Summer is in the air and images of sandy beaches and bright blue oceans often come to mind. Drawing from the crystalline hues and billowing waves of the world’s waters, Elie Saab’s spring 2015 ready-to-wear collection made a splash at New York Fashion Week. Bold watercolor prints littered the dresses that went down the runway, with expert dying mirroring light reflected off the surface of a body of water. Loose-fitting and silky materials hung and clung to the models’ physiques in all the right ways. Floor-length skirts allowed for plunging necklines and high slits. Furthering the concept of emulating the physical qualities of water, Saab’s collection also played with sheer materials to create that ethereal, effortless dynamic. With their airy fabrics and compensating hemlines, these styles are the perfect transition from crisper spring days to the newly arrived summer season.
Inspired by this aqua-themed line, I borrowed from Saab’s compelling color palette and lightweight construction to compose my outfit. I donned an A-line maxi dress complete with a brilliant blue pattern. The vibrant design of the skirt serves as the focal point of the ensemble and serves as a nice contrast to the simple top half of the dress. Following Saab’s designs, the skirt features a sheer overlay that creates added dimension to the look. The maxi also follows a fit and flow construction, with both tight and free-flowing elements creating a contrasting yet complementing aesthetic. For those warm summer days, a scooping neckline and open back prevents one from getting too hot in the sun. Although the ensemble conjures images of island shores and easy living, the look is quite polished and chic. I let the bold pattern of the dress speak for itself and opted for wearing little to no jewelery. I paired the eye-catching piece with a black T-strap sandal to keep the ensemble uniform and summer-appropriate.
Get My Look: 1. An ocean-inspired maxi. 2. T-strap black sandals. 3. A simple, gold accent.
