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Image credit: © HFPA Courtesy of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association
5 Hot Grad Dress Trends for 2012
Find grad dress inspiration from bling, sleek silhouettes and more.
With only months left till graduation, the scramble to find the perfect dress has begun. This year, vintage Hollywood glamour as well as style stars like Kate Middleton and Taylor Swift have inspired soft, feminine styles. But there is no shortage of options for any girl this year, whether daring or conservative. With some insight from the experts at Blush Bridal and Special Occasions in West Vancouver, Youthink brings you the hottest fashion trends for the grads of 2012.
Long and sleek“Forget about the fairy-tale princess look, long and sleek dresses will be among the hottest fashions trends for 2012,” says Ashley Child, Bridal Consultant at Blush. “These gowns tend to show off feminine curves, and with halter or deep V-necklines, serve to elongate the body, making the legs look like they go on for miles!” |
 La Femme empire waist chiffon dress available at Blush |
LadylikeSeen sporting super feminine looks, fashion stars like Taylor Swift and Kate Middleton have made girly styles a hot trend. To achieve this look, select, “a slim, soft and romantic gown with lots of draping made of soft flowing crinkle silk or chiffon in equally soft colours such vanilla, periwinkle or blush,” says Lorna Paterson, buyer and owner of Blush. Or pick a gown, “detailed with a delicate floral or ruffle detail” for that added feminine touch. |
 La Femme high-low dress available at Blush |
HollywoodWhat better inspiration than Hollywood red carpets when planning your glamorous grad look? Paterson has seen lots of inspiration from North America’s movie capital. “We are seeing backless dresses or dresses with criss-cross backs. It’s a return to the old Hollywood red carpet glamour.” And it’s not just dresses getting the Hollywood treatment. According to Paterson, accessories also get the star treatment, “Old Hollywood chandelier earrings and stacked crystal bracelets,” are hot for 2012. |
 Jessica Alba in a glamorous Gucci gown at the 2012 Golden Globes Image: © HFPA Courtesy of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association |
Show a little skin“Not for the tame at heart, a sexy show of skin will be a popular look this season,” says Child. “Some gowns will feature slits that go up to mid-thigh, while others will have cut-outs at the sides or back. Keep it sophisticated in classic shades of black and navy, and limit the plunge to a low neckline or open-back detail. For those wanting a fashion-forward look, go for a high/low gown that shows off killer legs with a hem that cuts short at the front, but drapes long at the back!” |
 Claire Danes shows some skin in a Jay Mendel dress at the 2012 Golden Globes Image: © HFPA Courtesy of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association |
Bling“Sparkle is that special “it” factor for grad dresses in 2012,” explains Child. “And the good news is that there’s a look out there for everyone! For those who are more daring, go all out with fully-beaded gowns or dresses featuring sheer cut-outs that have been lined with sequin accents. Soft and feminine looks will use sparkle in rosette-like decals, jewelled brooches and glittery trim.” In the end, as Paterson says, “the most important thing is to wear a dress you feel strong and confident in.” After all, this unforgettable night is a celebration of all you have accomplished – congratulations! |
 La Femme empire waist chiffon dress available at Blish |
Trend Alert: Headbands
Michelle Williams and Busy Philipps on the red carpet at the 2012
Golden Globes Awards © HFPA
(Feather headband by Aldo.)
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