The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming… “Oh my god I have nothing to wear!” Sound familiar? Warmer weather brings more social occasions – but that doesn’t have to mean more stress over your outfit. With the help of style expert and Tommy Hilfiger PR assistant Sarah Marshall, HC makes dressing for spring flings easy and fun with our 2010 Spring Events Style Guide.
Graduation
One word for graduation attire: appropriate. Even though the weather might be warm, and you may be baking in the hot sun for hours, a graduation is not the time to be overly trendy or skimpy when it comes to your clothes—in all likelihood, many of your relatives will be there. Keep the fabric light and very “daytime,” opting for cotton or linen over silk, for example. And color? “Don’t be afraid to go for color and play with proportions,” says Marshall, “ I love the idea of a shorter dress with long bell sleeves. It’s conservative, yet playful.” Since many pictures are taken with graduation gowns on, another great way to make a statement is with your shoes. Pick a shoe in a bold color or pattern to peek out from under a drab gown. We love these turquoise ones from DSW – only $40!
CL by Laundry Ionia Stretch Platform Wedge – $39.95 dsw.com
Catmint Dress – $148 anthropologie.com
Susana Monaco Bell Sleeve Dress – Nordstrom.com
Spring Formal
A spring formal is the perfect opportunity to combat your little black dress habit. There’s no better time to try something fun, fresh and trendy, like a floral print or the asymmetrical shoulder, as seen here. Not into florals? “Go for colors like coral or mint green,” says Marshall. If you are a color-phobe and usually tend to go for black, have no fear; “Neutrals are huge this season,” says Marshall. The only rule? Neutrals tend to be universally flattering – but make sure to look for tones that don’t blend into your skin color.
Aqua Short Printed Chiffon One Shoulder Dress – $188 http://Bloomingdales.com
Aqua Short Belted Party Dress – $188 http://Bloomingdales.com
Free People Casablanca Dress – $248 freepeople.com
BBQ or Garden Party
This spring, it’s all about making a statement from the back. We’re referring to shirts with intricate back details. When done right, showing off your back is sexy in a subtle way. This season is showing details like lace, zippers, and open backs. Spring weather brings outdoor social events like BBQs and other outdoor parties, which allow for fun yet chic day-time outfits. Pair one of these detailed back shirts with denim shorts for a complete look for casual fun. We love this ballerina-inspired look from Urban Outfitters, as well as the floral Forever 21 top. Bonus? Both give you lots of bang for your buck.
Sparkle & Fade Grosgrain Cinchback Tunic – $32 urbanoutfitters.com
Floral Cutout Knit Top – $15.80 forever21.com
Outdoor Concert
What better time than an outdoor concert to rock spring’s hottest trend – the romper! Rompers get the star of approval from our style expert: “I’m a huge fan of rompers!” says Marshall. Rompers are perfect for concerts because you get the appeal of a dress (a simple complete look with one article of clothing) with the comfort and functionality of shorts. “If you’re petite, rompers that cut off above the knee can be extremely flattering paired with heels or flats. If you’re taller, try wearing jumpers that end at the shin,” suggests Marshall. Because a romper can look too simple on its own, make sure to accessorize. Try some bangle bracelets or top off the look with a menswear-inspired hat.
Tri-Blend Halter Romper – $28 americanapparel.net
Strapless Ruffled Jumpsuit – $49.50 express.com
Chic Banded Fedora – $9.80 forever21.net
Sources
Sarah Marshall, Tommy Hilfiger PR Assistant, with former jobs include working for Abaete, PR for Bloomingdale’s, and work on shows for Jason Wu, Band of Outsiders and Rebecca Minkoff.