Issue date: 8/27/08 Section: Features

The dress has defined the woman since the dawn of time. Ever wonder why we always depict cavemen in mere loincloths, yet a cavewoman is always conveniently covered by an artfully shredded piece of suede? Women who wore pants were laborers. It was not until the 1960s that pants and leggings became an acceptable mode of fashion for women. Our generation is only a few detached from those who can recall grasping at their mothers' pant legs instead of their underskirts and lace hems.

That is not to say that there isn't a distinct femininity retained by a woman in a dress. Lucille Ball may have been loved for her silly antics and spunky attitude, but who can forget her twirling around the kitchen preparing dinner for Ricky, her skirts following her around the doorway? "Grease" and "Happy Days" defined an era for women in crinoline and sateen prom dresses, grinning and squinting under the pressure of their Merry Widow corsets. To this day, you have the occasional Annie Hall or Calvin Klein women's pantsuit champion walking the red carpet, but when the "Best Dressed" lists hit the stands the next day, you can bet they will be topped by women in bold dresses with outstanding patterns and cuts.

It is stereotypical, but a woman in a dress exudes class and confidence. Marc Jacobs and Betsey Johnson are two designers known for their innovative designs, usually parading flouncing hemlines, bright floral and block patterns and out-of-the-box silhouettes down the runway each season. Chloé and Oscar de la Renta, also leading designers, have created some examples of strong art patterns for their fall fashion lineup and Michael Kors displays beautiful floral pencil skirts that can be either dressed up or down. The feminine yet strong colors that translate to women's clothing for fall has led fashion out of crazy trends to classic and artistic looks.

As college students, our revenues are severely limited. Nationwide chains like Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe have a wide selection of dresses that can be purchased at resale shops, online or at the Post Oak Mall.

Many women in history have made statements by what they wear. Dresses have transformed into vibrant canvases and designers have painted masterpieces for a woman's body. This fall, make a bold statement with bright floral and art patterns.

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