Thanks to some online browsing of the latest styles in dresses for Spring 2012, I noticed a trend in black, white, & gray stripes for dresses. Even though the weather here on Long Island feels like early spring / late fall, these dresses are certainly vacation-friendly if you’re headed away for these supposedly cooler months.

To the far right, we have a MICHAEL Michael Kors striped dress ($150.00) from Bloomingdales & a Calvin Klein belted ponte knit sheath dress ($118.00) from Nordstrom.  I’m sure the quality of these dresses is very high, but so are the prices.  Perhaps finding the cute alternatives from Forever 21 & Target may ease some pressure on your wallet, while also upholding any money-saving resolutions that you hope to keep this year.  The double-breasted stripe dress ($19.80) & tank maxi dress ($10.00) can be dressed up & down, depending on where you’re headed.

With such a classic foundation as stripes, you can add some glam with chunky chain-linked necklaces, a patent leather belt, & some towering platform heels.  Also, for daytime, try a boyfriend blazer, oversized flyaway cardigan, or a touch of leather.