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 2016 Trend Alert: Skirts

Spring 2016 is all about the skirts- updated textures, silhouettes and styles that will bring some much needed life to a worn out spring wardrobe. In the past it seems we haven't changed too much about our spring looks. It's been about the A-line skirts with different scale patterns and all the sheath dresses you can handle! It's boring and easy and there's nothing fashionable about boring & easy...

Enter, the updated styles of 2016 that will make you feel as though you have entered an all new and oh so fashionable realm of springtime style.

My new favorite silhouette is this take on the drop waist skirt that will both elongate the torso and give any outfit an air of futuristic sophistication.

Dior Couture Spring 2015

Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2015

Dior Couture Spring 2015

Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2015

With a little tailoring- these are sure to be a hit for Spring 2016 to show off your signature style. Whether it be a subtle nod to the trend or diving in with a color blocked masterpiece that shows you're fearless in the face of fashion-these looks are sure to turn some heads. I can't wait to work on my own take on these stunning designs!

Next up, all the gorgeous textures for the season! I'm never one to shy away from a good tulle skirt and I know these sweet styles will have you slipping on your ballet shoes soon too.

Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2015

Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2015

Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2015

These skirts add a little whimsy to any outfit and are simple enough to work with all the basics in the closet. I adore the bow embellishment on the second look for an added girly touch and the texture on the black top adds another level to this stunner so don't be afraid to play! Mixing prints and textures together can be a harrowing task on your own so be sure to find some outfit inspiration and go for it- these skirts are the perfect starters to any playful outfit.

To round off my top 3 spring 2016 skirts, I have some gorgeous patterns! I know, I said just changing patterns is boring... and it is... unless you change up the silhouette as well!

Dior Couture Spring 2015

Dior Couture Spring 2015

Dior Couture Spring 2015

Dior Couture Spring 2015

With a little flare for the dramatic it's easy to take some great patterns to the next level. The watercolor-esque designs in the first two looks are perfect for spring with the flowers and the smeared paint look about them. They have that easy stylish vibe that is so hard to find in just one piece these days. Adding a truly gorgeous print to an exaggerated silhouette is the best way to vamp up your wardrobe after those drab winter days.

The length of these skirts is another great highlight- Midi is the new Mini! I love the modest length of the skirts for those cool spring days when you want to show off your girly side but also don't want to freeze! These lady-like looks are perfect additions to any wardrobe and are sire to make you look and feel effortlessly cool and stylish next Spring.