How to Wear a Flared Dress

It’s one of the hottest looks for the spring. It’s time to give your straight dresses and skirts a breather and make room for the ultra-feminine flare dress. This fashionable little number is being made popular by such celebrities as Renee Zellweger and Eva Mendes who look chic and “oh so girly” sporting these trendy dresses. If you’ve accustomed to wearing straight skirts and dresses, you may feel a little awkward giving this style a try. The good news is once you slip one on, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.

The flare dress dates back to the 1950’s when this style dominated the fashion world for several years. When you look back at photos from that era and marvel at the tiny waist lines on the women of that day, you’ll understand the magic of the flare dress. This dress style can visually shave a few inches off the appearance of your waist line. It’s particularly flattering for women with a natural hour glass shape. If your shape is not quite voluptuous enough, this dress can give you the curves you’ve always wanted. If you’re carrying around a few extra pounds in the hip area, a flare dress will skillfully hide the truth underneath feminine billows of material.

How do you choose a flare dress that’s right for you?
Full figured women should choose a flare dress in a dark color with a longer, flared skirt. Avoid one that has ruffles or too much detailing. Steer clear of bright colors and prints. Simple will be more flattering to you.

If you have a toned upper body and a firm bust line, try one of the off the shoulder or strapless flare dresses that will be so popular this spring. This is a wonderful look for a daytime wedding or a nighttime summer party. If you’re petite and slender, choose a flare dress with a little less flounce at the bottom to avoid overwhelming your small frame. This look can be dazzling on your figure type.

What’s the best way to accessorize a flare dress?
This look is so feminine and dramatic that it looks best with simple accessories that won’t detract from the drama of the dress. If you’re wearing a strapless flare dress, resist the urge to add a heavy necklace and let your neckline go bare instead. Scoop your hair up into a loose, feminine up-do and add some eye catching dangle earrings for the perfect party look. Don’t forget about selecting the right shoes. Flare dresses are perfectly suited for feminine stilettos and high heels. A backless mule type heel is also a pretty look.

Because all trends eventually run their course, resist the urge to buy a closet full of flare dresses. Buy one or two basic ones to take you through the spring season and enjoy wearing this very pretty look while it lasts.