Sweet 16 Dresses: A Guide for Parents and Daughters

Nothing causes more discord between parents and teenage girls than clothing. Too short, too tight, too revealing – parents have made these complaints since clothing was invented.

At 16 your daughter is starting to feel all grown up. That, of course, is the problem. via weheartit.com

Celebrations that require formal or semi-formal dress are particularly prone to this kind of disagreement. The Sweet 16 celebration is a classic example. For many parents, it is the Sweet 16 dress that marks a daughter’s transition from tomboy to young woman. All of society’s mixed messages about the sexualization of young women come to a head as parents and daughters argue and wheedle and compromise in pursuit of the perfect dress.

We are not claiming to have cracked the code to generational disagreements. Greater minds than ours have tried and failed to bridge that gap. We can, however, offer a bit of styling advice to parents and teenage girls. Our advice may help you arrive at a compromise when you are faced with styling your daughter as a beautiful Sweet 16 princess.

Be Prepared to Be Flexible

Two beautiful dresses. Does either of these set your parental alarm bells ringing?

For both parents and teenagers, the key to avoiding discord when choosing a Sweet 16 dress is to enter into the selection process with an open mind.

Parents, you must remember that styles and tastes vary. They change from generation to generation. What was considered inappropriate for your generation may be perfectly common and appropriate for your daughter and her friends.

Teenagers are exposed to a media environment that is saturated with hyper-sexualized imagery, and many of the fashions available to them reflect the style choices of idols and icons. The influence of media fashion is apparent to anyone who glances at the dresses on sale at the local mall.

At the same time, young women have more freedom to express themselves stylistically than ever before. Navigating one’s way through these choices is a big part of coming of age, exerting independence and finding one’s personal style.

Instead of focusing on specific attributes that they consider inappropriate, parents should try to help their teenage daughters think about the overall balance of a look. Try not to set rules about hemlines, necklines, cut-outs and sheer panels. Instead, engage your daughter in a discussion of the overall impression she wants to make.

While you will never convince a teenager that a skirt is too short, you may very well be able to convince her that a short skirt looks classier and contributes more to her personal style when paired with a top that has sleeves instead of a bare midriff.

If your sartorial game is not the best match for the job, enlist a friend whose style both you and your daughter admire. Or ask for help from one of the personal shoppers at your local department store. No one knows what is in style better than someone who helps dozens of teens select dresses every week.

Encourage your daughter to be open-minded. If she knows exactly what she wants before she walks into the store, she may miss out on a dress that would be perfect. Set aside enough shopping time for her to try lots of options.

Being open-minded while shopping is more than a good way to find an unexpectedly perfect Sweet 16 dress. It’s also a habit that will yield good results through your daughter’s adult life. Your Sweet 16 dress-shopping adventure can be a learning experience instead of a conflict if you approach it right. She’ll remember what she learned on this shopping expedition someday when she sets out to find the perfect wedding dress.

Balancing a Look

Keep in mind that you and your daughter want the same thing. You want her to look like a beautiful princess. via weheartit.com

It is easier to shop for Sweet 16 dresses if everyone is open to all options. Relegating certain styles to the “not allowed” list puts a damper on the occasion and may rule out the perfect dress. Be open-minded, be flexible and go with the flow.

Here are some of the different styles that you may encounter while shopping for a Sweet 16 dress, and how to keep the look balanced and age-appropriate.

Long Full Skirts: This is a great option for achieving the “princess” look. A long, full skirt, either in tulle netting or plain fabric, is the most formal of your options. To keep a longer, fuller skirt looking youthful, choose a dress that has a top that bares the shoulders; either a halter or strapless top works best.

Short Full Skirts: Though they can be quite short, these fuller skirts (sometimes referred to as “skater” skirts) are very young-looking and therefore age-appropriate for teenage girls. Those who do not have to worry about a cold climate may even opt for a full short skirt and a strapless or spaghetti-strap top, which lends a ballerina-like quality to the look.

Midriff Dresses: Midriff-baring tops and dresses have made a comeback, much to the chagrin of many parents. Worn properly, however, a bare midriff can be as lighthearted and youthful as it is fashion-forward. Look for dresses that have a top with sleeves and a slightly longer or fuller skirt that hits just above the knee.

Long Column Dresses: A long, sleek, body-conscious dress can be quite a sophisticated look, and therefore can look a bit too mature for a 16-year-old. To keep things youthful, choose a halter or strapless top and pick a dress in a bright print or playful color. You can also add fun detailing like an asymmetrical hemline. Ideally, choose just one of these details to keep the overall look tasteful.

Miniskirts: The miniskirt has long served as society’s scapegoat for the sins of the younger generation. Ever since the 1960s, people have unfairly associated the miniskirt with moral failings and social irresponsibility. But that’s ridiculous. Although the miniskirt is less formal than some of the longer and fuller dresses we’ve discussed, it is still an age-appropriate choice if styled correctly. A miniskirt or minidress looks most appropriate when the top is more covered. It should fit well without being eye-wateringly tight. Look for short shift-dresses in luxurious fabrics that have a bit of volume or drape to them, or minidresses with sleeves.

Try to Make Shopping Fun

Shopping doesn’t have to be a source of conflict. Take time. Get some lunch. Make it a fun day you’ll always remember. via weheartit.com

There are many other factors to take into consideration when shopping for a Sweet 16 party dress. You’ll want to consider the time of day, cultural preferences, weather, the party theme and much more. This quick guide can’t singlehandedly bridge the fashion gap between teenagers and their parents, but I hope it will help both you and your daughter relax enough to enjoy shopping for the perfect Sweet 16 dress.

Simple Ways to Implement Color in a Neutral Wardrobe

There are two types of fashionistas: those who are drawn to bright colors and patterns all year ‘round and those who can’t seem to stay away from neutral-colored staples.

If you’re a neutral lover and can’t seem to step outside your comfort zone of black jeans and grey v-necks, here are some easy ways you can begin to tip-toe into the world of color.

It’s not necessary to go on a shopping spree and buy a whole new wardrobe if you’re looking to brighten up your everyday, go-to outfit. It’s more about adding to your preferred clothing style rather than changing it completely.

Accessorize

Source via weheartit.com

There are another two types of fashionistas: those who know how to accessorize and those who don’t. If you’re the first type, you’re already one step ahead! But, for some, accessorizing can prove to be a bit of an overwhelming experience.

Here’s the good news for the all-black enthusiast: accessorizing with color isn’t as difficult as it may seem. Everyone knows that everything goes with black. Therefore, virtually any color of necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings could be paired with your daily outfits.

As long as your choice of jewelry of choice matches the level of formality of your outfit, the number of options you have to accessorize your wardrobe is as large as your jewelry armoire will allow.

Don’t feel the need to wear an entire set of jewelry on a daily basis if it’s not something you’re comfortable with. A good quality statement necklace on its own is perfectly capable of taking your outfit to the next level.

If jewelry still doesn’t excite you, it’s just as easy to accessorize with a colored headband or pair of sunglasses.

Layers

The word layers may sound intimidating at first, especially in the middle of summer. Fear not: the goal here isn’t to gear up for an Alaskan snowstorm, but rather to learn that fashionable layering is practical for every season.

We tend to stash away our winter clothes when summer comes around. Next year, think twice about storing it all out of reach. You’d be surprised at how some clothes that are typically worn during fall and winter months can add to a summer outfit.

This doesn’t call for breaking out the winter parka—just a few scarves and light cardigans. If your winter stash doesn’t offer any type of colorful, light layer, there are sure to be some hidden gems at your favorite clothing store during the summer.

Add a light pink cardigan to a black tee and denim shorts for a pop of color, or a patterned and brightly colored scarf to wear normally or in your hair. Just like that, you’ve created a brand new outfit.

Of course, the winter months offer many more opportunities to layer with color. Sweaters, tights, knee-high socks… all of which can be the perfect colored counterpart to a basic first layer. Also, don’t be afraid to be colorful with your winter accessories that keep you warm. Invest in a stash of gloves and hats that give you some options to choose from. Who said winter warmth can’t be fashionable?

Nails and Makeup

Source via weheartit.com

An easy and more subtle way to incorporate color into your daily look is to switch up your go-to neutral lip or eyeshadow look, and try to add some color into your technique. This doesn’t require you to go full on ‘80s blue eyeshadow, but maybe try a red lipstick and see how you like it. If you’re not ready for the red lip plunge, try a brightly colored mani-pedi to spice things up.

Choose Your Color Palette

Source via www.pinterest.com

For the indecisive fashionista, incorporating color into a wardrobe can be a challenge because of the vast array of colors offered by endless racks of clothing. This is where choosing your own color palette may come in handy.

If you aren’t sure what kind of colors to go for when trying to pick out some colorful staples, decide on a color palette that you’re drawn to. There are warm tones and cool tones, neons and pastels and much more. Therefore, deciding on what kind of colors you’re on the hunt for might make your search a little less chaotic.

Some people think of an outfit as solely a top and bottoms, paired with a favorite pair of shoes. However, a complete outfit is much more than that, which is why there will always be room for color in your daily ensemble.

Hopefully, the neutral color enthusiasts have learned that facing the world of endless colors in fashion doesn’t have to be an intimidating task. And, if it does prove to get a little trying at some point, your all-black attire will always have your back.

Classy Winter Outfit Ideas For Any Event

As Audrey Hepburn says, “Every girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” I have a few outfit ideas that are classy and fabulous for any event, from formal to casual, while also being very comfortable. The best part is that they only require a few basics you probably already have in your closet.

1. Suit Up: Wear a Blazer

Blazers are my go-to for a very classy and sophisticated look, but they don’t always have to be extremely fancy and dressed up. They can be quite simple and polished. Here’s how:

To start: Any color blazer

Top: A simple, solid-colored t-shirt or tank top underneath the blazer. Black always looks casual, but put together.

Bottoms: Either black pants like leggings made of thick material or dark wash jeans

Shoes: Boots always look cute with this outfit as do heels or any shoes you prefer.

Accessories: Small earrings, either peal or diamond studs. Any necklace would look nice with this as well, as would any bracelet or watch. This simple outfit can be accessorized with jewelry to dress it up.

2. The Classic “LBD”

A little black dress can also be dressed up or down. It is a classic, and you can never go wrong with it.

To start: Any little black dress whether it’s loose or form fitting.

How to dress it up: Add a blazer or a sheer black cardigan. Wear a nice coat over it. Wear with heels, tights and simple jewelry.

How to dress it down: Wear a colorful cardigan over the dress or a scarf. Wear boots or flats and add a fun necklace and accessories.

A stylish hat always goes well with this outfit, whether you’re dressing it up or down, and adds a creative touch.

3. The Britney Spears Schoolgirl Look… Made Classy

We all remember the knee high socks from the “Hit Me Baby One More Time” music video, right? Well, knee high socks can be made quite classy with the right outfit, but still have a flirty and youthful look.

To start: A pair of black knee high socks

Tops: A cute sweater that isn’t too long, or an oversized sweater that fits more like a dress.

Bottoms: If you’re wearing a sweater dress, don’t add bottoms. If you’re wearing a shorter sweater, choose a cute circle skirt or pencil skirt that comes to above the knee.

Shoes: Ankle boots with a heel always look cute with this outfit as do knee high boots.

Accessories: A fun headband or bow always adds a cute touch, but add any accessories you prefer.

4. Lace and Leather

A leather (or faux leather as I prefer) jacket is a classic. It is edgy, but can still be made very classy. Adding lace to this look softens the edginess and adds a girly touch.

To start: A leather jacket of any color.

Top: Wear a lace shirt, such as a black lace camisole, underneath the leather jacket.

Bottoms: For a more casual look, wear dark wash jeans or black leggings of a thick material. One look that I like to wear with this is a form fitting black mini skirt over black pantyhose.

Shoes: Heels and knee high boots both look great with this.

Accessories: Choose any accessories you like. A dangly pair of earrings is fun with this, or any accessories with a touch of lace.

5. Preppy Chic

This last look is perfect for going out to lunch, shopping or even work on a more casual day. And, as promised, you will look classy and fabulous.

To start: Wear a sweater over a different colored long sleeved shirt with a collar. Make sure the cuffs of the collared shirt stick out further than the sweater and are longer. The collar should also stick out above the sweater. Clothing stores tend to sell this combination together.

Bottoms: Skinny jeans and leggings look great with this, or choose a pencil skirt for a dressier look.

Shoes: I personally think boots look adorable with this—especially rain boots—but any kind of boots or heels work. Even a pair of Converse sneakers can look cute with this if you’re going for a very casual look.

Accessories: A statement necklace is perfect for this, while a nice watch that sits right below the sleeve of the collared shirt finishes the look.

Dress To Impress: 7 Outfits For Any Type Of Date

According to The Telegraph, a study found that women spend a year of their lives choosing the right outfit. The reasoning behind this is simple: what woman doesn’t want to dress to impress?

Sometimes, you spend days planning the perfect outfit only to wake up on the day feeling bloated because your period has just started. Then, it’s time to kiss that awesome outfit goodbye and go back to the drawing board.

The only problem is you now have limited time. Here’s where these outfit for any type of date can come in handy.

1. Movie night

Photo via pinterest.com

Who doesn’t love a date night where you stay in, make microwave popcorn and watch movies while cuddling. The tricky part is finding the right outfit that is comfy, but isn’t your oversized flannel pajamas.

A great outfit for a movie night at home is classic black leggings and an oversized plaid shirt/sweatshirt/boyfriend shirt with minimal to no makeup and a messy bun—cozy, but also cute and stylish.

2. Mini golf

Playing a game of mini golf is not only a fun date, but also one that makes you feel like you’re in a romance movie. However, playing mini golf in a dress or skirt is a bad idea.

The perfect outfit for mini golf is denim shorts or cropped skinny jeans and a cute tank top, tucked in, with flats or Converse sneakers. Don’t be afraid to add cute sunglasses or a hat!

3. Hiking

Photo via pinterest.com

Spring is here and hiking dates are always great, but choosing the right outfit can be tricky. It’s the inner fight of “I want to look cute” vs. “I need an outfit that is functional for me to sweat and hike through a forest in”.

No worries: both sides can easily win with a pair of running or hiking shoes, workout leggings/shorts (both are very flattering) and a t-shirt or tank top. It’s cute, but also says that you’re ready to hike.

Needless to say, no make up or very little is a good idea for this date along with a cute ponytail and headband.

4. Dinner date

Photo via pinterest.com

Picture this: a romantic night out in the city, enjoying a nice candlelit dinner. It sounds perfect—until you need to find an outfit. This is where it gets tricky. Your outfit all depends on where you’ll be dining.

Sometimes, a dressy tank top with heels and nice jeans or leggings works perfectly, while other times, you need to wear a dress. Some would say that a little black dress is what’s needed.

Regardless, dress to impress, but also dress for what is suitable for the place you’re going to. If you need a longer dress, just remember that a leg slit never hurts. Feel free to dazzle with a bright and bold lipstick for a pop of color to go with your beautifully done hair.

5. Family events

Whether it’s your family or his, you want to dress nicely. This always makes a great impression and can sometimes show how happy you and your partner are. If it’s your first time meeting the family (no pressure), the perfect outfit can go a long way towards establishing a good relationships with them.

We all get nervous—especially if the person you’re with means the world to you. It’s hard to say what the best outfit is for such a meeting, but jeans/leggings and a nice blouse or dressy shirt—just make sure it isn’t too low cut—is often a safe choice.

You want to look casual while making a good impression. Also, consider wearing minimal makeup and definitely make sure your hair is neatly done. You’ll not only wow them with your charm and personality, but also with your great outfit.

6. Sports games

Photo via pinterest.com

It doesn’t matter which person in the relationship is the sports fan, if you don’t like sports, be open-minded and excited to see what your partner likes. Your choice of outfit can really help with this.

If you like the team, even remotely, then wear a team jersey (some are cute and form fitting) with a pair of jeans or leggings. This is an outing where you should feel free to wear Converse sneakers or cute flats.

If you have zero positive feelings for the teams or the sport, then wear just wear a casual tee with jeans or leggings and try to pay attention. It’s a sports game, not a runway so don a baseball hat and remember that casual and relaxed always looks great for this date.

7. Concerts

Photo via pinterest.com

Like sport games, it doesn’t matter who loves the band, just go and have fun—in a killer outfit, of course. Some people go overboard when dressing for concerts, which doesn’t really match the date.

A great outfit would be the band’s t-shirts or a cute tank, crop top or graphic tee with skinny jeans, or even ripped jeans, with comfortable shoes. Your hair can be worn in any way that looks great and makeup is definitely a great idea for a night of music and partying.

The perfect outfit varies for every woman because we all have our own styles. However, these are all trendy, cute, flirty and fashionable outfits for these dates. Dress for the occasion and to impress, but remember: don’t let the outfit wear you; you wear the outfit.

Be fun, happy, adventurous and, most importantly, confident! If you have any great outfit ideas for specific types of dates, feel free to comment below and share them with us.

Elegant Evening Dresses

Whenever we speak concerning the evening dresses, lots of people might have a stylish gown in mind. Yes, it may be the imagine all women that is the full using the evening celebration with your a night dress. Nevertheless, to become full just is not as easy naturally we all admit. Together with the important lies at the way to select cheap but elegant dresses?

In the very beginning, we ought to make obvious your evening dresses range from the lengthy and short ones. With a few typical recommendations, you’ll find several diverse recommendations on choosing them. Do you know the typical rules? That’s you will need to think about your size, physique sort, and elegance and so forth. Regardless of lengthy or brief dresses you’ll be meaning to choose, you have to take theses elements into account. But simultaneously, particular suggestions will function for a number of dresses. For brief dresses, for individuals who’ve a pear formed physique, your best choice is definitely an a-line dress, since it will accentuate your top and canopy your bottom. Make certain the right locations is going to be enhanced, despite the fact that, or even the dress will not appear flattering whatsoever. Placed on a v-formed dress just in case you possess an apple physique shape. This kind of evening dress is designed to draw attention for that bust area, just so long as you stay away of extended masturbator sleeves. For shapely figures, an outfit utilizing a scooped neck line, for instance, will flatter your bust thus making you appear taller. You may also decide on a full-length gown by having an emphasized waistline. Simply do not overload with laces or ruffles, as they are likely to hide your curves. You might want to improve all your assets, not hide them! And when you possess an sports or boyish figure, your choice of evening dress must have details that will soften shoulders and add for the bust-line. The very best component using the dress must have ruffles or lace, together with the underside ought to have a tulip shape.

Wholly, rapid evening dresses are much more appropriate for casual evening among pals. And you will be the naughty lovely princess with substantially charm. So the best way to choose extended dresses?

Usually, the lengthy evening dresses are symbolized formal activities. Thus, they often show feelings of elegant and solemn. At the moment, you will find huge quantity lengthy dresses inside materials, colors and kind improvable which may be available. Possibly you may pretty a great deal acquire nearly any extended evening dress you want. But you will find numerous dispensable strategies for choosing extended dresses.

The very first substantial factor about determining on lengthy evening dress should be to choose an excellent fabric within the cheap evening dresses. It relates to being correctly appreciated the fact fabric will lay reason for whole face in the dress. Low fabric dresses might never create gorgeous dresses. Also, decreased fabric normally takes you annoyed feeling despite the fact that putting on it. Just in situation you will not quite where you can acquire easy feeling employing your suit, how’s it going in a position to much like your activity? It is going similar even when you selecting for virtually every dresses for any line wedding gowns or mermaid wedding dresses and etc.

Wear It: Holiday Party Dresses

Hey guys! Have you gone to any holiday parties yet this season? I love any excuse to dress up, but each occasion has its different vibe. You probably don’t want to show up in your sexiest dress to the office party, and but you might want to break out something sultry for a New Years Eve bash, for example. I made this guide to steer your holiday wardrobe in the most stylish direction!

long sleeve mesh dress / lace mesh dress / rose gold bodycon dress / metallic high-neck tunic dress / green sparkly dress / textured mesh bodycon dress /draped cotton dress / red wrap dress

Romantic

These romantic dresses – with lace overlays, scalloped hemlines and a few ruffle details are ideal for December date nights. Whether it’s going to a show with the hubby or meeting your best couple-friends for a fancy dinner, these dresses are soft and pretty, without screaming “party” or coming off as stuffy.

Sparkly

You probably think of NYE when you think of glitter and sequins, but sparkly dresses (in my opinion, anyway) can be worn all month long, no question! Sparkle is a fab option when you don’t want to go with the classic holiday color scheme (glitter with red and green slightly resembles a Christmas tree, after all!) and instead choose pink or gold tones. A lot of these sequin dresses come with a bodycon silhouette, so your opinion may be swayed depending on whether you’re into that fit.

Sleek

I like a sleek look rather than an overly revealing party dress because you can choose from a variety of flattering silhouettes AND remain comfortable enough to mingle (and dance if need be!). The dresses on the bottom row have ruching which is slimming, plus there are different sleeve lengths and necklines to choose from. I love the purple for a work-related event or dinner party.