All Dressed Up: Spring Formalwear

Spring and the end of the semester mean that it is formal season for many college campuses. Whether it is for a club, sports team, Greek organization or professional group, the time for dressing up and celebrating a long year is upon us. However, formalwear can get repetitive. These options offer a way to stand out and make this year’s outfit more unique than the last, truly ending the semester with a bang.

Party on the bottom
Drop waists are a way to take a simple dress and give it that extra wow factor. Very flattering, these elegant dresses give a sophisticated silhouette with a little bit of vintage flair. Tapping into a romantic and playful style, these dresses take inspiration from the 1920s. As they are chic and minimalist, a drop waist is sure to make you feel like the star of the show.

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Photo/Rent the Runway. & Photo/Club L London

Wrapped up in elegance

Dresses with capes and scarves are an increasingly popular look that is perfect for formals. A solid color dress on its own can seem boring or basic; adding a cape or scarf transforms it into a real statement. Accentuating the neck is a way to add layers to your look, while the flowy movement of the cape or scarf creates whimsy that will turn heads wherever you go.

Photo/Reformation & Photo/Miss Rosier

Chic and unique

Formals do not have to mean dresses. Pantsuits are a great option – and one that is not seen often. These sleek suits offer another way to dress up, creating a mature and powerful look that will make you feel like the queen of the event. Putting on a pantsuit feels like stepping into your highest energy, giving you an extra boost for the night ahead.

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Photo/Rent the Runway & Photo/Club L London

Not all about the clothes

Accessories are important when planning your formal look, especially purses. Purses are more than just something to hold your lip gloss and phone – they can make an outfit truly stand out. You are going to bring one anyway, so why not make it fun? Look for a purse that complements the color of your dress or matches its pattern to tie your formal look together. Another option is to choose a simple dress and pair it with a statement purse. Either way, give extra thought to your purse this formal season for a look that everyone will remember.

Photo/JW Pei & Photo/Anthropologie

Editor: Sydney Annis

Graphic: Delaney Chernault