We go back to school in a matter of weeks, and I know many of my greek-life girls are already thinking about what they're going to wear to cocktails and formal occasions this year. So, I went on the hunt for some versatile and flirty formal dresses that would be perfect for making your fall back-to-campus debut! Check out the styles that I found this weekend along with my reviews on the fit and feel of the designs and how I would style them. Just click on the photo to be directed to the purchasing site!
French Connection - Whisper Light Mini Dress
Photo: Bevello
Starting off with a classic LBD that is sure to flatter your figure. I tried this dress on in a size 2, (EU XXS) and it fit perfectly. Classic and clean, this dress can be your go-to cocktail dress for any occasion. The neckline is a little high and hid my 16" necklace, so, if you would like to add some jewelry to this look, I would recommend either a long necklace or a choker. For a classic Audrey Hepburn or Coco Chanel style, pair this dress with pearls and gold accents with a neutral shoe. If you're looking to make this dress a little edgier, add a unique choker and some brightly colored pumps. This dress is extremely versatile and is sure to be an essential to your fall "night out" wardrobe.
Finders Keepers - No Light Mini Dress
Photo: Bevello
Next up is this military green fitted mini dress. I fell in love with this dress on the rack because I am a huge fan of muted army green and because the shape and structure of the design looked like it would be flattering. When I tried this dress on (size small), I still loved it, but unfortunately, it was too big for me in the waist and small on my back. The length was perfect, (not too short, not too long) and the color and shape complemented the body well. The inside of the top is lined around the edges with a grippy material so you do not have to worry about the top slipping down while you're dancing the night away. Not only is this color fitting for the transition from summer to fall, but it also really complements a nice summer tan that you'll have at the beginning of the semester.
I always pair this shade of green with gold accents to add a little feminine-chic touch to a traditionally masculine color. Since the neckline is low, I think it gives you room to play with necklace lengths a little bit. To add something interesting to this basic dress, maybe try layering a gold choker, with a longer gold necklace to fill that negative space. For shoes, I recommend keeping it simple with either gold or nude pumps or a pair of gold or nude gladiator sandals if you're not up for walking in heels.
French Connection - Kali Strappy Back Dress
Photo: Bevello
Another LBD that is anything but basic! This high-neck, low-back dress is sure to show off your classic, but edgy style this fall. The dress fits like a body con dress and features a unique strappy design on the back. When I tried this dress on, (size 2, XXS) the straps were just slightly too long for me when I exhaled and kind of crept off of my shoulders and I did have a little too much excess material in the lower back. However, many other girls in the store who tried it on had no problem with the fit or strap length, so chances are, neither will you!
Since this dress does have a high neckline and an eye-catching back, I probably would not wear a necklace. If you are a necklace fan, however, a choker is the way to go with this one! I would definitely wear my hair up in a messy updo or sleek ponytail depending on your hair length so that you can show off the back of the dress. Then, I would wear some drop earrings to counter balance the updo hairstyle. I suggest wearing a bracelet or watch on the wrist as well just to keep the front of the look interesting. You'll want to pair this look with a pair of matte, nude pumps to lengthen the look of your leg because this dress does run a little long.
This strappy back dress is another incredibly versatile style that showcases a unique flair, perfect for your next fall cocktail!
Keepsake The Label - Float Mini Dress
Photo: Bevello
Photo: BevelloI do not know where to start with this mini dress! This fun and flirty design is paired with a classic shade of navy that can be complemented by gold, white, and even hot pink accessories. When I tried this dress on (XS), I loved that the design had a lot of built in structure. There are wires through the bodice and the top that really create a slim and flattering profile and hold you in with no fear of slipping out up top. For me, the cinched waistline fell perfectly at my natural waist, the length was perfectly mid thigh, and the ruffled top and bottom added extra body to my natural shape.
The color paired with the style creates a timeless combination of formal and flirty that is perfect for a cocktail party or formal event. My first instinct would be to pair this dress with gold heels and hoop earrings, but since this dress is a neutral color, you may want to play around with how you accessorize it.
Keepsake The Label - Do It Right Mini Dress
Photo: Bevello
Finally, check out this floral, low-back mini dress that will make everyone think that you look "pretty in pink." Though I have not seen the dress in person, I am familiar with this brand and can assure you that it is a high quality, fitted frame dress that will flatter everyone. The clean lines of the cut provide the perfect canvas for the blush color and print while the detailing on the front elevates the fun and flirty theme.
If you're looking for a sweet and simple look for the fall, try this dress! The print is summery, so I would suggest wearing it to your formal events that are early in the fall and next even next spring. Because the dress showcases a lot of details from the print to the cut, I would recommend keeping accessories to a minimum so that there isn't an aesthetic overload. Perhaps wear either pearl or simple hoop earrings and a neutral shoe to finish this look.
For all of you who had "dress for cocktail parties" on your back-to-school shopping list, I hope this article gave you some strong suggestions that you cannot wait to add to your closet. Many of the dresses featured in this article are very versatile, so don't be afraid that you'll only wear one of these cocktail dresses once before it disappears to the black hole that is your closet. Trust me, you'll want to wear these dresses again and again.
As always, let me know if any of these styles worked for you and any fashion and lifestyle article topics that you would like to see me cover in the future.
Happy shopping!
