Do not buy into the myth that wrap dresses are flattering

[moondog]

They aren't. They pull unattractively across the rump, highlighting knicker elastic and bring out ones lumps and bumps a treat.

Depends on the fabric. I've tried some hideous ones on that do all of that and more, and then have had some that just drape beautifully. I think they work best with a fuller skirt, sort of 40s style I suppose.

if they are showing VPL and lumps and bumps, surely too small and need next size up - I personally love them as they skim over everything bad and nip me in at waist - the only relatively good thing!

As everton said, shop around.

I think the problem is that in theory they suit an hourglass/cello - but in practice are made by shops who cut for the modern 35-40-40 vital statistics!

Which means, if it fits anywhere around your bust/waist then it will be skin tight across your arse.

Why oh why are so many modern clothes made with a waist the same width as the hips?

DVF and LK Bennet do fab wrap dresses!

UM, it depends on your body shape and the cut / fabric of the dress!

Heavier fabric that draps well and a good cut on a hour glass look fab.

I don´t think they work well on a pear shape or apple to be honest. But the things that good on them wouldn´t look so good on me.

If the fabric is remotely stretchy try this trick. Stuff a pillow up the front and stretch fabric round. Then a pillow up the back and stretch fabric round. Hey presto more room for the rump!

I'm top heavy so they are fab for me. I avoid looking like a 2 seater sofa up top, and they skim my arse. Perfect!

Then you can be happy having made more room for and !

For the top heavy, if problematic, same trick can be performed by stuffing a pillow down!

I am wide of hip and large of nork. Most wrap dresses looks appalling on me. I have two DVF wrap dresses and one DKNY one. They are just the best. I have worn them so much and always feel fab in them. Such a boring cliche, but for me they have been so worth the money. If you can afford it, try on some DvFs.

I am a short apple shape and a good quality jersey wrap dress is really flattering.

I think Phase eight wrap and faux-wrap dresses are good.

Wrap dresses (any wrap tops, in fact) don't suit the small of bust.

They make my boobs look like ping-pong balls.

Oh moondog, are you trying to sway me from my current DVF crush? (DP has offered it as a birthday pressie, have started a thread about it with the indecision )

I have had two good quality wrap dresses (IO), and countless cheap ones. The cheap ones looked shite, the IO ones look great- for my shape, as long at the ties are long enough, and it wraps enough then they work. If they are too short, or cheaply cut, they make me look like a sausage that's been squeezed by a toddler.

Which has led me to my current DVF-based dilemma.

Camisoles or vests under them look universally awful though.

HandMini, tell me more! DVF dresses are ££££ but am almost convinced that they're worth it...

Oh don't mind me.
Just pissing about.
Brought to mind by seeing very nicely dressed colleague....until she turned around.
Am sure DVF gear does the business (it should at that price eh?)

I should bloody well hope so.

Unless it makes my porridge-esque derrière look like two boiled eggs in a hanky, I'm not interested

Oh, how's the boots quest going? Do you do ebay? I found these...

Oh very well thanks!
Took delivery of pair of black and pair of maroon from Office today which are keepers.
Also M&S cashmere cardies and some New Look knits so quite pleased with new haul.

Well, I can only give you my story. Tried one on in Selfridges in an I'm-never-going-to-buy-this mood. Was just wowed by how flattering it was - smoothed the hips (I have massive saddle bag type hip / thigh area), sort of drapes around the bosom, makes the stomach look leaner.

Get an assistant to help you tie up the wrap tho - they do it tight and high. I had a habit of trying to "low sling" the wrap part of wrap dresses - all wrong for me.

Anyway, I was sold. Didn't buy it then and there as I couldn't afford it, but I bought myself one for each of my 31st and 32nd birthdays. (I got an Issa for my 33rd birthday - i'll save that for another thread).

I feel like such a lady when I wear my DVFs! In every day life I wear jeans, ballet flats and jumpers, so I feel v special when dressed up.

I wear a slip under mine because I'm paranoid about VPL, but the material is so heavy you don't really need to.

Sorry. That was rather long (and over passionate!). I do not work for DVF!

Always ready to be corrected Handmini.

But you ARE correct....most wrap dresses are the devils own sewing, especially in the rump/hip area.....but not these ones.

Wrap dresses suit certain body types and not others. I look a fright in wrap dresses but I have friends who are more buxom and hourglassy and generally luscious than I who look fab in them.

Yes DVF are great. Can be picked up in the sample sale for c.£100. Next time I hear on one I will post the details on here.