In terms of dresses, no style can easily accomplish what the wrap dress can. Created by famed fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg in the ‘70s, the classic wrap dress typically features a tie waist, a V-neckline, and an A-line skirt. A wrap dress offers a professional look and was created as a feminine alternative to the pantsuit. What’s even better than a classic wrap dress? Faux wrap dresses! Below is everything you need to know about the wrap dress, from fact to faux.
What Are Faux Wrap Dresses?
A faux wrap dress resembles a classic wrap design, except it comes already fastened together with no opening in front and is slipped over the head. It is an all-in-one petite, regular, or plus size sheath dress with the wrap part sewn. You get all the benefits of a traditional wrap dress, like style and figure-flattering charm, but without the hassle of figuring out how to tie it or fearing a wardrobe mishap.
With a faux wrap dress, you get a beautiful petite, regular, or plus size sheath dress that stays put. If you’ve ever worn a traditional wrap dress, you know it can be tricky to keep the crisscross neckline from pulling apart at times. You might even need to wear a camisole underneath or utilize wardrobe tape to stay on the safe side. With faux wrap dresses, none of those steps are necessary while still offering the look and appeal of a traditional wrap dress.
Why Are Wrap Dresses So Popular?
As wardrobe essentials go, the wrap dress is up there with a white button-up shirt and a favorite pair of jeans. This simple design ticks all the boxes of a style classic: easy to wear, versatile, and timeless. In addition, wrap dresses are universally figure-flattering. Faux wrap dresses define the waist, lift the bust, and give every woman a fantastic figure, whether you wear petite, regular, or a wrap dress plus size. It’s feminine but powerful—a true symbol of the modern woman. Below are a few reasons this dress continues to soar in popularity and isn’t going anywhere.
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They Define Your Waist
With a faux waist tie that cinches on the slimmest portion of the torso, a wrap dress plus size, petite, or regular gives an ultra-slimming effect. Paired with a dramatic neckline, this figure-flattering dress enhances your bust and slims over the hips. This dress is an excellent option for all shapes and sizes, especially pear shapes and those wanting to accentuate their curves. Choose a plunging neckline for a lengthening effect if you have a shorter torso.
Easy to Dress Up or Down
Another reason to consider a wrap dress is that it can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Pair a wrap dress with heels and delicate jewelry for a wedding or special event. The wrap dress also looks great paired with sneakers and a denim jacket for running errands or grabbing coffee with a friend.
Perfect for Any Age
The wrap dress knows no age! The endless number of options when choosing this dress makes the style ageless. Try a longer sleeve and a knee-length hemline if you prefer more coverage or a conservative look. For a bolder look, a sleeveless style with a deep V-neck is perfect for a date night.
They Are Timeless
Faux wrap dresses are timeless classics that will never go out of style. They’ve been a fashion staple for decades and will continue to be popular among women of all ages. This makes them a great investment piece as you can wear them for years without worrying about them becoming dated. If you want a timeless and endlessly versatile wardrobe, you need more wrap dresses.
They Are Seasonless
The wrap dress is not only a timeless, all-occasion piece but also seasonless. It can easily be worn from day to night, summer to fall. Switch from bare legs and sandals in the summer to a cozy fall look by layering your wrap dress with tights, a knitted cardigan, and boots. With the proper layering techniques, you can genuinely wear a wrap dress year-round, making it a savvy investment and versatile wardrobe staple.
They Are Comfortable
Not only are wrap dresses versatile and flattering, but they are also extremely comfortable and effortless to wear. They are made from soft, stretchy fabrics that move with your body, making them an excellent option for regular, plus or petite work dresses. Faux wrap dresses are designed with all-day comfort in mind, so you don’t have to fidget in your chair or tug at your dress in a meeting.
How Can You Style a Wrap Dress?
A wrap dress will instantly become your go-to choice because you can wear it anywhere and everywhere, from formal events to laid back weekend outings. This petite to plus size sheath dress can be styled for a professional office look, a wedding look, and everything in between! Below are a few of the many options for styling a wrap dress.
For Everyday
Wrap dresses make the ideal daily dress, as they look great with nearly any footwear, including sandals, heels, boots, flats, and espadrilles. Add sneakers and a denim jacket for a casual daytime look. Or try nude sandals and simple jewelry for a slightly more elevated daytime look that goes anywhere. The beauty of wrap dresses is the style options are nearly limitless, meaning you can dress them up or down using accessories, outerwear, and more.
At Work
Wear your plus, regular, or petite work dresses with closed-toe pumps and conservative jewelry at the office, like a single-layered necklace and small hoop earrings or studs. If you want to try a layered look, a long cardigan over the dress can help keep you warm and comfortable in air-conditioned offices. At the same time, a tailored blazer or structured jacket adds polish and authority at meetings or events where you need to boost your professional look.
For Special Occasions
A wrap dress is always a great choice when considering what to wear to a more formal event, like a wedding. All you need are heels and statement jewelry, and you’re ready to wow. Accessories can have a significant impact, so swap out your tote or backpack purse for an elegant clutch.
After Hours
The best part about plus to petite dresses for work is how easily they can go from desk to dinner. Once you’re off the clock, simply swap out your shoes and accessories for an instant date night look. For an edgier look, substitute your blazer for a leather jacket or flats for booties, and freshen up your makeup for a bolder appearance that says you’re ready to let loose and enjoy the evening.
Perfect for multiple occasions, flattering for all figures, and styled at any age—it’s easy to see why these versatile dresses have remained a wardrobe staple since the ‘70s! If you’re looking for an all-in-one outfit you can wear from desk to dinner and beyond, faux wrap dresses are the perfect fit.
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.