The ever-changing Boston weather may be making it difficult to figure out what to wear to class every day (Tights? Sandals? Sweater? Skirt?), but the trends coming off the red carpet this year are crystal clear. As the frenzy builds to find that perfect dress for Newport Ball, The Harbus is here to simplify your search.
1. Red hot color
Red carpets this season were full of beautiful red gowns. This primary color is universally flattering and can make even the simplest design look flashbulb-ready. Since the color is so alluring, look for dresses with feminine, classic shapes. You want to be the one wearing the dress, without letting the dress wear you.
2. Pretty peplums
A controversial trend that’s been trying to take hold for a few seasons, peplums had their day in the spotlight when megastars Michelle Williams and Tina Fey both modeled them at the Academy Awards. While undeniably pretty, this trend is tricky to pull off. It’ll look best on women with thin or boyish frames, as it adds plenty of curvature.
3. Thigh-high slits
The moment Angie strutted her right leg onto the Oscars carpet, the blogosphere, Twittersphere and, well, whole worldospherewent wild. If you’re someone
who is generally conservative but you want to spice things up a little, take a page from Mrs. Brad Pitt’s playbook and look for a super-simple gown with this one daring detail.
4. Nude appeal
There’s something about wearing skin tones that brings up a whole list of dichotomies: trendy yet classic, naughty yet nice, simple yet sophisticated. Nude gowns – and shoes – were ubiquitous across the season’s red carpets. To make this look work for you, accessorize a tad more than usual and dial up the makeup to avoid getting washed-out in photos.
5. Baby got back
If nude is the new black, then backs are the new cleavage. Of course, there was plenty of décolletage on display this season, but the body part battling the leg for greatest exposure is, yes, the back. Like a mullet, these gowns should be business in the front, party in the back. Time to start working on those tan lines!
