Top Five Summer Dresses 2014
An eclectic mix of elements will be seen meshing together in the outfits of the fashion conscious this summer. Lace overlays, sheer cutouts, pale pastels, a mini ‘90s revival, athletic aesthetics, floral patterns and iridescent fabrics were among the most trending features reported by the top fashion intelligence experts. Five clear dress styles are sure to become summer wardrobe staples, encompassing trending elements in a wide variety of breathable fabrics from romantic flowing silks to sporty jersey knits. FFC has been diligently researching and investigating the market to bring you this extensive breakdown of the top five essential dress styles for summer 2014.
1. The Menswear Inspired Shirtdress
The comfortable and versatile shirtdress is by far the number one top trending dress style for summer 2014. In lengths ranging from maxi to mini, the traditional shirtdress will be seen in pastel shirting fabrics like Raspberry Pink Chambray and all-white cottons like White Broadcloth. More formal versions will be made of elegant, slinky fabrics like Chambray Blue Slinky and Dusty Blue Crepe Sweater Knit Floral and geometric prints like the Blue Block Polyester Charmeuse will also be major themes in this particular dress style.
2. The Sexy Pencil Skirt
Pencil skirts that land just above to knee to calf-length are a big summer must-have. The body-hugging silhouette will be seen with lace overlays from bright red stretch lace, to pastels like Pink Peach Stretch Lace, Dark Blush Pink Lace, and Cream Stretch Lace Pencil skirts will also be made of light-weight jersey knits made of polyester/spandex or cotton/spandex blends for an exaggerated form-fitting look with this summer’s trending prints like animal print motifs: grey/black snakeskin jersey knit, Grey Snakeskin Jersey Knit, Grey Cheetah Jersey Knit, Grey/Purple Cheetah Jersey Knit, and tribal prints White/Orange Aztec Jersey Knit and Beige Aztec Stripe Jersey Knit. Pencil skirts with black stretch mesh
cutouts are also popular, adding an extra hint of sex appeal to the already sexy silhouette.
3. The Slinky Slip Dress
A staple of the ‘90s wardrobe, the slip dress is making a revival this summer in iridescent silks and metallic sheens like Violet Purple Shimmer and Pale Yellow Iridescent Silk Organza The slip dress, in various flowing fabrics of silk, blends and slinky synthetics like rayon, will also feature some of summer’s trending elements like floral prints – Black/White Floral Challis, Black Floral Challis, Ivory Floral Silk Chiffon, pastels – Blush Pink Crepe, Peach Silk Crepe de Chine, Baby Blue Crinkled Silk Chiffon, Pink/Blue Silk Crepe de Chine, Salmon Pink Satin Charmeuse, and bright pinks – Lipstick Pink Crepe
4. The Sporty Jersey Dress
A casual, athletic aesthetic is a major summer trend, and in terms of dresses this translates into sleeveless sheath styles in lightweight cotton/lycra jersey knits like Black Jersey Knit especially with thigh-high side slits.
The “athletic luxe” trend also brought the return of the super comfortable sweatshirt dress in thicker, yet soft and breathable, 100% cotton jersey knits like the Charcoal Grey Jersey Knit The sweatshirt dress will be seen in mini skirt lengths with short, three-quarter length, or long sleeves.
5. The Flirty Full Skirt
In lengths ranging from maxi to mini, full skirts will be seen flouncing around the legs of style mavens this summer in a wide range of shapes. The summer 2014 version of full skirts will be made in structured, A-line shapes with Black Tulle underlays, and also flowing styles with sheer overlays like accordion pleated Black Chiffon, black rosette tulle, and black floral lace
.