Thursday, August 18, 2011

The Summer Dress Guide: The Distinctive Dresses of Design Divas


Whether we're talking sweet and sassy sundresses or fabulously fancy frocks, higher temperatures mean elevated summer styles from every design diva. And with Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 collections already hitting stores and runways, sales on warm weather wearables are shining everywhere. To be sure that you're dressed for success this August, here's a look at what's trending right now.  
Waist Not, Want Not  While your shoulders might be bare, the bodices of this season's star pieces are far from it, revealing a multitude of midline embellishments. Beaded empire waists, ribbon belts, and fabric twists appear front and center. Just look at the sharp silhouette that Carolina Herrera creates when she cinches her hibiscus bird print jacquard pleat dress with a leather and acetate belt, or the bad-girl-next-door aura that Rebecca Minkoff channels with her black-and-white Mara bustier dress featuring zipper accents at the waistline.  A little flair at the bodice is always a good bet.
Great Lengths Now that we're in the peak season, higher hemlines offer a peek at tanned legs. And though these pieces may be shorter, they most certainly aren't short on style. Designers have packed plenty of structure into these mini dresses, flirting with tiered and tulle skirts for maximum impact. For example, among her Summer 2011 lineup, Ali Ro puts forth a fabulously chic silk shift with a pleated bottom, perfect for flirty alfresco nights.
And when it comes to longer gowns, fashionistas are channeling inner goddess with dramatically flowing, floor-length numbers. Try on Nanette Lepore's "Rain or Shine" silk maxi, with its warm abstract rose print and loosely draped ruffles, for a little feminine mystique. Or don the one-shoulder ombre chiffon gown from Monique Lhuillier's Spring 2011 ready-to-wear collection for an ethereal effect.
   Material Girl Whether cool jersey cotton, seersucker, chiffon, or linen, this season's materials have been painted in vivid abstracts and decorated in funky geometric cutouts and patterns. Betsey Johnson's "Gorgeous Garden" chiffon babydoll dress plays to a woman's softer side with its delicate fluttering cut and Monet-inspired pattern, while Alice + Olivia's "Russell" slip dress makes a bold statement with a tribal wave print.
And when it comes to graphics, Diane Von Furstenberg has the goods with her "Oblixe" silk jersey dress featuring tone-on-tone geo patterning. Nicole Miller also makes use of the black graphic print by layering stripes of varying weights across a wash of cobalt in her "Tidal Pleat dress".

Clari Farkash is the designer of the Clarisse line of short dresses and homecoming dresses for promgirl.net. Clarisse dresses have been worn by such celebrities as Miss Galaxy International and Miss Teen Galaxy UK. Promgirl.net has been selling prom
dresses and formal gowns from America's top designers for over 25 years. CC has a Clarisse dress and adores it!
xoxox,
CC

34 comments:

Diana Mieczan said...

Beautiful! I love wearing dresses during summer and that silk maxi is stunning. Happy Thursday, darling

erika sorocco said...

Oh, the Nanette Lepore is absolutely calling my name. Love! :)

Jennifer Fabulous said...

Great guide to summer dresses, CC! xoxo

the nyanzi report said...

great overview of summer fashion.

Anonymous said...

wow nice collection of dresses .... i like Betsey Johnson dress ...
http://fashionstyle-pk.blogspot.com/

Oh to Be a Muse said...

that Nanette Lepore dress is absolute perfection. it would seriously make me feel like a WOMAN, you know? :)

jess said...

Great dresses. I love the DVF.

md said...

He notado algunos cambios o es cosa mía???
Me gusta.
Saludos,

fashion doctor said...

amazing dresses! thank you ., darling! xxxx

Chicago Chic said...

Such a lovely write up... I like the striped dress!!

xo
Rachel

Laura Trevey said...

Love the Russell slip dress - as a tunic too!!

Content Director - Strong Female Leaders said...

I will miss all the busy, bright prints of summer :O(

Pretty Zesty said...

These are great. Last call for summer dresses! ;o)

Kashaya said...

Beautiful dresses.=)

http://kashaysblogg.blogspot.com

MarianaCarvalho said...

Lovely guide to know what to wear this summer.
xx
myclosetmii.blogspot.com

Grace said...

Ah, this makes me so sad to see summer end! I guess I'll be adding tights and a jacket to most of my dresses soon.

Unknown said...

cute dresses


raspberrykitsch.blogspot.com

xx

www.majormusthaves.com said...

I'm in love with that dress!!!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Love that mixed print DVF!

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

Great post, CC! I'm loving the Nanette Lepore and Betsey Johnson dresses. They are GORGEOUS. You always find the most fabulous clothes!

Unknown said...

Oh I love this! Please write more, I loved reading this guide.

La sonrisa de Hiperion said...

Siempre estupendos los posts que nos dejas. Un placer haber vuelto por tu espacio.

Saludos y un abrazo.

Julia, the Thanksgiving Girl said...

The first dress is calling my name!

Magdalena said...

I love wearing dresses and the Nanette Lepore is absolutely gorgeous!

Have a lovely weekend, sweetie!

Kisses

Anonymous said...

The floaty-flowery one is divine :)
And anything b&w stripes: yes! Works well as casual outfit.

dimitri said...

Beautiful summer dresses. The Caroline Herrera dress is so beautiful.
xx

Anonymous said...

Sweetest collections for summer!
Nicole Miller is in my heart
Love the stripes so much <3

♥ sugarpuff ♥
Pinkie Anggia ☺
http://pinkieanggia.tumblr.com

The Blonde Duck said...

Luckily I can wear summer dresses until November!

Anonymous said...

Nice post;)

Fashion-Bridge said...

This post is gorgeous! I love dresses, nothing makes a girl feel so good and pretty as a dress.

Nanette Lepore's "Rain or Shine" maxidress is stunning! There are so many ways to play with it! a pair of coyboy boots will add a relaxed, boho vibe to it. Meanwhile a pair of nude pumps will make the whole outfit absolutely chic and perfect for a summer soiree.


Love your blog and following it immediately!

I'll be happy if you join my beautiful followers as well. It'll mean so much to me!

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Alexandra

http://fashion-bridge.blogspot.com/

Lee Oliveira said...

That Nanette Lepore's dress is ridiculous amazing
lee x

Michelle Lee said...

Love everything :)

monica said...

love the nanette lepore

DailyGlamour said...

nanette 's dress is gorgeous !
xx