I must admit, I have spring fever big time this year. All I want to wear is fun, feminine cuts and vibrant or delicate spring hues. I've had serious tunnel vision the last few weeks regarding the subject of my wardrobe. But putting that aside, I am a BIG believer in the power of some good, flatteringly cut dresses and cute flats or heels as THE go to outfit for any occasion. It can be casual or dressy as needs dictate, is always flattering, and if you select pieces that you like, it is the biggest no-brainer outfit there is. And a nicely cut dress will NEVER go out of style.
Perhaps my spring fever/dress mania reached a new peak this past Monday when I was able to go to the "Run Fatboy Run" premiere here in LA. While there, I thought one of the stars of the film, the lovely Thandie Newton, looked AMAZING in this pink and ruffled getup:
![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zhvOhEDahDQ/R-0rYlMdQDI/AAAAAAAAABE/Oqkpq6Hf6rA/s320/thandie+newton+pink+dress.jpg)
I don't know if I could pull off the super ruffled top of this dress, but she looked great, ultra feminine yet not too dressy, perfect for a coctail party, dinner al fresco, or, yes, a premiere. I love the classic pink, the feminine cut of a tailored waist, sexy neckline, and somewhat fuller skirt paired with little black peep toed shoes. PERFECT! So here are some great, frugal, and totally wearable takes on this look:
![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zhvOhEDahDQ/R-0sLlMdQEI/AAAAAAAAABM/OxNlOF8qOjE/s320/gojane+pink+ruffle+dress.gif)
This gathered knit dress from GoJane.com is pretty reasonable at $30.99, and has the classic silhouette of a flatteringly cut neckline, tailored natural waist, and fuller skirt to make this something you could wear as is or add a belt or a cardigan to change it up a bit.
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zhvOhEDahDQ/R-0uQ1MdQFI/AAAAAAAAABU/dqnz8W0-VC4/s320/payless+thandie+newton.jpg)
The Lindy Patent Peep-Toe Pump from Payless.com would look super cute with this dress. At $19.99, and all man made materials, I love these classic heels.
![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zhvOhEDahDQ/R-0vJlMdQGI/AAAAAAAAABc/YaL3cRJW2vg/s320/forever21+ruffled+cotton+dress.jpg)
I love that this Ruffled Cotton Dress from Forever21.com is SUPER girlie with its frills and its bow, but the pink is very pale and not too overdone. It's only $27.80 and comes in black and white as well, if you aren't falling in love with pink all over again like I am. I think it would be GREAT with these cute shoes![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zhvOhEDahDQ/R-0wHFMdQHI/AAAAAAAAABk/kai1IJ-es3s/s320/payless+floral+peep+toe.jpg)
These Floral Embrace Peep-Toes from Payless are so cute. Ugh. I think I might need to go get these now, and give myself a nice pedi and just work it. Can't you just see this dress and shoe combo for a warm afternoon stroll down the promenade or something? Even if its just getting groceries, it would still make the day more fun. And of course since they are cloth uppers and man made lowers, you are good to go.
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zhvOhEDahDQ/R-02-1MdQII/AAAAAAAAABs/Utb69Boz-dw/s320/forever21+blue+sundress.jpg)
Another great spring color that is feminine but not as "girlie" as pink is blue. This dress has little white polka dots on it and is only $22.80 from Forever21.com. It comes in jade/white (pictured) and... sigh... pink/white :-) I think this dress is fantastic, and would be perfect with
![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zhvOhEDahDQ/R-045lMdQKI/AAAAAAAAAB8/GP8jJAjck8g/s320/payless+jordan+wedge.jpg)
These great Jordan Wedges in white from Payless.com. They are listed at $14.99, all man made materials. I am coveting these ever since I had a pair of Steve Madden white wedges that were adorable but unwearably uncomfortable. I have had numerous pairs of Steve Madden shoes over the years, and several other wedges, which were all great and SUPER comfortable, but these were so painful. :-( But these ones from Payless are just as cute, and wayyyy less expensive.
OR with these from GoJane
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zhvOhEDahDQ/R-1B51MdQSI/AAAAAAAAAC8/Sd4sVpNUxi0/s320/gojane+teal+pump.gif)
AAAUUUUGH!!! These are so cute! They are only $13.99, man made patent leather, and come in a plethora of awesome shades like black, white, teal, pumpkin and fuschia. I covet.... I covet....
This dress is SO CUTE I need need need to go to Forever 21 this weekend and purchase it. I have no choice in the matter, the dress has spoken. It lists at $24.80, and comes in black and orange (although to me the orange looks more like a nice coral than an orange). It has such a great simple silhouette, and I love the skirt pleats! I would wear it with
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zhvOhEDahDQ/R-086VMdQNI/AAAAAAAAACU/GNu4s4HKDAA/s320/payless+kelsey+peep+toe+black.jpg)
These fun Kelsey peep toes from Payless.com ($12.99, manmade materials, natch) or maybe even with the yellow version
![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zhvOhEDahDQ/R-09UFMdQOI/AAAAAAAAACc/jzQKtFREIc0/s320/payless+kelsey+peep+toe.jpg)
if the colors jived right in real life. These shoes are so cute and inexpensive. I friggin LOVE payless.
One more dress...
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zhvOhEDahDQ/R-09nVMdQPI/AAAAAAAAACk/7kaf7dChSJQ/s320/forever21+yellow+sundress.jpg)
This is called the "Typical Sundress" on Forever21.com (listed at $22.80, comes in yellow - pictured - or that same orange/coral from above) but I think they should call it the perfect classic sundress. There is nothing over the top here, just classic fit, and a great skirt. I seriously need to get one of these sundresses this weekend with the weather being so nice. And I love the yellow color, everyone can't seem to stop talking about yellow this season!! I think it would be cute with something like
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zhvOhEDahDQ/R-0_vVMdQQI/AAAAAAAAACs/wxvmDinLXqE/s320/Payless+Abaete+pump.jpg)
These Abaete for Payless Harlow Pumps from Payless (listed at $19.99, comes in black and pink). Nice sized heal, peep toe (can you tell I'm diggin' on the peep toe this season? I seriously need to slap some polish on the ol' piggies soon I suppose), back buckle and open heel. AND really cute front detail.
So there you have it folks. A few great spring options for a girl who wants to be classic on a budget. Gotta love it.