Two Ways: Styling a Wrap Dress

Aug 12, 2014

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Dress: DvF Julian Dress ($285)

From Left, Earrings: Kenneth Cole Hoops ($24) Ring: KJL Sunburst Ring ($75) Bag: Badgley Mischka Tote ($146) Shoes: Liz Claiborne Joelle Pumps ($28)

From Right, Jacket: J.Crew Thompson Blazer ($178) Bracelet: Vince Camuto Basic Pump ($48) Belt: Oriciani Belt ($51) Bag: Ralph Lauren Newbury Tote ($298) Shoe: Michael Kors Flex Pump ($110)

A DvF wrap dress is a classic, but it’s a pricier item that most women won’t be able to afford until the middle part of their careers.  But there are plenty of wonderful wrap dress options on the market for less.

This morning, I posted the Banana Republic Gemma dress in solid colors.  I also love it in prints.  For an under-$50 option, Victoria’s Secret has a faux-wrap that one of my former co-workers wears in every color.  Size up for best fit, length can be tricky for long-legged ladies.

For Casual Monday.  One of my favorite things about a wrap is that you don’t have to do much to it to make it look amazing.  If you find one that fits you properly, all you need are simple accessories to take it to the next level.

This outfit takes a simple navy wrap and incorporates color to liven it up for business casual offices or more relaxed work days.  I chose these coral pumps from Liz Claiborne, but I also like the idea of a red pump or a green one.  If you don’t want to add color, I prefer grey with navy over brown or black.

I chose this tall tote because it has more structure than a slouchy shopper (even though this $25 H&M one is awesome).  If you want a more structured satchel, this Aldo bag is one of my favorites.

The jewelry pulls the coral from the shoes into the ring.  I love just a pop of color on the hand.  I also like a long chain necklace with a wrap dress.  And small hoops are a great option, but you could also choose a delicate drop earring (under-$10!).

For the makeup, if you choose coral accents, why not bring it home with a pop of sheer coral lip color.  For the hair, I would wear it down, and as bouncy as you can get it.  Use hot rollers for the easiest hairdo ever.

For the Office.  I receive a lot of e-mail about styling a wrap.  The concept is a bit foreign to me because I like my wrap dress in its natural state.  But you can style it with more layers, and the trick is to treat it like any other v-neck dress.

The first thing you need to do is cover the wrap belt.  How do you do that?  You need two safety pins.  Pull the under-tie through and  pin it flat to the waistband.  Then, take the outer-tie and lay it flat over the under-tie and pin it.  It usually works best if you pin on the sides or in the back.

Now, how do we hide the pins?  With a wide belt.  I like this grey one.  But you could also choose cognac or tan.  Just make sure it’s wide enough to cover the pins, and if you can find a stretchy one, even better.

Adding a jacket is the perfect complement to a v-neck wrap.  I like this white one, but a white and navy blazer is also a cool option.  Or choose a neutral like this affordable pale grey blazer to pair with the darker grey belt.  If you’re a cardigans person, this inexpensive Land’s End card (also in plus and petite) is a great option, as is this slouchier LOFT cardigan.

If I were styling this, I would roll the sleeve a bit and add a cool cuff like this Vince Camuto bracelet.  I also really like this Tahari cuff with a circle design.

I added a red satchel for color.  Need a less expensive option?  Have a look at this stunning Fiorelli cross body or this inexpensive satchel from Yoox.  And I pulled in an affordable snakeskin pump to complement the grey belt.

For the hair, I would wear it half-up/half-down with a simple barrette.  For the makeup, I would wear a neutral makeup with a sheer red lip and lots of mascara.

Style

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  1. Kat says:

    I like wrap dresses because they’re comfy, easy,a nd can be styled for the office or a wedding. I’m lazy, so I usually just wear the wrap on its own without additional layers, but to each their own.

    For plus size girls, a true-wrap dress can be tricky to find. I’ve had great luck with Kiyonna’s Essential Wrap Dress. They are a great fabric, in classic colors, and are really beautiful. They fall just to below the knee on me (I’m 5’5). And they come up to size 5X. Check out 6pm, they often have them for a third of the price of Kiyonna’s site.

    http://www.yousaucyminx.com

  2. SLG says:

    Thanks for the styling options! I like wrap dresses on their own, but my office is usually either very warm or very cold. So I always need layers, and I prefer my layers to look intentional. This is super.

  3. thb says:

    love all the options…great transitional stuff into fall.

  4. I love this dress, and the other options you’ve provided. But what I really love? That simple hair clip. Ugh, perfect.

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