As spring has fully taken its right on the thermometer, we should start discovering the new pieces of this season. It’s warmer now and it’s easy to accessorize these fabulous styles. These dresses are poised to become a huge part of any spring wardrobe and you will that they are also very much figure-friendly.

The Shirt Dress

The first item that probably caught your eye by now is the shirt dress. Even if you like the casual shirt dress (Pacsun) or you choose a more glamorous cocktail option, the shirt dress can be a terrific option. I personally love the plaid one because it has a super casual style and can be worn with both flats and heels. You can pair it with a short, cropped jacket as seen on tons of fashionphilles. The cool nude leather jacket (Doma) is a spot-on style this spring and you could accessorize it with metallics.

The Floral Dress

Another hot key piece is the floral dress. There are heaps of gorgeous options out there and you can also play with the size too as both the mini and the maxi are stunning hot. I saw lots of florals in the shops and I couldn’t help noticing that some of them have really crowded prints. I don’t recommend you wearing a bouquet of flowers on your dress, but choosing something romantic and versatile. For example an artistic floral pattern might be just the ticket for a casual office look.

The material of the dress is also important as this is the thing that chooses the time of the day that you should wear it. Go for something opaque during the day, like cotton and  try to keep the sheer options for later at dawn :) If your dress is short  and soft transparent and you want to wear it during the day you can wear it with leggings or opaque thighs.

 The maxi dress is easier beacause it practically covers you all up. I’ve seen it worn with Converse sneakers and cropped jeans jackets and they lookes relly cool. You can also match them with flips flops or wedges for a summer look, but we’ll get into that in a future article. 

The floral print dress can be paired with black statement heels (Balmain - in the pic) and cropped jacket (H&M). The edgy accessories give this outfit a note-worthy look (sunglasses - Topshop, clutch - Miu Miu, necklace - Ann Demeulemeester).

The Tunic

This top / dress is poised to because a really big thing as it’s the most versatile of all of them. You can imagine wearing as a dress if it’s long enough or with shorts, jeans, or leggings. Some pieces of this outfit  are already on the March Hotlist and you already know all about the ripped denim trend.

There are tons of hot options in the shops, I especially love the tunics that have this houglass shape and are casual and sexy.  The embroidery can be cool on tunics and it gives them a bohemian chic look (Check out some Vanessa Hudgens styles).  If you can’t afford a glamorous version like this one (Calypso Juna smock top - Net-A-Porter) you can choose a simple tunic and then style it up with a skinny belt or some long necklaces or oversized earrings (these are Wetseal).

Q: There are so many belt types out there and I also have lots of them at home. What is cool to wear this season and where can I find them?

Yes, I suppose this is a tough thing, shops are full of all sorts of belts and this sometimes makes things harder. Too many choices confuse us even if we are fashionistas :). I put together some looks with the most essential belt types and when you should wear them.

I. Skinny belts

Pair skinny belts with loose tops or dresses to get a more structured look. Versace used them in this season’s RTW collection accessorizing them with the same color apparel. You can even wear more than one belt but they should be similar to go together.

High-waisted skirts can also be worn with this type of belts and even some jean types. Don’t rely too much on the skinny belt, however, because it usually has an aesthetic look. When worn low the skinny belt gives you different looks you can sport. You can find outfit examples here : Skinny belt outfits.

II. Bows

Bows can easily highlight any outfit and especially a simple one. Wear the bow belt over a loose top or with a high-waisted skirt. You can wear the bow at your back to make it sexier . This way you’ll still have a balanced outfit. You can accessorize a headband and wear bow in your hair but a subtle one, it is really important not to over-bow the outfit.

III. Antique leather trend

The antique leather trend is really popular this season. Hermes dazzled us in his S/S RTW Collection on the runway with this western inspired colors and details. Brown leather belts can be wider and worn almost with everything. Despite the bow belts which are more suitable for an evening look, these belts are perfect for daytime casual outfits.

IV. Wide belts

Wide belts are perfect if you want to get the cinched waist look. You can wear them with over-sized cardigans , summer dresses and even simple tanks. Wider belts have the advantage of making you look slimmer and giving you a slightly narrower look to your waist.

V. Neon belts

Neon belts are perfect this summer if you want to highlight your outfit. You should match it with some hair accessories or the print on your tee/skirt. Wear bold colored belts with jeans and neon flats or with other coordinating accessories.

VI. Studded belts

Studded belts are so hot since Carrie wore one in Sex And The City and they really give a rock twist to your outfit. You can pair studds with a flowing dress and a leather jacket or with a studded bracelet or clutch. For more studded accessories check out : Accessory Trends 2008-2009

The Wowen or Braided Belt style is one of my favorites but now it’s becoming more and more popular with the global trend. They look really good with floral printed dresses and you can wear woven belts with a tunic or vintage lealther boots. Western inspired accessories also include the fringed bag and the triangle scarf, so get creative!

VII. Hot summer belts

Hot summer belts focus on sequins, jeans, zebra prints belts , heart/star shaped buckles or chain belts. Future summer outfits available soon!

Hey fashionistas!

I am sure that there is one piece from your wardrobe that is always there : THE BLACK DRESS. It’s suitable for any occasion, ready-to-wear and usually it makes you look good. Summer is here and even if colors and light are best for this season, I think that we shouldn’t forget about the little black dress.

This season you can be glamorous with some new styles. Even if you go for the strapless shortone like Amanda Bynes and Gywneth Paltrow or you become very sexy with the V cleavagelike Lauren Conrad and Kerry Washington, I’m sure you will get the party moving.

 Match your dress with an oversized clutch in metallics or colored leather and a skinny belt.

Ashley Simpson hits the Red Carpet in a trendy Black and White outfit. She looks glam but still manages to keep it cool with very well chosen accessories. The skinny belt (available at Macy’s) is the best choice this season and so are white pumps(you can find them on CutesyShoes).

The Sequined Scarf and the long black beads are very popular and I’m sure you have them at home as for the big tote, you can buy it from CoutureCandy.

The Pencil Skirt is also very popular and goes really well this the white tee. I really like the combination, it’s fun and classy. (Skirt + Tee available on F21).

Bye, kisses!