IN F L U E N C E :
fashion & style
HOW TO WEAR YOUR GALA DRESS (AGAIN) WRITTEN BY L A U R E L K I N N E Y
pring is the season when all the invites roll
Full Skirt, No problem!
in, all within the same three-month span of
Sleek silhouettes aren’t the only versatile dresses. If you
time, and every year you likely have a mini
prefer fuller ball gown-style shapes, you’re in luck, because
freak out session about what you’re going
the strong waistlines were made for layering. Just look for a
to wear to this long list of formal events.
gown with a defined waist and no-frills top (think strapless
You’ll search for gowns any way you can: you rent the
or simple unembellished scoop or v-neck varieties). Try
runway, you borrow from friends, and you often end up
pairing your romantic gown with a pullover sweater and
spending too much money at the last minute on dresses
chunky necklace for a less formal, yet still ladylike look, or
you’ll probably never wear again. This year, why not go
throw on a cropped jacket to give the feminine silhouette
dress shopping (or borrowing) with a plan? Or even better,
a healthy dose of edge. For a less bold look, try pairing a
why not find a dress you can wear again? Here are some
cropped wrap cardigan in a similar shade with your gown.
dress hunting and styling tips to help you find the right look
You’ll get extra warmth and more wear!
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for everything on your spring agenda.
Bohemian Dressy to Casual Clean Lines Mean Easy Layers
If gala season is followed by a busy wedding season,
It’s very easy to fall into the “pre-accessorized” dress trap.
selecting a romantic bohemian style dress can be a great
You know those dresses: they’ve got rhinestones on the
option. While wearing print may not sound like the most
neckline, ruffles that stand out at the shoulder, or a wildly
versatile choice, the bohemian vibe is definitely the easiest
embellished waistline. They make the need for necklaces,
to pull off in more casual or daytime settings. Just look for
layers, and belts obsolete, so you just have to throw it
prints in colors that are easy to match, like blues or neutrals.
on with some shoes the evening of the event. But those
A chiffon floral dress can be elevated with gold or silver
are exactly the dresses that are impossible to wear again
jewelry, and will also look great with a denim jacket to go out
without someone noticing. So instead of getting a dress
for brunch. Wear your printed gown to the gala with elegant
that requires memorizing the guest list if you want to
jewelry and pumps, and then to your next daytime summer
wear it again, look for a simpler, sleek dress that allows for
wedding with strappy sandals and bangle bracelets.
numerous styling options. A solid-hued gown that fits well
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and has a clean silhouette can be a knockout on its own,
So while it’s tempting to wear a wow-them statement dress
especially if it has a cut that flatters your best features. You
for a night, it can fun, satisfying, and extra-efficient to find a
can pair it with simple jewelry and statement shoes once,
slightly simpler number and express your creativity by styling
and then with a black tuxedo jacket of any length and bold
the same dress multiple ways. Why not feel stylish AND
earrings for your next event.
smart this gala season?
IN FLUENTIAL