Modern Toga Trend for Spring 2009

One-shoulder Grecian Gowns and Toga Dresses

Mar 4, 2009 Gill Hart

Togo dresses come into their own this season with a younger, fresher feel. Above-the-knee hemlines and bold bright colors give them a very modern look.

Dress styles for spring favor one-shoulder asymmetric lines and the perennial Goddess gown gets a modern makeover. Loved on the red carpet for their elegance and femininity, draped Grecian gowns have been a firm favorite for several seasons.

This spring sees a fresher look, with above-the-knee-hemlines providing a more youthful and flattering alternative to the modern toga dress. It can be dressed down with some jeweled flats or some strappy gladiator sandals, for a more relaxed holiday look.

Dress Styles for Spring Summer 2009

For evening there’s still plenty of draping but in keeping with the body-con (conscious) trend, toga dresses with fitted bodices and form-fitting ruching give a very up-to-the-minute feel. According to Fashion Era.com, “the use of a gradually wider A-line silhouette, side or centre drapery in the form of gathers, tucks pleats and bow ties," also provide subtle styling changes this season.

This season’s bold brights of orange, yellow, blue and green give the modern toga dress an injection of sex appeal, from Goddess gowns in Valentino’s signature red to Lanvin’s bold orange in toga-style mini dresses. Metallics of silver, gold and bronze shimmer in one-shoulder styles too, with beautiful draping from designers such as Calvin Klein and Donna Karan. Timeless white and black still remain the classic choice for Grecian glamour with ultra feminine dresses from Zac Posen, Chloe, and Celine, to name but a few.

Designer Greco-Roman-style dresses translate easily to high street labels. Inspired by the fashion runways, this is one look that any woman can indulge in that won't break the bank. Whether it’s a Grecian-style maxi with plenty of draping or a toga tunic dress, this is one of the key trends of the season that is easy to subscribe to.

There is also a distinct Greco Roman feel in other areas of women's fashion. Jumpsuits get a Grecian makeover too, and summer swimwear features many one-shoulder designs with flattering (hide the tummy) Greco-Roman draping. Toga-style tunics are versatile and comfortable, sitting atop a pair of wide-legged pants. Temperly London‘s multi-colored striped tunic is one such example, perfect for holiday dressing.

How to Wear a Toga Dress in 2009

If you dare to wear your toga ultra-short like Victoria Beckham or Rihanna , then dress it up with some strappy heels, or for a more authentic casual look some flat buckled sandals. If the dress is plain then add some of this season’s jumbo jewelery, a huge cuff or large statement necklace, for an up-to-the-minute feel. For a really modern-bohemian twist throw over a military jacket, as favored by Mischa Barton.

Single-block colors have a greater slimming effect, or alternatively, embrace this season’s color-block trend with vibrant Richard Nicholl-style two-tone color blocks of orange and pink. When it comes to brightly-colored toga dresses designer Lanvin, is a firm favorite with the celebrity fashion pack, with his spring collection of eye-popping brights and leopard prints.

However, if you are looking for a style that will last more than a season, select a toga dress that will remain a forever piece. Grecian-style dresses never go out of fashion; whilst hemlines may vary and in-vogue colors may change, a classically draped toga dress in a neutral shade will transcend seasons.

The copyright of the article Modern Toga Trend for Spring 2009 in Women’s Fashion is owned by Gill Hart. Permission to republish Modern Toga Trend for Spring 2009 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Victoria Beckham in Toga-style Tunic dress	Calvin Klein Toga Dress Spring 2009	Asymmetric Dress Asos SS09
One-shoulder Drap Top Principles SS09	Metallic One-shoulder dress Wallis SS09