The Wrap Dress

The Fashion Folks 80 Comments

So Thursdays are for throwbacks as you may know, and today we’re digging deep in the story of the wrap dress. Never have a single piece been so beloved and worn across the globe by so many different people, body types and fashion styles.

Origin of the wrap dress

Contrary to popular beliefs, the creator behind is not Diane Von Furstenberg. The style of the modern wrap dress goes back to the 1930’s and british fashion designer Charles James (aka America’s first couturier). In the early 1930’s he designed a well-fitted dress, with a wrap feature (see below). The dress got the nickname Taxi as it would be easy to get in and out of. A few years later Elsa Schiaparelli designed several wrap dresses in true 1930’s style. However, Diane Von Furstenberg was the first designer that launched a modern, comfy and

everyday wrap dress that worked for everyone. Her combination of a functional garment, liberal style and chic pattern created the buzz. A fashion buzz that turned the clothing piece into a fashion staple.

Statement of the wrap dress

So DvF is the lady of the center nevertheless. She took an old fashion piece and improved its style to fit the liberal mind of the 1970’s. Little did she know that her dress would become one of the most iconic ones of all time. The wrap dress remains today a clothing piece of function and fashion, a combination that’s rare. And unless you look at the pattern of a wrap dress or minor details, the dress is hard to date as it has remained unchanged in its main design for over 40 years.

How to work the wrap dress

Perhaps the best part of the dress is its flattering quality. It’s keen on almost any body shape and works perfect for work as well as home, or a night out. You can play it down by ballerinas or sneakers and you can easily play it up with a pair of heels and accessories. The wrap dress is (sorry for the cliché) kind of like a canvas and you’re the artist.

And the wrap dress is a wrap folks!

The Fashion Folks

More Posts

80 Comments

  3. DvF has certainly played a huge part in bringing wrap dresses into every wardrobe - I think they can look so chic and elegant. Not to mention, a lot of thought often goes into their colours and patterns 🙂

    aglassofice.com
    x

  9. I love the look of wrap dresses, but I can’t believe I don’t have one! That is a wardrobe staple I need to add to my wardrobe ASAP!

    • They’ve been around for awhile, at least in the East (think kimono), so no she’s not the creator of the knot in the front. However, she managed to succesfully turn the piece into a chic contemporary and liberating piece for women. Something they could move freely in but also something that was flattering and chic (all the lovely patterns). She also combined functional garments with the style, so she’s the one that turned the piece into a staple for everyday life! Xx

      http://www.thefashionfolks.com

  12. Wrap dresses are a solid piece in my work closet. Love them. They just suit everyone right!

    Love LC

    luckypretty.blogspot.co.uk

  23. I adore wrap dresses and have been on the hunt for a new perfect one. Isn’t it amazing how DvF just OWNS them at this point? Talk about iconic.

  31. Such a great lesson on the origins of the wrap dress! I’ve always acquainted it with DVF, which I absolutely love her designs, they really are practical, with a hint of playfulness! Thanks so much for sharing and I hope you’re having the most amazing week so far!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

    • Thank you love! They are practical indeed and such a lovely piece of contemporary and classic fashion all at once! And there is definitely some playfulness in the clothing piece, the wrap part brings both life and style! Xx

      http://www.thefashionfolks.com

  38. Wrap dresses are super flattering! DVF taking something old and making it new again is pretty much the personification of modern style. It’s all mismatched and recycled looks with a contemporary and updated spin.

    -M

    Violet Roots || Instagram || Twitter

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *