Spring Trends & Formal Dresses

As the year comes to an end, what better way to celebrate than to get fancy, have open bars, and look pretty while you squeeze in a few more embarrassing moments to top it all off? In a desperate attempt to pretend that finals aren’t quickly approaching, we as college students turn to formals as the answer to our prayers. Our economics exams suddenly seem much less daunting in the face of the most pressing issue in our lives: what to wear. Naturally, picking dresses is stressful because one must look hot without trying too hard and also remain fashion-forward without slipping into the predictable trends. So here are a few suggestions to abide by when planning your outfit.
 
1. Neon: if you haven’t noticed the overwhelming amount of hot pink, yellow, green, and orange this spring then you evidently live under a rock. From the runway to the streets, neon has been a fun way for girls to express their wild sides and embrace the colors of spring. Plus, as an added bonus, neon colors make us look tanner, and therefore skinnier, than we actually are. If you choose to go the neon route, here is a hot pink number whose deep neckline and cinched waist will do any body justice. Even with simple jewelry and neutral shoes, you’ll be the highlight of the party. 

             
(Nastygal)

2. Color Blocking: if you’re hesitant to draw too much attention to yourself but still want to involve color in your outfit, color blocking is a great way to do so. This dress has an extremely flattering cut and the blues, while subtler than the pink, still make a statement and will undoubtedly make everyone jealous. Plus, the neckline can do no wrong.

           
(Nastygal)

3. White out: when the weather gets warmer we obviously turn to white. It’s understatedly sexy and chic. This spring, lace is also in so if you’re feeling a little flirty feel free to go for it. This dress is sheer in some parts, mixing the innocence of a simple white dress with the come-hither appeal of see-through material for an unbeatable look. Add some color with bright shoes, and you’ll kill it all night.

      
 (Nastygal)

4. Pastels and pleats: for a classier but still eye-catching look, grab a pastel or pleated skirts, or in this case both. The soft pink is girly and gorgeous, and the pleated skirt only adds to the overall femininity of the dress. Parker is a little more expensive than the dresses on Nastygal, but it’s a guaranteed fabulous look.

       
  (Parker, Shopbop)

5.  LBD: There is no formal without the LBD. I chose to draw on another spring trend: peplum. By hiding love handles and making our waists look way tinier than they are, peplum is every girl’s dream. And the genius behind a black dress is that it’s automatically slimming. So, put the two together, and voilà, you’ve magically lost several pounds in a matter of seconds.

 (A.B.S., Bluefly)