Dressing-Up for 2019: Five Ways to Rock a Midi Dress
New year, new wardrobe! As much as we would love to completely renew our closets every new year, this is not always possible - at least not during the first month! Don't be discouraged about it, however: with just a few key pieces, you can completely revamp your looks for the upcoming season and ensure you always look spot-on.
This new year, the pièce de résistance of your closet should be a mid-length dress. Their ability to skirt the line between demure and playful has been embraced by designers around the world. This is why they have turned up in an unprecedented variety of fabrics, styles, and colors - so there is little doubt that you will find one that lets your personality and figure shine.
Vine-Print Kimono Dress
Kimono dresses may have existed for millennia, but this side of the pond, they re-appear every few years. And why shouldn't they? Their long lines are very flattering for tall women and instantly evoke elegance. They're also deceptively comfortable: pair them with nude or ballerinas while you're doing errands, or complement them with colorful panties to remind everyone why they should follow you.
Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz is still fighting to earn her spot among fashion's greatest stars, but if she keeps releasing pieces like this one, she will find herself there in no time. Unlike last time kimono dresses were everywhere, this year designers are going for colorful fabrics and sharp contrasts.
The result was a dream of spring that will take any cold January morning by storm. For a Saturday morning, just pair it with minimal accessories and gigantic purse. Revamp the look on Monday with black slacks and Oxford shoes.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
Vine-Print Kimono Sleeve Dress
Johanna Ortiz has added a Latin vibe to this concept: a vibrant red-orange hue, a tropical pattern, and a daring V neckline have all combined seamlessly with her signature androgynous vibe and ladylike poise.
Longer, Lighter, and Bare-Shouldered Dress
It may take a few weeks before we're ready to venture out sleeveless - but if you are one of the lucky ones with a Caribbean escapade ready, then your wardrobe should be ready to let you soak up the sun.
For such occasions, you can add a bit of glam to your normal vacation wear with a long, ruffled dress. Hide a pair of stilettos underneath in order to elongate your figure, or try a crude-colored linen shawl to protect yourself from sunburns.
2019 is definitely the year of the shoulder. Both winter and spring fashion have embraced showing off this discreetly powerful part of our bodies - so rising star Johanna Ortiz has gone out of her way to ensure that you get to tan them on your next vacation.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
Tropical Wave Ruffled Square-Neck Belted Floral-Print Poplin Maxi Dress
Unapologetically warm and girly, this dress will accentuate your waist with its barely-there wrapped belt, while at the same time creating a hyper-feminine neckline and collarbone.
Sleeveless A-Line Dress
Rarely do we really want to stretch a busy day while wearing the same clothes? However, long hours and professional success have now made day-to-night or transition wear into a necessity. Rather than risking looking like you're partying in your uniform (or worse, looking like you don’t take your office time seriously), why not opt for vibrant colors and eye-catching details instead?
A favorite trend for transition wear this year is embroidered decor: Thanks to their vintage appeal, even a classic skater dress or A-line skirt can look ready for the spotlight. Pair it up with colorful sandals or a bandana during the day, and transition into the evening party with a shiny pendant decorating its crew neckline.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
Oscar de la Renta
Does it look like flowers are in season? Skies may be still gray and cold, but this dress has gambled on us being eager for warmer climates. The asymmetrical floral applique is not just beautiful, but it also discreetly tricks the eye into making your waist slimmer.
The Little Black Dress
It doesn't matter how much we try to reinvent the wheel: every season and every age will always have room for a little black dress. However, there is no reason for your LBD to look mundane in the name of versatility.
Elegant night events rarely allow for color-blocking or neon. Instead, try playing around with unusual fabric combinations and polished silver or steel jewelry. The end look will bring a dash of cyberpunk aesthetic that will make you stand out among the jackets and ties.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
Trumpet-Sleeve Tattoo Lace Sheath Cocktail Dress
The lace covering the shoulder and upper arms will create a strapless illusion without actually breaking any dress codes, while the on-the-knee hem and sheath silhouette enhance the right curves while hiding the surplus ones.
The four dresses shown here should cover every occasion that 2019 will throw at you. Enjoy the flexibility of midi and long dresses, and don't forget to take a chance with your shoes.
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