TREND ALERT: THE FASHIONABLE ‘MULLET’

First there was the asymmetric hairstyle; NOW, celebrities have taken it to the next level with asymmetrical dresses.

We all know our favourite celebrities can be outrageous at times when it comes to style, but are they going nuts? We don’t think so! We love the latest trend of asymmetrical dresses that show just the right amount of leg.

Asymmetric styles don’t just refer to those ‘mullet’ dresses we all love; they also appear in sleeves, necklines, slits, prints, shoulders etc. 

(Ok, so we admit Lady Gaga has taken ‘outrageous’ to the extreme but, this latest trend is definitely a keeper!)

Try this trend out with the below styles from GOSH. 

 

TREND ALERT: The bright coloured clutch!

A simplistic or already funky ensemble often needs that extra ‘pop’ of colour by way of an interesting accessory – here’s where the bright clutch comes in handy! If you feel that your outfit is lacking an element of character or if you’re wanting to colour-block without going OTT, then what you need is a bright clutch! Simple but effective, the bright clutch is every girls best friend. The pictured celebrities below show how easy the bright clutch trend is to do!

The bright clutch is great because it adds the perfect finishing touch to any outfit without requiring major work to your wardrobe (or a disservice to your bank account).

High fashion watch: Marchesa’s Tutus & Tulle

There’s something about Tulle and Tutu’s that have a jaw-dropping effect on most women. Ensembles which combine gothic tones and Black Swan-type themes are more famously associated with the exceptional collections of Marchesa. Featuring intricate hand-executed techniques, Marchesa's gowns are a source of great admiration for fashion lovers across the world – the embroidery, lace, tulle, draping and velvet – it’s easy to see why we’re all so in love. Hop on board and join us as we admire (and swoon) over some of our favourite Marchesa ensembles (its okay to dream sometimes, ladies)… [Images from Marchesa Spring 2011 collection]

All things fabulous and attention-grabbing, Marchesa's beautifully crafted tulle numbers have been work by the likes of A-listers Miranda Kerr, Selena Gomez, Fergie and Rachel McAdams to name a few.

Loving the tulle vibe? Check out these styles below that take a more understated approach to the tulle trend and are much more wearable: 

Mermaids DO exist - say hello to the mermaid silhouette!

As a little girl, you probably held the red-haired Aerial in high esteem, and why not – her beautiful mermaid silhouette and long, flowy hair. Whilst the mermaid silhouette is typically characterised by a seam at the knee, it is often recreated in a softer way through a fitted design up top and flared-from-the-knee shape below. Given the dramatic nature of a seam at the knee, it’s understandable why many designers and celebs opt for the softer option. Afterall, design-heavy gowns are at a greater risk of looking dated faster.  The runways of 2011 have been splattered with mermaid silhouette gowns:

This season, celebrities have stayed on trend by jumping on board (although if mermaids really did exist, they would be jumping off board!). The mermaid silhouette can either be produced through the mere design/shape of a gown, or through design/shape as well as an opposing fabric below.

Who could forget Pippa Middleton’s famous bottom?! It was most definitely accentuated by the clever inclusion of a mermaid silhouette. Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian also wow in more subtle mermaid silhouettes. 

Other celebs have embraced this trend by way of more  intricate designs which are design-heavy below. These heavier designs are absolutely stunning (perhaps due to the beautiful embellishments up top as well), but in a few years time we may not feel the same. Pictured below are recent looks from celebs who have taken the design-heavy approach to the mermaid silhouette (Penelope Cruz, Khloe Kardashian, Nicole Richie). 

If you’re loving this trend, then you’re in luck – GOSH! has a selection of stunning full length gowns which have recreated the mermaid silhouette in a timeless manner.

And remember, ladies – for ample mermaidness in photos, knee out and one leg behind the other! 

The hour glass figure you’ve always wanted – thank you illusion dressing!

With its genesis stemming from the collections of high-end designers like Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Herve Leger, the illusion dress has seeped its way onto the red carpet and is now available at GOSH! The illusion dress flatteringly accentuates curves to give women the perfect hourglass shape that is so famously associated with celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Sofia Vergara and Beyonce Knowles. With its waist-nipping side panels and bust-accentuating design, the illusion dress not only makes the waist look smaller but also helps achieve the ideal bust-to-hip ratio. Of particular popularity is the illusion dress from Stella McCartney’s fall 2011 collection, which has been repeatedly worn by Nicole Scherzinger, Kate Winslet, Liv Tyler and Penelope Cruz.

Celebs have not been shy to snatch this look straight from the runway. With how slimming this look is, we don’t blame them! The illusion can either be attributed to the placement of side panels on the dress and/or through the clever use of pattern and print. Check out the below looks shamelessly snatched by leading ladies; Kate Winslet (wears Stella McCartney), Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian (wearing Alexander McQueen) and Kristen Stewart and Lily Collins (wearing Herve Leger).

If you’re loving this look, ladies, GOSH has a selection of garments which combine this season’s trends (namely bright colours and colour-blocking) with the amazing perks offered by illusion dressing.  Check out our two illusion dresses (so fabulous that they’ve been featured in the Sunday Telegraph), alongside our colour-blocked illusion dresses. The illusion dress is one which will be in high demand this season simply because it flatters all body shapes and sizes. Also on offer are the slimming Twisted Twig pants by Fairground which give the illusion of thinner legs by way of contrasting black panels.



Top tips on how to wear the hottest trends for Formal Dresses this season

 Colour is a huge trend this formal season so if you’re going to do brights, make sure you do them well! Colour-block your dress to your accessories and don’t be shy about clashing (matchy-matchy fashion is on the out!). If you’re going for a bright blue dress, opt for a hot pink or orange clutch, cuff and earrings. The best colour combinations this season are Blue and Orange, Hot Pink and Red, Purple and Orange and Green and Purple. The proof is splashed all over the red carpet – celebs have not been shy in sporting daring, bright frocks and colour-blocked ensembles.

With Summer rapidly approaching, your formal night and a bright frock will go hand-in-hand. The following looks are on offer at GOSH and will help you make a statement at your formal. Our Darling dress comes in a selection of brights – blue, yellow, tangerine and hot pink – and is a full length gown which will definitely help you stand out.

Below are some alternative looks also available through GOSH which can help you emulate this celebrity-inspired bright trend.

Thigh-high slits on maxi dresses and skirts are big this summer so the key here is balance. If you’ve got a dress with a thigh-high slit, make sure that remains the feature of your outfit and keep your top half simple and covered up (take note – Rosie Huntington-Whitley pictured above). Always remember if you’re baring more below, cover more up top and vice versa! GOSH has taken a page from Maggie Q’s book and brings to you this timeless high-thigh split dress.

Backless dresses and cut outs are super sexy and have been seen on the red carpet with celebrities Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Miranda Kerr and Rosie Huntington-Whitley showing off their backs in style. Backless and cut-out looks can be rocked at either full length or mini lengths. Make sure you prepare your skin before you bare is all by exfoliating and moisturising your back the night before. Use a shimmer cream to add that extra glow to your back before you head out to ensure you're looking picture perfect!

Happy formal shopping!