The wrap dress is shaking off its bad rap…
Kelli Conway • 07/12/2017
Photo: Refinery29
Let’s be real—over the past few years, the wrap dress has gotten kind of a bad (w)rap.*
(*Yes, pun very much intended)
Yet, the style has quite the lengthy history. First designed by the visionary Elsa Schiaparelli in the ‘30s, the feminine silhouette hit peak popularity in the late '70s, when Diane von Furstenberg introduced a knee-length, printed jersey version as something flattering for every body type.
But as we entered the 21st century, the wrap dress earned a reputation as un-modern, with its stretchy fabric and dated patterns. That is, until our Google Image Search was recently flooded with ‘it girls’ donning breezy floral wrap dresses while looking utterly chic. And once we realized many of our favorite designers were showing variations of the wrap dress, we figured they had to be on to something. Despite past feelings, we found ourselves gravitating towards these new versions of the iconic style.
So, which styles make the cut this time around? First, find a playful print. Anything from polka dots to simple vintage florals will work. You can’t go wrong by sticking to a neutral color palette (like white or navy), or you can go bold in a must-have shade of red. Bonus points if the neckline is finished with feminine ruffles. As for styling, anything goes—but we love the idea of contradicting the ladylike vibes with something more masculine, like a pair of sneakers or loafers.
And just like that, the wrap dress shook its bad rap...
Monse | $1,490.00Copious RowZimmermann | $351.00HampdenAlexis | $436.0020twelveA.L.C. | $621.00MilkMason By Michelle Mason | $443.10MilkMLM | $46.00MilkDonna Karan | $275.95To Be ContinuedEquipment | $444.00MilkRosie Assoulin $745.00Luxury Garage SaleJenni Kayne | $239.95To Be ContinuedDemestik | $198.00Lussothe lady & the sailor | $278.00the lady & the sailor
Raquel Allegra | $557.00FinefolkProenza Schouler | $1,750.00VermillionJoseph Magnin | $328.00Just Say NativeAmbas | $170.00the lady & the sailorDiane von Furstenberg | $125.00Luxury Garage SaleDerek Lam | $425.00HampdenMarc Jacobs | $695.00Kirna ZabeteTIBI | $35.00Luxury Garage SaleNatalie Martin | $320.00the lady & the sailorCaroline Constas | $695.00HampdenSaloni | $470.00Poole ShopGucci | $275.95To Be Continued