Strapless Statutes

One of my favorite trends in fashion right now is the return of the classic strapless dress. Strapless dresses are no longer reserved only for formal events, but are now appropriate for a cocktail with friends or even a semi-casual lunch. What’s most fun about the new stance on strapless designs is the freedom you have to dress them up or down, depending on your plans.

When choosing a strapless outfit, there are some helpful guidelines that can make you more comfortable. For starters, if you decide to wear a strapless dress during the daytime, it’s a good idea to select a shoe that’s a bit more muted than you might choose for the evening. You can absolutely still wear cute heels, but it’s best to avoid anything too strappy or wild. You can wear heels that are low or high, depending on your preference, but nothing with a platform or anything that wraps around the ankle, e.g. too strappy. You should reserve your more pronounced shoes for the evening. (In full disclosure, I wear a 3-4 inch heel for most occasions). Shoes are primarily what transform the strapless dress from day to evening, with some persuasion from belts and jewelry as well.

When it comes to jewelry, the daytime-strapless look is best pulled off with simple (and few) pieces. Chandelier earrings are a great addition to the evening-strapless look and a necklace always tops off a more formal look. Finally, it’s advisable to avoid designs that are too clingy/tight for the daytime-strapless look as well. Those designs can definitely be saved for the evening.

So while summer is still here dress it up for a night, or for a day, and go strapless.