All collegiettes™ know that when choosing a dress for a special occasion—the Navy Ball, the Spring Formal, the initiation ceremony of that illustrious honor society—the most important thing is to pick a dress that stands out. The worst nightmare of any fashionista is to run into another girl at the event wearing the exact same dress on which she just dropped an entire paycheck. Not all of us can afford custom made Valentino Couture, but we can certainly step out of our comfort zones and try styles that mimic those runway looks. When searching for a formal dress, most of us go for the standard fabrics, like satins and silks. But what many of us don’t know is that lesser-known fabrics are becoming hot right now. Sporting a Silk Velvet dress can add that chic edge a commonly donned satin sheath dress won’t. Check out these five incredibly awesome fabrics that you can rock at your next formal event!
1. Silk Jersey
This beautiful fabric is a blend of two well-known fabrics: silk and jersey. It has become popular because of its cascading nature and the delicate, feminine way it drapes the body. Many designer labels, including Issa London and Halston Heritage, frequently use this fabric in their collections. While many girls steer clear of jersey because of its figure-hugging nature, the addition of silk into the blend enhances the cut and silhouette, framing the body perfectly. And it always remains in season because of its lightness! It can work with strappy stilettos for a night out in the summer, or be teamed with tights and pumps in the winter.
2. Brocade
Shunned by most girls because of its heavy quality, often creating the illusion of a bulkier figure, this expensive fabric has recently been used in the collections of many big fashion houses. Deriving its name from the Italian word broccato, which means embossed cloth, Brocade is made of shuttle-woven fabrics, often using real gold or silver threads. The look of this fabric is very classy and rich. It casts a wonderful cut around the body and never creases. Because gold and silver threads are woven into the fabric, it gives a bright sheen to the outfit without making it look cheap or flimsy.
3. Organza
Commonly used in evening wear and bridal gowns, this sheer fabric has recently become a go-to fabric for many high-end designers for its luxurious look and larger than life appeal. Originally made with silk, the newer synthetic versions of the fabric make it much more affordable for collegiettes™.
4. Shantung
Sometimes known as “spun wild silk,” Shantung is a fabric that often resembles cotton in touch, but silk in appearance. It has a heavy look, creates a very rich appearance, and has a shine that gives a very bright feel. It has become a staple for couture labels when making red carpet gowns for its rich sheen and non-creasing nature. It is also a very popular choice for pencil skirts, and beautiful blazers and jackets by labels like J. Crew and Kate Spade.
5. Jacquard
This fabric is commonly used for printed dresses and metallic looks. Similar in look to Brocade, Jacquard also produces a very rich, textured look and makes prints look like woven fabrics. A favorite of Herve Leger, the extremely popular designer who used this fabric in a lot of his bandage dresses, Jacquard is often used in fitted dresses because it has tremendous ability to grant form to the figure, hiding almost all flaws.
So reader, shop away and find that perfect dress for that perfect occasion. Keep these fabrics in mind and rest easy knowing that your outfit will be one of a kind!
Sources
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organza
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacquard_loom
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brocade
4. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-shantung.htm
Photo Sources
1. “New Julian” Silk Jersey Wrap Dress, DIANE von FURSTENBERG; http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=520943&cm_mmc=Froogle-_-n-_-n-_-n
2. Brocade Dress, RED Valentino; http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod114490073&eItemId=prod114490073&cmCat=search&searchType=MAIN&parentId=
&icid=&rte=%252Fsearch.jhtml%253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253Dvalentino%252Bbrocade%2526_requestid%253D39878
3. ASOS PREMIUM Floral Applique Silk Organza Shift Dress; http://us.asos.com/ASOS-ASOS-PREMIUM-Floral-Applique-Silk-Organza-Shift-Dress/vrhbm/?iid=1394011&SearchRedirect=true&SearchQuery=floral%20applique%20silk%20organza&mporgp=L0Fzb3MvQXNvcy1QcmVtaXVtLUZsb3JhbC1BcHBsaXF1ZS1TaWxrLU9yZ2FuemEtU2hpZnQtRHJlc3MvUHJvZC8.
4. Belted Side-Ruffle Dress, Valentino; http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod63030009&eItemId=prod63030009&cmCat=search&searchType=MAIN&parentId=&icid=&rte=%252Fsearch.jhtml%253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253Dvalentino%2526_requestid%253D14426
5. Whistles Animal Jacquard Dress; http://us.asos.com/countryid/2/Whistles-Whistles-Animal-Jacquard-Dress/vyxn2/?iid=1346836&MID=35719&affid=2135&siteID=J84DHJLQkR4-UkssKhjYvq_YgZbCaXrI_g