Fashion Meets Fandom: Carol Peterson's Floral Halter Dress (The 'Burbs)

In the movie The 'Burbs, Carol Peterson wore this really cute floral halter dress in a scene when she went with her husband and their friends to welcome their new neighbors. What I love about this look is it's preppy but also rather sexy. 

The image of the suburbs tends to be painted as dull and boring along with the fashion. I know that's generalizing because style isn't determined by where you live which is why I thought it was great she wore this dress. Carol may be a wife and mom but that doesn't mean she has to wear clothes that are dull and frumpy. Which is why this floral halter dress was a good choice the costume designer made because not only is it form fitting but it also has a deep v-neck.

In the past, when women reached a certain age whether married or single (such as their 30s) or became moms, it was as if there was this rule in society that stated they had to wear the dowdiest frumpiest clothes. Which made absolutely no sense, women shouldn't have to look matronly just because society at the time deemed it. Thankfully, those times have changed and women have moved passed those stodgy rules.   

 

Now back to this dress, it's cute and casual but still has a refined feel to it. This is a look that's perfect for summer. This easy look can be paired with flip-flops and flat sandals (like Carol) for day or with strappy heels or wedges for evening.

I really like the look of this dress but I know it's nearly impossible to find one in a style that was popular in the late 80s. So to get the look, I focused on the v-neck and floral print and found dresses that still have a casual yet sexy feel as Carol's dress.


Dresses

Be in Love Strappy Dress                                         $48.00                             Roxy (roxy.com)

Linen-Cotton Button-Front Mini Dress                       $49.00 (sale, regular price $139.00)                       Banana Republic (bananarepublic.gap.com)

ASOS DESIGN Satin Bias Midi Dress                          $51.00                          ASOS (asos.com)

Rolla's Halter Coast White Floral Print Button-Up Mini Dress                          $109.00                          Lulus (lulus.com)

Reformation Chianti Floral Print Midi Sundress                          $128.00                              Nordstrom (shop.nordstrom.com)