OK, ladies: When was the last time you wore a dress?
Can’t remember? No matter. You can refresh your memory in the coming months.
Dresses are the must-have item for summer, and they come in shapes that are decidedly retro: tents, trapeze, empire waist, wrap, smocks, bubbles, shirtdresses, jumpers, sundresses, minidresses.
You might have hated them the first time around. But before you recoil in terror, know that this time the dresses are constructed so you don’t look like you just jumped out of an airplane and opened your parachute.
The secret is better materials and construction.
What helps makes dresses attractive this time around are soft, flowing fabrics, says Amy Christensen, clothing manager at Terra Verde, a boutique in downtown Colorado Springs, Colo.
Jerseys with gathering around the waist are particularly flattering.
If you’re not a dress person, consider that dresses are the epitome of versatility, ease and comfort. You can throw one on to run errands, go to work or step out for a night out on the town without spending half an hour searching the closet for tops and bottoms that match, Christensen says.
Fashion experts say there’s a dress style for every body. It’s just a matter of spending some time in the dressing room to find which works for you.
Be advised: If you’re thinking of ignoring summer dresses and waiting out the trend, think again. Dresses are designers’ choice for fall and winter too.
They will be layered with long-sleeved shirts, cardigans and jackets, worn with slender pants and tights, and accented with boots.
TOP TIPS
– Dress lengths are all over the place, from miniskirt to ankle length. Just make sure it’s in proportion to the rest of the dress.
– You can find some solid colors, but prints are big — especially geometric patterns, polka dots and bold florals.
– Black and white together is the top color combo. Also hot for summer are greens, browns and reds.
– Sandals, ballet flats, heels and even flip-flops are the footwear to pair with dresses. Pantyhose need not apply.
