Fashion has a complex relationship with feminism.
The majority of the founders and creative directors of the great fashion designers were men. Christian Dior, Cristóbal Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent celebrated the female form, yet tapped into the historic trend of men dressing women, instead of women designing for themselves.
This remained the case until Coco Chanel, Vivienne Westwood and Mary Quant entered the scene and became the exception to the male rule. Diane von Fürstenberg was very much part of this stylish set and made the ultimate feminist fashion statement via her interpretation of the wrap dress.
Wrap dresses ooze functionality. They feature an easy-breezy, thrown-on design that is a world away from the conventionally constrictive silhouettes of female garments such as corsets and longline dresses.
Rumour has it that wrap dresses were designed for women needing a quick getaway after a one-night stand. Whether true or not, the silhouettes became closely associated with female sexuality and symbolised 1970s sexual liberation, with von Fürstenberg admitting that her 1972 divorce inspired the now-iconic dress.
Wrap dresses witnessed a renaissance in the 1990s after the Belgian fashion designer resurrected her trademark wrap designs in 1997. Fellow fashion houses followed suit, inspired by the designer’s ethos and the feminine appeal of the number. Dries Van Noten, Emilia Wickstead, Gucci and Zimmerman have all toyed with the design, adding their personalised house spins to von Fürstenberg’s signature piece.
Kimonos are a significant subsection of wrap dresses. Outside of the Western sphere, wrap dresses hold substantial cultural meaning. The designs originated in China and can be traced back to the Shang dynasty (1600 to 1046 BC). Their popularity spread to all corners of Asia, with countries such as Japan adopting the robes into their traditional dress codes.
Beautiful, lightweight and leisurely, wrap dresses have summer style covered. Discover the best wrap dresses and shop the edit below.
Diane von Fürstenberg Desma Wrap Dress
Wrap up in your own piece of history. Diane von Fürstenberg’s elegant wrap number features long sleeves, sprawling florals and polka dots set against a rich black backdrop. For 80 per cent off the original RRP, you can enjoy a timeless DVF piece for many years to come.
Buy now £127.00, The Outnet
Tory Burch Cotton-Poplin Midi Wrap Dress
Radiate cool glamour this summer with Tory Burch’s minimalist wrap dress. An army green hue is paired with a lightweight cotton-poplin structure and wrap bust. Team yours with a straw bag and sandals for a chicer-than-chic ensemble.
Buy now £267.00, The Outnet
Acne Studios Wrap-Effect Midi Dress
Infuse your wardrobe with a lick of luxury. Acne Studios’ wrap-effect midi dress features a lightweight hammered crepe printed with a blurred floral motif, perfect for easing your wardrobe from spring into summer.
Buy now £750.00, Net-A-Porter
Rixo Bluebelle Dress
Suitable for weddings and evening dos, Rixo’s Bluebelle dress is a contemporary take on traditional wrap dresses. A halterneck is combined with a lilac-aubergine two-tone print to create a statement look brimming with elegance.
Buy now £221.00, The Outnet
Cefinn Wren Wrap-Effect Dress
Sheath yourself in luxurious denim. Cefinn’s wrap-effect Wren dress is a covetable creation for any occasion. Gentle puff sleeves, a mid-blue wash and a collared wrap design make for a timeless garment for summer spent in the city.
Buy now £260.00, Net-A-Porter
Zimmerman Devi Paisley-Print Linen Mini Wrap Dress
Delightfully flirty and feminine, Zimmerman’s paisley print dress comes in sweet hues of cream and violet, wrapped up in a mini linen silhouette.
Buy now £325.00, The Outnet
Whistles English Garden Wrap Dress
Nothing to wear? Throw on Whistles’ pretty wrap piece for off-duty days when a nonchalant look is preferred. Complete with a pale green print and ditsy florals, the dainty wrap dress is as classic as they come.
Buy now £58.00, Whistles
Asymmetric Ruffled Wrap Dress
Flowing, pink and frilly, this is a Taylor Swift Lover era-inspired dress if we’ve ever seen one.
Buy now £39.99, Monki
Ahluwalia Jade Smocked Checked Organic Denim Mini Wrap Dress
Coloured denim has a special place in our hearts. Ahluwalia’s wrap mini dress has dopamine-boosting joy in the bag with jade green and cream checks under waves of pink lines. It’s a dress destined to help you stand out from the crowd.
Buy now £275.00, Endource
Mango Check Wrap Dress
Feminine designs don’t necessarily call for girlish prints. Mango’s checked wrap dress is a highly versatile choice for those wanting to ease off the pastels. A grey-blue print is elevated by long sleeves and a shirt-like style for day-to-night dressing, no matter the weather.
Buy now £29.99, Mango
