The most popular and beloved by many clothes is the sheath dress. This is exactly the kind of outfit that completely fits your silhouette and favorably emphasizes all the curves of the body. This dress is considered universal because it is suitable for everyday wear and going out. Therefore, it should be in the wardrobe of every fashionista of different ages. How does it happen? And what can I wear it with?
What does it look like and who invented it?
The sheath dress is a matching women's outfit with a fitted fit and midi length. As a rule, it does not contain a collar, sleeves and has two seams at the waist.
The prototype of this dress was the clothes that the famous beauty Coco Chanel invented in early 1928. It is noteworthy that at that time her little black dress was only two days old. The new model, which was called "Chanel Ford", was a bit like the previous one, but differed in a narrower cut and length.
In mass production of newfangled dress-the case came in the 30s. It was at this time that the novelty, which was produced mainly in black, hit the front pages of fashion publications and became popular among women of different income levels.
The dress with tight tailoring survived its rebirth in the 60s. During this period, designers began to experiment with colors. From that moment on, women all over the world could choose a sheath dress in the color that they liked best.
And, finally, the famous designer Dior gave a third wind to the dress already loved by many girls. It is believed that he made adjustments to the length of the fabric used, added several options with sleeves and offered additional models with modified tops.
Who can wear?
Whether you choose a classic white or black sheath dress or prefer multi-colored models, be sure that the outfit will definitely suit you, as it, according to the designers, is considered universal. And all because it suits almost all women and girls, and of any appearance and body type.
And if someone thinks that this dress is suitable only for those ladies who have a perfect figure, he is very mistaken. Even with a non-standard figure, it is quite possible to choose a model that suits you. Some designers thought about this nuance in advance and even created a lot of options for a sheath dress for obese women and girls.
Moreover, a certain corrective effect can be achieved using variousjewelry, scarves, belts and other decorative accessories.
A few tricks for choosing an outfit
To choose the right black, color or white sheath dress, use a few simple design tricks. So, if you cannot boast of a voluminous and lush bust, choose models with frills, ruffles, decorative pleats and even bows around the bodice.
Girls with narrow hips always have a chance to visually increase them with the help of voluminous drapery on the skirt. Basque models are also suitable for you. But it is quite possible to visually reduce the hip area by choosing dresses with black stripes on the sides. For example, it can be a combination of bright red or blue with black.
But too tall and thin ladies should choose striped sheath dresses. For women of this build, this is a real find, as this print can make you fuller and lower. In this case, the drawing must be horizontal. But vertical stripes on clothes, on the contrary, stretch and slim.
When tall, designers advise choosing outfits of classic midi length, and for short ones - mini.
What kind of "case" models can be?
At the moment, the abundance of new models of straight-cut dresses is simply amazing. For example, in many designer collections you can find a sheath dress with and without sleeves, with short skirts, mid-length skirts or even maxi.
These can be models on one shoulder, with a large rollout, bare back, bare shoulders, spectaculardraped front and back, decorated with various decorations. There are models with spectacular lace, leather and other inserts.
Interesting mini dress facts
Pay attention to this photo. Sheath dress looks like a traditional mini dress on him.
Long before modern models appeared, Jacqueline Kennedy and Edith Piaf flaunted in similar outfits. This outfit was created with the sole purpose of leaving no chance for the male imagination. And, of course, short clothes helped to expose the beautiful and slender legs of beautiful girls and women.
Later, the beauty of her slender legs was demonstrated by the Englishwoman Mary Quant. It was this young lady who offered to shorten the length of the skirt as much as possible in fashionable cases. With this, she made a real fashion revolution. In early 1965, the embarrassment of the male half of humanity was taken over by the famous model Jean Shrimpton, who appeared in a dizzying mini-dress at the races.
And, finally, the last straw in the bowl of men's patience was the release of a dozen models in lace sheath dresses, left on them after the fashion show at Mary Quant. The girls not only attracted the attention of most of the men who were on the street at the time, but even caused the biggest traffic jam in the history of New York City.
What should I wear mini dresses with?
Beautiful and stylish mini goes well with different types of shoes. At the same time, depending on the created image, these can be classic shoes with thin stiletto heels, pumps without heels,summer gladiator style sandals, elegant square heel sandals with a neat closure, stylish long sneakers, etc.
A dress of this kind can be complemented with beautiful jackets, moderately colorful accessories, light scarves and clutches suitable for the theme.
Classic of the genre, or fashionable classic dress
The black sheath dress is considered a classic outfit, as close as possible to the prototype of Coco Chanel. Usually this is not too long an outfit, mostly straight cut, with a thin snake on the back, a rounded neck and sleeveless. This model enjoyed unprecedented success after the charming Audrey Helburn appeared in Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Modern classic options allow the presence of other colors, as well as the presence of additional details in the form of a train, detachable bodice, cutout in the chest area, buttons and pockets. Classic models trimmed with small shiny sequins also look very original.
These outfits look very impressive. True, this sheath dress will not be relevant everywhere. Photos of outfits with sequins help to understand how these models are ideal for visiting a nightclub, parties or corporate events.
What to wear with classic dresses?
Probably there is no greater choice of options to complement the classic "case". It is, of course, perfect in itself. But, depending on the situation, weather and other nuances, it is recommended to wear it under a small heel. It is possible to supplement it with thin silka scarf, a beautiful leather belt (choose thin or thick at your discretion).
As for accessories, it should be one massive bracelet or long large earrings. Sometimes it is appropriate to wear a voluminous brooch or a small boutonniere under a dress.
Beauty and practical midi skirt
Perhaps one of the most successful styles of dresses of this type is a case with a midi skirt. According to the designers, it is this length that allows you to hide the obvious flaws of the figure and at the same time emphasize its advantages. Some variations of these sheath dresses are also possible: with sleeves, without it, with a large neckline and open back, beautiful drapery on the bodice, etc.
Lovers of such styles are not only businesswomen, but the wives of famous politicians, sports stars, and other members of the elite. However, ordinary women who have nothing to do with pop music or politics can also allow them.
How to choose the right midi length?
It is noteworthy that you can choose a long sheath dress, with a knee or mid-ankle length, according to your height. For example, with growth below average and up to 165 cm, dresses with a knee-length or slightly lower should be preferred. For girls with a height of 170 cm and above, the length of the skirt to the middle of the ankle is quite suitable.
What to wear with a midi skirt?
Models with a midi skirt go well with short bright and plain jackets, leather jackets or lace boleros. They are good to wear undertoo long coat with a belt, low boots, shoes with medium and high heels. Classic pointed shoes, sandals or shoes with semi-circular toes are suitable here.
According to stylists, ordinary pumps are also suitable for such an average length of clothes. But this is provided that your height is above 170 cm, and the body parameters are close to the model ones. Otherwise, the outfit should be worn only under the heel.
True, for work it is worth choosing a comfortable sheath dress with sleeves. The office outfit photo below will help you make your choice.
Super floor-length outfits
Long models of "cases" have been on sale since 2016. Today, in a dress with a maximum length, it is quite possible to meet women of any age. At the same time, they can be on the beach, in the store and even at a wedding. These models are universal.
They are perfect for everyday wear, quiet family vacations and office visits.
Cocktail versions of dresses are considered the most relevant this year. These outfits are best worn with medium or high heels. But for everyday wear, pumps, light summer moccasins, sneakers, sandals with a closed back and without a heel will be the most acceptable. On chilly evenings, the dress should be worn with light denim or fabric jackets.
Perfect spaghetti strap dresses
Extraordinarily gentle, feminine and sexy look models with thin or medium-thick t-shirt straps. Theseoptions and offer their clients fashionistas reformer designers. For example, Miuccia Prada, Ralph Lauren and others became famous fashion experimenters ready for such tests.
According to designers, sleeves in dresses are one of the important decorative elements that need to be modernized. Therefore, in their collections there are models with straight, cross, thin, like threads, and thick straps. For example, a light “naked” dress with very thin straps looks very impressive.
The red model is neatly decorated with a maroon belt, the white one - with checkered or aquamarine. These simple and at the same time elegant models are the most relevant this year. However, such sheath dresses are not suitable for full ones. Photos of such outfits make it clear that they go exclusively to women with a beautiful shape of hands. After all, you must admit that thin straps look elegant on taut arms. The same applies to the armpits and forearms.
We do not aggravate the image with gravity
An image with thin and delicate straps should not be aggravated by massive and heavy things. If you really want to, choose one large ring, bracelet or hoop earrings. From the available shoe options, choose shoes and sandals with thin straps with medium or high heels.
Graceful one-shoulder dress options
Another option for a very beautiful women's outfit is a bright one-shoulder robe. At the same time, the length of such a shoulder can be three-quarters, completely disappear, resemble a style a la “flyingmouse" or completely hide the hand up to the wrist. Recall that a similar dress once flaunted on the perfect figure of actress Claudette Colbert, in her masterpiece "Cleopatra". And it was, for a second, at the beginning of 1934.
Later, similar outfits appeared on shows in the 90s. The first options at that time were presented by Calvin Klein. Even later, the baton was picked up by the Gucci and Versace fashion houses, and then by Elizabeth Franchi. At the same time, the color variations of these outfits were no less impressive than their outlandish styles. For example, among them was a very original blue, green, gold and red sheath dress.
These outfits are very elegant and sexy. However, just like dresses with thin straps, they oblige to the visual beauty of the arms and shoulders. And if you are not sure that these parts of the body are in perfect and toned condition, it is better to refuse styles on one shoulder. It does not matter whether you chose a red, black or blue sheath dress. If you have problematic shoulders and arms, choose models with sleeves.
Neat one-shoulder dresses: what to wear with?
Interesting models of one-shoulder dresses are wonderfully combined with shoes with heels and open toes, sandals and stilettos, low shoes with long and rectangular heels, pointed shoe models. As for accessories, ideally your bracelet, earrings or necklace should at least remotely repeat the stones from the design on the shoulder.
Elegant bustier options
The most elegant and extravagant is the "case" from the bustier series. Suchmodels, as a rule, do not contain any straps at all. However, according to designers, this option is most suitable for self-confident individuals. If you have a beautiful and long neck, neat shoulders, beautiful arms and a medium chest, a bustier will definitely suit you.
Such outfits can be worn with jackets of any length. These can be very short options with a length up to the middle of the shoulder blades, models with wide and curly hemlines and medium-length jackets with spectacular pockets. In tandem with your image, it is appropriate to wear classic stilettos, long or short boots with open toes or heels. If these are sandals, then they must be presented with a minimum number of ribbons and straps.
If we talk about accessories, then what to wear with this type of sheath dress, of course, is up to you. But, according to the advice of stylists, it is best not to overload it with a lot of jewelry. Choose the golden mean.
Original puff sleeve dress
The version of the dress with a neat sleeve "flashlight" looks very elegant. Recall that this style first appeared in 1940. At this point, the most popular were clothing models presented in Caribbean-Spanish and Tyrolean motifs. At the same time, the first Bavarian outfits appeared, which became the prototypes of modern "cases" with puffed sleeves.
The 90s became the second wind for this model. It was then that designers began to experiment and apply a variety of options for these legendary sleeves. Later there were optionswith elongated and translucent sleeves, wide ruffles at the front and bottom.
These dresses can be worn with flat shoes with square or slightly elongated high heels, stiletto sandals or ankle boots with bare ankles. Of the accessories most suitable for this look are short openwork gloves, transparent silk scarves and thin leather straps of different colors. They go great with a long coat, short and long fur coat, fur cape.
Wave your sleeve
In the rather rich family of "cases" there was a place for dresses with three-quarter sleeves. Such models are presented in plain colors, with spectacular decorative embossing, lace, transparent inserts, lacing and other elements.
According to the designers, this is the most sought-after model among women of dense physique. Unlike the previous "naked" options, a model with such a sleeve length masks the unattractive part of the body as much as possible. What's more, it bares the wrist and lends a sophisticated and aesthetic edge to the whole look.
You can wear these dresses under plain nylon tights, stockings in small and large mesh, long leggings. They put it on under a shortened coat, a short fur coat, a thin jacket-robe. On your feet, you can wear long lace-up boots with open toe and heel, pointy shoes, gladiator sandals and, of course, classic stilettos.
Fashion sensation or long sleeves
Dresses with long sleeves have become a real fashion sensation. The trend is said to have started at the Cannes Film Festival in 2011. Later, the fashion to wear dresses with long sleeves spread everywhere. Now you can find a lot of variations of this style, for example, with a collar, as in a classic golf or turtleneck. Models with long and wide collars, flowing spectacular decorative folds into the neckline are relevant.
In any case, the "cases" with sleeves are ideally combined with long and short fur vests, velvet and satin jackets, colorful cardigans and short coats with long buttons.
As you can see, there are a huge number of options for sheath dresses. You can wear them in any weather and time of the year. But accessories for them and shoes should be selected carefully. Try not to overload the image, choose the golden mean and do not abuse shiny elements. In a word, choose the dress and accessories that will complement your look and blend harmoniously with each other.
