WHAT TO WEAR: Spring

Patterned dresses in the spring are like denim cut-off shorts in the summer—essential. They are a great addition to anyone’s closet, providing a one-piece, picnic-ready outfit or an easy way to dress up for classes. With fun patterns and shapes available in any color combination, accessorizing is a breeze since the dress steals all of the attention. Pair them with flats, sandals or boots and you’ve got yourself ready for a beautiful spring day.

This Fashionista chose a patterned dress with attitude. Its warm color palette of red and orange gives richness to her look, complementing her skin tone. A dress in a cooler hue would be more appropriate for the summer, as the rich red and pink in this one mimics the blooming flowers of spring. The vertical patterns are another great detail to this dress, hiding tiny rosettes in the geometric shapes of the design. Vertical patterns are always flattering, providing a more elongated look for the wearer. The tassels hanging from the neckline and the three-quarter length sleeves are a nice added touch, reminiscent of the ‘70s.

The best way to finish a look with this type of dress is to keep the accessories and shoes minimal. UConn’s Storrs campus is always chilly with strong breezes, so it was a smart move for this Fashionista to wear boots. The knee-high style is daring, but the black suede doesn’t overpower the dress. With a little touch of gold in a practical college student accessory—a watch—this Fashionista is all set.

One Simple Change: If you’re living in a region where the springs are like summer, it’s best if you swap the boots for sandals. A strappy flat pair with a little fringe adds more texture to the outfit, but doesn’t distract from the dress. This look will be great for those outdoor summer concerts or music festivals.

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