The Magical Wrap Dress

If there’s one wardrobe essential women should never live without, it’s a wrap dress. Wrap dresses are perennial, trend-proof magicians that flatter any shape, size or age without ever looking dated. Its simple yet figure-enhancing design also builds confidence, empowering women to feel feminine, sexy and strong in a polished, non-showy way. Plus they are famously low maintenance — travel-friendly, machine washable, often wrinkle-proof — and chameleon-like in versatility. In a word, foolproof. If you don’t have one, get one. If you have one, consider getting more:

1. Fit-and-flare
   The quintessential wrap dress silhouette, fit-and-flare styles have fitted bodices, flared skirts and a sash belt that ties in front, back or at the side waist. With or without collars, they often are made in jersey knit with sleeve lengths that run the gamut — long sleeve with statement cuff, ballet sleeve at elbow, classic short sleeve, trendy puff sleeve, dramatic bishop sleeve, sleeveless. Diane Von Furstenberg revolutionized how women dress with the launch of her iconic wrap dress in 1974, and its signature prints still remain on-trend today — chain link, twigs, cubes, leopard and python. For a smart-casual look, choose a collared, long-sleeved style and pair with low-heeled knee-high boots and a sweater coat for a cozy fall look. Be sure to wear foundation garments that smooth lumps and bumps to maintain clean lines head-to-toe.

2. Shirt dress
   The tailored wrap-style shirt dress has structure that is more camouflaging than jersey knit, yet still just as flattering. Often made in classic shirting materials like cotton poplin, the stiff, crisp fabric alludes to an hourglass shape just enough to balance its menswear-inspired roots. Try a long-sleeved, classic white one and style with a popped collar, leopard Mary Jane flats, stack of arm bracelets and a structured statement handbag in your best accent color. Sash belts tend to be wide on shirt dresses, so cinch the waist cummerbund-style for maximum drama and style with a three-quarter sleeve roll to direct even more attention to waistline.

3. Faux leather
   Part-naughty, part-nice, a faux leather wrap dress strikes the perfect balance between sexy and sweet. Pair with kitten heels for a feminine touch, always matching hosiery to dress color for an elongating, monochromatic color column. Style with brushed gold or silver jewelry and a cashmere cardigan wrap to keep the hard vs. soft juxtaposition theme going.

4. Kimono-style
   Kimono-style wrap dresses are unstructured, collarless and flowy, giving them a bohemian feel. The wide, airy kimono sleeves add to its unconventional vibe and forgiving cut, plus they provide great airflow. Lean in to the aesthetic and find one in an exotic print, then pair with a structured blazer or tailored coat to ground the look. The clean, collarless neckline provides the perfect blank canvas for a drama moment, so accessorize with a statement necklace, choker or drop earrings to finish the look.

5. Halter
   The classic halter-style, sleeveless wrap dress is the ultimate drama dress wearable from summer soirée to black tie. Find one in a flowy chiffon for an ultra feminine, ethereal party look, or taffeta for a gala gown with structure and volume. Go bold with design details like tiered ruffles, flounce hems, asymmetrical skirts, ruching and peek-a-boo bodices. Always use the sash ties to draw attention to waist with a statement bow, bejeweled belt or cluster of blingy brooches. And evening wrap should always crop at the natural waist — moto jacket, fur shrug — to highlight waistline even more. Champagne anyone?

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