The Timeless Versatility of the Wrap Dress…
There it is, each and every season – year in, year out.
Sometimes it’s a variation of the classic style – tweaked, but with that one element that makes it one of the most accessible items to buy: the wrap. The wrap dress ticks so many boxes. It’s timelessness makes it a sustainable choice (choose the right one and it will be a wardrobe staple for years). It’s an item you can adapt / layer / restyle as fashions change and your personal style evolves. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I’m sure that it’s just a darn good buy…
For me, the wrap dress has become a bit of a hero item. Simply put, it’s been purposefully designed to be both flattering and user friendly (find me a wrap dress with pockets and I’ll give you ALL of my money!). I have had a few wrap dresses in my time – from wonderfully flared floor length designs to sexier fitted minis. For those who love a sexy silhouette, jersey material will hug and skim like a second skin. Satin – although less forgiving – will also give you the desired effect depending on how tightly you wrap your dress. The truth is, I’ve tried wool, cotton, leather and even rubber- for my size 14, curvier shape they have all been flattering regardless of the material.
Key to a great silhouette in your wrap dress is to wear the right underwear…but that’s a post for another time.
Is it the lack of buttons and zippers, the fact that it is front fastening (and is just one piece) or is it the fact that you can wear it under and over other clothing? In fact, it’s all of those things – it’s a dress for any age, any shape (yes, there is a wrap dress for you apple shape) and any occasion.
Accessibility and the wrap dress – it’s how you wear it...
Look, not all wrap dresses are created equal – getting a wrap dress home only to realise that it doesn’t fit around the bust is annoying to say the least. Wrap dresses that use very little material so you are forced to pull them too tightly, ones that use strings that snap and those with too many extra fastenings also take away from the dresses’ appeal.
However, a real win is that the wrap dress has been said to be more accessible for those with some disabilities. The Adaptive Fashion blog, talks about the enhanced accessibility of the wrap dress and why it could be a staple for those with mobility issues:
‘The humble wrap dress, created by Elsa Schiaparelli in the 1930s and coined the popover by Claire McCardle in 1942, was designed with a front closure and ties to adjust to the wearer. It was originally called the popover dress due to this ease of wear and functionality . The dress was created with simplicity and the wearer in mind. This silhouette spiked in popularity in the 1970s when Diana Von Fürstenberg made her version popular, the one we know today. This is the most iconic design, featuring the classic v-neck, long sleeves, knee length, and elastic, body-hugging fabric. The dress has a history of revolutionising women in a male-dominated work place, but could also be considered as one of the first accessible dresses made. Comfort, front closures and adjustability were prioritised within the dresses design, making it a more accessible option for those with some disabilities or those with the want for easy dressing.’
If you are interested in adaptive clothing, visit fashion brand: www.unhiddenclothing.com
Invest in a dress but make it a wrap?
Not yet ready to join the wrap party, watch this video to see how a wrap dress can be worn by almost anyone. What do you think?
