How to Wear a Wrap Dress: The Expert Guide

last updated 2 September 2020

Ah, the wrap dress. It’s hard to remember a time when the iconic piece didn’t take up an important place in our wardrobes. Of course, Diane von Furstenberg can stake her claim to it; it was she who made it the height of sophistication back in the ’70s. However, its recent resurgence can be attributed to the likes of Reformation, Ganni and Réalisation.

Clearly a host of contemporary brands have cemented the wrap dress as a modern staple, but the big question is how to wear it. When the piece first went boom, it was introduced as a throw-on style that required almost no styling. Which is still true, but we’ve started to notice people reconfiguring them into countless other outfits as well.

The elegant wrap dress is easy to wear and looks flattering on absolutely everyone, making it one of the most inclusive buys out there. And though we’re transitioning into autumn, your faithful garment doesn’t have to be pushed to the back of the closet till spring. Whatever the season, you can style them in so many ways; all you need is a bit of 2018 know-how.

Which is where we come in. We’ve tracked down some wrap-dress inspiration from fashion’s coolest corners. Scroll down to unlock exactly how to wear yours; then shop the vital pieces to re-create these great looks.

Play With Textures

You needn’t stop wearing lightweight dresses just because it’s autumn. Instead, try pairing them with heavy-duty textures like velvet or leather to give them a new-season spin.

Réalisation

Teal Purple Haze Dress

This cult-status dress also comes in a cute cherry print.

& Other Stories

Velvet Platform Boots

These boots are just like Monikh Dale’s Miu Miu pair.

Monki

Cat-Eye Sunglasses

No one will believe these cat eyes aren’t designer.

Try Wearing Your Dress Over Jeans

If you haven’t already succumbed to the dress-over-jeans look, it’s time you gave it a go. Pop on your favourite skinny or straight-leg jeans; then tie your wrap dress tightly around your waist. Pull the underside as far over as you can to create a wider split.

Hope & Ivy

Oriental Wrap Front Dress

The mustard hue on this gorgeous dress will look beautiful on all skin tones.

Jaeger

Straight Leg Frayed Hem Jeans

Call off the search—we’ve just found the perfect pair of straight-leg jeans.

Gucci

Marmont 105 Leather Sandals

Invest in these now and you’ll wear (and love) them for years to come.

Employ Off-Duty Accessories

Give even the most glamorous dresses a downtime spin by wearing them with trainers. Kudos to Pernille Teisbaek for sticking to the same colour palette; it makes her outfit look seamless.

Ganni

Silvery Crepe Wrap Dress

Just add your trusty leather biker jacket.

Charles & Keith

Classic Push-Lock Handbag

This push-lock bag is as chic as they come.

Veja

V-12 Low-Top Trainers

The trainers those in the know are wearing on repeat.

Commit to a Print

We all know that leopard print is big news for autumn, but Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert has taken the trend to the next level with her head-to-toe styling. Follow her lead by wearing pieces in the same print. Just make sure the prints vary in size or colour to keep it from becoming too matchy-matchy.

Alice + Olivia

Rosette Fil Coupé Chiffon Wrap Dress

This is probably the best leopard print we’ve seen.

Zara

Leopard-Print Crossbody Bag

Forgo the crossbody strap and use the top handle for a glossy approach.

J.Crew

Block-Heel Pumps in Leopard

These best-selling shoes have been reissued more times than we can count.

Layer Them With a Tee

Dress down a slinky style by layering one over a plain tee. Not only will you get more wear out of your wrap dress, but it’ll also keep you toasty. Win-win, if you ask us. Oh, and we love the addition of Western boots—very A/W 18.

Kitri

Odile Green Wrap Dress

For nights out, weddings and more. You’ll find tons of excuses to wear this beautiful dress.

New Look

White Rolled Sleeved Oversized T-Shirt

A fitted white tee is a must-have in any wardrobe.

Topshop

Western Boots

Like we said, Western boots are all the rage this season, so invest in some ASAP.

Yes, it’s official—the best autumn dress outfits involve a chic wrap style.

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Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.