Baby Doll Dresses: the dress up series part 4

Posted on July 23rd, 2008 by admin

This summer’s baby doll dresses are much like the Maxi dress with the huge range of versatility. There is a baby doll dress out there for everyone, every style, every body type, and every preference.

Traditionally, the baby doll dress is a shorter shirt, usually above the knee with a flattering empire waistline. Since there are just so many variations this season, other style versions will be considered as well.

Classic baby doll:

Probably the most recognized version of the baby doll dress, this dress is perfect for summer. Usually sleeveless with an empire waist, these dresses are often in cotton with embroidered trims and eyelet details. They often are embellished with many of the beautiful details that fall under this summer’s romantic dress theme. Imagine the perfect casual dress for a perfect summer picnic and you have to have a babydoll dress.

Pinafore baby doll:

Depending on the cut, the pinafore dress can be worn as a sleeveless dress, or, traditionally, as a smocked top over a tee or collared shirt. In a darker color, they say school girl, while in a check it might make you think Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. Extremely comfortable and very cute, they have the ability to mitigate the seasons and work well with leggings, tights, boots and sweaters into the colder months as well.

The smocked peasant dress:

One of the hottest looks this season is the continuation of the Boho / hippie look transferring to the designer peasant dress. Usually with a flowing cap sleeve, either just off the shoulder, mid range or three quarter, the appeal is in the details. Influences can range from all over the globe; Mexican, Gypsy, and Indian and usually are in the form of of intricately detailed embroidery down the bodice, sleeves and often in the hem. Either with the empire waist or with no waist line at all, the smocking and shirring of the skirt allows for ease of movement and comfort, plus no need to break out a hot iron in the sweltering summer heat. Continued details in the skirt hem incorporate some of the other trends this summer: founced hems, ruffles, more embroidery in multicolored threads.

Trapeze dresses:

Not quite a true baby doll, but close enough, the trapeze dress is named appropriately so. Sleeveless, with a simple neckline, this dress’s fabric flows down and opens up in the shape of a triangle, allowing for great comfort and style. Again, very flattering to many body types, these types of dresses can be paired down with a simple sandal or flip flop, or dressed to the nines for a more formal event. Available in a wide range of colors and fabrics, there is one for very mood.

Ballet dresses:

A more exact version of the baby doll is the ballet dress. With a romantic, scooped neckline and flouncy cheerleader type skirt or a simple shift, this dress is simple yet stylish and perfect for summer. What’s more, they go perfect with the still favored ballet flat, or mix it up with a flat gladiator sandal. Either way, it’s classic.