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.
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.
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.
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!