I'd Recommend These 5 Cool Ways to Restyle Your Old Wrap Dress

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

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(Image credit: @monikh)

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.

Related: Shop 21 of the Best Wrap Dresses, AKA the Most Flattering Things Ever

Try Wearing Your Dress Over Jeans

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(Image credit: @styleidealist)

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.

Related: The Flattering Dress Style We're Buying on Repeat

Employ Off-Duty Accessories

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(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

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.

Related: These Basic Trainers Are Having a Moment—Here's How to Wear Them

Commit to a Print

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

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.

Related: We've Just Discovered the Perfect Leopard-Print Dress for Under £40

Layer Them With a Tee

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

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.

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

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content 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, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV 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, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.