Be the hit of your spring formal by snatching up one of these popular trends for this season's dresses.

The Little Black Dress

A staple in every woman's wardrobe: a simple, black, fuss-free dress that ends at the knee or mid-calf.

Splurge: Lauren Conrad is known best for her ability to deal with constant drama on MTV's The Hills, but the reality television star is also a budding fashion designer. Kitson, a boutique on Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles, is home to some of her creations. Luckily, the celebrity shopping hotspot now offers online shopping. Pick up the Lauren Conrad Natalie Dress ($128 at shopkitson.com) in black, white or yellow.

Save: The City Style Empire Wrap Dress ($39.95 at nyandcompany.com) is a more conservative version of the little black dress. It features cap sleeves and falls at the knee, but it looks classic and elegant when paired with heels.

The Printed Dress

For those who want a little color (and prefer to stick out from the crowd), a brightly colored printed dress is in order.

Splurge: Another L.A. favorite, T-Bag Designs features some dresses with abstract prints. The T-Bags Printed Dress ($220 at neimanmarcus.com) combines bright blue, red, white, green and black in a rayon knit without looking like an art-class disaster. A sweetheart neckline and empire waist prevent it from looking too "mod."

Save: For a more subtle print and younger shape, try the Kitty Paisley Print Tube Top Cocktail Dresses ($90 each at edressme.com). Featuring red and blue paisley prints with solid color bands at the top and bottom, the dresses are light but still fancy enough for a dance.

The Mini Dress

The mini dress is a modern style that shows a lot of leg without looking trashy. Modest tops and looser shapes help to balance modesty with the skin-showing extreme.

Splurge: The LaROK "With the Band" Minidress ($278 at Nordstrom.com) in white, maroon or heather gray has an empire waist that is dotted with silver-tone studs. The soft pleats ending in an under-folding bubble hem allow the piece to have a dressier effect.

Save: Halter tops that scoop close to the neck and drape over the body are very flattering and elegant. When hemmed short, they are perfect for summer. The Pleated Chiffon Dress ($27.80 at forever21.com) is an airy chiffon with a satin trim.

The Floral Dress

In State College, spring is one of the only times you can wear a flowery dress, so take advantage of the weather and splurge -- or find a steal -- on a floral patterned frock.

Splurge: The ABS Floral Babydoll Dress ($250 at victoriassecret.com) is a one-of-a-kind find because the floral print features realistic-looking flowers when examined closely, but just a soft blend of color from a distance.

Save: Wearing red for a spring formal can seem too harsh, but the Christine Dress ($98 at guess.com) is a well-balanced combination of red silk accents and painted, bold red flowers against a white skirt.

The One-Shoulder Dress

If you think this look went out a couple decades ago, think again. One-shoulder dresses are huge this season, and wearing one means saving on accessories.

Splurge: One part ancient Greece and one part modern Hollywood, the Rachel Pally Short Twist Shoulder Dress in Midnight ($230 at coco-delilah.com) is flattering and elegant. The soft cotton fabric looks graceful but won't wrinkle easily.

Save: The Ruby Rox One Shoulder Minidress ($65 at Nordstrom.com) has a swingy skirt and ruffled neckline that looks young and fresh for spring.