Ever since its debut in the 1970s, the wrap dress has remained a staple in any stylish woman’s closet. No surprise there though — while women’s body shapes have changed over the decades, this Diane von Furstenberg creation is still as flattering as ever before.
Created in the 70s with a front closure formed by wrapping one side across the other, a wrap dress typically features a tie waist, V-neckline, and an A-line skirt.
Paris Hilton wears Diane Von Furstenberg’s ‘Jeanne’ tiger wrap dress with black pumps at the 1 Hotel West Hollywood Grand Opening Event held at 1 Hotel West Hollywood on November 5, 2019, in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States
Chances are, you may already have this secret weapon in your arsenal. If not, here are a few tips on what to look for in a wrap dress:
1. Fabric
Opt for something that’s stretchy and lets your skin breathe. Cotton, jersey, and silk mixes work well.
2. Cleavage
A hint of cleavage will not hurt, although you might want to lean forward when trying on a wrap dress just to check if all the goods are in their proper place.
Take it from me — there is nothing more annoying than having to safety pin anything you are wearing and be constantly checking on that pin.
Dylan Frances Penn, the daughter of Sean Penn and Robin Wright, in an orange animal print wrap dress at Diane Von Furstenberg’s “Journey Of A Dress” Premiere Opening Party at Wilshire May Company Building on January 10, 2014, in Los Angeles, California
3. Sleeves
Well, this all depends on whether you’re trying to show off or hide your arms. Wrap dresses with 3/4 sleeves work best with any arm width, and this sleeve length makes your dress appropriate for the office as well.
4. Accessories
If the dress doesn’t come with its own belt, feel free to add your own as this accentuates your waist further. If the dress is in a bold print, tone it down with a blazer or a cardi. Worried of too much cleavage? Add a statement necklace!
When it comes to this iconic piece, your personal style is the only limit. Enjoy our picks for today!
Yumi Kim Goddess Dress, $193
No.6 Libra Wrap Dress, $415
Thierry Colson Isolde Wrap Dress, $580
Rachel Roy Cross-Over Dress, $119
Diane von Furstenberg Jessica Dress, $372
Credit: Avalon / WENN / Brian To