In New England, we have only a few short months of warm weather, so we had better take advantage of them. And there is no greater way to feel feminine than to wear a dress.
For those women who have large busts and full hips, the shirt dress is essential. It is extremely versatile and will give the appearance of a small waist. It can be buttoned all the way for work and then unbuttoned at night to, um “show off” a bit. It can also be cinched at the waist with a chunky belt and is best worn with flats or this season’s hottest shoe – the wedge.
For those “unlucky” gals who have slender frames, you will love the sundress. It is lightweight and exposes your sun-kissed skin. It is also a very easy piece than can be dressed up with a pretty necklace or down with flip-flops or sandals. Please don’t be afraid to buy a sundress in a vibrant color. Although, one of the biggest trends this season is white, there are so many vivacious colors that scream “I am alive, it’s warm outside, and I’m happy!” And isn’t that how you want to feel when you get dressed?
Another key piece is the wrap dress. It is especially great for those who have smaller bosoms and bottoms because it gives the illusion of a larger chest, due to the v-neck and a larger bottom because of how it wraps around your body. I love to see this dress worn with heels and a key piece of jewelry like a chunky bracelet.
For you 20-somethings, a mod dress is wonderful. It is playful, looks fabulous in white, and does not need a lot of accessories. The mod goes well with a Roman-inspired sandal and a great pair of sunglasses. (A tip on sunglasses – You don’t always have to wear big black shades. They can make some people look like big insects! Don’t be afraid to buy a pair of sunglasses in brown, as they can soften the face, especially if you’re blonde.)
This season, you have a plethora of choices in terms of prints and fabrics. If you are unsure about which print is flattering for you, stick to a solid color. You can never go wrong.
For evening, nothing can outshine a black dress. For a formal affair, there is nothing more elegant than a flowing black gown worn with a beautiful brooch and simple clutch purse.
No matter what the color or the occasion, however, the key elements are the fit and length. As a general rule, taller gals cannot go wrong with a dress that hits right above the knee and shorter gals cannot fail to impress with a knee-length cut.
As for accessories, a good rule of thumb is “less is more”. Pick one piece that you love, such as a beautiful pair of earrings, a thick bracelet or a simple necklace. Don’t overdo it!
Also, don’t be afraid to pick a shoe that is not black. This season, you can get away with a colored or metallic shoe. It will add a bit of chic to the look.
Andover resident Krystal Hatchett has been a professional fashion model, vocalist, and admitted “clothes junkie” for 14 years. For more information, go to www.krystal-usa.com