DEAR MATTIE:
What style of dress is in fashion this summer?
Keen for Summer in Canyon Heights
DEAR CANYON HEIGHTS:
Dresses are very much in fashion this season. They are relaxed and easy to wear.
Summer dress styles range from business conservative to flirty and fun.
The dress this season is a must-have and there are definitely many out there for you to choose from.
The modern dress flows from the shoulder with structure or with fluidity and movement. The structured
look is tailored and actually looks like the dress can stand on its own. This is not a rigid look, as the fabric is softer with stretch. The flowing dress is lightweight and moves, as you move. Both silhouettes are classic and feminine. Although they each have a vintage look, they have been updated and look very trendy.
One of the trendiest looks to choose from is the drop-waisted '20s flapper silhouette, which has made a huge comeback. The shape of the sleeveless dress is straight with flyaway pleats below the waist. It is a flattering look, as it is not fitted. The look is relaxed, fun and chic.
Lightweight dresses made of chiffon come in a variety of styles. They have spaghetti straps and halter-tops. Elbowlength and cap sleeves are popular as well as sleeveless styles. Dress lengths vary from mini, to above the knee, to just below the knee and to maxi. They are all in fashion so choose the style that you are comfortable with.
The one thing to keep in mind, is that the overall look of the dress is either structured or fluid, from top to bottom.
The structured dress is also trendy, especially for office wear. It is a sophisticated look, not a casual one. It has controlled volume with the tailoring. This dress does not drop on your body, the way the lightweight dresses do. This dress tends to go to your knee. The fabric is stiffer with some stretch to be forgiving and complementary. Long gone are the days when we will wear things that are uncomfortable.
There are slits in this dress, mostly in the back and on the side. Small pleats a couple of inches from the waist down enhance the hourglass silhouette. This professional dress is shaped and not boxy.
Patterns are very popular in all styles of dresses this season. Some are tone on tone or outlines of flowers, even geometric designs. But if you are willing, there are bold colours and outrageous designs waiting for you. Try one on; you will be surprised how good it looks.
To complete the look of the dress, I suggest a cardigan that is close fitting and the opposite pattern of the dress.
If the dress has one colour then go whimsical with a patterned cardigan. Big colourful flowers are popular this season.
There are also some fantastic blazers, with tailoring. Cinched at the waistline, rounded collars and ruffles in the back are what to look for.
Too many women opt out of dresses. They are not a traditional look anymore.
Dresses have become modern and trendy. All women should have a few go-to dresses hanging in their closet.
Adieu, Mattie
Mattie à la Mode is a monthly fashion advice column. Mattie is a freelance writer and fashion expert. She can be reached via email: mattiealamode@ gmail.com or visit her blog mattiealamode.com
