Summer Staple Dress

From bold tribal prints, neon shades and dip-dye, to frothy romantic florals, ruffles and sheer layers, this season’s new dresses are already making us long for summer. The spring/summer 2008 catwalk collections were super girly and the dress, of course, featured heavily. Here is our pick of the hottest new shapes. First up is the maxi dress. Back for a second year on the trot, this season the look is less boho peasant and more luxe hippy. Designers referenced cultures from all over the world from Aztec to Navaho, with intricate beading, a riot of colours, crazy prints and interesting trims all stomping down the catwalks. Take inspiration from Alexander McQueen’s striking techni-coloured feather printed styles or D&G’s billowing, ruffled, ditzy floral concoctions. Chunky accessories complete the look with a stack of bangles being the perfect foil. On the high street, the best styles can be found at French Connection, New Look and Mango.

40s tea dresses are also cooking up a storm for spring. Luella and Anna Sui’s cute floral numbers sent editor’s pulses racing. Both designers chose to give the look a punk twist, with models sporting neon hair and chunky boots, to save it from being too twee. This red dress from In Love With Fashion is a great shape and the bow detail is very of the moment. Debenhams, and Dorothy Perkins also have a good selection of 40s frocks for vintage mavens on a budget. An abundance of goddess-like Grecian one-shouldered gowns were the designers’ answer to chic evening dressing. Danielle Scutt’s strong gladiator-esque styles stood out from the crowd as did Lanvin’s elegant sheaths in incandescent shades. Head to TOPSHOP to bag one of Emma Cook’s sexy appliqué versions. M&S also have an amazing turquoise blue number.
Tags: Unique Wedding Dresses 1970's Dresses Semi Formal Dress Girl Dress Couture Dresses Hawaiian Dresses Dress Up Dress Gown Dress Preservation Little Black Dress Petite Dress Perfect Prom Dress Modest Dress Bridal Clothing Bridal Outfits