Say hello to the ‘wrap dress’ ladies, a versatile hardworking dress that suits most body shapes and will see you through most occasions. The fabulous style of dress has got you covered, literally. A wrap dress is a timeless, classic piece of clothing that you absolutely do want in your wardrobe, buy the right one and you’ll have it for years. You’ll also be able to trot it again and again to all kinds of events.
I am crushing on the Lani Wrap Dress from By Samantha Melbourne (link to dress below), Sam specialises in wrap dresses and they feel as good as they look. In this blog post I have worn the Lani in the long and short length to show you how fab both lengths can look! Oh, another a reason why I love a wrap dress is for the swish factor.
Lani Dress in full length teamed with Eddie heels
WHY I LOVE A WRAP DRESS
Why? Well, the wrap dress gives you a waist. That’s right, it crosses under the bustline (the smallest part of your trunk) instantly giving you a waist AND it can make a gal look 5 pounds lighter.
Depending on how you tie your dress you can show as little or as much cleavage as you like. Keep it a little more conservative for the office or add some racey lingerie and show a little peek. Phooaar!
A wrap dress also has you covered throughout pregnancy, weight loss or even if like me you have been in a good paddock…or like burgers!
This spring you will see them with an added a ruffle for a feminine touch, yup I am crushing on that look.
HOW TO WEAR A WRAP DRESS
Wear your dress in a block colour and add personality with a blazer or print scarf. I love a print dress because well, it just does all the hard work and camouflages all my bumps nicely.
Team your dress with sneakers for a chic weekend vibe or heels for a long lunch.
When tying your dress tie the bow in the rear or front, but if tying in the front tie it to one side, not in the centre.
If the V neck sits a little too low for your liking then pop your hand inside and pull up the underneath layer of your dress to sit a little higher over your bust, yes you can customise this. You could also add a necklace that sits higher across your chest and this will draw the eye ‘up’ a little.
Don’t forget you can layer a jacket with a dress, a denim jacket for street casual or add a leather jacket and heels to toughen her up.
Bohemian Traders Dolce Dress in Limoncello (XXS-4XL), Ally Fashion Aaliyah Frill Wrap Dress (16-22), Bohemian Traders Dolce Dress in Paradiso (XXS-4XL)
A FAUX WRAP DRESS
Traditionally a wrap dress has a tie that threads through the side of the skirt and then wraps around the waist, you can tie it at the rear or the side. Some wrap dresses now come with the look of a wrap, but no wrapping required! Easy peasy dressing.
Sacha Drake Baroness Bishop Wrap Dress (8-18), Missguided Strappy Floral Wrap Dress (16-24), ASOS Curve Kimono Sequin Wrap Dress (16-30),
SAY HELLO TO A WRAP SKIRT
Not to be outdone is the little sister of the wrap dress…the wrap skirt. A wrap skirt is perfect if you are tall or perhaps have a shorter torso that can be amplified in a dress. Because a wrap skirt has some volume team with a shorter length top, try a half tuck even.
City Chic Sweet Wrap Skirt (14-24), Zarc Gypsy Skirt (XXS-L), Ally Fashion Electra Wrap Frill Skirt (16-22)
City Chic Lafayette Dress (14-22), Sacha Drake Harlem Meer Faux Wrap Dress (10-18), Harlow Siren Wrap Dress (12-26)
City Chic Florence Wrap Dress (14-24), By Samantha Lani Wrap Dress (6-22), ASOS Curve Midi Tea Dress (8-30)
17 Sundays Wrap Shirt Dress (12-26), By Samantha Karina Wrap Dress (6-22), Estelle Clothing Dover Heights Dress (14-22)
A LITTLE BLACK WRAP DRESS
A little black dress in your wardrobe will be a workhorse piece, make it a wrap style and it will take you from boardroom to bar, weddings, funerals., date night…anything really. The ones featured below will be perfect for travel too.
Taking Shape Ava Dress (12-24), ASOS Curve Outrageous Fortune Dress (18-28), Harlow Affairs of the Heart Wrap Dress (12-26)
And that right there…is a wrap! Tell me, are you a fan of a wrap dress? Got a fave from the pics I have featured?
Would you wear your dress with sneakers?
Til next time,
Jen x
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Love a wrap dress. It’s my staple for work and in winter I team with leggings.
That sure makes getting dressed for work easy, and a wrap dress is always stylish.
Thanks Jen. I’ve been looking at wrap dresses and haven’t made a decision about them. Your advice has convinced me to give them a go. You look smashing in them as always.
Thanks Di, I’m pleased the post waa helpful x
I love the look of a wrap dress but haven’t taken the plunge…..yet. Loving the Lani print though, especially toughened up with the leather jacket & heels. Question for you, have you tried the Bohemian Traders wrap dress? From the measurements on their website, I’m not sure it would fit around my bust and I’m not a fan of their returns policy. I have a couple of their pieces and love them but am hesitant to purchase the wrap dress in case it doesn’t fit and I’m stuck with a store credit.
I haven’t had luck with them because of the size of my uppee arms. It’s a frustrating returns policy.
Hi Jen
Really love the outfit but just wondering where the sneakers is the last pic are from please?? Just checking out that amazing dress now 😀
They are Puma, a platform style.
Ok you’ve convinced me now, getting that one I tried on with you on Friday. Xx
I enjoyed this blog very much as I love wrap dresses they are my definite ‘go to’ as I’m very short wasted and find by tying them under the bust line, it elongates me. I have at least 6 and even had a lovely one made last summer in a gorgeous red floral print very much like the Lani that you are wearing. I find LPD (Little Party Dress) great for wrap dresses.
Oh Jenny, I love the By Samantha Wrap dresses. I have recently purchased 2 of them in the knee length, great for a 5 foot 4 me. Lol. And to top it off Samantha is such a vibrant beautiful person.