The pinafore dress archetype looks a great deal like an apron with a boxy tailored bodice with a strap that goes over the head and becomes a halter. The skirt is usually apron-like with appliques or pockets.  It only takes a few little twists to come up with a pinafore that looks like a dress.

Many fashion followers are calling the pinafore dress a key piece of fashion to have for this Spring.  First of all it is an incredibly retro piece of fashion to own and it refrences  a famous pinafore worn by Audrey Hepburn in the movie “Two for the Road.”  Moschino has created a wild pinafore in a fabric print that consists of bright pinks, blues and oranges.   Bright yellow buttons decorate the shoulder straps and the patchwork pockets.  A tote bag in the same fabric is also available. Versace did a very similar pinafore but in very bright yellow red and blue polka dots.

David Neville shoed a very sporty orange, coral and peach pinafore with large buckle straps and a tippy little black straw hat. To give the outfit a bit more of an edge and versatility the designer added a sipper at the waist that allows the top to be separated at the bottom.  The bottom of the pinafore includes huge deep pockets.

The pinafore does not always have to look like a hipster version of a housedress. Jason Wu makes a lovely one in rich black leather with laser cut detailing and scalloping at the hems.  BCBG also made a lovely one in white leather bordered by black leather trim and black leather patch pockets.  Beneath this pinafore is a lace top.

Designer Yigal Azrouel who featured a pale pink version that tightens into a sheath below the knee also made the pinafore quite stylish.

If you are looking for a bride’s maid dress or a white dress to wear to a special event you might especially appreciate the blue-white pinafore with front and side flaps that was made out of heavy silk by designer Christopher Kane.  This dress also featured big clear crystal baubles on the shoulders and at the waist.

One accessory that was seen on many of the models was the plastic chain accessory both as a choker or as a bracelet.  This type of large plastic toy-like jewelry has not been in fashion for many years but it is back.