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!
Celebrities who love the wrap dress
Kate Middleton, The Duchess of Cambridge, is also often seen in (variations of) a wrap dress.
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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 dress, ankle 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 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.
Printed wrap dress
How about adding a print to your closet with this blue and black wrap dress (below) from Lark & Ro?
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
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
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.
Polka dot wrap dress
Polka dots have been another big summer 2020 trend, particularly if you choose larger dots.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Kim (above) wears a faux wrap style with a fun fruit print.
Steal her look with this similar printed wrap dress, flats and sunglasses.
Georgette (above) looks beautiful in her on-trend polka dot wrap dress.
Recreate her outfit with this similar dress, sandals and earrings.
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.
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.
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:
- The Best Dresses To Hide Your Tummy
- The Best Dress Styles For Your Body Shape
- The Midi Dress Is Back And We Show You The Best Midi Dresses For Women Over 40
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Feature image by Lizzi
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I love a good wrap dress. I have a couple of wrap dresses. I got purple one from miss tina collection. Beyonce mom she had line clothing line at walmart this was in 2011. It was in beautiful purple color . i wore monday to work i got compliments how beautiful i look. Iam tall slim with tiny waist and big hips and butt.long legs. I love this wrsp dress its perfect work church date night. I just recenly got new navy blue floral wrap dress from walmart from time and true collection for five dollars and eighty-one cents ($5.81) with taxes. I orded one off long in beautiful sapphire blue color. From walmart online. I love that almost ten years later this style wrap dress is still in style. It is classy elegant and timeless. Ladies it made take while find one when you do get it.
The Wrap Dress brings an immediate elegance. Almost like magic. Awesome.
It is NOT easy to get the right fit, especially if you are curvy. The wrap above the waist is either too low, exposing too much cleavage or too high, cutting across one boob and looking asymmetrical.
I love a nice high quality wrap dress but unfortunately DF does not make a dress for us curvy girls. I am just one size too large for her dresses and find it difficult to find a wrap for me. Any suggestions?
What I like the most about the wrap dress is that the most I’ve seen generally have sleeves. What I don’t like is that most of the wrap dresses have a low v-neck. Also, not an easy dress to drive in and not very good in the wind.
I know wrap dresses should be good on me but I have yet to find one I love. I have a couple but they are not perfect.
It’s been a long time since I’ve worn a wrap dress (or wrap top) but being bigger in the bust, I have always needed to put a little pin, or even a few stitches at the lower part of the V to keep the front together 🙂 It’s great that it’s back in fashion or perhaps it never really went “out” of fashion!
Yes, I think it’s a classic dress.
Love my wrap dresses as they are perfect for pulling out of the wardrobe on those days you are not too inspired and still want to look good for work. But I agree with the previous posters but them not sitting right around the bust and am always struggling with safety pins. Also as a new member, thank you for the great blog and interesting content.
That is why some women prefer the faux wrap dress as they stay put! Lovely to have you here Mel and thanks for your kind words and feedback.
I like that kind of dress but only own one. And that one needs a lot of adjusting before it sits right. I was not very lucky so far but I do like them. I think I am going to buy a DvF for winter as indeed it is a flattering silhouette.
Not every wrap dress is created equally. You still have to look for a good cut and especially good fabric. Good luck on finding a great one Greetje!
“* The V-cut neck adds to a flattering and womanly silhouette and is especially great for women with a larger bust.”
I have found this to be untrue in actual practice. Wrap v-necklines tend to be very high when wrapped over the bust (emphasizing the volume of the chest in a frumpy way) or very low when wrapped under the bust (showing the center gore of one’s bra, often even if one is wearing a plunge bra).
Thanks for the feedback. There is still a lot of difference in cuts so that may make all the difference. For some women the faux wrap dress works better.
I do agree. A wrap dress is problematic if you have a large bust. Any attempts to close the cleavage (safety pin, fabric tape, a snap, camisole – I’ve tried it all) result in a frumpy look. I’ve given up on wrap dresses.
Everyone looks good in a wrap dress. It’s so comfortable and hides many flaws!
Love The Wrap Dress But So Over The Use Of The Word Iconic.
oops, sorry I used it…