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7 Dresses in Bright, Bold Color

There are times when all a woman needs is one great dress. Here are seven to guarantee a sensational entrance.

By Lois Joy Johnson

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Sleek Chic Knit Dress

Veronica Webb, 42, co-host of Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style on Bravo, knows how to make the most of a knockout dress. This one, in a fuchsia stretch knit by Donna Karan ($1,895), flatters curves with clever wrapping and ruching. Long sleeves make an additional wrap superfluous and a formal gown as comfy as a T-shirt. Tiffany & Co. earrings. Fred Leighton bracelets.

Low-Back Dress

A bare back can be sexier than a plunging neckline, as Reem Acra’s crushed velvet chemise ($1,550) demonstrates. Chanel’s long pearls, looped to attract the eye, make sure no one misses the point. Bulgari earrings. Fred Leighton ring.

"Don’t let anyone tell you bold colors or trendy shapes aren’t age-appropriate. You can wear anything if you have body confidence and say no to extremes."— Veronica Webb

Tailored Knit Dress

When the invitation reads "business attire" or "festive cocktails," a tailored knit dress like David Meister’s in orange stretch wool crepe ($330) will keep you covered, crisp, and sparkling. Casadei green suede pumps ($495). Mallary Marks necklaces. Verdura rings.

Tiered Ruffles

If you think ruffles are for teens, let us run this Alberta Ferretti stretch tulle knee-length dress ($2,540) by you. It’s charmingly tiered, like a 1920s flapper dress, and the rich pine color has the elegance and slimming power of a neutral. Cassis earrings. Judith Ripka ring and bangles.

Pleated Taffeta Dress

Poufed and pleated like a Poiret, this citrus Reem Acra dress in silk taffeta ($3,150) is a fresh way to go strapless and short. Oscar de la Renta jeweled D’Orsay pumps ($675). Chanel black velvet clutch ($2,795). Cassis necklace. Bulgari ring. Paul Morelli bracelet.

"Fashion has transformative powers. I hate to see women not using it to its full potential, because it’s there for all of us. Color is feminine, sensuous — and men like it."— Veronica Webb

A Great Shape

Webb wears Zac Posen’s silk chiffon tunic blouse ($900), a great piece to slip over slim black pants in silk or velvet. Paul Morelli earrings. Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. rings.

"Necklines matter more than you think. They’re what people notice at parties or over a dinner table."— Veronica Webb

Trumpet Hem Dress

Tracy Reese’s silk taffeta dress ($500) has crisp lines, a berry color, and a trumpet hem that can dance. Purple accessories make the hue pop even more. Stuart Weitzman violet satin pumps ($335). Inge Christopher grape silk clutch ($108). Verdura earrings and cuff. Ilias Lalaounis ring.

Originally published in MORE magazine, November 2007.

First Published Mon, 2009-04-06 18:44

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http://www.more.com/fashion/clothes-trends/7-dresses-bright-bold-color

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