Summer Fashion Trend to Try: Super Bright Party Dresses

Blake Lively in a hot pink party dress – Photo Credit
Summer is full of sunshine and festivities, and it’s also the perfect time to embrace some vibrant hues! And what better way to rock bright colors than with a technicolor party dress?
My best friend planted this thought in my mind as she was shopping for dresses for a Las Vegas trip, but even if you aren’t going to Vegas, a bright dress says “I’m confident, sassy, and I push the boundaries!” Everyone’s done the LBD, so step outside of your comfort zone and try a neon or bright color!
When I think of bright dresses, I think back to season 6 of Project Runway where contestant Ra’mon-Lawrence Coleman won the surfer’s challenge when he created a bright yellow neoprene avant garde dress. Here’s what it looked like: (The on-screen colors don’t do it justice.)
I think if you are going to try this trend that you should definitely opt for short dresses – they’re the most fun for summer. I also recommend trying interesting cuts, such as one-shoulder dresses or dresses with interesting draping. If you are going out on the town, why not add some more pizazz?! Here are some great examples:

Products: Rebecca Taylor Dress- Shopbop, BB Dakota Dress- Shopbop, Susana Monaco Dress- Shopbop, Mason by Michelle Mason Dress- Shopbop
Nude Heels: The Perfect Shoe for a Bright Dress
As you can see above, most of the models are wearing neutral-toned shoes with their neon dresses. Perhaps this is part of the trend? I personally have olive-toned skin and most of the shoes above wouldn’t go well with my skintone, so I would opt for bronze shoes as an alternative with these dresses. Here are some shoes within the color palette used by Shopbop that will balance out a bright party dress:

Products: Bronze Platform- Steve Madden, Beige Platform- Steve Madden, Bronze Strappy Heel- Bluefly, Beige Bootie- Piperlime
More Ideas for Rocking Bright Dresses
Now that we’ve reviewed the basics, here are some other ideas for how to rock bright colored dresses:
- Pair a bright dress with a bright clutch! Make sure the colors contrast enough (for example, a teal clutch would look amazing with a purple dress), otherwise, you’ll risk looking tacky.
- Play around with funky colored nail polish! It’s a great way to complement a bright frock.
- Visit a makeup counter and ask how you can incorporate bright eyeshadow into your look. Or just keep your makeup neutral and let the dress be the focus.
What do you think?
Do you own any bright party dresses? Have you worn one at all this summer? How do you style your bright dresses? Let us know with a comment!
Posted on on July 3, 2010 / Filed Under: Trends / Tags: Blake Lively, bright, Going Out, Neon, party dress, Project Runway, Trends













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Sari
While I don’t really find brights to be innovative during summer (like florals during spring) this is a great reminder to branch out from neutrals and muted colors during the summer. Cute picks too!
Katy
I love that bright colors are in style- although I would wear them regardless! And the back of that blue dress is to die for! Great post :)
Brittanie
I love that bright pink dress blake lively has on. Its so eye popping. Pink has never really been my color but if i found a dress like that i’d probably get it and the nude heels to match. Idk if i’ll get a chance to try this style for the summer but i would definitely take it into the early fall of the upcomming semester. since it’ll still be hot way into october where i’m at.
Renee
I love it ! Summer is the greatest season to pull off these hot bright party dresses! I love that hit pink dress on Blake Lively though!
Gracey
Great choices! Blake Lively looks stunning as usual.
I can’t seem to branch out from black though. I have a problem haha. I buy neutrals and accessorize bright. I’m a coward.
Megan
I love nude colored shoes because they go with practically everything. Pairing them with a bright colored dress really makes the dress the center of attention to. I absolutely love it and I love all the dresses you picked out!
girlsteam
I do agree with you ~~
Kristen H
Oooh I liked this post! I don’t think I look good in bright yellow, but a few girls have worn yellow dresses to my sorority’s formals. I always thought they were awesome! Hmm…I could probably pull off teal!
Maxine
I love Blake’s hot pink dress. I have a similar dress plus I also have a bright purple floral dress for the summer. I want more colorful dresses for the summer.
lala
i absolutley love the dress, the colour is great and it goes well with her shoes. that pink is really bright i would so wear that dress anytime. :)