Ready to swap out your fleece-lined ponchos for pretty dresses? We are! By adding a few of the hottest trends from the spring/summer 2012 fashion collections—pastel shades, color-blocking and peplum details (think little flares or ruffles at the waist)—you’re sure to feel an instant warm-weather glow.
Take a peek at the high-end designer styles we’re coveting—along with more affordable and wearable takes on the trends—that flatter your circle body shape.
1The trend: Pastels
The runway: Prada
The palest of pinks, blues and yellows combine to create one of the prettiest pastel styles we’ve seen. This silhouette is lovely on circle body types—your thin arms and legs take center stage—while a little strategic blousiness flatters your waist.
2Your way:
When you’d rather not put your middle on display, reach for an ultra-flattering wrap dress. This pretty pink print shows off your best assets, while paring down your waist and making you a true wrap star.
MORE: Maxi-dresses for Circle Body Shapes
Kate Spade New York “Aubrey” wrap dress, $438, Nordstrom
3Your way:
The empire, smocked waist on this lovely mint green tunic helps whittle your middle.
Ella Moss tunic, $108, Neiman Marcus
4Your way:
Between the flattering empire cut of this maxi dress and its bold pastel paisley-like print, no one will ever notice a little tummy bulge. Did someone say brunch?
H&M dress, $35, H&M
5The trend: Color-blocking
The runway: Jill Stuart
A loose shape featuring blocks of great colors—whether they’re soft and muted or bold and bright—looks fab on a circle shape.
MORE: Little White Dress for Your Body Shape (It’s Still In!)
6Your way:
Ease into the color-blocking trend with this cute, coral chiffon dress with a lavender stripe, paired with a blue cardigan and yellow scarf. The short dress is roomy through the middle—perfect for circle body shapes—so you’ll feel as relaxed as this style looks.
7Your way:
The key to the color-blocking trend when you’d like to streamline your middle? Keep dark colors on the areas you’re trying to downplay. This navy and red skirt does the trick beautifully. Just add a roomy knit sweater and spring break style, here you come!
MORE: Skincare Tips for College Years
Cast Chroma A-line skirt, $158, Anthropologie
8Your way:
This long and loose cardigan tricks the eye, bringing attention up and away from your midsection and to your pretty face with a shot of bright, neon yellow.
MORE: Boost Your Mood With Color
Free People cardigan, $168, Free People
9The trend: Peplum
The runway: Thakoon
When you’re thicker around the middle, you want a peplum detail that flatters your trouble area while giving you a little breathing room. Look for a chic, swingy top you can pair with slim-fitting pants or shorts, and you’ll feel good and look fashion-forward. How perfect is that?
10Your way:
Get in on the peplum trend without adding unwanted bulk with this swingy jersey blouse. The rounded neckline and cap sleeves balance out the peplum hem, helping you look long and lean.
11Your way:
The subtle peplum trim on this roomy, pretty tank doesn’t add unwanted attention—just a pretty flourish. Pair it with skinny jeans or Capri pants for an easy weekend look.
Hive & Honey peplum tank, $44, Piperlime
12Your way:
The black peplum on this cute dress slenderizes and disguises your middle, while the white top draws the eyes up. The belt line hits a little higher on the torso where you’re thinner.
Alice + Olivia “Hilly” dress, $330, Alice + Olivia
