February 20, 2018

The rise of the wrap

That flamenco emoji lady has a lot to answer for. Thanks to her (well probably not just her) the shops are full of flirty, ruffly wrap dresses. Everywhere. But don’t be too hasty to dismiss this most feminine of styles because the wrap dress covers a lot of bases: work wear – yep, casual – definitely, occasions – yes indeed. Here’s what to buy and how to wear them.

I tried on this Bouquet Bird Wrap Midi Dress £55.

And it’s Plain Tie Sleeve Wrap Midi £50 sister at Oasis.

You could definitely wear the printed one now with tights, boots and layer up a roll neck underneath but the bright blue would be lovely for summer and holidays – although they are a long way off. Dressing these styles down with a pair of trainers works well too and you could even pop a sweater over the top to create a skirt. Pop on a leather jacket and you’re sorted.

But there is also this Stripe version also £55.

For another stripe, I like this Stripe Callie Wrap Dress £169 from Whistles.

&Other Stories has a number of styles including this Floral Wrap Dress £69. which comes in two gorgeous colourways.

Somerset by Alice Temperley at John Lewis has this show-stopping Zebra Print Wrap Maxi Dress £139 which I am coveting. It’s already sold out online in 14, 16 and 18 but stores did have stock. This would be amazing on holiday or for an occasion.

A long sleeved style is, let’s face it, more practical and I have this Floral Print Wrap Dress £49 from Topshop.

Currently being layered up with tights and a polo neck but will shed these layers and swap my sock boots for a pair of edge espadrilles. It’s in a nice viscose crepe so feels and looks a lot more expensive than polyester. It’s also already sold out in some sizes.

&Other Stories has this Ruffled Wrap Dress £79.

M&S has another goodie in its Floral Print Long Sleeve Wrap Dress £45. This would be perfect with boots and a biker.

While Miss Selfridge has this stunning Ochre Floral Print Midi Wrap Dress £35. I would hasten to add that this is not a shop I usually frequent but as a cut through to Topshop on Oxford Circus I spied this and loved the print. Just don’t stand too near a naked flame…

I also like this Striped Midi Wrap Dress £35 which would do a good job at work and play. Swap sensible courts for some boots and you’re done.

For all things spotted and wrap, check out last week’s blog here.

With wedding season coming up a printed wrap dress would be a good buy – dressy enough to work at even a traditional ‘do’ but still something you can dress down with a denim/leather jacket and boots and wear at other occasions:

Prunella Floral Ruched Wrap Dress £148.

Aleah Floral Dress £138.

Sonja Printed Wrap Midi Dress £90.

Wrap dresses are also great for work so here are some less frilly, more structured options:

M&S has this Contrast Trim Long Sleeve Wrap Midi Dress £39.50. An extra panel inserted under the wrap solves the problem of exposing rather more flesh than you may want.

Or this Geometrical Print Long Sleeve Wrap Dress £39.50. Already sold out in sizes 6-10 online and getting low in stock on others so this is one to grab.