Spring 2016 Trend Alert: Dramatic Dresses!

This weekend I (along with seemingly every other woman in 20 mile radius) I shopped the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and found my latest and greatest inspiration for Spring 2016 trends: 

Dramatic Dresses! 

Marc by Marc Jacobs SS 2015

While I find this dress artfully beautiful, I know not everyone is into the Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde look so I'll be showcasing two versions of this trend- avant garde and everyday wear.

For the sake of fun, let's start with...

Avant Garde!

Def. a·vant-garde

aväntˈɡärd/

noun

1.new and unusual or experimental ideas, especially in the arts, or the people introducing them.

Viktor & Rolf SS 2015

Viktor & Rolf SS 2015

Viktor & Rolf SS 2015

Viktor & Rolf SS 2015

Viktor & Rolf SS 2015

Viktor & Rolf Spring/ Summer 2016 Couture is not only exciting because of these over-the-top designs but because of how these looks are giving us hope and inspiration for the future. It's been said that when times are economically tough that it is reflected in the designs we see walking down the runway. They say that when the economy is down that fashion tends to lean toward darker, more subdued color schemes and silhouettes. This, is anything but a show of a bad economy. This is fun, lighthearted and so well done. These looks make me happy just seeing them and I can't wait to see what designers will do to tone these down a bit for the everyday woman. I, however would love to wear any of these as is!

Marc by Marc Jacobs SS 2015

Marc by Marc Jacobs SS 2015

Marc by Marc Jacobs SS 2015

These Marc by Marc Jacobs looks tell a little different story- instead of seeming like a tropical vacation in the most fashionable areas of the world- we are transported to a future where, unfortunately it seems that women are still struggling between two personas. Or, where women are free to express whatever they please- as with all art, the meaning is up for interpretation. Either way, I have to admit that I love these looks- especially the second look with the mix of girly and grunge-rock. I really love the places these looks take the audience and it appears as though we have a very fashionable future ahead of us!

Now, just because, more from Viktor & Rolf...

Viktor & Rolf SS 2015

Viktor & Rolf SS 2015

Viktor & Rolf SS 2015

Now that we've had our fun... let's move on to:

Everyday Wear!

Versace SS 2015

Versace SS 2015

Versace SS 2015

These looks are still very dramatic but much more wearable- with the curvy cutouts and curve hugging silhouettes- any of these are perfect for a night out! With a little alteration, look #3 could also be a great day-time look with the short flirty skirt and great Royal blue color.

Valentino SS 2015

Speaking of royal, feeling a little GOT style? Look no farther than the Valentino SS 2015 show- all of the looks were regal and gorgeous with the deep red colors, high collars and capes. While the cape may be more Fall 2016, the high collar and column dress can definitely be your Spring 2016 go-to.

Giambattista Valli SS 2015

This girly look is one of my favorites- with the light material, drop-waist and lady-like plaid print- you can't go wrong.

Giambattista Valli SS 2015

I may be feeling a little regal myself after seeing this look- the luxe fur cape and oh-so soft and sultry gown- I can't get enough of this look! The blush pink coloring and soft fabric make this look perfect for all your Spring parties. Take the hem up a bit and you even have a perfect day to night dress that is sure to garner compliments all day long!

Giambattista Valli SS 2015

Have a wedding coming up? This is a perfect dress for the wedding party or wedding guests! The light color and fabric make this perfect for Spring or Summer and the added jewel details make it perfect for any special occasions. Taking up the hem again would also make this a great daily wear dress that is fashionable and feminine.

Dior SS 2015

The entire Spring/ Summer 2015 Dior show is utter perfection but I had to pull out this look for our every day wear dresses. With the watercolor esque floral print and side cut-outs there's everything to love about this look. Classic lines with a little modern touch makes this a go-to for your every occasion. 

Spring & Summer are all about dresses so let's change it up with some more dramatic flair and modern touches. These looks are sure to get you noticed and you can feel confident and stylish in each piece. Dresses are also a great way to look stylish with minimal effort- pair with a neutral shoe and you've got yourself an outfit! These dresses all speak for themselves so no need to over do it with jewelry and accessories! 

Spring 2015 Trend Spotlight: Florals

“Florals, for spring; groundbreaking.”

Now that the weather is finally starting to warm up and dry out in Seattle, I can’t wait to start wearing all of the gorgeous spring 2015 trends! My favorite by far this year is floral prints- I know, florals for spring isn't exactly new but what is new is the scale and diversified ways to wear these prints.

My top picks for scale are extra-small, large & extra-large and I love wearing these in every way! There are so many large scale graphic floral prints out there that you can really wear them in any outfit whether it be on your skirt, dress, jacket, blouse, scarf, shoes, bag etc. there’s no wrong way this season.

I’m a sucker for a good large scale floral print on any dress or skirt so whenever I see them shopping I immediately gravitate towards those picks- especially when the floral print is on top of a black or dark color garment.

Leola Couture 

Eliza J

One Clothing

Betsey Johnson

Large scale floral prints are really great in just about every cut because they can be placed in perfect ways to show off that fabulous figure or mask some not so fabulous areas-

City Chic

Adrianna Papell

Vince Camuto

Felicity & Coco 

So don’t be afraid to start with a floral statement piece and work around that as the base of your outfit.

My Style Pill 

Express

These styles can really be worn everywhere- to work, class, drinks, dinner, and even to yoga 

Splits59 

The large scale print is the easiest to work into your wardrobe without breaking the bank- add in a printed tank or jacket for a quick update and grabbing a dress or skirt is never a bad idea to look like you just stepped out of the pages of Vogue.

Pair floral printed pants with solid or stripe tops to keep it chic & simple.

INC

Amuse Society

New York & Company

Pair these printed tops with basic jeans, black skinnies or shorts. If you're feeling extra chic- opt for leather skinnies, pumps & a simple clutch.

Extra-large floral prints may not be for everyone but for the Carrie Bradshaw in all of us- here are a few great looks to show off these larger than life prints & accessories

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Ted Baker 

ASOS

Ali Express 

Lulu's

If you’re a little shy of wearing dramatic pieces in a large portion of your outfit, it’s never a bad idea to start small- a light scarf or bag can really be the showpiece of your outfit without feeling like your look is shouting at passersby.

Kate Spade

Brooks Brothers

Halogen

Dooney & Bourke

Ted Baker

Admittedly I was a little wary of buying into the tiny scale florals that conjure memories of the Spice Girls, platform shoes and tiny backpacks circa 1990 but seeing these looks has me drooling and I can’t wait to work these into my wardrobe-

Express

ASOS

H&M

Forever 21

These are also better if you’re not looking for anything too wild to add to spring looks. Adding a dash of extra-small floral prints can really tie together a feminine every day look.

Maybe I had you at “florals” and you’re ready to take the plunge into the floral on floral layered look, this is a big step fashion guru so tread carefully and take note of these flawless floral on floral looks-

INC

Chi Chi London

These are all great examples of how playing with scale and placement really make these work without seeming overdone or tacky. Now you may go forth and take on spring 2015 like the fashion icon I know you are!

If those last looks had you really questioning if this trend is for you at all, don’t fret, I have some more toned down looks to help you to make this work for you without feeling out of place-

Now you are well equipped to go out and make this trend all your own- no need to conform to what the other girls are wearing- try out different placements and scales to find what makes you feel comfortable & confident in your look.

There you have it, florals for spring and how to wear them every way, every day.