[Chelsae Anne | Photography]

Dress: (c/o) Elie Tahari via Marshalls/Shoes: (c/o) Steve Madden via Marshalls/Clutch: Francesca’s Collection/Rings: Versona Accessories and Rocksbox

Looking for a dress that drapes beautifully down your body? One that gently poufs out beneath you when you dance’? Glides down your curves… (or in my case, adds them)? It’s all in the fabric.

Silk, a fabric that’s lightweight and surprisingly resilient will produce a completely different effect on your body compared to a fabric like, neoprene, that’s designed to cling to your body or satin that juts out. Other factors to consider when searching for a dress this spring include: fit, color and texture of the fabric and the style of it.

Confession. I’m not a fan of linen. Despite living in Florida where most people wear linen to work, I tend to think it looks messy and can’t stand that it wrinkles easily. It’s weird, I know. But there are so many other fabrics out there that look and feel the same way without wrinkling in like .2 seconds. Linen works for the beach or the Bahamas – not for everyday wear and most certainly, not for an event.

Hence, the reason why I love silk… and this beaut-i-ful, lightweight Theory dress from Marshalls.

It’s delicate, slightly sheer and soft. It appears expensive (even though it cost less than $100), can be worn to a wedding, to work with a white blazer or to an event on the beach with gladiator sandals, long gold necklace with a straw tote. Fabrics like silk, chiffon and a lightweight breathable cotton-blend, will promote movement when you move and help you stay cool on a hot day.

Need a jumpstart? Check out some of these picks for keeping it light this spring. <3

Xo, Stephanie