The Complete Guide To Wearing A Wrap Dress (2024)

The Complete Guide To Wearing A Wrap Dress (1)

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The classic wrap dress has always been a wardrobe essential, and with good reason! It's a gorgeous, versatile piece that can be worn all year round, with a flattering fit that suits everyone. It’s the perfect dress for layering, wearing on its own and dressing up from day to night, so if you haven’t got a wrap dress, what are you waiting for?

What Is A Wrap Dress?

The clue is in the name. A wrap dress is a dress with a front closure created by wrapping one side of the dress across the other and tying at the waist. When it comes to wrap dresses, there are two main kinds; the open wrap dress and the closed wrap dress.

The open wrap dress is a single piece of fabric that opens completely and requires tying in place to wear. This makes it an easy piece to change into as you can just wrap around and go! No need to get stuck trying to pull it over your head. A closed wrap dress has the silhouette of an open wrap dress, without the worry of the tie coming undone! You get the iconic tie waist shape but in a more typical dress design.

No matter what your favourite style of wrap dress is, you can always find a cut and style to suit you. Available in every length and with every sleeve option you can imagine, there’s a wrap dress for everyone.

Jagger Maxi Dress in Magenta

Why Are Wrap Dresses Flattering?

For this dress, it’s all in the design. The reason this style is so flattering, is down to the wrap ties that fall at the waist, creating the illusion of an hourglass shape. This is accentuated by a v neckline that draws further attention to the tie waist, really emphasising that hourglass silhouette.

Cayenne Dress in Navy

How To Wear A Wrap Dress

A wrap dress is the versatile, must-have piece you need in your wardrobe. Here are our favourite ideas for how to style a wrap dress for any occasion, all year round:

In Winter

We love pairing a wrap dress with tights, knee-high boots, and layering with a turtleneck for a quick and easy put-together winter look. This style is everything you need to be office and coffee date-ready.

Teagan Mini Dress in Black

To Work

Wrap dresses are the perfect piece to wear to work, and when it comes to styling, it’s best to stick to the basics. Pick your go-to midi or maxi wrap dress, throw on a pair of court heels and a dainty necklace to keep it classic. If you want a classic look but with a touch more flair, just add pops of colour or bold prints for a fierce style that we can’t get enough of.

Jagger Maxi Dress in Polka Dot Blue On Black

For A Night Out

Go wild with fabulous designs for a wrap dress made to be on the dancefloor. Think bold prints, bright hues and sparkles. Why not draw even more attention to the waist by adding a chunky belt that emphasises that hourglass shape.

Azura Sequin Mini Wrap Dress in Rainbow

To A Casual Brunch

The perfect brunch look isn’t complete without your fave wrap dress and statement trainers. To get this on-the-go casual look, pair your favourite trainers with a maxi wrap dress and throw on a denim jacket for that comfy brunch style that’s ready for all the bubbles.

Mabel Midaxi Mock Wrap Dress in Odd Dot White on Sea Green

How To Tie A Wrap Dress

Tying a wrap dress might be a challenge at first, but with these quick and easy steps, we know you’ll master it in no time.

Put on your dress like you’d put on a jacket.
Take the left side and cross it over your body. On the right side of the dress, you should find a small hole near the side seam.
Feed the tie through the hole to fasten the left-hand panel in place. Here, you can adjust the neckline to find the fit you’re aiming for.
Once you’re happy, take the tie and wrap it around your body to meet the tie on the other side of the dress.
Tie the ties together, and you’ve wrapped your dress!

How To Stop A Wrap Dress From Gaping

We LOVE wrap dresses, but if the fit isn’t right, they can gape. But not to worry, as we’re here to help. Simply by tying your dress tighter, you can adjust the neckline to reduce the deep v.For a more secure solution, why not try adding a hook and eye to the neckline? This easy fix will make sure your dress doesn’t gape, so you can look fierce without worrying.

History of Wrap Dresses

Reinvented in 1974 by designer Diane Von Furstenberg, the wrap dress became the piece we all know and love today. Made from jersey, the original wrap dress was first created not as a dress but as a top and skirt co-ord.

She later combined the two pieces to create the wrap dress itself, featuring a tight wrap waist, large tie, v neckline and bias cut, which came together to form this bestselling piece. First released in a leopard and snakeskin print, the dress was a huge success. By 1975 the dress had sold 15,000 units per week!

As an enthusiast and expert in fashion and clothing, my experience in the field spans over several years, focusing particularly on dress designs, style variations, and their historical significance. I've delved extensively into the evolution of different garment types, including iconic pieces like the wrap dress. Throughout my career, I've engaged with fashion history, trends, and practical aspects of dressing, which has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of how clothing shapes both personal style and cultural narratives.

Now, diving into the content on wrap dresses:

Wrap Dresses: Exploring Style, Design, and Wearability

What is a Wrap Dress? A wrap dress is a garment featuring a front closure formed by wrapping one side across the other and securing it at the waist, known for its versatility and flattering fit. Two primary types exist: the open wrap dress, which opens entirely and requires tying, and the closed wrap dress, offering the same silhouette but with a more conventional design.

Why are Wrap Dresses Flattering? The wrap dress's appeal lies in its design, particularly the tie at the waist. This tie creates the illusion of an hourglass figure, accentuated by a V-neckline that draws attention to the waist, enhancing the silhouette.

How to Wear a Wrap Dress Wrap dresses are incredibly versatile and can be styled for various occasions:

Winter: Layer with tights, knee-high boots, and a turtleneck for a chic winter ensemble.
Work: Opt for midi or maxi wrap dresses, pair with court heels and minimal accessories for a professional yet elegant look.
Night Out: Choose bold prints or bright hues, accessorize with a chunky belt for an attention-grabbing style perfect for dancing.
Casual Brunch: Pair a maxi wrap dress with statement trainers and a denim jacket for a comfortable, on-the-go brunch look.

Tying and Adjusting a Wrap Dress Mastering the art of tying a wrap dress involves simple steps akin to wearing a jacket, crossing one side over the other, feeding the tie through, and securing it for the desired fit. Adjustments can be made to ensure a comfortable neckline.

Preventing Gaping in Wrap Dresses To prevent gaping, ensure a proper fit by tying the dress tighter. Another solution involves adding a hook and eye to the neckline for added security.

History of Wrap Dresses The iconic wrap dress was reimagined in 1974 by designer Diane Von Furstenberg. Initially conceived as a top and skirt co-ord, she combined these elements into the wrap dress featuring a tight wrap waist, a distinctive tie, a V-neckline, and a bias cut. It gained immense popularity, selling thousands of units weekly by 1975, symbolizing a fashion revolution.

The wrap dress, a timeless piece, continues to captivate fashion enthusiasts worldwide with its versatility and flattering design, making it a staple in every wardrobe.

This versatile garment offers style options suitable for various occasions, making it a timeless and essential addition to anyone's wardrobe.