Fun and flirty looks for any garden party
Summer is finally here, and designers are celebrating with colorful dresses in graphic patterns. Some of the hottest colors are sunflower yellows and Kelly greens. Hemlines have lowered a little bit from last year to a more moderate knee length or right above. And there's a flattering shape for every figure.
"Silhouettes are moving away from the maternity look and are focusing on the waist," said Megan Albers, owner of Girl Boutique in Hawthorne Plaza in Overland Park. "Even if you have a dress that is flowing, throw on a belt and show off the waist. Two inches above the knee is a great hemline length for anyone. It is appropriate for moms that want a dress for a wedding and the 20-somethings that want a cute outfit to go out with friends at night."
How do you know which flirty frock is the most flattering on you?
InStyle magazine has a wonderful online tool called Look Your Best, in which you input your bust, hip and waist size, and it tells you what body type you are and what to wear to complement your figure. Shapes are also matched to celebrities for a little ego boost.
The first shape is the triangle, with hips that are wider than shoulders. To add volume to your top half flutter sleeves, cap sleeves or a halter dress in a fluid fabric is suggested. The hemline should be at or above the knee.
Next up is the inverted triangle, with shoulders or bust that are larger than hips. U and V necklines are good for drawing your eye to the middle. Dresses with a full or embellished hemline add volume to your bottom half.
The classic hourglass shape is third, with hips and shoulders close to the same size and a defined waist. Solid color dresses that hug your figure work best. Ruching emphasizes a small midsection.
Finally, the rectangle shape - a boyish figure with shoulders, bust and hips similar in size and no defined waistline. Ruching around the bustline and an empire waist give the illusion of a narrower waist. Ruffles at the top and bottom of a dress minimize your midsection.
Whatever style you choose, make sure you feel comfortable in it. If you plan to wear your frock out for the evening, take along a coordinating pashmina wrap.
Trendsetters wear the super soft scarves around their necks and shoulders with minidresses both day and night. The look is chic and cozy.
Flower power: Bright yellow — the shade of sunflowers — is one of the hottest colors for summer. Diane von Furstenberg designed this floral dress with a drawstring halter neckline and tea-length hemline. Yellow dress $385, yellow wooden bracelet $15, Standard Style Boutique
SEASCAPES: Green and teal blue follow yellow in the race for trendiest color this season. The cool colors and bold pattern accent this airy dress by Chaiken. Figure flattering on: Broad shoulders and narrow hips, by balancing the silhouette with a full skirt. Green/blue patterned dress $396, Hemline; white necklace $551, Feng
Watercolor florals: Yoana Baraschi created this mini-dress in shades of pink, accented with pearls. The soft florals bring a fresh look for summer. Figure flattering on: A larger midsection with small bust/shoulders, ruffles add fullness to top. Pink mini dress $358, Feng