After the ‘Little Black Dress’ as the #1 must-have dress every woman should have, here comes another dress that should live in your closet year after year. The Wrap Dress, introduced in 1974, by designer Diane von Furstenberg is said to be most flattering fashion pieces ever, with millions sold throughout the world.
Omotola Jalade (Right)
As Foxnews puts it, no outfit can easily accomplish what the wrap dress can: Its soft fabric hugs every curve, while defining a waist to show off an hourglass shape. A plunging neckline can instantly shed some pounds and with stilettos, transform into a head-turning day look for day into glammy evening style. Available in numerous colors, prints, sizes, and styles, there’s one made for every woman.
Photo: Tumblr
However, top celerities around the world prefers wrap dress – from Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton to Tyra Banks, Kim Kardashian to Omotola Jalade. According to The Guardian, about 5 million wrap dresses were sold within two years after it was released, making von Furstenberg “the most marketable designer since Coco Chanel.
Photo: Reuter
That being said, sometimes it can be difficult to choose the right wrap dress for your figure or style the wrap dress properly. To discover how you can wear the dress in the right manner, here are the simple tips to make it work for you:
Photo: Reuters
Styling a Diane von Furstenberg Wrap Dress
For many occasions, the DVF wrap dress stands on its own, and this is especially true for print wrap dresses, which make a significant fashion statement by using bold prints. When styling your dress, keep it simple and consider your accessories, including shoes, handbags, belts, and jewelry.
FOR PETITE WOMEN
A petite woman should invest in a slew of figure-flattering wrap dresses to elongate their shape. Opt for gowns with a v-neck cut on top, which will give the illusion of a longer, leaner neck. Hem the dress to just 1/2” above the knee. To accessorize it, try a longer beaded necklace that hits below the bra line with a great heels.
For taller or big busted women, it’s important to find a cut that provides full bustline coverage so it’s proportionate to a larger frame. This actually minimize your silhouette, instantly slenderizing a larger frame. And a hemline that hits in the mid-knee cap is extra flattering for God given long legs.
If you have a tummy, opt for a wrap dress that cinches at the side rather than a belted wrap that can draw unwanted attention to your center. To show off curves stylishly, add a darker colored belt to better show off your waist. Pop on a blazer on top and people will see the illusion of a tiny waistline.
IF YOU’RE IN YOUR 20S
If you’re in your 20s, according to Foxnews, keep the look young and fresh with bold, electric colors and patterns. Also, don’t be afraid to show off some skin. You can also get away with a shorter hemline and sleeves.
Women in 30s should opt for more traditional colors, such as navy, black, or white, which can be rocked day or night. Some stylists say prints can easily age you if the dress has an unflattering cut that doesn’t work with your frame. Bold colors are still appropriate, but pair it with less jewelry. A statement handbag is a great way to add some drama.
Women in 40s and beyond should look for wrap dresses in solid, jewel hues, such as red, wine, and sapphire. A beautiful pump and simple jewelry will let your elegance shine through. Patterns can often come across as too youthful, so pair the dress with a beautiful bag with a woven texture.
In general, the shoes that you choose for your wrap dress depends primarily on the length of the dress and on the occasion. For work and professional occasions, you should select a neutral pump or a pump that matches a color in the dress. For evening looks and for going out, choose a strappy sandal, as a fun choice might be metallic gladiator sandals with a high heel. For casual daytime wear away from the office, select an interesting flat sandal or a casual pair of wedge sandals in colors that match the dress.
Your hand bag choice also depends on the occasion, we advice a neutral leather satchel or a neutral hobo for work, while for casual daytime wear away from professional settings, consider a bold handbag in a color that picks up colors in the dress print, a cross-body bag, or a leather tote. You should make sure to select bags in solid colors that complement the dress. For an evening look, try an envelope bag or a thin clutch in a neutral, jewel tone, or metallic color.
For Jewelry, avoid overdoing it. It is fine to wear one or two pieces, but try to avoid wearing an entire jewelry suite that includes earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings. Instead, choose one or two pieces that accent the dress. Because most DVF wrap dresses contain a plunging v-neck, a necklace enhances the look. For solid color dresses, you can select a statement necklace in a complementary color with chunky elements or a large pendant. For print dresses, you’d want to select a simpler necklace, such as a simple gold chain or a chain with a lariat or small pendant.
Remember this before stepping out in wrap dress:
- Make sure the dress properly fits your shape without being too tight or loose.
- To create a tinier waist with a looser style, simply add a belt, such as a wide corselet, to better cinch it or a slim, matching leather belt for a cleaner, minimal look.
- Keep it simple and consider your accessories, including shoes, handbags, belts, and jewelry.
- You should avoid overdoing jewelry.
Diane von Furstenberg Wrap Dress never goes out of style, and they are affordable on major stores online. Should you want to get yours? We have provided links to the stores below…
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