Unfortunately the end of the semester is looming closer (seriously, where did the time go?), but that also means it’s semi-formal season! Time to hit the mall — or your friends’ closets — and find the perfect dress to wow your date.
There are four main trends you’re going to see A LOT: mesh, cut outs, peplum, and strappy straps (the official scientific term for this has yet to be determined). You might be overwhelmed by all the options, but luckily I am here to guide you through it.
A few of these trends go hand in hand, so there may be some overlap, but I’ve tried to break it down as best I can. Peplum is seen so often this season, and causing so much overlap, that it will not have its own category, sorry peplum enthusiasts.
Cutouts:
Cutouts are great if you are daring and bold and want to show a little extra skin, but not get too crazy. A few other trends you may have noticed in these examples are faux leather, burgundy and skater skirts. Burgundy, or oxblood as known by the fashion savvy, is the color of the winter this year. Red is always sexy, but this darker shade makes it more appropriate for the colder months. Faux leather is hot because it gives you a badass vibe, but the skater style skirt keeps you looking feminine.
Necessary Clothing. $27.99
Tobi Diana Bodycon dress $56 (comes in 7 colors)
Mesh:
Mesh works great when it gets colder, if you want to wear something sexy that shows some skin, but not be too revealing. The mesh in the front of the first dress adds a sexy peek-a-boo aspect, too. Peplum, the little skirt around the waist is great for hiding anything around your hips or stomach you might be insecure about. It starts at the smallest part of your body and glides right over the biggest, instantly making you look leaner. The third dress has a fun mesh back-detail for those who want to ease into bold and sheer trend of mesh. Or, you can dive right in, and show your middriff in the last dress.
Forever 21 Forget Me Not Bodycon dress $27.80
Forever 21 Bombshell Dress $27.80
Forever 21 Daring Bodycon dress $15.80
Strappy Straps:
I may have just made up the name of this category, but the trend does exist. A lot of dresses this season have multiple straps, creating fun, geometric shapes on your body. Another trend that easily goes along with that is having low, sexy backs. This is great if you want to try a daring style and you’re tired of always wearing the same, simple shapes. And once again we’re seeing a ton of that burgundy color. What did I tell you?
Lulu’s Be Right Backless Dress $40
Forever 21 Striking Beaded Dress $29.80
Lulu’s Burgundy Cut-out Dress $40
X Appeal Wine Red Bodycon Dress $36
Miscellanous:
You may have looked at all the styles I’ve posted here and decided that you don’t l
ike any of them, and that’s totally OK. Not all of these styles are right for everyone, and you should never be afraid to stick to the tried and true classics. Chiffon is an always-flattering fabric, and in my opinion, there is never a wrong time for sparkle. Also, lace still exists! Mesh may be having its day in the sun, but you can still rock that classy lace. It’s timeless and sexy. Velveteen seems to be making a comeback in the stores this year, so try it out! And just because most of the dresses in this post were black, blue, red or other wintery colors doesn’t mean you can’t wear a bright, spring color if you want to! You should always wear what you feel most confident in, no matter what the current trends may be.
Forever 21 Glitter Dress $29.80
Forever 21 Velveteen Skater Dress $19.80