Now here is a dress I believe every woman can get behind – namely, the wrap dress. To read this blog is to know how much of a fan of wrap dresses I am. It is one of fashion’s greatest inventions and a wrap dress is definitely a wardrobe staple every woman should own.
Wrap dresses are flattering regardless of your body type and are also extremely easy to wear. These are just some of the reasons I’m such a fan of this iconic piece of clothing.
In today’s blog post, I would be showing you different ways to style a wrap dress for different seasons. You will see how easy it is to carry your favorite wrap dresses from Summer to Winter and beyond.
Then, will you understand why it is the perfect dress to add to your wardrobe if you have not already done so. Even after my open myomectomy, this was one of the few types of clothing I could comfortably wear.
To fully understand the versatility and significance of the wrap dress, I think it is important to delve into its history a little bit. If you’re like me, then you have some questions regarding this famous type of dress. When did the wrap dress come into existence? Who is credited with its creation? What body types do wrap dresses flatter and of course, where can I purchase a good wrap dress?
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through the links, at no cost to you.
Who invented the wrap dress?
Diane Von Furstenberg (also known as DVF) is credited with the invention of the wrap dress in 1974. It’s crazy how I cannot imagine a tie period without the existence of a wrap dress, but we have to thank for this important piece of fashion.
Ms. Furstenberg went on to become the queen of the wrap dress by releasing the most popular wrap dresses in the industry year after year under her brand, DVF. The wrap dress has gone on to become a symbol of power and freedom for generations of women.
Original DVF dress HERE
What body type do wrap dresses flatter?
The answer to that question is simple: all. No, seriously, there is no body shape or type that I have seen which did not look great in a well-made wrap dress. This is because the tie waist nature of a wrap dress cinches in your waist, making it appear smaller.
Moreover, wrap dresses tend to have V-necklines, which make your neck appear longer and slimmer.
By bringing attention to the waist and bust, wrap dresses take unwanted attention away from the belly. This makes them even more flattering because they hide problem areas while bringing focus to our more flattering features.
Before we dive into various wrap dress fits, I would love to share some of my favorite places to shop for wrap dresses. Remember that it is important to invest in a good wrap dress if you want to create the most flattering wrap dress outfits. It’s all about the base.
Where can I shop for the best wrap dresses?
i) Revolve
Revolve is fortunate enough to carry DVF wrap dresses and so it makes sense that they would be the first on this list. Whether you are looking for a mini, maxi or midi wrap dress, you are bound to find one to your liking. DVF wrap dresses tend to come in bold prints and so they are meant to be worn to stand out, not blend in.
Get the look HERE
ii) Amazon
If you can’t afford a $500 wrap dress quite yet, Amazon is a great option for you. You can find affordable wrap dresses in beautiful colors and prints which could also be at your doorstep within 24 hours. The wrap dress below comes in different colors and could be worn for a special occasion or date night if paired with heels.
Get the look HERE
iii) Banana Republic
For the classy woman looking for a fashion-forward wrap dress she can wear to the office, Banana Republic is your destination. They offer silk-blend wrap dresses in beautiful colors and prints. Wrap dresses for the winter seasons are also available for purchase. My favorite however has got to be this floral print wrap dress.
Get the look HERE
iv) Etsy
Etsy offers a range of wrap dresses wit many of them being hand-made. You could find classic wrap dress like the one below or a flashy sequin one. Linen wrap dresses are a great choice during the hot summer days as they absorb sweat. Choose a wrap dress in a neutral color if your office has a more conservative dress code.
Get the look HERE
v) Lulus
The next best thing to a wrap dress is a faux wrap dress. These are dresses that have only a portion that features a wrap effect. This is usually just the upper portion of the dress, creating a flattering fit. It can be hard to tell the difference between a real and faux wrap dress just by looking at a dress and a good example would be the faux-wrap dress below.
Get the look HERE
Now that you know my favorite places to shop for wrap dresses, let’s talk about creating an effortless look with your coveted wrap dress. The goal is to be able to style your wrap dress in different ways for different seasons. In this economy, out closet has to work for us!
1) With a pair of boots
During the colder months, you can easily style your wrap dresses with a pair of boots instead of heels or flats. If your wrap dress is above your knees, I suggest you opt for a pair of tall boots (knee-length or higher) for some extra warmth. For longer wrap dresses such as midi length, ankle boots are the best choice. Try to choose a pair of boots in a color that compliments your dress.
Get the look HERE
2) With a pair of heels
An easy way to style your wrap dress for a fancy occasion is by pairing them with a pair of high heels. My personal preference is a pair of open toe heeled sandals. These types of shoes go so nicely with the open nature of wrap dresses. Consider making your next LBD a black wrap dress. You could rock this with a statement necklace to a birthday party or other cocktail event.
Get the look HERE
3) With a trench coat
To make your wrap dress work for you during the Spring or on colder days, consider pairing it with a trench coat. This gives it a more formal look which could work for the office, a wedding or even an out-of-office business meeting.
You could complete your look with a pair of ballet flats or if it’s cold outside, opt for a pair of Chelsea boots. Remember that many sweater dresses come in wrap styles so this makes it easy to carry this trend into the Fall.
Get the look HERE
4) With a blazer
The best way to style a wrap dress for a professional setting is by pairing it with a structured blazer. It’s always safe to go with a wrap dress in a neutral color when we’re talking about styling wrap dresses for the office. Wrap dresses in solid colors look great with a black blazer, which is what most of us own.
Style tip: if you have an open wrap dress and you feel like you’re showing too much cleavage use a safety pin to cover your bust area more.
Image source here
To create a more casual look, opt for a pair of white sneakers or a pair of sandals. This works great if you’re going to be doing lots of walking or are headed for a casual gathering.
5) With a leather jacket
We have two statement pieces with this look: a wrap dress and a leather jacket. Don’t feel obliged to go with a black leather jacket if your wrap dress is in a bright color. Play around with different colors of leather jackets to compliment the color(s) of your wrap dress. During the winter season, you could also wear a pair of black tights or leggings to add an extra layer of warmth.
For more inspiration on pairing a leather jacket with a dress, check out my blog post: 8 ways to wear a leather jacket with a dress.
This white wrap dress from Sirani’s Fashion would be the perfect wrap dress to pair with a leather jacket on a cold summer night. You could also pair it with a pair of heels for formal occasions. Get $ off when you use the code THEANKARAQUEEN at checkout.
Get the look HERE
6) With a sweater
During the winter months, you can pair your wrap dress with an oversized sweater for the perfect look. Choose a pair of combat boots to add a casual vibe or you can choose a pair of over-the-knee-boots for a dressier look. A denim jacket would be the perfect way to complete a more casual look.
You could also choose a cardigan instead of a sweater to wear over your wrap dress. If you still want your dress to be the centre of attention, you could opt for a black turtleneck underneath your dress. Don’t forget the longline coat to complete your look.
Image source here
For more outfit inspiration with regards to pairing a dress with a cardigan, check out my post 6 ways to wear a cardigan with a dress.
Now you know how to wear a wrap dress like a pro! I hope you have come to see how easy it is to create a chic look with your wrap dress, regardless of the season. You can also wear a white shirt underneath your wrap dress if you’re not comfortable with the cleavage on display. If you’re self-conscious about your smaller chest in a wrap dress, wear a push-up bra.
Let me know which of these was your favorite looks.
Do check out my post: 5 outfit ideas to wear with clear heels.
Until the next post,
XOXO
Theankaraqueen