Hot Trend: Feather Dress

As a style editor, I'm always on the look-out for the next hot trend. This year was a no-brainer; the hottest trend will be feathers. (I guarantee it!) Yes, there are a variety of ways to incorporate feathers into your wardrobe with sweaters, purse embellishments or even headgear. However, I say go big or go home! The BEST way to wear feathers this season is to wear it boldly on a dress!

Feather dresses are extremely easy to wear and accessorize. Since the dress is so dramatic, you don't need much else in terms of accessories and jewels. I even like to keep my make-up somewhat simple to let the dress be the star of the show. The only down side to such an extravagant dress is the price-tag! Because feather dresses are pain-stakingly stitched by hand, they are fairly expensive.

I currently own just one amazing feather dress, and I can tell you honestly, I don't regret one penny. It's absolutely gorgeous and it's one of my most prized possessions. One of my favorite reasons for liking these feather dresses, are because they are generally constructed with petite women in mind! Ready to shop some feathers?

Because the feather look is so dramatic, going for a classic black isn't a bad idea. This one by Asos is perfect because the corset has jewel beading which make the dress more formal. Where would I wear this dress? To a formal, gala, charity event or even a rehearsal dinner!

The best part about getting a black feather dress? You can blame the price tag on the notion that every girl needs to most perfect LBD!

Dress by Asos

$258

To go for a less formal look, try a different shape! Most feather dresses are constructed like corset or baby-doll dresses. If you're not a petite woman (shorter than 5'4"), you might want to consider this style.

When going for a longer dress, featuring a longer shaped torso, you want to tone down on the feathers. Why? Because that much fabric with that many feathers is just TOO much! But because you've got less feathers going on, you can go for a frock with more embellishments. Heck, you can layer on the diamonds and carry a fabulous clutch!

I like this one by Sue Wong

$422

White is my absolute favorite type of feather dress. The idea behind the feather dress is to look ethereal, enchanting and almost out of this world. I love how crisp and gorgeous white looks, and how great it can go with any skin tone.

Also, by keeping the entire dress neutral and monochromatic with white, I am still able to wear a good amount of jewelry and accessorize! Please Do NOT wear white shoes with this look, as you'll start to look too costume-y. The idea that your hand bag, shoes and accessories all have to match your outfit is a VERY DATED idea and no longer applies! Go for one unifying theme instead. If you want "goddess" go for gold make-up, shoes and gemstone jewelry. If you want contemporary, go for black shoes and fine jewelry. If you want sexy, go for red shoes and bold emerald or costume jewelry.

My one and only feather dress is white. The only down-side is, the care you need to give to keep it that way. Only take these kinds of dresses to dry cleaners you trust! And avoid any7 sauces and spaghetti at all costs!

My picks?

The Sherri Hill, (I'm a sucker for Gold)

$698

and

Whistles

$608

Wanna get super whimsical with your feather dress? Go uber-bold with the prints, embellishments or bodice shape. I am IN LOVE with this Sherri Hill Corset dress, at right. Not only am I a huge fan of almost anything animal print, I think the animal-print corset gives this lady-like look some pizazz! I also love the cute contrast between the fierce bodice and the delicate pink feathers. And the jeweled belt goes perfectly with the whole look! The only thing I would change is the make-up. It could use some serious toning down!

If I were given a spending spree or if I won the lottery this is the very FIRST thing I would purchase.

Sherri Hill

$480