It’s a Wrap!
The wrap dress first emerged on the fashion scene in 1970 when Diane von Furstenburg, a Brussels-born American, sold her first wrap dress during the New York Fashion Week. A classic design, it revolutionized women’s concept of how to dress elegantly and simply at the same time. This is a style that is almost unilaterally flattering to every body shape. The design, which does exactly what the name implies, wraps across the bust emphazing cleavage, skims the hips, and then ties at the waist thus either accenting or giving the illusion of an hour-glass figure. When it is designed properly and made properly with the right material it can be a staple in just about every woman’s closet.
The versatility of the wrap dress style ranges from business- appropriate to date-wear when dressed up with stilettos and sparkling drop earrings. You can also dress it down with sandals for a more casual look and even be funky by pairing a shorter wrap dress over jeans. Those who are burgeoning with new growth have found that the wrap dress is a great adjunct to maternity wear as it can be worn all the way from not showing right through the end of the second trimester. And the wrap dress, especially in jersey, is a wonderful travel companion. Talk about versatility!
Although it first appeared in the early 1970’s, the basic style of the wrap dress can be found in the classic lines of a kimono, a shawl bathrobe and even the toga. Yet when Diane von Furstenburg brought it the attention of the American woman it seemed like a brand new fashion statement. And like all new trends there came a time when the popularity of the wrap dress seemed to wane. In 1978 Women’s Wear Daily reported that the trend was over and von Furstenburg even sold off all her inventory to pay bills. But like any good style, it came back into vogue. In the mid-1990’s, the wrap dress began showing up on the streets again via the fashionistas who frequented vintage shops, and again von Furstenburg recognized the strength of the style and brought it back with new materials, prints and colors. Now wrap dresses can be found in J. Crew (JCrew.com) and J. C. Penney (JCPenney.com) stores and catalogues, in Target(Target.com) and DVF (DVF.com) stores and in a multitude of other stores too. You can also find tops and blouses now that have the same style- some are the real thing but many are mock-wrapped for more ease.
Almost all body shapes look great in a wrap dress. Women who are curvaceous love the wrap dress as it accentuates their sexy curves, and those with boyish figures look more feminine. Short or tall and willowy, petite or plus-size, with a little effort you can find a wrap dress that will flatter you and become your go-to dress in your closet. The correct color palette, material and print make a difference so take the time to try on several wrap dresses until you find the one (or more) that work for you.
For some additional comments about the wrap dress and other style tips, check out “Fashion Bytes”, a podcast found on www.womensstylenetwork.com.
