Dress To Impress...

It's that time of the year that I like to call the "glam season", whether you are at Uni, 6th Form or School there will be some occasion that requires you to dress up and have a ball! Proms, end of year balls & society dinners usually all call for a 'formal dress code' of some sorts. I've got what we call our 'May Ball' coming up (sadly my last one as a 3rd year) where we have bands playing, fairground rides etc. Truth be told, I'm so excited to get dressed up! But, what exactly do you wear for occasions like this? Here's a pick of a few of my High Street faves that look great, and most importantly, won't break the bank.

Notes on dresses...

- ALWAYS try them on. What looks good on the hanger may not look good on you & visa versa.

- Pick styles that play up your best assets. No good wearing a low cut dress if you don't like showing your cleavage. Or a short dress if you don't like showing lots of leg. Wear something that makes you feel good, not what fashion dictates you should be wearing.

- Good underwear makes all the difference. Invest in some Spanx or 'Magic Pants' as they hold you in & give you a much more streamlined silhouette.

New Look 
Black Dipped Hem Maxi Dress

£24.99

The LBD is a wardrobe staple. Wear to pretty much every occasion and look both classy and effortless. This dipped hem dress brings the LBD back on trend by giving it a Spring/Summer12 makeover.

Wear with? Red lips & matching nails for 'Old Hollywood' glamour.

H&M  

Floral Patterned Sleeveless Dress

£24.99

Floral patterned dresses are perfect for Spring/Summer! Cute & flirty means they are a sure fire way to look feminine and fresh. Make sure you team any dress this style with a belt, to nip your waist in & give you a 50's style figure. 

Wear with? Cork wedges & softy curled hair. This look is very 'English rose'. Don't overdo it with the accessories, the dress is printed enough, let it do the talking.

missguided.co.uk

Lottyn Bodycon Dress With Stud Detail

£24.99

The 'Rock Chick' look reigns again on the catwalk, this time it's been given a studded upgrade. I'm guessing this dress is super short, and shows a fair bit of skin. If you aren't so confident add some black tights.

Wear with? Sky high black platform heels or ankle boots, an on trend metal cuff & smoky eye makeup. The best results for smoky eyes are when you use grey eye shadows or really dark (almost verging on black) browns. Don't forget the liquid eyeliner too!

Dorothy Perkins
Purple Embellished Maxi Dress
£35

Floor length dresses are perfect for formal occasions. This purple will suit blondes, red heads & brunettes. The nipped in waist and panels on the dress means it will also flatter any type of figure.

Wear with? Sparkly silver peep toe heels and a matching bag. Style hair in a sleek bun or a French plait in order to best show off the dresses neckline & the subtle ruching on the shoulders.








Matalan 
Purple Peplum Dress
£16

Peplum dresses are another key trend for this season. This style of dress has been accused of suiting only slim girls, but the length of the ruffles on the waist has to be right in order to suit all types. Slim girls get a curve boost & curvy girls get some added volume. 

Wear with? Coral nails and multi coloured heels. Avoid belts that are too large, it takes attention away from the ruffles. The skinny belt pictured goes perfectly with this dress.