Finally, it's springtime. Ladies, I hope you agree with me when I say that this Indian Winter has lasted way too long — especially after the small previews here and there that hinted that spring would come (like in February).

But now, sunnier days, clearer skies and happier times are among us. We must rejoice and be merry with these warmer days and welcome them with a bright new wardrobe that's been waiting to be blossomed from the dreary hollows of your closet.

Now, if you're one of the young women who've been caught unawares as to what to wear this spring, worry not — two words sum it all up: summer dresses. Read ahead, lovely ladies, to get the complete scoop on where to buy the perfect summer dress, how to pick it out and what to accompany with it to make it unique, fresh and ready for spring.

Before I go into different types of prints or colors or styles and whatnot, there is one thing I must stress: empire waist, empire waist, empire waist. (An empire waist is simply when the waist is raised up higher, usually below the bust.) Don't worry about the length of the dress, colors or patterns just yet. First and foremost, get it into your head that the empire waist dress is the fundamental base of the dress that you need. Any bust, body type or height can pull off the empire waist with just the right accessories and the way it's held on the shoulders. Now, let's go shopping!

Are you the kind of girl who enjoys crazy colors and patterns and isn't afraid of looking at the price tag? Anthropologie's spring/summer line of summer dresses is fabulous for the inner spirit to express itself through a bold statement with bright tones and butterflies, flowers and graphics.

Each one is just as unique as the next, and there are loads to choose from. Just when you thought you were done browsing around one side of the store's solid color combinations, the other side will offer lace, bowties and babydoll sleeves. Anthropologie's dresses usually range from $150-250. Also, like all stores, Anthropologie carries a clearance/sales rack where you can find a dress that can make just as strong a statement as the rest, but without costing so much; these start from $75 on down.

When you've finally picked out the perfect dress (or dresses) to make the desired fashion statement, you must then get the accessories. Now keep in mind, girls, that if you go for the dress with all the fancy prints and multiple colors, keep it simple with the accessories: solid colored shoes — flats, patent leather pumps, flip-flops work wonders, no UGGs — and leggings, a modest amount of necklaces and bracelets. It would probably be a good idea to do without a big belt (which is convenient, as most of your money has probably been spent on the dress alone).

The dress holds about 85 percent of the attention, so make sure not to go too crazy with the shoes and accessories or else you'll end up looking like a big confusing mess.

The girl going for the simpler look — working with a solid dress and wanting to dress it up with fabulous complementing accessories — has a bit more work ahead of her, but the final piece can be an equally powerful and bold statement.

Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters and American Apparel all hold various different styles of solid-colored dresses, with prices ranging from $35 to $75. A good accessory to have at least one (if not more) of for your bold color is the waist belt. Again, Urban Outfitters has many to choose from, with no belt exceeding $35. Nordstrom also carries waist belts, but they're a bit pricier; $50–75. Leggings are also a fun essential to play around with for your new dress — lacy, striped or just a complementing color works wonders — just make sure they don't extend past the ankle.

Aprie, Red Light and Pitaya all carry tons of great and affordable bold solid dresses with perfect waist belts and accessories.

So now that it is seriously spring, go forth and find that summer dress that's out there waiting for you. Hopefully with all the techniques on how to make it perfect and the info on where to go to get the best selection, your shopping adventure will unfold successfully so you can spend most of your time playing in the sunshine.