Long flowing dresses: From Versace to Valentino, Oscar de la Renta to Roberto Cavalli, long dresses in lightweight silks and chiffons abound. Some are patterned – floral, animal prints, graphic designs. Others are solid-hued: shades of red or soft sorbet colors such as pink, yellow and cream. All are ethereal and drape gracefully. Many designers opt to accessorize these gossamer gowns with chunky necklaces and bracelets to balance and ground the look.

Despite the floor-length hemlines, most of these dresses are surprisingly versatile. Toss on a pair of high heels and some diamonds and you would fit in perfectly at a warm-weather black tie event. Or dress down the same gown with flat sandals and some ethnic, funky or otherwise bold jewelry. You’ll look elegant in that I-didn’t-try-very-hard way.

Seriously chic suits: Clearly, this is not something that you are going to wear lounging poolside or walking on the beach. Adding suits to resort collections is further proof that designers are not just creating these looks for Spring Break getaways. Don’t let the term suit mislead you – most of these styles are not typical boardroom ensembles. These skirts and jackets in soft pastels, paired with silky blouses, are tailor-made for charity luncheons, spring weddings and Easter brunch.

Sleeveless dresses topped with matching coats are another smart, gentrified statement that shows up in more than one collection. They will give you the refined, finished look you want when meeting your girlfriends for lunch at the newest upscale bistro.

Photos: Evans Caglage/Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center/Fall 2007

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