Hot Grad 
Trends 2011


Take a cue from the red carpet trends when picking out the perfect grad dress.

For many girls, grad is a time to make fairy-tale dreams a reality; therefore, a memorable dress is undoubtedly a priority. But there are many different types of dresses that will allow you to graduate in style. This year, some grad trends carry over from last year, while some are new and will give you the chance to experiment. With these five show-stopping grad trends, you will definitely have a night to remember.


Sequined and metallic dresses


The easiest way to glam up any dress is to add a bit of shine. Sequined party dresses, metallic cocktail dresses and dresses with jewel detailing embody the hottest grad trend this year. Joelle Larabie, manager and buyer for the cocktail department at Blush Bridal & Cocktail Wear in West Vancouver, says that we have been seeing “sparkly little party dresses – sparkle being the key” as well as “a tiny bit of bling” on both dresses and shoes this season.




Breathtaking backs

While the front of a dress is what everyone will see first, the back of a dress leaves the lasting impression. Dresses this year were visually captivating from the back, thanks to criss-crossing straps, feminine details and low backs. These types of dresses are for the more daring of the fashion bunch, but whatever the dress type, “The most important thing is how you feel about yourself in the dress. Feel strong, confident and comfortable,” says Larabie.




Jewel-toned dresses

Step away from basic black and white dresses, and embrace the jewel tones that were seen all over the red carpet this year. Larabie cites, “emerald green, amethyst, ruby red and sapphire blues,” as key colours, while Haya Stein, owner of Ethos Bridal in Calgary and Edmonton, picks purple and fuchsia as this season’s big colours.




Classic column gowns

When looking for a classic grad dress, nothing beats the clean lines of a slim, column gown. “Examples are Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie in her classic black, slim strapless dresses,” explains Larabie. Maintain a refined aesthetic by choosing a gown in one colour and keeping the jewelry to a minimum. If a classic column dress seems too simple, look for one in a bold colour, or spice it up with bright and sparkly accessories.




Strapless and one-shouldered dresses

Strapless and one-shouldered dresses were a trend last year, and show absolutely no signs of backing off this year. Strapless dresses were most commonly seen with sweetheart necklines, whereas one-shouldered dresses came in a wide variety of styles. The shoulder strap can be thin, wide, decorated with embellishments or it can drape across the bodice of a dress. But then again, Stein emphasizes that “this is the time that anything goes.”