Pre-Fall 2012 trends: fit-and-flare dresses

Jul 13, 2012
LadyLUX • Fashion

While summer is now in full swing, the world of fashion is kicking off Pre-Fall, which means a whole new slew of collections and trends are available to give your wardrobe a little refresher. This interim season, dresses take a 1950s nod for flirty fit-and-flare dresses. The silhouette accentuates the body as it’s fitted through the bodice and flares out at the waist. Fit-and-flare dresses will not only take you through the Fall, but also work for Summer - just in case you want to be ahead of the game.

Dion Lee’s zip waist dress in emerald is avant-garde with exposed zippers. Inverted pleats flare the skirt while a front zip splits the neckline. Step into gold Charlotte Olympia heels to dazzle up the dress for a night out or try B Brian Atwood’s sleek booties. Enhance the green with 3.1 Phillip Lim’s 31 minute cosmetic bag.

Made for tea with the ladies or a glitzy soiree, Dolce & Gabbana’s mixed media dress with bead embellishment is a stunner. A yellow jacquard woven bodice is contrasted with a cheerful floral skirt. Play out the brightness with Michael Kors Collection Gia satchel and Casadei’s shimmery blade heel sandals.

In a dark kaleidoscope of colors, Markus Lupfer’s silk dress is just right for a dinner party during summertime and daytime outings in the cooler seasons. For the warm sunny days, complete the look with Steven’s T-strap pumps and a handy crossbody bag from Jerome Dreyfuss. And when Fall comes around, layer the dress over leggings, add on Vince’s draped coat and grab a sophisticated satchel to create a polished look.

Fit-and-flare doesn’t always mean girly. Thakoon Addition’s gathered drawstring shirtdress is roughed up with a safari quality. The army green dress boasts a classic collar juxtaposed with a drawstring waistline and tonal elastic inserts. Go with a structured satchel from See by Chloe and Givenchy’s black leather shark tooth boots to heighten the look.

Maria Escote’s neon techno lace dress in brilliant pink can transition from summer to fall in a heartbeat. The long sleeves offer a polished look for day or night. Imagine pairing with B Brian Atwood’s over-the-ankle booties for a playful edge or pumps for a classic note.

Sweet and sophisticated, Thread’s Olivia strapless dress has a subtle luster in champagne. The bustier top features a sweetheart neckline and boning for structure while ruching adds fullness to the skirt. Stay classy with Sergio Rossi’s Swarovski crystal cutout booties or infuse a hint of color with Alexander McQueen’s red pumps. Finish with Rebecca Minkoff’s ostrich minaudiere clutch.

RED Valentino’s flutter sleeve dress is flirty enough for day or night. The girly minidress boasts a matte jersey bodice and playful, short ruffled sleeves. The ruched tulle skirt flares out with flocked velvet flowers. Play down the dress in the daytime with bright neon flat sandals and a stack of bracelets. At night, get dolled up by switching out the flats for major statement heels from Kanye West by Giuseppe Zanotti. Complete with 3.1 Phillip Lim’s leather moto jacket and a slick ponytail.

In a multi blue, beige and pink, Thakoon illustrates femininity with a seamed waist flared dress. The speckles and stripes pattern bring the sleeveless sweater dress to life. The soft colors make it appropriate for summer evenings while the knit material is just right for fall. Complete the ensemble with understated heeled sandals from Givenchy.