Designer Labels Head to London fashion Week

No sooner are we reluctantly moving to our autumn wardrobes and recalling the designer labels we were wearing last winter, than we see London Fashion Week already upon us proclaiming the virtues of Spring/Summer 2012. This is a semi annual event where the worlds designer labels, famous and not so famous, congregate to showcase their collections for the season six months hence. The travelling circus of designers, buyers, journalists, bloggers, industry insiders and of course celebrities pitch their fashion big top for a week not only in London, but in the worlds other major fashion centres, namely; New York, Paris & Milan.

For those who covet the major designer labels and follow the shifting sands of style and changing trends, The fashion weeks represent an ideal opportunity to keep a close eye on what’s going to be hitting it big when you’re looking to next spring and summer for outfits. While a lot of the household designer labels choose to showcase their haute couture and conceptual designs, as these pieces are out of reach to many of us mere mortals, our objective therefore is to see the trends emerge as themes as a clue as to what the designer labels have in store for us come next spring when the ready to wear collections are launched for general sale.

New York Is Best To For Mainstream Designer Labels

The best barometer of this is New York fashion week where they tend to showcase collections which cater to the home market, for Americans on the whole are a little more conservative in their fashion tastes. New York has a tendency to show a more traditional clean lines type of style, with “less directional” and more “ready to wear” collections (read “commercial fashion”) mainstream designer labels who have a runway during this week typically include Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Marc Jacob. Where as the shows in London, Paris or Milan weeks tend to push the envelope a little more. Some purists may suggest its “safe fashion”, but I argue for the punter who spends their “hard earned” on designer dresses every now and again, its the clearest way for many to make an informed decision about the investments they will make on designer labels next season.

Jason Wu SS12	Philip Lim SS12

Having observed over the past week New York’s output, there seems to be little invention and no major departure from what has gone before, but that’s not such bad news, as in the main, what you’ve been wearing during the past summer is most likely still going to be relevant next year too, and so having to match up old and new pieces in SS12 wardrobe will be the ideal basis of a great, and ever evolving capsule wardrobe.

What Trends To Look For in SS11

What seems to be the big trend this time round is a move towards a more casual, lifestyle look which has been dubbed “Urban Sport” as the name suggests its full of soft tailoring, and strikes an easy balance between both street and office wear. Nowhere was this better illustrated than with Philp Lim and his Kite inspired runway show showing cocktails and shift dress made of flowing parachute silk, the ideal canvas on which to work, the airy loose style was the perfect interpretation of his signature soft tailoring.
Jason Wu, Michelle Obama’s designer label of choice also followed the theme of soft tailoring with a mix of urban sport influences and smart casual clothing as did Marc Jacob, Alexander Wang and Preen.

Preen Block colours, powder shades	Michael Kors SS12 -Afri-luxe

Another big trend is colour…bright bold colours, citrus brights, neon, these were used in block colours, which is a trend that will continue into next season, and the tribal look which will dominate next summer, though yellow seemed to pop up more frequently than any other colour.

As mentioned above, the tribal look is making a reappearance, an alternative label coined by Michael Kor is “Afri-Luxe”, we might refer to it as tribal/safari, but it was a strong showing in his runway show. The Kor designer Label which has been built upon the his home grown market of the U.S. and taken the all American casual sportswear and added luxury and embellishments. Kor has applied acres of Zebra, Python and Leopard skin prints to his swimwear, romper suits, shift and cocktail dresses to create “Serengeti style” (that’s my own label I’ve given the look). Proenza Schouler followed suit with the safari/tribal trend featuring conceptualised giraffe and tiger prints across the collection too, so is a sure fire contender to be hot in 2012.

And So To The HEM index, And What The Hell Is It?

We couldn’t leave a fashion trend review without mentioning the “Hem Index”, for you who don’t know its a theory put forward by economist George Taylor’s back in the 1920′s, when he referred to hemlines lengths changing in line with the economy, as the economy gets weaker, hemline get longer and vice versa. In the midst of what seems like harder economic times and austerity, in the case of New York fashion week and the designer labels who had runways, the results were inconclusive as there was a bevy of asymmetrical and handkerchief hems which will leave economists to draw mixed concisions, though as ever austerity and high end designer labels are uncomfortable bed fellows.

Image Credits – Metro

filed under – designer labels

Designer Labels At New York Fashion Week, What’s On-Trend in SS12 And The HEM Index is a post from: Designer Dresses

We’re in the middle of the summer festival season around the UK, whether you want to wear stylish dresses or any other festival fashion this summer, we give you a few tips and ideas on what to wear. Lets face it fashion at festivals is almost as important as the music and creating an individual and eyecatching look is the key to finding the perfect festival fashion.

Think carefully about which festival you are attending. A one day festival in London may well allow for a much more elaborate outfit than a muddy field in Glastonbury and may well give you the opportunity to wear one of your more expensive designer  dresses but there are plenty of stylish dresses around which will work for all sorts of different festivals.

Havianas Printed Rain Boots – Exclusive to Selfridges

Regent Savoy Boots – Hunter at Selfridges

You will also probably want to consider the weather and for more extreme wet conditions consider your footwear. Long dresses and maxi dresses are always stylish dress and look amazing but if the weather is bad denim cut offs and wellies might be a better bet. You can brighten up a grey day with some fun and colourful patterned wellington boots or go for the classic festival fashion hunter wellington boots which are available in a range of colours and styles.

Seven For All Mankind Vintage Wash Denim Shorts – My Wardrobe

Anna Sui Printed Silk Dress – The Outnet

If long dresses aren’t your thing beach dresses are also a good choice in hot weather and can be reused for your summer holiday making it worthwhile investing in designer pieces or slightly more expensive dresses.

Sequin Trim Fedora by Eugenia Kim – My Wardrobe

Multi Strand Jewel and shell necklace by Iosselliani – My Wardrobe

You can choose to wear a seventies, boho or rock and roll inspired outfit or pick from any of the  summers other hot trends including colour blocking and floral dresses. Fun statement accesories are a great way to dress up basic but  stylish dresses and give them a festival fashion feel. Think about hair flowers and wide brimmed hats if you want to get that seventies style. You can also wear cowboy boots and tassels for a western theme or beaded jewellery for a boho style.

Day Birger et Mikkelson Cross Body Bag – My Wardrobe

An across the body bag or small belt purse is the easiset and safest way to carry a few belongings with you.

Green Lense Aviator Sunglasses by Ray Ban – My Wardrobe

You will also need some sunglasses for that air of rock star mystery and of course so you can see your favourite bands. The most classic style is of course Rayban Wayfarers but these green lense aviators also look pretty cool.

Barbour Duralin Brigade Jacket by My Wardrobe

A cover up for the evening or to protect you from the sun is a good idea. Denim or leather jackets, vintage style kimono jackets and oversized shirts are all great festival fashions. For wet weather, a waterproof is essential but don’t worry there are plenty of stylish options out there

Stylish Dresses and Festival Fashion is a post from: Designer Dresses

There were so many great designer wear looks on the catwalk for summer 2011, but if you want to be right on trend here are some of the key dress styles to keep an eye out for this summer.

Floral dresses

D &G Mimosa print boned dress – My Wardrobe

Floral dresses are always a huge fashion trend in the summer but this year you should look out for larger scale floral prints as seen at Dries Van Noten and Jil Sanders, embellished florals as seen at Caroline Herrera, Erdem and Vera Wang and bright botanicals including the stunningly bright floral dresses at D & G. Also look our for a whole range of different blooms from the traditional rose to pansies, irises and oriental orchids. There are so many different floral dress styles around this summer but if you can’t find one that you love, there are also some  great fruit prints. 

Lace dress

Project D by Dannii and Tabitha black butterfly lace dress – My Wardrobe

The lace dress was already looking to be a huge trend but after the royal wedding we just can’t get it out of our head. From the innocence and simplicity of a white lace dress to the more sexy black lace dress or even a fun neon bright lace dress, you can chose a style to suit your mood. A simple shift dress style in lace is very fashionable now but also really classic piece of designer wear that is likely to last you for season after season.

One shoulder dress

Halston Heritage One Shoulder Mini – My Wardrobe

Always elegant, great for parties and incredibly flattering the one shoulder dress is back on trend again this summer. With its feel of Greek goddess, the one shoulder dress can also work well for the Studio 54 seventies vibe that is such big news this summer. Take your pick of the one shoulder dress from maxi to mini. Halston Heritage played a key role in the current seventies revival and are becoming well known for their one shoulder dress.

White dresses

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania White Wednesday Dress – My Wardrobe

This summers white dress styles are anything but boring. Interesting shapes, appliqued detail and pretty lace all more than make up for the lack of colour. Fresh, clean and cool, white dresses are the perfect designer wear for the hot summer weather and just about any occasion as long as you are not a guest at a wedding. Look for feminine dress styles in floaty and layered fabrics with flared skirts to really capture the romantic look.

Designer maxi dresses

Winter Kate halter maxi dress – My Wardrobe

Back again by popular demand, the designer maxi dress is glamorous and the perfect designer wear for the evening. It is also incredibly flattering and covers up a multitude of sins from a round tummy to saddlebag thighs. Slim line or slim fit designer maxi dresses are particularly on trend this summer and you can take your pick from one colour, patterns and prints and floaty chiffon.

Five Key Trends In Designer Wear For Summer 2011 is a post from: Designer Dresses

Alexander McQueen was a brave choice for the royal designer wedding dresses of all wedding dresses. Kate Middleton’s stunning Alexander McQueen dress was definitely  a winner though, not just for Kate but also for Sarah Burton, The Alexander McQueen label, designer wedding dresses in the UK and British fashion as a whole.

The Alexander McQueen label was already well known for its contemporary but romantic and elegant evening dresses as well as its dramatic catwalk shows. In the beginning Lee McQueen made a name for himself with controversy and shock tactics, but it didn’t take long for his talent to become recognised in its own right with his flair for tailoring and innovative approach which juxtaposed feminine strength and fragility.   

Since the death of Lee McQueen, Sarah Burton has taken over as creative director of the label after being his confidante and assistant. She was devastated by his death but has managed to continue in his footsteps and also make a name for herself when creating the most talked about of designer wedding dresses, for the royal wedding.

Kate Middleton decided on the designer instead of countless other possibilities of designer wedding dresses after seeing the dress of her friend Sara Buys, who married the Duchess of Cornwall’s son Tom Parker Bowles in 2005. Other celebrity dresses by the designer have been wron by Michelle Obama, Naomi Campbell, Lady Gaga, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett and Bjork to name but a few.

The world’s fashion spotlight is now firmly on the Alexander McQueen label with everyone wanting an Alexander McQueen dress and a there is also bound to be a bog demand for Alexander McQueen designer wedding dresses in the future. Here are some of our favourite elegant evening dresses by Alexander McQueen, some of which could also double up as slightly less formal designer wedding dresses.

Alexander McQueen- Halterneck Maxi Dress – Selfridges

The bright red colour of this dress is the perfect choice for those who love to be the centre of attention. The dress has all of the marks of a Alexander McQueen dress, it is dramatic, feminine and very bold.

Alexander McQueen Iris Maxi Dress – Selfridges

This classic style of strapless maxi dress combines layers of delicate silk with a feminine silhouette and a great version of the seasons must have floral print. The print is subtle enough to make it a great choice for designer wedding dresses and elegant evening dresses . It has pleat detailing at the front and a fish tail at the  back.

Alexander McQueen Meadow Print Silk Chiffon Gown- The Outnet

This incredibly beautiful silk chiffon gown is another versatile Alexander McQueen gown that covers all bases including designer wedding dresses in the UK and elegant evening dresses. It has airey layers which give it an ephereal feel and a very subtle yellow, green and grey print.

Alexander McQueen Wrap Effect Crepe Dress – The Outnet

The  nude colour of this Alexander McQueen dress make it the perfect wedding guest outfit for this summer. It is simple and flattering, it would also make the perfect solution for less formal designer wedding dresses.

Spotlight On Alexander McQueen – Designer Wedding Dresses And Elegant Evening Dresses is a post from: Designer Dresses

Many of us often ask ourselves ‘How can you get designer dresses for less?’

The royal wedding and watching all of the guests arrive may have given you a desire for some new designer clothes even if you are lacking in budget. Whilst the celebrities and very rich like to pay top prices for their designer clothes, the rest of us can get beautiful designer dresses for less with just a little extra effort. Finding great designer dresses for less is all about knowing what you want but also being a little creative. You can often  find last seasons clothing at a fraction of its original price but the real knack of making it work is knowing which pieces will fit well with the current seasons trends or picking out the pieces that are classic and never go out of fashion for example beautiful BCBG Max Azria dresses.

Online Designer Outlets

The most famous of the designer online designer outlets is TheOutnet. The retailer which is owned by the most successful online designer retailer, Net A Porter. You will find a huge selection of designer pieces from Armani dresses to Dolce and Gabbana wedding dresses. They also have flash sales which are time limited sales with even bigger discounts. The Outlet is a great place to shop for cocktail dresses UK as they have so many luxurious and elegant dresses.

End of Season Sales

Alice Temperley Floral Jude Dress – My Wardrobe

The end of season sales seem to start earlier and earlier each year and last longer and longer. Many online retailers now have year round sales when you can purchase clothes from the previous season at  a heavily discounted price. Check out Selfridges and My Wardrobe for the best of the online designer sales.

Designer High Street Collaborations

Black Mesh Insert Dress – Jonathan Saunders at Debenhams

If you are lucky enough to have your favourite designer participate in a high street collaboration then this is the perfect way to get one of their designer dresses for less. There have been lots of high profile collaborations which usually sell out really quickly so you need to be on the ball if you want to guarantee getting your dream designer dress. Debenhams have some of the most established designer collaborations which run continuously giving everyone the chance to get a piece of the action. Debenhams is definitely the most cost effect place to buy Henry Holland dresses, Matthew Williamson Dresses and many more. Quite recently they have also launched their Edition range which feature some of the hottest designers of the moment and at the moment includes Preen, Jonathan Saunders and Jonathan Kelsey.

If you are looking for a beautiful cocktail dress in the UK or even a Dolce and Gabbana wedding dress, a designer dress for less is the perfect way to get something really special without breaking the bank. By sticking to the really well known designers perhaps BCBG Max Azria dresses, you can be sure to look really stylish in it for many years to come but you can also try out slightly newer designers or more experimental pieces if you want to really make a statement.

How To Get Designer Dresses For Less is a post from: Designer Dresses

Dolce and Gabbana dresses are sought after for their ability to make women look and feel sexy. They are just the sort of clothes that women love to wear. The Italian design duo Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have perfected the art of making beautiful and eye catching clothes with a big helping of Italian style. Their collections are perfect for strong women who know what they want and aren’t afraid to make a bold statement with their clothes. The pair have created many recognisable celebrity designer dresses many of which could be seen at the recent Dolce and Gabbana Dress me up party in London.

D&G is the brands diffusion line which sells slightly more affordable versions of the brands main line but still with that very recognisable signature style. It includes beautiful Dolce and Gabbana dresses including bodycon dresses plus corset tops and blouses.

For summer 2011 the D&G collection featured some stunning floral dresses with bold and bright botanical prints on a white background. The colours make you feel as if you are walking through a beautful garden filled with all sorts of different blooms from  Roses to Peony and Mimosa. The clothes have a dream like quality that was inspired by a dream of a garden party. There are beautiful Dolce and Gabbana dresses in the collection for just about every occasion from a summer garden party to a day at the races and lunch with the girls. There are also a variety of different styles to suit most body types from figure hugging bodycon dresses to flowing chiffon maxi dresses.

With botanical prints and floral dresses  being such a huge trend this summer Dolce and Gabbana dresses are such to be a big hit so if you like them don’t delay on bagging yourself one as soon as you can.

Violet Printed Tiered Gown

Probably the most romantic of the floral dresses in the collection this stunning chiffon maxi dress would be ideal for a formal event perhaps a wedding or day at the races. Its pretty pattern and loose fit  are so perfect for a really hot summer day.

Blue Rose Sweater Dress

This sweater dress is a really versatile piece as it can work well as a designer day dress with a pair of ballet pumps or for the evening with a pair of heels and tailored jacket. It is one of the prettiest and most elegant bodycon dresses around for the summer.

Peony Print Champagne Dress

This classic style of shift dress is again ideal for formal occasions but could also work well as a smart dress for work. It is fitted to cling in just the right places, a key look of the Dolce and Gabanna signature style. For a casual look, a denim jacket is the perfect addition and for a more formal occasion a brightly coloured clutch.

Blue Rose Print Dress

Another body con style this simple but very stylish dress is fitted but has a bustier top and flattering panels to add to its appeal. The red and blue roses would again look good with denim or any red, blue or tan accessories.

Peony Day Clutch

Finally if you are not brave enough to go for all over flowers, you can still add a touch of the floral magic of the D&G summer collection with this pretty clutch.

Shop Garden party:

Blooming Marvelous Dolce And Gabbana Dresses For Summer is a post from: Designer Dresses

The seventies trend is going to be huge for at least  the next few seasons making it well worth investing in some of the ladies designer clothing on offer at the moment. If weren’t around or old enough to wear or remember it the first time around then now is the perfect opportunity to catch up on the styles for this very glamorous decade. If you did experience the seventies first hand then there is no reason why you can’t revisit some of the looks this time in an even more stylish way.

If you prefer online dress shopping then you will find some great seventies pieces at My-Wardrobe.com. If you are looking for designer dresses for less then the Outnet is also a really good place to look.

The Seventies Jumpsuit

Jaspire Wide Legged Jumpsuit By Paul and Joe

Jumpsuits have been on trend for quite some time but this season there is an amazing choice of them amongst the ladies designer clothing collections including at Missoni, Halston Heritage, Paul and Joe, DKNY and Alice by Temperley to name but a few. Many of the seventies jumpsuits feature halternecks but there are also some strapless choices or one shoulder which make a great alternative to a dress for a party. We love the amazingly bright colour of this jumpsuit by Paul and Joe with its elegant wide legged trousers.

The One Shoulder Dress

Pleated One Shoulder Goddess Dress by Halston Heritage

If you want to take your inspiration from the glamorous Studio 54 era, then a maxi style one shoulder dress is ideal. No one makes ladies designer clothing in this style better than Halston Heritage, well they have had more than enough practice. This pleated gold one shoulder dress is just the sort of thing that Bianca Jagger would have worn and will make you look like a Greek goddess.

The Pussy Bow Blouse

Constellation Tie Neck Blouse By Tibi

One of the easiest way if working the seventies look for work or casual is with a pussy bow blouse like this beautiful toffee coloured one from very hip ladies designer clothing label Tibi. It looks great with a navy pencil skirt for work or high waisted jeans for casual.

The Flares

Tailored Flares by M Missoni

Another key aspect of fashion trends in the seventies was the flared trousers. You can either opt for the more casual flared jeans or smarter tailored flares. We love the way that these crisp white tailored flares  keep the look fresh and up to date.

The Platforms

Black Edie Wedge by Mulberry

A great pair of wedge shoes is the perfect footwear for all sorts of seventies style ladies designer clothing. They go amazingly well with maxi dresses, jumpsuits and flared trousers or jeans. The best thing about wedge shoes is that they give you some extra height but they are much easier to walk in  than almost all other high heeled shoes.

5 Ways To Rock The Seventies Trend With Ladies Designer Clothing is a post from: Designer Dresses

The royal wedding is fast approaching and we can’t wait to see what everyone is wearing especially Princess to be, Kate Middleton, there is sure to be plenty of amazing designer wear on show.  Here we discuss how the royal wedding is likely to have a long term and far reaching influence on fashion and designer wear.

Which of the famous dress designers will design ‘the dress’?

Blush Corseted Petticoat Dress – MCQ by Alexander McQueen

Whoever is chosen to design the dress is likely to see their bridal wear designs become an instant sellout. They are also likely to see a surge in demand for their ready to wear lines (if they have one) as everyone wants to get a piece of fashion history. So far there has been a huge amount of speculation over who will design the royal wedding dress with possibilities including famous dress designers like Bruce Oldfield, one of Princess Diana’s favourite designers as well as Sarah Burton, the designer who famously took over the helm at Alexander McQueen. There are also a few more up and coming names which are being talked about and could quickly be catapulted to international success  overnight. Regardless of whether they are actually designing the royal wedding dress, the interest in each of these designers caused by all of the talk is sure to boost their profiles.

Bridal influences on white formal dresses

Assymetric Silk Satin Gown by Halston Heritage

Not only will their be countless copies made of the royal wedding dress immediately following the first sightings but the overall style and theme may also have a strong influence of white formal dresses for the summer. As the royal wedding approaches white dresses are going to be more and more in peoples minds and all sorts of white dresses are very likely to become a key trend for the summer.

Mother of the Bride Gowns and other guest outfits

Mini Giselle Dress by Temperley (thought to be designing the bridesmaid dresses for the Royal Wedding)

Of course the fashion at the royal wedding is not just about Kate Middleton’s dress. There will be plenty of other designer wear on show with all of the foreign royal family, members of state and celebrities attending. There will definitely be an element of who is wearing what on April 29th including the mother of the bride gowns and bridesmaid dresses. It is thought that Kate’s mother will be wearing Bruce Oldfield and her sister a bridemaid dress by Alice Temperley.

The longterm and global effect of the Royal Wedding

Pictures of the royal wedding and Kate Middletons wedding dress will appear in the history books as well as  all over the internet. It would be difficult to ignore the impact that the royal wedding will have on fashion all over the world and for a long time to come.

What will you be wearing on April 29th?

The Effect Of The Royal Wedding On Designer Wear is a post from: Designer Dresses

Perhaps the title is somewhat misleading in so much as within this post we are indeed offering you the where for all to exhibit the highest degree of designer fashion to indeed impress anyone you care to mention. Though the outfits shown aren’t strictly confined to wearing Ladies day Outfits at a race meeting, oh no far from it, as the following suggestions can be worn for all manner of events you may be planning to attend this coming summer party season, be it a wedding, a lavish garden party or indeed the afore mentioned race meeting.

The Ladies day outfit is appropriate as this weekend sees the Aintree race meeting taking place and is generally regarded as the start of the summer racing season. It is normally held in Liverpool and the ladies day this year is 18th April, with the likes Epsom and Ascot to follow in June. Most of the big race meetings nowadays normally have a special Ladies day set aside to accommodate the fashionistas of not only the racing fraternity but the general public and of course the odd celebrity dotted here and there to show off their latest designer dresses, shoes and of course the obligatory hat, all as part of a thoroughly enjoyable themed day.

In recent years it has become so popular that it has become a girls day out for groups of girls who spend weeks, even months in preparation, co-coordinating their outfits, pouring over which to wear Laboutins or Jimmy Choo’s? and if the opportunity to jet off the the Caribbean to get some colour on your skin isn’t a practical solution, then there’s always the spray on tan to consider too These events have become so popular that you have to book well in advance to get a ticket, but has been completely taken over by the ladies event itself and in many ways the horse racing on the day being largely superfluous, with fashion shows, make over tents and some of the largest fashion brands sponsoring the whole day in some cases.

Alas before we get carried away, as mentioned earlier, of course these gorgeous designer dresses are not just confined to Ladies day Outfits, they can be enjoyed for all manner of summer events you plan to attend, but I’m sure you’ll agree they are worthy of a very special event indeed. One of the important factors in choosing a designer outfit for such an occasion is that you should not only look spectacular but feel extra special and wonderful about wearing it to0, and in essence that’s what a ladies day outfit is, an extra special day to get dressed up in extra special clothes, what ever event you go to this summer enjoy it even more with this wonderful selection of designer fashion items…

You can see more designer fashion brands like these at Van Midert the designer fashion store

A Day At The Races – The Perfect Ladies Day Outfit is a post from: Designer Dresses

Designer shift dresses are definitely a wardrobe staple. They are incredibly flattering for most body shapes and one of the most versatile pieces of clothing that you can own. This also explains why designer shift dresses are such a great  investment, they never go out of fashion and will be worn over and over again. Each year there are some new styles and trends of designer shift dresses available but if you pick carefully you can choose a style that transcends all fashion and is simply  incredibly stylish. Here are our favourite designer shift dresses for 2011.

The Floral Dresses

D& G have created some stunning floral dresses for SS11 with brightly coloured prints on a white background. The floral shift dresses in their collection are pretty and colourful enough to wear to a special occasion like a wedding but also smart enough to wear to work with a tailored jacket. They are could also be worn with a brightly coloured cashmere cardigan and ballet pumps for a more relaxed look for lunch out with the girls or a gentle stroll around the park. This D&G Peony print champagne fitted dresswould also look great with heels for an evening party.

The Classic Navy Shift Dress

Everyone needs a simple navy shift in their wardrobe and this Fulfilment Dress by Vivienne Westwood is such a classic. It has flattering  draping to give it an upto date twist and a soft silhouette. This dress is ideal as evening or occasion wear but also looks great with a pair of nude shoes for the daytime.

The Colour Block Stripes

This colour block stripe dress by Sportmax is definitely right on trend this summer but colour blocking is also a trend that is likely to come back into fashion year after year. The fun red and pink stripes on this dress make it incredibly eyecatching and perfect if you want to stand out from the crowd. Its sporty shift dress shape makes it ideal for more casual events and it looks great worn with tan leather accessories and chunky wedge heels.

The Abstract Print Dress

The great thing about abstract prints is that they do  not relate to any one particular trend but can work with a number of different looks so they come back in fashion again and again. Abstract prints featuring neon brights are big news this summer and this feather border shift dress by Paul Smith is a perfect example of one.

The Neutral Shift

A neutral coloured shift dress also works with a number of different trends including utilitarian, safari and minimalist. It can be accessorised in numerous ways to give many different looks and is probably the most versatile of all of the shift dresses. This Moschino Cheap and Chic belted v neck shift dress would look great with animal prints, brightly coloured accesories for example neon orange or even floral pieces. Chunky gold jewellery will also finish the look perfectly.

The Top 5 Designer Shift Dresses For Summer 2011 is a post from: Designer Dresses