HotmailPick a party frock to fit your age and style
Got a great invitation? Don’t know what to wear? Judy Gordon has some great options to turn a soirée from sizzling to sensational
 firstview.com Partying pretty: From Tommy Hilfiger. |
 | Slideshow |
 | Michelle Obama's effortless style The first lady looks as sophisticated in designer dresses as she does in outfits from J. Crew. more photos |
| Slideshow |
 | Victoria’s Secret fashions ‘09 From Heidi Klum to Selita Eubanks, models walk the runway in a feisty lingerie fashion show. more photos |
| Slideshow |
 | Check out these Ambush Makeovers TODAY fashion and beauty experts provide new looks and styles to lucky viewers. |
What's the first thing you say when you receive an invitation to a party or soirée?
No, not, “Thank you, I’d love to come.”
"What am I going to wear?" of course!
Have no fear — we've rounded up the best summer party frocks for every personality. Are you an ingénue, a glamour girl, a sophisticated siren, a hopeless romantic or a sporty girl who hates to get dressed up?
Read on, and you'll find your dream dress right here in the latest edition of our weekly fashion report.
Ingenious ingénue 
Fresh-faced girls in their 20s need little more than a spark of color to add life to any special occasion. There's nothing worse than a beautiful young woman dressing older than her age, so while you've got it, flaunt it! Steer clear of the "post prom" syndrome and go for a sexy, form-fitting dress with the girlish, flirtatious touch of strategically-placed ruffles and flounces. In a bright, solid, eye-catching color and a stretch knit fabric, you capture the best of the season with style.
Trend Tip:
"Fresh as a daisy" has a double meaning here. To accent the bloom of youth, choose fresh blossoms to accessorize your party frock. A simple daisy or other fresh, seasonal flower in your hair, at your wrist or tucked into a brooch is ultra-trendy and very pretty.
Glamour girl
Glamour girls love to make a big entrance. This season, that means you'll want an oh-so-ladylike '50s-style party dress, especially if you’re in your 30s or 40s. The smooth, fitted bodice and waist keep things slim, all the better to offset the glamorous surprise of a full, sweeping skirt. You'll find plenty of options to choose from in both bright, jewel-toned solids and festive floral prints. To hold the shape, look for a stiffer fabric such as a satin or heavy cotton. It's the perfect partner for a soignée chignon ... and your favorite martini, daahrling.
Trend Tip:
Sarah Jessica Parker chose this very dress (in green) for a recent festive occasion, adding the ultra "Carrie" touch in the form of glittering jeweled brooches at the waist and in her hair. It's a retro-but-modern way to update the look (instead of the expected pearls).
Say yes to sirens
You love the nightlife and you love being the center of attention, don't you? Supremely confident in the season's latest colors and styles, you want the drop-dead dress that will bring every man to your feet. This summer, go for the sophisticated look of printed chiffon in an intricate dance of layers and seams. Cut to hug your figure and flutter with your every move, this little number was just made for dancing! The hottest choice right now is an oversized or abstract floral in rich summer brights like orange, green or fuchsia.
Trend Tip:
Stay away from the "matchy matchy" look of coordinating shoes and accessories. For the most sophisticated touch, go for the gold (or silver, or bronze, or copper) in a stiletto-heeled sandal and carry a slim, simple and elegant evening handbag.
Revving up the romance
Always the hopeless romantic, you approach every occasion with a sense of heady anticipation. Will this be the night to top all nights? In a dreamy confection of chiffon, ribbons and bows, you'll have ample opportunity to meet the man of your dreams. A softly, colored floral print is the go-to choice in your closet. Update it this season in a slim shape that erupts into a flurry of ruffles at the hem. Be sure to look for pretty satin bow details (or add them yourself). And do choose this summer's flattering favorites — pink, lilac or coral — to add just the right blush to your cheeks.
Trend Tip:
Don't be afraid to get a little outrageous when accessorizing your romantic party dress. Steer clear of a single-strand pearl necklace and simple stud earrings; instead, opt for bold and oversized layers of pearls, or the delicate touch of fluttering marabou feathers!
Sensationally sporty
Do you despise the fuss and bother of getting ready for a party? No need to pass up the invitation! Just choose a sexy, sporty dress that highlights that athletic body of yours. This season, you'll find one of the most flattering fabrics — a soft jersey — styled as a bright party dress with all the sporty details you love: cut-out sides, an easy-fitting halter top and a long sweep of skirt cut with an asymmetric hemline for just a touch of a fashion edge. Go for the brightest color you can find, and work it!
Trend Tip:
Don’t want to bother with accessories? Don't fret — many summer party dresses come with jewelry built right in, especially on shoulder straps or necklines. Slip your hair back in a loose ponytail, and voila! Problem solved.
|
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.
firstVIEW is the primary supplier of photos to Fashion Friday. Go to www.firstVIEW.com for the latest pictures from top fashion shows around the world, including New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Milan, Brazil, New Zealand, South Korea and more.
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM FASHION & BEAUTY |
 Fashion & beauty Section Front |
| Add Fashion & beauty headlines to your news reader: |
Sponsored links
Resource guide