Trend Alert! Smocked Dresses

Whenever I think of the word "smock" I think of 3rd grade art class where we all wore old t-shirts or smocks over our uniforms when fingerpainting or making collages. However, that is only one type of smock. According to the dictionary, a smock can be "a loose dress or blouse" or "a loose garment worn over one's clothes to protect them." Well either way, the smocked dress is in!

How to spot a smocked dress...

-Loose!

-Pattern! (especially floral and stripes)

-Shorter! (although I have spotted a few maxi dresses that I would classify as smocked)

-Tube Top or Sleeveless!

Here's how I would wear a smocked dress...

Teapot: Cooking.com, Teapot (8-c.) by Spode – $130.20
Dress: Missoni Short Floral Sleeveless Dress – £1,765
Shrug: Stella McCartney Organic Hand Knit Shrug - Plaster – $975
Bag: Derek Lam Jules Python Bag - Ivory – $2,590
Boots:MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA - Distressed leather boots with angled sole – $358
Bracelet: CoutureCandy, Kuo Ting Jewelry Resin Disc Bracelet – $58
Ring: Kara By Kara Ross Single Petal Flower Ring – $187

...and here are some other examples!... for under $100!!!

1) Forever 21, Isora Smocked Tube Dress – $19.80
2) Urban Outfitters, Ecote Smocked Tube – $58
3) Forever 21, Paisley Smocked Tube Dress – $22.80
4) Harmony Lane, Voom Safari Tube Dress – $99
5) Forever 21, Chiffon Folk Dress – $19.8
6) Charlotte Russe, Tiered Tube Dress – $24.99
7) BCX Floral Yoryu Printed Tube Dress – $54

I would pair smocked dresses with strappy gladiator sandals, long pendant necklaces, leggings w/boots, and waist belts. I would stay away from heels with smocked dresses because they tend to be more casual and short! A smocked dress could also be a good swim suit cover-up because its loose!