dinner out, or from the beach to the gallery, dressed up or down with accessories, jackets, and nearly any flat or heeled shoes.  The biggest trend this year is the biggest dress of them all, the Maxi. This blast from the past is still gaining popularity in lengths from mid-calf down to the ankles. The long length creates a showcase for sheer floral fabric, or for the most minimalist black jersey column that accentuates curves and statement jewellery. This summer dress can be worn everywhere, and is especially appropriate for summer parties. Depending on the fabric, it can span three seasons; worn with boots and cropped sweaters or jackets, it makes a wonderfully versatile element for your wardrobe.
Minimalism continues to be another strong trend. Simple shapes, simple colours, and simple fabrics let you the wearer be the focus and not your clothes. These pieces are also ideal for layering in creative and flattering ways. Nothing, however, is more minimalist than a dress, one single all-purpose item of clothing. Along with the above-mentioned black columnar Maxi dress, there are knee-length versions, and variations on the T-shirt dress. The minimalist look is urban, and fits in well at any place that is elegant or artistic. Wear this to the next gallery opening.  
The T-shirt dress comes in various weights of jersey and of course in a variety of patterns. The big trend is stripes, wide, narrow, or mixed-width stripes, and in any direction and in any colour combination. Go crazy with stripes for T-shirt dresses that double as beach cover-ups, and more subdued with stripes for work. Always keep in mind your shape and height with the striped T-shirt dress, and avoid horizontal stripes on the bits you'd rather not emphasize. Vertical stripes are slimming and lengthening, and the newest versions break away from preppy straight stripes, favouring the more watery lines of tropical prints in deep, vivid colours.  Sun dresses are the classic summer treat, strappy and breezy and absolutely essential for garden parties. They are their most charming when embellished with embroidery or in special fabrics. This summer look for floral and ethnic prints in both regular and sheer fabric weights. If your arms are not your best asset, add a long, lightweight lace or linen scarf as a shawl.  How to top off any of these dresses? With the cropped denim jacket, of course. This is such an icon it never really goes out of style and never takes itself too seriously: it can be and has been worn simply everywhere! The ruggedness of denim jackets perfectly play up the lightness of summer dresses.

35 comments:

Michelle Lee said...

Love thhe maxi dress
So pretty I can imagine the perfect beach look :)

Unknown said...

Fab guest post!

Anonymous said...

They are beautiful !
http://demoiselleaparis.canalblog.com/

RECIEN LLEGADA said...

Summer dress is basic for me¡
Love t-shirt dress
kisses darling
DELIA

Sick by Trend said...

Love the maxi dress!!! beautiful colors :D

xx

www.sickbytrend.com

erika sorocco said...

Ohmigosh that maxi dress is divine! I absolutely must add one to my wardrobe for the summer! :)

stilettolover91 said...

The maxi dress is my fav!

http://hottheels.blogspot.com/

danielle said...

i'll take the long dress and the tshirt dress, thank you very much :)

ahoymichelle said...

The maxi dress is gorgeous! I think the first dress would definitely make my legs look longer for the summer.

Susan W. said...

so glad the maxi is a major staple this summer!!!

Jennifer Fabulous said...

Fabulous post! Summer dresses are my favorite!! :)

Tara @ Haute Lunch said...

Love that maxi dress! Those colors are so lovely!

Anonymous said...

I am loving these dress. Yes less seems to be trending now a days for Summer!! I am also adoring the t-shirt dress. Exactly what I would wear with a pair of cut-off shorts or over my bathing suit.


xoxo,
Mel

Sienna said...

looove that yellow dress

Seeker said...

What an informative anda inspirational guest post!

Hope all is great with you, beautiful CC

Blessings
xoxo

Amanda Lee said...

its been so long! hope all is well!
and i'm loving that maxi!

xx
a.

Diana Mieczan said...

That maxi dress it totally amazing! Perfect for summer. Kisses and have a great day

Ps: I’m hosting a great sportswear GIVEAWAY today! Perfect for morning yoga practice!

Siru said...

I love the wear dresses for summer! So thanks!

Juliet xxx

Gorgeous Glam said...

Yay dresses! Great post! xo

T said...

Love it! And you're totally right -- the cropped denim jacket is the PERFECT way to top it off!

Jess said...

love the colorful maxi dress!

Climb2Nowhere said...

I live in dresses all summer! That first one is adorable! I want it!

Chrisy said...

Yes, elegance and confidence...always in style...

Chicago Chic said...

I love that heart dress! Fantastic guest post!

xo
Rachel

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Carrie,

The dresses are all fabulous and will be wonderful for summer.
I also love the pretty necklaces in the previous post.

Happy day
Hugs
Carolyn

Jelena Zivanovic said...

This maxi dress is so gorgeous!!!!:)
kisses
Jelena
http://glamfabchameleon.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

I seriously LOVE that maxi dress! It looks so fun and easy to wear for summer!

xo Mary Jo

www.janetteria.com said...

Cool T-shirt!

Kashaya said...

Wow that maxi dress is amazing! Love it.

http://kashaysblogg.blogspot.com

The Blonde Duck said...

All I wear is dresses in the summer!

Kristin H said...

WIth a yellow summer dress!!! Ah, the rain just arrived here and it feels a bit sad... but that yellow summer dress...:)

yiqin; said...

your blog never fail to inspire me.

EDGY DOLLFACE said...

I love the T-Shirt dress most. Great post.

Rebecca said...

Yes, the maxi is to settle for.. ;)

Schnappy said...

First and 3. clothes so cool!:)