Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
placeholder article
placeholder article

5 Spring Formal Dress Trends

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar
Elena Havas Student Contributor, Colgate University
Her Campus Placeholder Avatar
Colgate Contributor Student Contributor, Colgate University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Colgate chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Whether your sorority’s formal is approaching or you know a frat star that will be inviting you to his: the hunt for dresses begins now. Unless you have time to squeeze in a Syracuse mall trip, most Colgate women will probably be searching for the perfect dress online. Your internet browser is probably freezing right now due to the 50 different dress tabs you currently have open. While you’re shopping, keep in mind some of these spring trends and tips so you can pick up an absoultely perfect parcel from the mail room. 

  1. Baby you LIGHT up my world like nobody else

It’s spring! Although the LBD (little black dress) is always a classic, lighten up a bit. Spring formal is the perfect time to pull out a bright color to liven up the party. If Jergen’s can prolong your spring break tan through Hamilton’s frigid “spring,” then nothing will look better than a bright color against your glow. Want to add more pop? Try two-tone color block dresses that are also very hot! 

 http://www.nastygal.com/clothes-dresses/shock-wave-dress-pink

http://www.lulus.com/products/strappily-ever-after-off-the-shoulder-mint-dress/87342.html 

http://www.nastygal.com/product/hot-ticket-skater-dress–poppy/_/searchString/skater

2. a2 + b2= c2

 Geometric prints have jumped from your 10th grade textbooks to your formal dress. This look is bold and beautiful for all body types. Also known as “Aztec prints,” you can choose either a classic black and white combo or take it to the next level with some brights and metalics. Shapes and lines are showing up all over spring dresses, so if you are short or “fun sized” try vertical lines to lengthen you out.

 http://www.nastygal.com/whats-new_clothes_dresses/metallic-peaks-dress

http://us.asos.com/Lipsy-Scarf-Print-Dress/yt5wo/?via=rec&iid=2369661&mporgp=L0xpcHN5L0xpcHN5LVNjYXJmLVByaW50LURyZXNzL1Byb2Qv

http://www.freepeople.com/night-out/intarsia-bodycon/_/productOptionIDS/6E91367A-B871-414C-991D-CE6AC2766993/ 

3. Act like there’s gum in your hair girl and CUT IT OUT

Edward Scissorhands must have manufactured almost every dress this season. Ladies love exposing these little slivers of skin and guys are definitely not complaining. Don’t get me wrong I love cut outs just as much as the next girl, but is it just me or are the side rib cut outs a little overdone? 

Try finding some interesting and new cuts. If you especially love your waist, look for a dress with 360 cut out patterns, fun back panels, or even shoulder sleeve cuts. Neckline cut outs are flirty and fun! 

http://www.lulus.com/products/peek-of-destiny-cutout-olive-green-dress/66170.html 

http://www.tobi.com/product/45925-tobi-cutesy-cut-dress?color_id=59323

http://www.tobi.com/product/49678-tobi-make-your-mark-bodycon-dress?color_id=66439

 

 

4. Put the PEP in Peplum

Think about the extra fabric from your cut outs and shop for a peplum look. Peplum has been accentuating curves all year round and it’s not going anywhere this Spring. This look can vary from side hip flaps to empire waist flares. If you have a straight body type and want more curve, peplum is for you. Check out these cute flaps!

http://www.shopbop.com/side-peplum-sleeveless-dress-alice/vp/v=1/1570943466.htm?folderID=2534374302179584&colorId=12560&extid=affprg-2178999 

 

http://www.nastygal.com/product/daisy-peplum-dress/_/searchString/peplum 

http://www.nastygal.com/product/peplum-bandage-dress-blue/_/searchString/peplum

5. Triple Axel

If you don’t want to feel stuffy in a tight bandage dress, skater-style or flowy dresses are great for spring formals. They’re tight at the top and looser in the mid section which creates an ice-skater dress style. This look is great for formal, the flowy bottom will allow you to drink and eat as much as you want without worrying about that unflattering bladderbellybludge. Go with the flow! If you are curvy, or have an hour glass or pear shape, look for something with a form fitting bodice or empire waist to emphasize your curves. 

http://www.nastygal.com/product/band-apart-skater-dress/_/searchString/skater

 

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/keepsake-the-label-side-cutout-fit-flare-dress/3460940?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=keepsake_the_label_side_cutout_fit_&cm_pla=dresses:women:dress&cm_ven=Linkshare&siteId=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-tJDB3nDWKmFGhKclWIQ7Pw 

 

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=25856568&parentid=SEARCH+RESULTS

 

     As you can see SO MANY of these dress trends have been overlapping this season. Feel free to mix up any of these styles and don’t be afraid take risks! However, at the end of the day you know your body and your personal style the best. While you continue your online shopping think about key assets you want to emphasize and my best advice would be to wear something you know you’ll be comfortable in … rememeber, it’s a long night! Happy hunting ladies! 

Elena Havas is a Campus Correspondent for Her Campus at Colgate University. She is an English Major with an emphasis in creative writing as well as a Minor in Film and Media Studies. She began blogging for Her Campus in the Spring of 2013. She has made new initiatives to expand Her Campus across Colgate's Campus. She is a native of New York City and some of her interests include life advice, pop culture, women's rights, public policy reform and referring to herself in the third person under her alias notoriously known as "lanes".