Diane von Furstenberg’s famous wrap dress was first invented in 1974. And, given that the wrap dress is supremely flattering for all women, it’s little wonder it has enjoyed such longevity. Below, you will find the best wrap dresses for women of all shapes and sizes, along with different wrap dress styles to choose from.

While Diane herself isn’t always happy that her name is synonymous with the wrap dress, her designs have inspired thousands of other designers to create beautiful dresses which create balance for all body types.

What Diane von Furstenberg had to say about her famous creation

Diane von Furstenberg’s name is always associated with the dress, something the designer has not always liked: “The wrap dress is the one thing that I owe everything to,” the fashion designer said at a press preview for an exhibit which celebrated 40 years of her iconic creation.

“She paid for all my bills and as a matter of fact, in French, we call the wrap dress ‘portefeuille,’ which means wallet … but sometimes I resented the wrap dress because whenever my name is there, it’s always ‘Diane von Furstenberg, the wrap dress’ and I always say ‘but I do other things too.'”

That has not kept her from celebrating the iconic dress though and she still creates many new versions every season.

If you have always wanted a DVF wrap dress, you will find that many are now in the DVF sale. Given that the DVF wrap dress has been around since 1974, I think it’s safe to say it will still be on trend for many years go come, so it should be a safe investment!

DVF faux printed midi | 40plusstyle.com

DVF faux wrap dress

Celebrities who love the wrap dress

Kate Middleton, The Duchess of Cambridge, is also often seen in (variations of) a wrap dress.

Kate Middleton, The Duchess of Cambridge in wrap dresses | 40plusstyle.com

Source: Getty Images

Similar wrap dresses: Outfit 1: Amazon, Outfit 2: DVF, Outfit 3: Amazon

Why is the wrap dress such a flattering dress to wear?

Let’s break down the elements of the wrap dress that make it such a flattering option for women of all shapes and sizes:

It accents your waist

a tie waist metallic dress | 40plusstyle.com

As the wrap dress hugs around the body and accents your waist, it works for all body types.

Melinda (above) cinches her waist with a beautiful bronze colored wrap dress and teams with neutral sandals.

Check out this collared wrap dress from Anne Klein and wear it with this similar pair of sandals, earrings and sunglasses.

It hides a belly

floral dress | 40plusstyle.com

The layers of the wraps camouflage the tummy, even more so when you choose a printed version of the dress.

Suzie (above) opts for a pretty floral wrap dress which drapes across her tummy, and wears with on-trend shoe boots.

You can get her printed wrap dress from Banana Republic and wear it with this similar pair of booties.

The v-neck creates long lines

wearing a mini wrap dress with sneakers | 40plusstyle.com

The V-cut neck adds to a flattering and womanly silhouette and is especially great for women with a larger bust. Plus the v shape can help to elongate the figure.

Kylie (above) chooses a short wrap dress. If you prefer to cover your legs, you could always wear a similar style with leggings.

Check out this similar mini wrap dress, sneakers and sunglasses.

It’s easy to get the right fit

a white wrap dress for a night out | 40plusstyle.com

A wrap dress is always a great fit. This kind of dress does not mind a few extra inches on the waist line. Plus you can alter the fit with the way you tie the belt until you get the most flattering effect.

Sandra wears a beautiful all-white outfit.

Steal her look with this similar wrap dress, sandals and earrings.

A wrap dress works for formal and casual days

Celebrating decades of the iconic wrap dress | 40plusstyle.com

A wrap dress is both great for the office and for the evening. Just add some fancier shoes and a clutch!

Lizzi (above) dresses up her animal print wrap dress to create the perfect look for a dinner date.

Recreate her outfit with this similar printed maxi dress, booties and bag.

You can wear with any shoes

floral wrap dress with boots | 40plusstyle.com

A wrap dress looks great with both flats and heels.

Shelley (above) adds a pair of booties to her wrap dress.

Check out this similar wrap dress and boots.

You can find a wrap dress with sleeves

animal print wrap dress with espadrilles | 40plusstyle.com

It’s easy to find and wear this dress with long sleeves, which help keep you warm and gives coverage for the arms.

Abi (above) opts for a green wrap dress and gives it some summer flair with her espadrilles.

Check out this similar wrap dressankle strap shoes and handbag.

Take a look at the best dresses with sleeves for more ideas to hide your supper arms.

The best wrap dress styles in stores now

Now that you’ve considered all of the virtues of the wrap dress, below you will find the best wrap dresses and different wrap dress styles to choose this summer:

Striped wrap dress

You might not be able to travel at the moment, but this striped dress (below) from Rails definitely evokes the south of France.

It’s a good choice if you prefer to cover your arms a little during the summer, rather than having a sleeveless style, as the capped sleeves provide a little coverage.

Rails stripe ruffle detail dress | 40plusstyle.com

Rails stripe ruffle detail wrap dress

There are more dresses with sleeves options in this article.

Faux wrap dress

You don’t necessarily have to tie your own wrap dress to get the same effect. You could look at wrap dress styles which already have the “wrap” built in.

This Karen Kane faux wrap dress is incredibly flattering, and is a great style if you are looking at ways to hide a belly.

Karen Kane faux wrap dress | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Kane faux wrap dress

Printed wrap dress

How about adding a print to your closet with this blue and black wrap dress (below) from Lark & Ro?

Lark & Ro v-neck dress | 40plusstyle.com

Lark & Ro v-neck wrap dress

Floral wrap dress

This Madewell wrap dress (below) could be styled in many different ways. The large daisies and russet shade may particularly appeal to you and fit in with the rest of your closet if you have a bohemian style.

Madewell daisy ruffle edge wrap dress | 40plusstyle.com

Madewell daisy ruffle edge wrap dress

Two-tone dress

There were plenty of two-tone dresses on the designer catwalks for summer 2020, including on the runways of Roland Mouret and Ports 1961, and this style has now filtered onto the high street.

VERO MODA long sleeve shirtdress | 40plusstyle.com

VERO MODA long sleeve shirtdress

Beach dress

You can also use a wrap dress to cover up on the beach. Pop this Elan wrap dress over your swimsuit if you are heading for lunch.

Elan wrap maxi cover-up dress | 40plusstyle.com

Elan wrap maxi cover-up dress

Polka dot wrap dress

Polka dots have been another big summer 2020 trend, particularly if you choose larger dots.

VERO MODA midi wrap dress | 40plusstyle.com

VERO MODA midi wrap dress

You can also take a look at how to wear polka dots this summer for more inspiration.

Colorblock dress

Another color block option for you, but this time also with a touch of white. If you like to emphasize your waist, this would be a great option as it features a white tie-waist belt.

Judith & Charles colorblock midi dress | 40plusstyle.com

Judith & Charles colorblock midi dress

Also take a look at my secrets on color blocking.

Boden wrap dress

Boden is a good go-to brand if you are looking for a wrap dress or a midi dress, particularly if you would like a dress in an unusual color.

This button detail dress is in classic navy, but the red edging adds an unexpected element.

Boden button detail dress | 40plusstyle.com

Boden button detail dress

Maxi wrap dress

If you love the casual elegance that a maxi dress can bring, then there are plenty of color and pattern options to choose from with this Zattcas dress style.

Zattcas faux wrap maxi dress | 40plusstyle.com

Zattcas faux wrap maxi dress

Silk wrap dress

For an extra touch of glamour, you really can’t beat adding a touch of silk to your outfit. This relaxed fit wrap dress (below) from COS comes in a beautiful shade of turquoise for summer, or you could opt for classic black.

COS silk dress | 40plusstyle.com

COS silk wrap dress

Sleeveless wrap dress

There is one school of thought – not one that I agree with – that you shouldn’t combine navy with black. This dress from Club Monaco (below) is proof that navy and black work beautifully together. It also has a beautiful asymmetrical, handkerchief hem.

Club Monaco colorblock silk wrap dress | 40plusstyle.com

Club Monaco colorblock silk wrap dress

Pink wrap dress

Pink can be one of those colors that you either love or hate to wear. But it can be very flattering for many skintones.

If pink isn’t your color, the this classic Lyrur wrap dress (below) comes in a choice of 11 different shades.

Lyrur faux dress | 40plusstyle.com

Lyrur faux wrap dress

Green wrap dress

An asymmetrical or high-low hem can add a stylish, unexpected, element to your style. There are more ideas in this article on the best asymmetric tops and dresses to wear.

Eliza J floral high/low wrap midi dress | 40plusstyle.com

Eliza J floral high/low wrap midi dress

How to wear a wrap dress

Now that we’ve taken a look at some of the most stylish wrap dresses in stores, you will find plenty of ideas below on how to wear them, and what to wear your wrap dress with.

gingham dress with sneakers | 40plusstyle.com

Laura (above) opts for a combination of red and pink, and adds a casual element to her outfit by teaming her dress with low-top sneakers.

Check out this similar dress, sneakers, blazer, scarf and sunglasses.

fruit print faux wrap dress | 40plusstyle.com

Kim (above) wears a faux wrap style with a fun fruit print.

Steal her look with this similar printed wrap dress, flats and sunglasses.

polka dot wrap dress | 40plusstyle.com

Georgette (above) looks beautiful in her on-trend polka dot wrap dress.

Recreate her outfit with this similar dress, sandals and earrings.

green wrap dress with white accessories | 40plusstyle.com

Tanasha (above) opts for a very stylish combination of green and white.

Check out this similar wrap dress, pumps, bag, earrings and sunglasses to complete her look.

wrap dress with a denim jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Nic (above) opts a casual element to her wrap dress with a denim jacket.

Get her look with this similar wrap dress, denim jacket, booties and sunglasses.

wearing a red print midi dress with pink shoes | 40plusstyle.com

Karen (above) shows how you can put unexpected colors together to very stylish effect.

Check out this beige dress from H&M and wear it with this similar pair of pumps and earrings.

Do you like to wear a wrap dress? Why do you like it so much?

Continue reading:

  1. The Best Dresses To Hide Your Tummy
  2. The Best Dress Styles For Your Body Shape
  3. The Midi Dress Is Back And We Show You The Best Midi Dresses For Women Over 40

Like this post on how to wear a wrap dress? Share it on Pinterest!

The best wrap dress styles for women over 40 | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Lizzi

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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