Girls Just Want to Have Fun!
Fun, Feminine Fare for Your Wardrobe.

Any woman that’s owned a car with a radio or visited a karaoke bar has sung the Cindy Lauper classic at least once, and at the top of her lungs. So why is there a consensus that to be taken seriously as a woman you have to wear pants? Donning ruffles, petals and bows shouldn’t make us feel that we’ll lose our right to vote, or worse, abuse credit cards. Luckily designers are willing to indulge our secret fetish for fun, with dresses in bright colors, floral prints and with marked feminine details to make anyone feel positively girly.

One shoulder, satin bow baby doll by BooHoo

As sweetly enticing as a game of Candyland, designers have opened up their Crayola boxes for these colorful creations. While we usually only dare to dress our iPods and cell phones in such secret favorite colors, the suggestion seems to be that we come out of the closet wearing them. Could it be that we’re never too old to wear pink?

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Pink punch! Fun, flirty, strapless cocktail dress with satin ribbon bodice and tiered chiffon skirt by Jane Norman.

While accounting for this new taste in color, the popular one shoulder strap and strapless necklines are back but with ultra feminine details. Large, consuming bows adorn shoulder straps, busts and waist ties. The modern approach of ruching and gathering across single shoulder straps creates unconventional ruffles and bow-like details.

Ruched ruffles on the shoulder strap of a dress by River Island Clothing Co.

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Sapphire floral print dress with bow accent on single strap by Boo Hoo.

Bust bow dominated the bodice on a red dress by New Look.

Super-sized bow accents the waist on a strapless dress by Dorothy Perkins.

Gathering creates a modern bow detail on a yellow, one shoulder dress by ASOS.com.

Garden floral print rings in spring on a belted minidress by Primark.

No childhood retreat would be complete without a return to the tea party, and there is no shortage of fun, flamboyant, floral prints that are just your cup of tea. In a departure from the floral dresses of the past, these are shorter, more constructed and best accessorized with wide belts to further accentuate a lady-like waist. If your winter weather makes these trends seem a bit chilly, longer versions are also available, and dresses can be paired with fitted blazers, cardigans and colorful tights as spring approaches.

Like the style but hesitate to dive into the rainbow? These shapes are also flattering in muted tones like grey and in subtler floral prints that may be more appropriate for wintry climates and conservative tastes. Ruffled accents and prom dress shapes may be enough to bring across your point.

 

One-piece knit by Betty Jackson is ruffled from top to bottom and still strikingly feminine in pale grey.

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Strapless gray frock with tiered bubble skirt by Vera Mont has a youthful feel.

Mature coal grey still flatters the girlish, prom dress shape in satin by Vera Mont.

Muted floral chiffon is an elegant take on this popular trend by Principles.

 Skirt suit with ruffled hem by Hobbs proves fashion fun can carry on at work.

Taking this style to the office may require some moderation and is best approached in separates that incorporate the same feminine details in structured suit items like skirts. Imaginative uses of rich jewel tones, dark colors, and even delicate stripes have successfully translated this trend into workplace appropriate attire.

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Delicately striped, ruffled blouse by Next has a Victorian feel.

Simple ruched skirts like this by Next can easily be incorporated with basic separates for the workplace.

To get the same flavor without committing to a dress, girlishly inspired separates work best mixed with elements of an existing wardrobe by cleverly contrasting pieces. Try pairing detailed, flowy tops with fitted cigarette pants. Contrast bright colors and prints on top with black or denim on bottom. For a softer look, try alternating your pencil skirt for a tiered, floral one instead. Bold neck baubles, multi-strands of pearls and brightly colored purses are risks worth taking when accessorizing this look.

Flirty fuchsia top paired with cigarette pants by River Island Clothing Co.

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Tiered floral skirt by Next is a delicate example of the trend.

Strapless, floral frock accented with multi-strand pearl necklace by Dorothy Perkins is one way to accessorize this look.

In a world where everyone’s being told to “Grow up!” it’s refreshing to be invited back to a more whimsical place in fashion. It may be time to retire that little black dress that’s been worn all winter long in favor of something that will put a smile on your face. Once upon a time your mother dressed you up. Now it’s your turn!

About the Author: With a degree in Psychology from Brown University, Miko Laube creates intuitive fashion articles drawn from her experiences as a stylist, makeup artist and dancer in San Francisco. She credits her upbringing in cosmopolitan Hong Kong and her mother, Yuka, for her fashion sensibility. You can submit a question to Miko through the "Ask The Expert" section or contact her directly at  miko@herstoknow.com.