dresses

Color blocked dresses for spring

 in General Fashion / Trends  tagged color blocking / dresses / spring 2012 / summer 2012 by

Color blocking is huge for spring; of course we do not need to remind you  The color blocking trend is one of the well-loved trends of the season and it can be found on store shelves everywhere. Therefore, it is no wonder that color blocked dresses are huge for the warm weather season and a must-have staple in any Fashionistas spring 2012 wardrobe.

Color blocked dresses are found in every fabrication this spring including silk, cotton and even Herve Leger’s famous bandage dresses. While there are no rules when it comes to color blocking, greens and blues are being grouped together while pinks and oranges are finding themselves as a pair. Many designers have thrown neutrals into the mix such as pale grey with yellow and orange as seen in BCBG’s collection and white with green and navy as seen in Eliza J’s collection.

When it comes to color blocked dresses for spring, accessories can pick up one of the colors in the dress or stay neutral in shades of beige, tan, and grey or white. The color blocked dress is definitely a hot trend right now which looks like it will continue into fall.

We found a few color blocked dresses and assembled them together into the Polyvore set before. Hope you love it! Happy shopping and stay fabulous

 

Fall 2011 Fashion Trends: Below the Knee Hemlines

 in General Fashion / Trends  tagged dresses / fall 2011 / runway / runway trends / skirts by

Hemlines have taken a tumble; below the knee that is. One of the biggest trends on the fall 2011 runwayswas the feminine or “Ladylike” trend. This trend showcased vintage inspired designs with hemlines that hit just below the knee. The skirt length was the only part about the hemlines that showed any consistency. Hemlines were shown in every form from straight around to asymmetrical to wrap.

One trend in skirts that has made a comeback this fall is the fluted hemline. This trend was huge in 2004 and it has come back with a vengeance. The fluted skirt is a pencil skirt with a sudden flair from just below mid-thigh to below the knee. This sassy style has a 1940’s vibe and works perfectly with the season’s biggest handbag silhouette; the top handle tote.

Dresses and skirts with the new hem length are also being shown in a variety of fabrications including silk, sheer chiffon, velvet and wool. In addition, patterned fabric, plaids and solid colors are being shown on skirts; giving every Fashionista a chance to rock this trend for fall.

The new, longer hemline is a breath of fresh air for those who have loathed the shorter than short hemline in recent seasons. Although the below-the-knee hemline might appear matronly for those who love their minis, the fluted hemline offers a body conscious silhouette that is very demure-think Dita Von Teese!

The silhouette for fall’s new hemline varies drastically depending upon the designer. Skirts are being shown in every shape imaginable from full skirts to body hugging, curve boasting pencil silhouettes. Whichever shape you prefer, you cannot go wrong. This season look for a silhouette which compliments your shape; as long as the hemline hits below-the-knee you are on-trend and fabulous for fall!

Wondering how to wear the new hem? Always wear heels since the below the knee length can shorten you. If you are under 5’4” opt for a platform pump and stay away from ankle straps or ankle booties which will shorten your leg. Also, since leg coverings are du rigueur for autumn, try to keep the color of your skirt, leg coverings and shoe close together. This will also help elongate your legs and keep them from looking short. As always, happy shopping and stay fabulous 

 

knee length skirts by bayareafashionista featuring a pull on skirt

Maxi Dresses for summer are the new go-to wardrobe item

 in Bay Area Fashion / General Fashion / Trends  tagged casual style / dresses / maxi dresses / summer 2011 by

Maxi dresses were shown by designers for spring/summer 2011 in Milan, Paris and New York as part of the boho-chic trend and also as a stand-alone trend for the warm weather months. The maxi dresses were shown in simple, sleek solid colors as well as with complicated patterns and flowing fabrics such as on Roberto Cavalli’s runway. The maxi dress or skirt styles which have gone from the runway into reality are a combination of everything designers imagined for the season.

The one rule for the maxi dress this season is that there is no rule! Maxi dresses and skirts are shown in slim styles which hug the body from the waist down to the ankles, as well as gathered, pleated and flowing; reminiscent of the hippie movement from the late 1960’s and 1970’s.

Maxi dresses are easy to wear and offer a breezy way to stay cool in the warm summer months. The one challenge a Fashionista may have with maxi dresses or skirts is that the length is hard to pull off when one is petite.

For the 5’5” and up set, maxi skirts and dresses are easy to wear and can elongate one’s silhouette. For those of us who are 5’4” and under, the ankle length can make us short and stubby. There is a solution for petite women who would like to rock the maxi trend; slim silhouettes. The slimmer silhouettes work better than the fuller skirts when one is less than 5’4”, making the maxi trend accessible for those of us who are, shall we say, challenged in the height department?

maxi dresses boho chic by bayareafashionista featuring red feather earrings