What's Bruin?: 4.7.14

It's Formally Spring!

Three Ready-to-go Formal Looks for Spring

1. Check out Urban Outfitters new line of dresses, "Beyond the Sea". The line is light, airy, and gypsy-like. Our personal favorite is the Ecote Treasure Trove Embellished Maxi Dress. Wear it to formals, weddings, and dates on the beach. The dress manages to mix ombre color, sequins, and patterns together without going into trend-overkill. At about $150, it looks luxurious and stunning without breaking the bank. Pair it with these amazing cream leather and hammered gold gladiator sandals by Sam Edelman. The neckline and belt of the dress provide some bling all on their own, so keep the details simple. If you're willing to splurge a tiny bit, we recommend the Alexis Bittar 'Miss Havisham New Waves' bracelet. (For those book worms keeping track at home, that is one fashionable Dickens reference!) If your bracelet funds aren't quite as abundant, this Forever 21 bauble sure is pretty! Add some gold earrings like these from Topshop, and you're ready to go.

2.Vince Camuto continues the mesh insert trend into spring with this flattering deep blue number. The dress is simple, but the mesh neckline still deserves the spotlight, so skip a big statement necklace. Instead, add a statement cuff. Oh hey, this Vince Camuto cuff is amazing! Reminds us of the ones Emma Watson wore, but with a much more college-appropriate price tag. So why not take a page from Emma's book and make it two statement cuffs? Add these fantastically affordable Steve Madden wedges in black, and you are set for greatness. (We suggest wearing your hair down and straight, or in a wavy up do. For extra points, add in those gold earrings from Topshop we talked about in outfit 1 above.)

3. If you're looking for a shorter dress, this Solace London creation might just be the perfect LBD. For springtime, little black dresses need a bit more amping up than normal. These "Marlenee" pumps by Steve Madden have been hyped up, and for good reason. The bright floral print (on the end of the first row of color selections) will carry you right through spring and summer! They just might be the perfect shoe. Add a bold statement necklace, pull your hair into a sleek ponytail, and make some magic.