Last season, designers flirted with skirts; this year, fashionistas have rediscovered the frock. The new silhouettes are both retrospective and restrained, but not prissy. Trends range from nostalgic cotton print sundresses by the likes of Virginia Johnson to empire-waisted baby doll numbers from Michelle Smith’s Milly Line (at Studio Labiri). Whatever you choose, remember the rules: buy a piece that hugs the curves, but don’t be crass (extreme cleavage is out of fashion). And be realistic. A-line smocks may be hot in the magazines, but the absence of a waistline makes them unflattering. For a dress to impress, try these trends.

Wrap It Up
Thanks to the rejuvenation of Diane von Furstenberg, the 1970s fashion queen, the wrap dress is back. Her signature Lycra-tinged numbers have inspired a legion of mass market imitators (even Banana Republic does one). But von Furstenberg recently trumped the competition by reissuing some of her original prints. A prime example is the Julian ($375), a collarless, three-quarter-sleeve wrap that grazes the knee. It comes in a basket weave pattern in periwinkle blue, a pixel design of black on white, and a laurel leaf print in kelly green (Holt Renfrew).

The New Shirt-dress
Look for cuffs, collars and buttons down the front, but steer clear of military detail or severe men’s tailoring. The aesthetic is sexy secretary (only, in 2006, you’re not a secretary—you’re running the company). Pink Tartan’s belted, short-sleeve, red silk design with white polka dots ($448) is pure coquette. Find this dress at Studio Labiri; with its shrewd selection (including must-have CanCon from Arthur Mendonça, Tara Jarmon, Andy Thê-Anh and many more), it’s arguably the city’s number one dress destination.

Fifties Flair
Nipped waists, snug bodices and floaty, full skirts made for smashing pirouettes—these are the hallmarks of the classic, Eisenhower-era cocktail dress. The latest revival comes in two variations. In one, the cut is chiselled, clean and austere (as in a simple, black, matte satin Nicole Miller design with a lightly crinolined skirt, and V-shaped back and neckline; $525, Holt Renfrew). The other goes for sparkle: this polyester crêpe, Marilyn Monroe shape is studded with sequins and polished off with a flirty hemline ($575, Betsey Johnson). For an elegant look, put your hair up and keep the accessories to a minimum (ditch the chandelier earrings and chunky necklace in favour of discreet little studs).