Garments for Gorgeous Girlies - Part Two

Retro Looks, Kaftans and Heels

Added:Sun, 27th September 09

Looking great no matter where you are, on the beach, in a night club or a romantic restaurant!

The Maxi Dress

The Seventies-inspired maxi dress is one of the hottest retro looks This large, floaty dress is most definitely on trend for 2009. I especially love them as they suit all figures. They can be casual enough for a nice stroll along the beach, yet teamed with a slick up-do, some bronzer, heels and chunky accessories it’s ideal for a night out. Perfect for that day to night transformation. I love this one from River Island, a bargain at £24.99.

The Shift Dress

This dress has been popular since the 1960’s and is still on trend 40 years later! But what is so special about this style that has given it the long lasting appeal? This dress is flattering on most body shapes but especially works great for showing off long legs.

If you don’t already have one in your wardrobe, now is the time to get one. Not only ideal for lunch dates, but once you slip on those heels and add a touch of jewellery, you’ve created a night time look with minimal effort. This one is another River Island favourite. Perfect for that summer tan and now reduced from £54.99 to £20! Hurry while stocks last!

Kaftan / Tunic

Kaftans/ Tunics are available in a variety of colours and light materials and ideal to throw on over your bikini or bathing suit. If you’re a little worried about showing off your muffin tops on the beach, get slightly burnt shoulders or need to nip off to the shop or go for lunch whilst on holiday, a Kaftan is the perfect solution . This dress can also be teamed with a pair of heels for a night out and for those of us not daring enough to get our legs out, it also looks great teamed with a pair of jeans.

Acessorize have a wide selection of Kaftans, however this is my favourite and would look great with a tan and some simple gold heels and jewellry. At £35 though I think I would keep this one for nights out rather than risk getting sand and suncream all over it. Hint: Primark have lots for under £10 ideal for the beach, and if you’re lucky you may even get the end of the summer sales! I picked up one for £3 last week!! Yes £3!

Grecian

We’re all very familiar with the usual 18-30’s inspired toga party’s , however finally a touch of sophistication has been added to this theme. No more bed sheets and safety pins, with Grecian style dresses top of the fashion league for 2009, we can all become Greek Goddesses. This style of dress is again flattering for most body shapes and available in most shops. Look for floaty materials with slouchy necklines and twisted, draped fabrics. Lipsy has lots on offer. This Grecian knot front dress comes in purple or pink and is £60.

Seventies / Eighties Style

This dress is mainly suited to taller women but there is however plenty of variations that will suit the more petite ladies. Giving off that flare and elegance from the seventies this dress will make you feel like you are one of the Charlie’s Angels or just stepped off the glamourous set of Dynasty. This 70’s Inspired ruched neck maxi dress from Marks and Spencer’s 125 Years Limited Collection is only £59. Read this quote from the M&S website if you are not convinced it’s for you: “ This dress is fantastic! I was worried it my show my lumps & bumps, but the fabric just flows beautifully. Gorgeous cut, v flattering. I had lots of compliments when wearing it (no one would believe it was from M&S). M&S take note - more contemporary styles like this please!!”

The Bandeau Dress

The bandeau dress: Team it with flip flops by day, slip on those heels by night. Ideal for showing off those newly bronzed shoulders. Opt for a short style and show off your legs or add a touch of extra elegance with the long version. Topshop have been inspired by the Hawain tropics to create this adoraable version of the bandeau dress and at only £20 you can capture that totally tropical taste without breaking the bank.

Smock

This god sent dress is very figure friendly and ideal for expectant mums. However if your not pregnant, go for a light fabric that doesn’t add too much bulk and it can also hide a multitude of sins and cover up all evidence of the plateful of food we have just gorged at the beach BBQ. Can be worn with bare legs or teamed up with leggings or skinny jeans for those cooler evenings. Topshop has an array of this style, however I like this pleated front smock dress in electric blue priced at a reasonable £45

Good luck with your dress hunt girls!!