There are few more iconic and flattering dresses in the fashion world than the wrap dress. With it’s perfect draping, it is the magical dress that every woman should have in her closet to accentuate her curves.  

The creation of the wrap dress is attributed to Diane Von Furstenberg – a once German princess when she married Prince Egon of Furstenberg. Diane’s success as a fashion designer and world-renowned brand is attributed to the wrap dress, which she created in 1974. On Sunday February 9, the von Furstenberg brand celebrated the 40th anniversary of the wrap dress with a runway show in New York City. The iconic dress, typically of jersey fabric, wraps around like a robe. Because of the adaptability in women’s body type, the dress is flattering on any size or type of body. 

From traditional to modern, print to solid – the wrap dress takes many forms in many seasons. French couture fashion house Lanvin created an androgynous sleeveless belted wrap dress. The upper bodice of the dress resembles a black safari vest with thick black fabric belt and square pockets. The skirt of the dress is asymmetrical and crème, giving a non-traditional look. The brand BCBG, created by Max Azria, created a much more contemporary theme. The long sleeved stone grey and white art deco wrap dress features sliced alternative facing shapes. The graduated hemline in the center of the dress gives it a slightly flirtatious feel. 

But, of course, the designer with the widest selection and variety of wrap dresses this season is Diane Von Furstenberg herself. Her brand created several stunning pieces. The first is a safari themed wrap circle skirt dress. The kaki dress with folded sleeves and an exaggerated collar give it a Meryl Streep feel in Out of Africa. Playing with brightly coloured patterns, Furstenberg also created a silk long sleeve wrap dress. The traditional silhouette features a v-neck front and a soft waist tie. The hem, just above the knee, is the perfect length – not too conservative, not too seductive. 

The wrap dress is loved by many. Particularly – the famous and stylish Kate Middleton, the mother of the future King George. Kate wore a stunning Max Mara wrap dress during her second public appearance after announcing she was pregnant. She paired with simple jewelry and black suede round pumps. 

Naya Rivera, one of the stars of the singing and dancing show Glee, wore a lilac wrap dress. Her shorter length was offset by the oversized large sleeves. She paired with nude platform studded pumps. 

And Gwyneth Paltrow, always stunning, wore a bright orange wrap dress at a dinner for the brand Coach. She paired with fire red suede peep toe booties and an ornamental clutch. 

The wrap dress is perfect for almost any occasion – it can be dressed up for a night out on the down with booties and a bright clutch, like Gwyneth Paltrow. It can be professional for the work setting with boots and a higher neckline, or it can be for a casual errand day, with pointed toe flats and a bracelet. 

That’s the fashion scoop for this week. Got a thought? Trend? Style you hate? Send it my way. 

Rachel Breaux is an Aemrican living in Rwanda