It’s no secret that we collegiettes have the most fun after the sun goes down. In anticipation of flirtation, fun and, of course, many photos, we all know the importance of looking our best to go out. We’ve already shown you how to rock some of the best trends from the fall runways and recreate them on a college budget; now it’s time to focus on nightlife as we show you the 10 cutest going-out dresses for the new semester that will have you looking effortlessly hot and trendy.
Peplum
This sophisticated and chic shape appeared in several Fall 2013 collections, including Vera Wang and Holmes & Yang. Sarah Haspel, assistant to the CEO of FRAME Denim, highly recommends peplum styles. “Peplum is great because it’s extremely fashion forward and adds an extra oomph to what may otherwise be a simple dress,” she says.
The other fabulous thing about this style is that you can always count on peplum to flatter your figure. The forgiving layer of fabric at the waist is both concealing and curve-creating, making it a great option for almost any body type.
Vesper Pencil Dress With Faux Leather Peplum
Where to buy: ASOS, $99.57
Why we love it: The faux leather waist panel adds edginess to the sophisticated shape. Also, the color blocking gives the look an additional level of visual interest and is so on trend!
Our styling tip: Keep this streamlined look simple, but emphasize the color blocking with cap-toe shoe styles. Black leather, faux leather or patent leather tips would particularly tie the look together—try these capped and chained ballet flats ($19.90).
Crossover Peplum Dress
Where to buy: Nasty Gal, $58
Why we love it: The simple elegance of this little black peplum dress makes it an option you can wear again and again. The trendy cutouts on the straps add a little eccentricity to this classic look.
Our styling tip: The versatility of this piece allows for many different options when it comes to accessories. You can go for bold colors to create a more playful look, or allow the stylish shape to take center stage with a minimalist approach to adornment.
High-Low
High-low dresses exude ease, comfort and elegance while being effortlessly trendy. “High-low dresses are awesome for day to night and work well with sandals or wedges,” says Haspel. “The look is already so dramatic, so you want to keep accessories simple and avoid any blazers or jackets that fall below the waistline.”
Free Spirit Chiffon Dress
Where to buy: Forever 21, $27.80.
Why we love it: The unique print and dramatic hemline makes the look interesting without showing too much skin.
Our styling tip: Sharpen up this flowy frock with a sleek shoe style, like these pointed ankle booties ($69.90).
Desert Cool Cutout Dress
Where to buy: Forever 21, $29.80.
Why we love it: The cool tribal print on the breezy chiffon gives this dress a laid-back look that’s balanced out by the thick black trim.
Our styling tip: You can make this look chic and streamlined by adding a cropped jacket ($27.80).
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Backless
Showing some unexpected skin is a stylish and sophisticated way to get the right kind of attention when you’re out. Haspel says that backless dresses can be an “automatic way to add appeal without being too upfront.” However, she explains that “it’s easy to sacrifice the appeal of the dress with the wrong bra.” Sarah recommends investing in a bra style that won’t show through the dress, such as a stick-on bra, which will work with virtually any backless style. Indiana University junior Courtney Kabbes agrees: “Self-adhesive bras are lifesavers!”
Deep V Lace Back Dress
Where to buy: Tobi, $38
Why we love it: The wine color is super on-trend for fall 2013, and the cross with black lace in the back makes this dress unexpectedly feminine and flirty.
Our styling tip: As the weather gets cooler and you want to stay warm, the black lace detail in the back works well with tights. You can even play up the lacy look with black lace tights ($6.80).
Black and Taupe Belted Dress
Where to buy: LuLu*s, $39
Why we love it: The light and airy girliness of this simple shape and layered chiffon skater skirt contrasts beautifully with the faux leather caged trim in the back. Additionally, the combination of taupe and black keeps this look from appearing too summery.
Our styling tip: The trim on the waistline can be complemented by similar faux-leather accessories. Dress it down with trendy over-the-knee boots in leather or faux leather.
Off the Shoulder
This sultry and sassy style appeared on the Fall 2013 runways of Donna Karan, Miu Miu and Celine. Lending itself to comfort and movement, this cheeky trend translates well into nightlife.
“Off-the-shoulder dresses are confident, and need to be well accessorized,” says Haspel. “It’s important to take your frame into account when choosing and accessorizing off-the-shoulder styles to make the look as flattering as possible.”
Show Me Shoulder Dress
Where to buy: Tobi, $48
Why we love it: The light chiffon layers of this long-sleeved dress combined with its rich shade of royal blue creates the perfect combination of beautiful boldness and subtlety.
Our styling tip: Accessorize with a short statement necklace. You can find tons of varieties at BaubleBar.
Spin and Dip Off-the-Shoulder
Where to buy: LuLu*s, $43
Why we love it: The tight-fitting, shoulder-baring sleeves alongside the plunging neckline and cute skater skirt make this dress fun, feminine and seriously flirty.
Our styling tip: The sexy plunging neckline provides a few different styling options. You can either go bare by pairing it with the perfect bra, such as the
U plunge backless push-up bra from Victoria’s Secret ($50), or you can show slightly less skin and add a little extra interest with a fun bandeau, such as the Layered Lace Bandeau from Victoria’s Secret ($24.50).
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Lace
Lace on longer sleeves is an excellent option for the fall semester, as they keep you cool while the weather is warm without looking too summery as winter approaches. “Lace styles are great for this season, and are sophisticated and sexy without being trashy,” Haspel says.
However, be careful what you pair your lace with! “The biggest faux pas I see with lace is that people don’t take transparency into account,” she says. “For example, if a dress includes lace paneling on top, the wrong color bra or a bandeau can be a big distraction.” Though you can find many lace dresses with built-in layers, nude slips and bras tend to work well with any color.
¾ Seamless Medallion Bodycon Dress
Where to buy: Free People, $88
Why we love it: The bright plum color freshens up this classically girly look, adding the perfect dash of bold exuberance that enables this dress to easily go from day to night. Coupled with its fitted, comfortable and casual stretch material, this dress is perfect for a chic night out.
Our styling tip: This feminine texture allows for some extra edginess when accessorizing. You can simultaneously dress down and toughen up the look with cutout ankle boots ($155) or a spiked necklace ($20.93).
Bodycon Dress with Lace Inserts and Long Sleeves
Where to buy: ASOS, $50.63
Why we love it: The cleverly placed cutouts are elegant with layers of lace revealing hints of skin in all the right places.
Our styling tip: If you choose to wear a necklace, make sure to pick a simpler style that falls well above or below the layer of lace at the top of the chest so that you don’t distract from the details of the dress.
Whichever style you choose to try, the most important thing is to stay true to your personal style. You should only wear what makes you comfortable and confident so that you can be your most fun and fabulous self! For more tips on trendy ways to accessorize these styles, check out five fall fashion trends for back to school.