Tag Archives: dresses

Our Favorite Spring / Summer 2016 Fashion Trends

Now that the long winter season is coming to an end, it’s time to look forward to spring, to the return of the sun and the longer days, and to the incredible new fashion trends that you can embrace as you revamp your entire wardrobe and your look.

Photo by Mike Monaghan

What are the best spring and summer fashion trends for 2016? Keep reading to learn more.

The Slip Dress

The slip dress is one fashion trend that definitely made headlines this year, as it’s back and it’s looking sexier than ever. Look for these dresses in chiffon, satin, layered with knits, and more. Basically, you can consider this underwear that works as outerwear, so it is a way to be sexy and edgy all at the same time.

Plenty of Bright, Bold Colors

Look for clothes this spring and summer in colors that you may never have encountered before, and don’t worry if the colors clash or if they go together. This year, it is all about getting as many colors as possible onto one outfit, so there is no need to stick with a monochrome outfit if you don’t want to. In fact, even sparkly colors are in fashion for the upcoming warmer seasons of the year, so go ahead and be adventurous while shining like the sun.

Stripes Galore

A lot of the incredibly talented designers who showcased their designs on the spring and summer runways this year were proud to show off their many pieces that featured bold stripes. Whether thin or thick, colorful or black and white, stripes are definitely a trend that you can embrace this year as well. And if you are petite, vertical lines will even help to make you appear taller, so definitely consider adding this trend to your closet.

Ruffles, and Lots of Them

Ruffles are also a big trend this year, with gorgeous dresses having ruffles as their key detail. When shopping for these types of dresses, though, look for quality, not just the price of the outfit. This trend is all about structured tiers set in design that is minimal, as well as ruffles that take over an entire outfit, so you can go for a little or a lot.

Snag Great Styles Online

If you are unable to find these great styles in stores, or if you have difficulty shopping at local retailers because they don’t carry the clothing and accessories that you like or that fit your body perfectly, you can always shop online. There are plenty of reputable online shops to choose from, so go ahead and find your favorite online dress boutique and shop for your favorite new fashion trends from the comfort of your home.

As you can see, there are plenty of great new spring and summer fashion trends to look forward to this year. No matter what your sense of style is, you should certainly try incorporating one or more of these great ideas into your wardrobe to liven things up a bit and try something new.

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Lady’s Fashion Tips for a Valentine’s Day Dinner Date

For menswear.

Every date night should be special, but Valentine’s Day somehow always takes the cake. No matter if you’re going out on the town or looking forward to a romantic night in, we have a few suggestions sure to get you looking and feeling your best.

For a big night out, it doesn’t seem to matter how extensive your wardrobe is; a new outfit seems to be on everyone’s mind. While the classic black dress is always a fan favorite, use the season as a good excuse to take a walk on the wild side and slip into something red. Not only is it the hue of the season, but a little pop of color can really boost your mood.

Calvin Klein’s Short-Sleeve Embellished Sheath Dress in lipstick red is sure to take you out of your shell. With gold studs and slim fit it’s the type of dress that looks good on everyone. Or try Michael Kors Petite One-Shoulder Hardware Sheath Dress for a fancier night out. The asymmetrical shape and hardware detailing are bound to make your date do a double take.

For a more casual night, we love the Ralph Lauren Short-Sleeve Cold Shoulder Top in fiery Madison Red. Pair with black pants or jeans and a long necklace to complete the look. Another option is to stay nice and cozy in a dolman sweater such as the Cabe & Gauge Studded Dolman-Sleeve Sweater. This boat-neck top is adorned with little studs for a little extra pizzaz on a classic silhouette.

If you like to have a little fun with your look, go all out and add a little whimsy with lip covered shoes. While tons of designers have fallen in love with the lip trend such as Brain Atwood and Sam Edelmen, we love these INC Zitah pumps available exclusively at Macy’s.

Also try enhancing your own set of lips with a touch of color. A sexy pout is one of our favorite ways to really enhance a look and we love Dior Addict Lipstick for soft kissable lips with proven long lasting properties. Their moisturizing formula and gorgeous shades will leaving you looking and feeling amazing. Lips like yours are just begging to be kissed.

So enjoy Feb 14th and every other date night because romance should always be in the air!

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Jackets vs. Florals For Spring 2015

Depending where exactly you’re currently residing, spring may (or may not) be in the air. Unfortunately, in these parts, not so much. I could wear a heavy duty Tracksetter Belstaff jacket (Accent Clothing have a great range here if you want to check them out) out and still feel right comfortable!

Spring Leather - Belstaff Tracksetter Olive

But if you’re lucky enough to be seeing lots of sun in your neck of the woods, consider storing away the leather and lightening up your closet with a great floral print. One of the easiest ways to dress for spring when there’s still a chill in the air is denim. We love a floral top peeking out from under a chambray shirt or jean jacket and it’s a great way to wear your warm weather wardrobe, before it’s well… warm.

Here are our some of our favorite floral looks:

The wear anywhere top

Eighty Sixty’s Cross Front Floral Top is the perfect dress up (or down) shirt for spring. The light lavender color and soft floral pattern will instantly upgrade everything from your work wardrobe to your Sunday brunch plans.

The bold botanical print

You couldn’t possibly be mistaken for a wallflower with a large and colorful print! We love Glamorous’ Botanical Boxy Tee and Midi Skirt. Like a great suit, the two pieces work well together. However, you can also break up the pair and add a white or pastel top to soften the skirt or a nice pair of jeans to dress down the cropped boxy style top.

The loose spring short

A silk short with a floral print is a great way to add some spring to your weekend. The blush florals and relaxed fit of Haute Hippie’s Flowy Short make it a great choice. Pair with a strappy sandal and minimal top for a sweet outfit worthy of street style stardom.

Mother Nature might not be ready, but your closet has spoken and it’s yearning for spring!

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Best Dresses to Enhance your Figure

Beautiful women come in all shapes and sizes, and one thing that most of them enjoy doing is getting dressed up to feel good and look glam. Dresses look great on women as they really enhance the feminine figure. Having said this, this only works if the chosen dress is right for the body shape that it’s going on.

There isn’t really a type of dress that suits all body figures, no matter how much us women wish there was. Have you ever seen a celebrity wear a beautiful dress and bought something similar only for it to look nothing like it did on that celebrity in the magazine? That’s because you probably have a different body shape to that celeb!

If you really want to dress to impress, take heed of the following types of dresses that are best suited to specific body shapes.

  1. Pear-Shaped

If, like Eva Mendes or Kim Kardashian West, you have a pear-shaped figure, you should look for a dress that accentuates your best assets – your shoulders, arms and waist. Go for dresses with A-line skirt hems, strapless dresses, two-tone dresses – bright colour on top and dark colour on the bottom or square or cowel neck dresses.

  1. Rectangle

A rectangular body shape is athletic looking, with the hips, waist and shoulder widths all similar. Kate Hudson is just one of the many Hollywood celebs with a rectangle body shape. When it comes to dresses, have fun with colours and prints; go for anything with ruffles or eye-catching detail. Any dress that cinches in at the sides is ideal. Avoid straight-line dresses or pencil skirts. Lots of accessories and a good bra are essential!

  1. Hourglass

If you’re blessed with an hourglass figure like Beyonce or the timeless female icon Marilyn Monroe, you’ve got some curves! The best dress for your figure should accentuate those curves. Go for fitted or bodycon dresses that go in and out in all the right places. Adding a belt to the waist of your dress can really help to show off your awesome curves. Steer clear of dresses that are heavily embroidered or embellished. Dresses with bodices can look stunning on an hourglass figure too.

  1. Apple

Eva Longoria, Jennifer Hudson, Drew Barrymore, Tyra Banks and Catherine Zeta-Jones are celebrities with apple-shaped figures. You’re likely to have great legs and a wider upper body. Go for empire dresses that have a raised waistline. Avoid halter neck dresses and instead opt for dresses with a plunging or V-neck neckline. Avoid any skin-tight dresses, as it’s best to opt for drop-waist dresses instead, which can elongate the torso and minimise any tummy bulge.

  1. Petite

If you have a petite figure, you’re probably below average height and so your aim will be to make your body appear longer. Famous “petite” shape celebrities include Nicole Ritchie, Victoria Beckham, and Rachel Bilson. To elongate the body, go for dresses with vertical lines – avoid horizontal lines. Tight, slim fit dresses can also make you look even taller. Mini dresses can look great on petite figures as can shift dresses. Don’t go overboard with colour as monochrome outfits or dresses with little hints of different colours here and there look best.

Whether your figure is pear-shaped, rectangular, hourglass, apple or petite, it’s important to choose the right type of dress that will accentuate all of your assets. If you can feel good in what you’re wearing, you’ll be sure to exude the confidence that is needed to look your best.

Carlo Cretaro is a dedicated fashion blogger and social media expert writing on behalf of Chic Boutique Fashion - one of Ireland’s leading online fashion retailers.

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5 Dresses You Need for Your End of the Summer Party

A soft melon in an on-trend ombre will look both lovely and stylish at your summer soirée. Young, Fabulous & Broke Fortune Maxi Dress also has a great v-strap detail on the back to really turn heads! Now that’s how you make a statement in pastels!

Wow them in stripes with a great find like Lemieux’s Striped Dress. With a halter neckline and back keyhole cut-out, this maxi dress is the perfect antidote to your end of summer blues. Featuring a cinched waist and mini slit, this dress is bound to flatter almost every body type.

You can’t go wrong in a LWD (a little WHITE dress that is). French Connection Sunflower Dress has a great flared skirt and summery eyelet design perfect for the last few days of warm weather.

Try out a great print to stand out from the crowd. Forever 21’s Abstract Watercolor Maxi Dress features bold patterns in soft colors perfect for day or night. Plus at less than $25, it’s practically a steal!

Going to a beach party? You’ll want something light and breezy. Karen Kane Smocked Maxi Dress feels sophisticated in all black but the touch of black and white tie-dye at the hem adds a relaxed fun feel, great for warm summer nights!

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Women’s Fashion Advice - How to Wear Pastels

Nothing feels more spring then bright pastels. While not a hard color palette to master it’s important to break up the candy-colored clothing in order to avoid looking like a giant Marshmallow Peep! Accent your pastels with blacks, neutrals, and contrasting colors and you can wear them anywhere.

To Work

A blazer or cardigan is a great way to infuse a little fun into your workday wardrobe. Try a soft pastel colored cardigan with a skinny belt over a basic black dress for a look that’s appropriate and put together. Or go for a structured light colored blazer to show your softer side.

On a Picnic

A light airy pastel dress is the perfect option for an alfresco meal. Try a mint or coral dress paired with gold or neutral sandals. If it’s a little chilly add a denim jacket or white cardigan, just don’t go for pastel on pastel.

Going Out for Date Night

A nice top in a soft hue can be both feminine and sexy. Pair it with a pair of black pants and killer black or metallic heels for instant night time appeal. A fun clutch completes the outfit and adds some extra interest.

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