Dresses are essential

Thank goodness they are easy to wear and simplify getting dressed. This spring you’ll find plenty of choices so stock up on styles that play up your strong points. If you’ve great legs and youth on your side, there are lots of mini dresses for you. If short is not your thing, you are in luck, since 1970s-inspired maxi dresses are back. Also referred to as patio dressing, these long dresses are made casual by fabrics, silhouettes and accessories. Sure, you could wear some of these frocks to a dressy affair, but paired with flat sandals, low-key makeup and minimal jewelry this look is meant to be relaxed.

Matthew Williamson’s multicolored leaf print maxi dress ($1,675), available on Net-a-Porter, is pure ’70s socialite. But if you lack Paris Hilton’s clothing allowance, then multicolored graphic maxi dresses by T-Bags might be more in line. Choose between the printed maxi dress ($220) or the twist strap maxi ($215), put on these gold Tory Burch metallic Addison thong sandals ($250) and you are Jackie O., frolicking on Skorpios.

While we’re on the subject of Greek islands, it’s worth noting the Grecian or goddess dressing trend. Characterized by flowing designs in floaty fabrics, strapless empire bodices, dramatic draping and one-shoulder silhouettes, this look is generally dressy to formal. Who’s the fairest goddess of them all? It doesn’t get more heavenly than a stunning red Valentino one-shoulder gown ($7,650), but the rest of us mortals will still look fabulous in this ABS chiffon ombre beaded empire dress ($575) we found at Bloomingdales. Bloomies also has this ethereal Rebecca Taylor cream one-shoulder dress ($390) with floral detailing, but once you see this dramatic Phillip Lim pleated goddess dress ($595, pictured right) in concord on Eluxury, you may be too smitten to consider anything else. Goddesses with less gold to throw around will appreciate a long Athena dress ($242) by Rachel Pally at on Pink Mascara or Francesca’s Athena tunic ($44) that can be worn as a top or short dress.

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