Draping is one of this season’s most elegant trends – and we’re definitely here for it. We love draping elements in your outfits. Done well, it can flatter the figure, soften sharp tailoring, and add a sense of effortless sophistication. Done badly, however, and it can overwhelm your shape or look fussy. The secret lies in strategic styling: choosing fabrics, cuts, and combinations that skim rather than swamp. Let’s look at outfits with draping.
Some draping tips
We’ve selected some of the most beautiful draped clothes available in stores right now and created a new capsule collection for you. But first, let’s consider your strategy when selecting draping.
1. Start with the fabric
Light, fluid fabrics—such as silk, jersey, viscose, or lightweight wool—create movement without bulk. Avoid heavy or stiff materials that hold their shape too firmly; draping should flow, not fold. However, that’s not to say you can’t go with some drama – particularly if you veer towards an architectural style. Matte textures tend to be more forgiving and subtle than shiny ones.
2. Keep the balance
If you’re wearing a draped blouse, balance it with slimmer pants. Likewise, a draped skirt or wide-leg trousers look best with a neat top. Draping works beautifully when it’s controlled—not everywhere at once.
Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion above wears a top with beautiful draped sleeves and keeps her pants classy but neutral.
Recreate her outfit with this similar top (another option here), pants, flats and necklace.
3. Define your shape
The most flattering draped looks have a clear structure, such as a soft crossover blouse tucked into tailored trousers or a wrap dress that cinches at the waist, for example.
4. Choose placement wisely
Draping draws the eye, so use it to highlight your best features or to disguise those you don’t love so much. Draped necklines flatter the décolletage; gentle ruching across the stomach can disguise a tummy; a side drape at the hip adds shape to straighter figures, such as rectangle shapes or inverted triangles. The art is in using the fabric to create movement where you want it.
Nora @juststylela above opts for a waterfall cardigan with her jeans.
Check out this similar sweater, cardigan, jeans, booties, handbag, scarf, necklace and sunglasses.
5. Layer lightly
Draping is a great way to pair with layering for the cooler months. A softly draped dress under a fitted blazer is timeless and office-appropriate. At the same time, a waterfall cardigan over your jeans and t-shirt gives easy, relaxed polish to your weekends, for example.
Additionally, consider how to layer like a pro for more inspiration.
Brands to look at if you love draping
If you love draped looks as much as we do, here are some of the brands to consider this season.
Draped clothes and capsule
Now that you’re considering how draping could work for you, let’s take a look at some of the most beautiful draped items you could choose and what to pair them with.
tops
Characterized by soft folds and fluid lines, look for tops that feature asymmetrical designs or gathered fabric that creates a flattering, relaxed fit. Draping can enhance movement and add a touch of sophistication, making these tops suitable for both casual and formal occasions. Whether crafted from silk, jersey, or chiffon, draped tops offer a chic way to elevate an outfit with minimal effort. Perfect to elevate your jeans.
MANGO Draped Neck Top – MANGO Drape Asymmetric Top – MANGO Draped Fitted T-shirt – Vince Drape Neck Wool & Cashmere Sweater
Dayle @artfulcitystyle above chooses an asymmetric poncho with her jeans, and adds autumnal flair with her floral boots.
Get her look with this similar set (other option for tunic here), boots and earrings.
Draped outerwear and cardigans
There are so many beautifully draped cardigans and coats to choose from this season. Add an extra layer—and an element of draping—with a waterfall cardigan, poncho, or coat featuring an asymmetric hem. A wrap with draping can be worn over dresses for a night out.
Karen Kane Rib Draped Open Front Cardigan – Lauren Ralph Lauren Jet Setter Reversible Knit Poncho – Nordstrom Doubleface Ruana with Attached Scarf – Dai Moda Cat Wrap Sweater Shawl
Dai Moda Cat Wrap Sweater Shawl – Everlane The Draper Pleated Pant – Naturalizer Deesha Booties – Marc Jacobs The Cristina Tote – Nordstrom Pointed Bar Drop Earrings
pants
When thinking about draping in your pants or jeans, you’re looking for extra material and pleating that adds a relaxed, elegant feel like the jeans below. Tuck in your tops and let your pants be the star of your outfit or add a flowy top too like the sweater shawl from above.
Everlane The High Rise Pleated Jean – FRAME The Drape Jeans – Everlane The Draper Pleated Pant – Aritzia Parker Palazzo Studio Drape Pant
MANGO Drape Asymmetric Top – FRAME The Drape Jeans – Tory Burch Reva Travel Ballet Flats – Marc Jacobs The Cristina Tote – Nordstrom Pointed Bar Drop Earrings
Dresses and skirts
Draping and rushing can work wonderfully well on skirts and dresses, helping to disguise a little bit of a tummy or adding drama to your outfit. Pair with anything from sneakers to flat boots for a more casual look, or with heels or knee-high boots for a dressier feel.
Theory Drape Boatneck Midi Dress – MANGO Ruched Draped Neckline Dress – Nordstrom Draped Matte Jersey Dress – COS Asymmetric Draped Midi Skirt
Cathy @themiddlepageblog above opts for a dress with flattering draping at the neckline and tummy.
Steal her look with this similar dress, sandals, handbag and sunglasses.
Shoes to go with your draping
Of course, you can wear whatever footwear you love with your draped outfits. A pair of flats, sneakers, ankle booties and knee booties should see you through the season with all of your looks.
Tory Burch Reva Travel Ballet Flats – New Balance Classics 327 Sneakers – Naturalizer Deesha Booties – Cole Haan Willa Boots
Vince Drape Neck Wool & Cashmere Sweater – COS Asymmetric Draped Midi Skirt – Cole Haan Willa Boots – Marc Jacobs The Cristina Tote – Nordstrom Pointed Bar Drop Earrings
Accessories to go with your outfits with draping
Below, we’ve chosen bags and accessories with a lovely autumnal feel. We love the burgundy, tan, and orange shades currently featured in stores for the fall and winter seasons.
Marc Jacobs The Cristina Tote – Rebecca Minkoff Mini Darren Leather Crossbody Bag – SOKO Umbo Square Charm – Nordstrom Pointed Bar Drop Earrings – Monica Vinader Nura Reef Large Hoop Earrings
MANGO Draped Fitted T-shirt – Everlane The High Rise Pleated Jean – New Balance Classics 327 Sneakers – Rebecca Minkoff Mini Darren Leather Crossbody Bag – SOKO Umbo Square Charm – Monica Vinader Nura Reef Large Hoop Earrings
Your capsule featuring draped outfits
Below, you can see the draped clothing we featured above together in one capsule, so you can visualize the numerous outfits you could create by mixing and matching all the various tops, bottoms, dresses, coats, and footwear.
Continue reading:
- The power of texture: wearing leather & suede with confidence
- The skirt hem-length of the season, and how to wear it
- How to wear plaid to perfection this season
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Feature image by Dayle @artfulcitystyle
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