What’s the right party look for spring/summer? When it comes to the warmer months, it can be a trickier prospect than the winter, especially in the UK. We’re accustomed the cold party seasons – Christmas, New Year et al – so we’re got into the habit of going for jewel-toned dresses with opaque tights and black shoes or dark suede wedges.
And these are gorgeous, but what about party dresses for women celebrating this summer? Are we looking for something to suit a sunnier season (yet let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves…)?
The best way to find the right look for you is to know what your occasions are first. Are you looking for a party dress for all occasions? Or are you looking specifically for something smart that can be worn when the sun is shining and you’re out in a garden party, perhaps at a sports game or the races, or even a smart BBQ?
One great tip is, if you’re buying seasonally, to be strategic. This is a recession, and we don’t want to be buying dresses every five minutes – it’s exhausting, not to mention wasteful and, in the long term, causes more style headaches than solutions.
The key? Pick a trend that’s likely to come back season after season. My tip – steer away from the leisurewear/sports-themed dresses with piping and acid tones (that’s the Olympics influence) and think of florals.
Since attending their AW 2012 Press Day I’ve been looking at Next’s womenswear (particularly checking out their party dresses section online, I’m such a online shopping stalker! ) investigating how to get a practical, pretty look.
Florals are massive this season; but best of all is that florals seem to be massive every year around about this time. So it’s a safe bet, that, with a lovely shape that suits your figure and works with a variety of jackets and shoes, you’ll be onto a winner.
When it comes to shape, again, try to strike a balance between sharp, modern tailoring and flattery that fits your figure and taste. Women looking to create curves and femininity can look to the prom dress and kick-skirt styles; whereas nothing is more enduring – and easily stylable – as the shift dress. We love the shift here because it transcends fashion cycles, but you can make it look ‘on-trend’ with the right jacket or pair of shoes.
Sasha Kent @voyageelsewhere is a twenty something living in London inspired by Lifestyle & Entertainment, Home Décor /Home Improvement, Travel & writing. Having only recently spread her wings and started writing Sasha loves to blog about her experiences and offer resources to inspire others.
Image Source: This photo belongs to Next.
