Wanna ‘dress’ up? It’s all retro, all the time

Want to get trendy this spring? It’s easy! Just get “dressy.”

No matter what your style, the dress is a must-have item — and we’ve got the looks to prove it.  Take a stroll with us through fashion history and you’ll discover modern versions of all-time favorites, including the shirtdress, flapper-style favorites, the shapely shift and the retro halter — plus the “it” dress of the season.  Find out about the newest looks and how to wear them in our weekly fashion update.

Marc Jacobs Frill thrill: From Marc Jacobs

Frill-seekers
Call it romantic, feminine or flirtatious. There’s a new wave of stylish floral frocks, complete with a hemline of fluttering layers of chiffon that compliment your every move and we call it the “it” dress of the season! Best of all, you’ll find variations of this trend that are appropriate for every hour of the day. For the office, opt for a dress with a sleek, slim line and a moderate flutter that you’ll wear under spring’s de rigueur cardigan sweater. For afternoon brunches and weddings, look for a dress with intricate bias seams — very flattering — or a 1920s-inspired drop waist (very ladylike!). For evening, the sky’s the limit. You’ll find that sexy layers of ruffles and chiffon, including asymmetrical hemlines, are a surefire shortcut to oodles of chivalrous charm.

Trend Tip:
Spring’s ultimate dress is available at every price point.  A few we love: Marc Jacobs, Laundry by Shelli Segal and Carmen Marc Valvo. Want to ease yourself into the trend?  Opt for a floral print skirt with the same fluttering hemline and wear it with a V-neck sweater.

Prada A classic, updated: From Prada

Shirt tales
At long last.... Welcome back of one of the most practical, professional looks – the shirtdress. Button it on, and seconds later you’re dressed. What could be better? Pioneered by an American sportswear designer, Claire McCardell, the shirtdress was created to take the place of complicated French couture during the ’40s and ’50s and was symbolic of a new era of equality, utilitarianism and freedom. On this season’s runways, the shirtdress reigned supreme at knee length, and was frequently accessorized with a waist-cinching belt, along with the surprise shoe du jour, flat suede moccasins. Many shirtdresses from classic retailers (see our Trend Tip) are calf-length or longer, but a trusted tailor or a sewing machine are all you need to bring your shirtdress right up to date.

Trend Tip:
Our picture shows Prada, but who can afford that? But there are plenty of less expensive alternatives. If you’re a classics shopper, you won’t be surprised to learn that the shirtdress has been a long-time mainstay of catalogers such as Chadwick’s. This season, you can also turn to Talbot’s for lovely versions of the shirtdress in linen and poplin, while Nordstrom’s and Newport News offer fun options in bright colors and floral prints.

BCBG Max Azria Dapper flapper: From BCBC Max Azria

Flapper style
The 1920s were a hallmark era for feisty and fashionable women. Known as “flappers” for wearing shockingly short hemlines (for the time), these reckless ladies just said “no” to intricate wardrobes. Instead, they favored slim, low-cut sheaths made for dancing. Fast forward a few decades and we find an updated flapper look consisting of easy, breezy chemises and drop-waist dresses. Chalk it up to the popularity of “Chicago” and a general love for all things vintage; no matter, these dresses are flattering to most figures.  The trendiest versions sport multi-patterned layers of chiffon with the trademark deep V-neck and low back, but the drop waist dress in a solid color is just as chic, especially when decorated with a flower cut from the same fabric.

Trend Tip:
You’ll also find this style at all price points; expect to pay more, though, for fringed and bejeweled evening versions. A couple we love: BCBG Max Azria and Diane von Furstenberg. If you’re a vintage fan, you just might have enough time to scoop up an original before the trend hits the streets.

Anna Sui Showstopper: From Anna Sui

Halter hip
One of the best-looking trends of the season is the sophisticated halter dress with a fitted waist and pretty full skirt.  Like the flapper-esque dresses, it’s a fabulous retro look, this time from the ’40s and ’50s. (Think of those pin-up girls whose flirtatious, sexy appearances in advertisements and calendars were meant to bolster the spirits of America’s war heroes.) It’s perfect for dates and other special events and occasions. The best versions are medium-to-large scale floral prints, polka dots (both big or tiny) or “organic” prints, such as fern and leaf motifs. To modernize your look for 2004, pair your halter dress with casual, wavy hair, a dash of makeup, bare legs and wedge sandals.

Trend Tip:
The halter dress is everywhere! Our picture shows Anna Sui; you can find others, including gorgeous spring solids and prints, from Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Ann Taylor, ABS by Allen Schwartz, Laundry by Shelli Segal and Boston Proper.

Oscar de la Renta It's a cinch: From Oscar de la Renta

Shape shifters
Like to keep things simple? Flirty, ’50s-inspired dresses are one option. The look? A cinched waist and full skirt. And for those who want a style that is more forgiving, the shapely, shift dress is right on target.  Clean, modern lines are the hallmark of the shift — a look right out of the ’60s. Elegant alone or under one of the season’s new shorter jackets, the shift dress looks best at a just-above or at-the-knee length. Watch for a revival of traditional spring fabrics like cotton pique and seersucker. Best bets? Go for bright candy-colored solids or two-tone spring floral designs.

Trend Tip:
Our cinched-waist stunner is from Oscar de la Renta. You’ll find beautiful, shapely shifts in vintage-inspired colors, prints and fabrics at most department stores.  Fancy, feminine prints in shift styles are perennial bestsellers by Lilly Pulitzer. And for clean, modern takes on both trends, look no further than the windows of your nearest J. Crew or the Gap.

Only on TODAY.MSNBc.com! Style editor Judy Gordon brings you the latest news and advice about apparel and beauty. LAST WEEK: Love is in the air — and in your closet GO TO ALL FASHION FRIDAY COLUMNS

Judy Gordon is a New York-based style consultant and the “Today” show’s style editor. She has been covering the fashion and beauty beat for the past decade. To learn more, you can visit her Web site, TheTrendReport.com, which highlights style trends in America.

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