I’m a collector of wrap dresses. They tend to be in soft uncrushable jersey which means they travel perfectly (and I love to travel in case you didn’t know), they fit everywhere you want them to and can work from day to night with ease. Having said that I’ve seen this amazing style of dress worn so badly that I thought it time I put in my two-penneth and re-wrote the rules for turning the simple wrap into something not just flattering and wearable but sexy and sensational as well.
Find a style that fits: Just because it wraps around you doesn’t mean it’s the right shape for your body. The difference between Diane von Furstenberg and LK Bennett on you can be quite startling. Try on as many as you can and find which designer is cutting for your shape.
Make sure it’s the right length. Vertically challenged as I am at 5’2” I know all about this. I have to have pretty well everything shortened. Not so much if it’s an American brand such as Nanette Lepore or DvF but pretty well always if it’s a British brand. Why is that? I have no idea but it’s a fact. Have yours shortened if you need to or it may look frumpy.
Check your shoes: In the day I nearly always wear a pair of black suede boots with my wrap dresses, for evening high suede platforms. The wrong pair of heels can ruin the overall impression. If you’re not sure take pics of yourself with different shoes and boots to see how you appear. Be very very careful of ‘heavy’ shoes and boots with dresses such as shoe-boots and gladiators, there’s a fine line between modern and fashion victim.
Watch What’s on Show: It’s easy to display more assets than you intended in a wrap. For day you can wear a lace edged vest or plain cami underneath if you need to (and make sure it’s fitted, not loose), and for night a plunge bra. Make sure you don’t fall into the trap of wearing the wrong bra and no cami, Once you’re dressed move around and make sure that the dress doesn’t move with you too much - they can. Trust me, I know these things.
Wrap dresses can be the most flattering of friends and travel with you everywhere. Fixed or tied they hug your shape and always look sophisticated and ‘now’ provided you wear them effectively.
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