Spring Dresses to Feel YourBest(est)

By Shannon Rooney

We all love a good floral for spring, but there are so many other fashionable prints and st yles available in this year ’s dresses. Polka dots, ruching and hemlines have all been given a modern t wist for spring and color is the name of the game So, get ready to give your closet a fresh star t this season We’ve got the deets on dresses so you can look and feel your best(est)

Embrace Athleisure

“ T-shir t dresses are trending for spring and are my favorite because they can be thrown on with a pair of flip flops or dressed up with heels and amazing accessories for a night out on the town, ” said Sarah Medina, owner of Outer Grace Boutique You’ll never want for comfor t with the T-shir t dress

Take it High, Take it Low

High-low hemlines are back this season in ever y material and pattern But rather than a straight cut across the leg, the “high” cut of the dress is likely to be accented with pleats or ruffles. Wrap dresses especially are spor ting this new look for a cut that really highlights cur ves.

New Year, New Neckline

Asymmetrical neck lines were all over the spring runways You’ll see neck lines that leave one shoulder open or wrap to one side of the neck If you’re up for playing with neck lines, but don’t want to go asymmetrical, tr y a more traditional halter top in one of this season’s preferred colors. Or, simply opt for more detail above the waist. Ruching is a flattering choice and this year it has moved from the bust line to the bodice.

The Classic Sheath

The most impor tant dress that an individual could buy would be a sheath dress, ” said Terri Francis-Ahlfeld, who owns The Francis Shoppe with her mother Marjorie Francis. For spring events, she suggests a classic sheath dress, a cut that is flattering to many body types and is appropriate for a wide variety of occasions. And remember, when it comes to fabric, “less is best, ” said Francis-Ahlfeld A straight sk ir t, rather than A-line, is usually a safe choice Add a trendy but elegant three-quar ter-length sleeve if you like a little ex tra coverage

Boho Brights

Dresses with ‘70s swirls have made their way into many spring collec tions If you’re up for a wild print, opt for paisley in aqua, brown and cream Or, tr y a swingin’ floral in bright pink and orange Bonus points for accessorizing with a bright head scar f and lots of gold jewelr y don’t forget the tassel fan hoop earrings.

Burst of Violet

The Pantone color of the year is ultra violet, and that deep purple shade has worked its way into all corners of fashion. You’ll find dresses in ever y shade of purple on the racks. “Lilac is a must have for the spring season along with all the pastels, ” said Medina If violet isn’t your color, tr y a dusty rose or, for a burst of a different color, bright coral Butter y yellow is also a popular option

Classic Patterns

Bright, happy florals, polk a dots and stripes are staples of spring. This year is no different. Florals tend toward pastel colors and a “scattered bouquet ” look with flowers strewn across dresses rather than printed in a repeating pattern Polk a dots, on the other hand, are more subdued You’ll see lots of small white and cream dots on soft gray and taupe backgrounds

Whether you embrace a trendy or classic style this spring, stick to patterns, cuts and colors that really feel like you “ The most impor tant thing is to pick something that makes you smile when you put it on, that is comfor table and fits your style, ” said Medina We couldn’t agree more a Resources:

Outer Grace Boutique, For t Wayne, 260 740 1247

The Francis Shoppe, Wabash, 260 563 8805