In Praise of the Wrap Dress
Why we love this flattering and versatile style
While Hope & Ivy is known for its beautiful hand-painted prints and intricate embroideries, there’s one silhouette that we keep returning to… the wrap dress!
Loved by our loyal customers season after season, our effortlessly elegant wrap dresses are now one of our style signatures and a must-have in every well-furnished wardrobe. But to understand what makes fashion's hardest-working dress so adored, we first need to delve into its history.
The History of the Wrap Dress
Did you know that 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the wrap dress? The flattering style we know and love was originally created by iconic New York designer Diane Von Furstenberg in 1974. Inspired by ballerinas’ warm-up gear, DVF (as she is often known) took the shape of the crossover ballet cardigan and elongated it into an easy dress. Ever the businesswoman, Furstenberg modelled the style in the marketing campaign alongside the slogan “Feel like a woman, wear a dress.”
Flattering and Empowering
The wrap dress was initially designed to give women confidence in their femininity, framing curves in a way no other shape can. Alluring without being revealing, they hug in all the right places while skimming over any areas you’re not too fond of, then cinch at the waist to create an hourglass silhouette. This proportion-balancing dress is magic for every body type and, best of all, they’re bra-friendly too!
At Hope & Ivy, we believe that the wrap dress is a fashion-savvy investment that never goes out of style. Effortlessly combining comfort and elegance, it’s no wonder we revisit them season after season. Take a look at our latest wrap styles here.
We’re certain that once you find the style and length that suits you, you’ll keep coming back to wear yours on rotation, too!