Who doesn’t own an iconic wrap dress? Most women I know have this dress silhouette in their closet! For those of you are haven’t been introduced to this versatile piece of fashion let me tell you exactly what it is and the history of this sweet little dress.

What is a Wrap Dress?

A wrap dress is a dress with a front closure formed by wrapping one side across the other and knotting the attached ties that wrap around the back at the waist or fastening buttons. This forms a V-shaped neckline and hugs the curves of the body.

The History of Wrap Dresses

During the Great Depression, house dresses called “Hooverettes” were popular which had a wrap design. Wrap dresses were designed by Elsa Schiaparelli in the 1930s and by Claire McCardell in the 1940s. Her original ‘popover’ design became the basis for a variety of wrap-around dresses.

Wrap dresses hit their peak of popularity in the mid to late 1970s. They experienced renewed popularity beginning in the late 1990s, particularly after Diane von Fürstenberg reintroduced her wrap dress in 1997. The Fürstenberg interpretation of the wrap dress, which is knee-length, in a clinging jersey, with long sleeves, was so popular and so distinctive that the style has generally become associated with her.

Feel Feminine, Yet Not Exposed

Her wrap dress allowed a woman to look both proper and seductive. Any woman can go into a boardroom and make a presentation and feel feminine, and yet not exposed. The dress is the perfect attire for smart, career-oriented women. Since then, Von Furstenberg and her wrap dress have become a staple in many women’s closets. The dress not only fits the body well, but it also fits perfectly into the lifestyle of the modern, working woman.

Wrap Dress Styles

Wrap dresses come in many different colors and patterns. Accessorizing them is very important to give them an added touch. I would choose no more then two pieces of jewelry especially if you are wearing a pattern. Choose a shorter necklace (if that is one of your pieces) since it will lay better with the V-neck neckline of the wrap dress. If you’re going for a more formal look then add a heel. Heels can also elongate your body. If the event is more casual then a flat or even a cute sneaker will work. Also, feel free to add a light jacket if the weather is cool. Jean jackets are great in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Wrap dresses might seem confusing to put on, but don’t fear! You can tie wrap dresses with the strings, and the process is not as difficult as you might think. Here is a great method for you to try using the attached strings!

How to Tie a Wrap Dress

1. Slip into the dress as you would if it were a jacket. Raise your right arm and insert it into the right armhole of the dress. Then, insert your left arm into the left armhole of the dress. It is exactly like putting on a cardigan. The two front panels will hang at your sides.

2. Wrap the left side of the dress across your body. Pull it snug against your body so it covers most of your chest. Adjust the way it sits on you by tugging gently at the fabric if you aren’t happy with it.

3. Open the dress and locate the hole in the seam on the right side. Use your right hand to hold the right side of the dress open and look for a small hole in the seam. This is where you will feed the longer string through. Make sure that your dress has a longer string on the left-hand side and a shorter string on the right-hand side.

4. The hole that you feed the string through is commonly found about 15 cm (5.9 in) below the armpit.

5. Pull the left side of the dress over to the right side of your body. Use your left hand to bring the left half of the dress across your body, covering most of the right half of the dress. Pull up gently on the neckline if you feel like the dress is sitting too low on your chest.

6. Wrap the longer string around your back and tie it to secure it. Bring the string you pulled through the hole around your back until it meets the other string. Tie the longer string with the shorter string attached to the right half of the dress into a basic, firm bow.

And there you have it! The easiest way to tie a wrap dress!