The most popular and beloved by many clothes is a sheath dress. This is such an outfit that completely fits your silhouette and emphasizes all the curves of the body. Such a dress is considered universal, as it is suitable for everyday wear and publication. Therefore, it should be in the wardrobe of every fashionista of different ages. What does it happen? And what can it be worn with?
What does it look like and who invented it?
Sheath dress is a suitable women's outfit with tight-fitting tailoring and midi length. As a rule, it does not contain a collar, sleeves and has two seams in the waist.
The prototype of such a dress was clothing, which at the beginning of 1928 was invented by the famous charming Coco Chanel. 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, a new-fashioned sheath dress fell in the 30s. It was at this time that the novelty, which was released mainly in black, hit the first 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 sheath dresses of the color that they liked most.
And, finally, the famous designer Dior gave the third breath to the dress that many girls already loved. It is believed that he made adjustments to the length of the fabric used, added several options with sleeves and proposed additional models with a modified top.
Who can wear it?
Regardless of whether you choose a classic white or black sheath dress or prefer multi-colored models, be sure that the outfit is sure to suit you, since, according to the designers, it is considered universal. And all because of the fact that it suits almost all women and girls, and of any appearance and type of figure.
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’s quite possible to choose a model suitable for yourself. Some designers thought up this nuance in advance and even created a lot of options for a sheath dress for overweight women and girls.
Moreover, a certain corrective effect can be achieved using various jewelry, scarves, belts and other decorative accessories.
A few tricks for choosing a dress
In order to choose a suitable black, color or white sheath dress, use a few simple design tricks. So, if you can’t boast of a voluminous and magnificent bust, choose models with frills, ruffles, decorative folds and even bows in the bodice area.
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 visually reducing the thigh area is quite possible, 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 dresses sheaths. For women, this complexion is a real find, since this print can make you fuller and lower. In this case, the figure must be horizontal. But vertical stripes on clothes, on the contrary, stretch and slim.
With high growth, designers are advised to choose outfits of classic midi length, and low - mini.
What can be the “case” models?
At the moment, the abundance of new models of dresses with a straight cut 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 roll-out, bare back, open shoulders, spectacular drapery in front and behind, decorated with a variety of decor. There are models with spectacular lace, leather and other inserts.
Interesting facts about mini dresses
Pay attention to this photo. The sheath dress on it looks like a traditional mini.
Long before modern models appeared, Jacqueline Kennedy and Edith Piaf flaunted in such outfits. This outfit was created with only one purpose - not to leave any chances to 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 Coint. It was this young lady who suggested minimizing the length of the skirt in fashionable outfits. This she made a real fashion coup. In early 1965, the baton, embarrassed by the male half of humanity, was adopted by the famous model Gene Shrimpton, who appeared in a dizzy mini-dress for racing.
And, finally, the last straw in the bowl of male patience was the release of a dozen models in lace sheath dresses that remained on them after the fashion show at Mary Quant. Girls not only attracted the attention of most men who were on the street at that time, but even caused the biggest traffic jam in the history of New York City.
What is worth wearing mini dresses?
Beautiful and stylish mini goes well with different types of shoes. At the same time, depending on the image created, these can be classic shoes with thin stiletto heels, pumps without heels, summer sandals in the “gladiator” style, elegant sandals with square heels and a neat fastener, stylish long sneakers, etc.
A dress of such a plan can be supplemented with beautiful jackets, moderately variegated accessories, light scarves and suitable clutches.
Classics of the genre, or fashionable classic dress
The black sheath dress is considered a classic outfit that is as close as possible to the Coco Chanel prototype. Usually this is not a too long outfit, mainly of a straight cut, with a thin snake on the back, a rounded neck and without sleeves. This model enjoyed unprecedented success after it showed the charming Audrey Helburn 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.
Such outfits look very impressive. True, this sheath dress will not be relevant everywhere. Photos of sequin outfits help to understand how these models are ideal for visiting a nightclub, party or corporate party.
How to wear classic dresses?
Probably there is no greater choice of options to complement the classic "case". It, of course, is 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 a thin silk 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’s appropriate to wear a voluminous brooch or a small bouquet of boutonnieres under the 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 merits. Some variations of these sheath dresses are possible: with a sleeve, without it, with a large neckline and open back, beautiful drapery on the bodice, etc.
Lovers of such styles are not only a businesswoman, but the wives of famous politicians, sports stars, and other representatives of the elite. However, ordinary women who have nothing to do with pop music or politics can allow them.
How to choose the right midi length?
It is noteworthy that you can choose a long sheath dress, with a length of up to the knee or the middle of the ankle, according to your height. For example, with growth below the average and up to 165 cm, it is worth giving preference to dresses with a knee length or slightly lower. 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 under a not too long coat with a belt, low boots, shoes with medium and high heels. Classic pointed shoes, sandals or shoes with semicircular socks are suitable here.
According to stylists, for such an average length of clothing, ordinary pumps are also suitable. But this is provided if your height is above 170 cm, and your body parameters are close to model. Otherwise, the outfit should be worn only under the heel.
However, for work it is worth choosing a comfortable sheath dress with sleeves. The photo of the office attire, presented below, will help you make the choice.
Super long outfits to the floor
Long models of "cases" appeared on sale since 2016. Today in a dress with maximum length it is quite possible to meet women of any age. Moreover, 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.
The most relevant this year are the cocktail versions of dresses. Such outfits are best worn under medium or high heels. But for everyday wear, pumps, light summer moccasins, sneakers, sandals with a closed back and without a heel will be most acceptable. On chilly evenings, dress should be worn with light denim or fabric jackets.
Perfect strapless dresses
Models with thin or medium-thick t-shirt straps look unusually gentle, feminine and sexy. These are the options that reformed designers offer their fashionistas. For example, Miucci Prada, Ralph Lauren and others became famous fashion experimenters who were ready for such tests.
According to designers, sleeves in dresses are one of the important decorative elements that need modernization. Therefore, in their collections there are models with straight, cross, thread-thin, 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, white - checkered or aquamarine. These are such simple and at the same time elegant models that are 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 their hands. You see, thin straps look gracefully on the raised hands. The same applies to the armpits and forearms.
Do not exacerbate the image of the severity
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 earrings-rings. From the possible shoe options, choose shoes and sandals with thin straps on medium or high heels.
Elegant options for dresses on one shoulder
Another option for a very beautiful women's dress is a bright robe with one shoulder. At the same time, the length of such a shoulder can be three quarters, completely disappear, resemble the shape of a la “bat” or completely hide the arm to the very wrist. Recall that a similar dress once flaunted 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 at shows in the 90s. The first options at the time presented Calvin Klein. Still later, the baton was picked up at Gucci and Versace fashion houses, and then at Elizabeth Franchi. At the same time, the color variations of these outfits impressed no less than their outlandish styles. For example, among them was a very original blue, green, gold and red sheath dress.
Such outfits are very elegant and sexy. However, as well as dresses with thin straps, 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 fit condition, it is better to refuse styles on one shoulder. In this case, it makes no difference whether you chose a red, black or blue sheath dress. If you have problem shoulders and arms, choose models with sleeves.
Neat one shoulder dresses: what to wear?
Interesting models of dresses on one shoulder wonderfully combined with high-heeled shoes and open toe, sandals and stilettos, low-heeled shoes with long and rectangular heels, pointed models of shoes. As for accessories, ideally, your bracelet, earrings or necklace should at least remotely repeat the stones from the design on the shoulder.
Elegant options with bustier
The “case” from the bustier series is considered the most elegant and extravagant. Such models, as a rule, do not contain any straps at all. However, according to designers, this option is most acceptable 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 hem, and medium-length jackets with spectacular pockets. In tandem with your image, it is appropriate to wear classic stilettos, long or cropped boots with open socks or a heel. If these are sandals, then they must be presented with a minimum number of ribbons and straps.
If we talk about accessories, then with what to wear a sheath dress of this type, of course, you decide. But, according to the advice of stylists, it is best not to overload it with a lot of jewelry. Choose a middle ground.
Original dress with a sleeve "flashlight"
A variant of a dress with a neat sleeve "flashlight" looks very elegant. Recall that this style first appeared in 1940. At this moment, 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 sleeves-flashlights.
The second wind for this model was the 90s. It was then that designers began to experiment and apply a wide variety of options for these legendary sleeves. Later there were options with an elongated and translucent sleeve, wide frills at the front and bottom.
These dresses can be worn with shoes without socks on a square or slightly elongated high heels, sandals with stilettos or ankle boots with bare ankles. Of the accessories that are most suitable for this image are short lace gloves, transparent silk scarves and thin leather straps in different colors. They are perfectly combined with a long coat, a short and long coat, a fur cape.
“Flap your sleeve”
In a rather rich family of "cases" there was a place for dresses with sleeves in three quarters. Such models are presented in plain colors, with spectacular decorative embossments, lace, transparent inserts, lacing and other elements.
According to designers, this is the most sought-after model among women of dense physique. Unlike previous “bare” options, a model with such a sleeve length maximally masks an unattractive body part. Moreover, she exposes her wrist and gives the whole image sophistication and aesthetic superiority.
You can wear these dresses under plain nylon pantyhose, stockings in small and large mesh, long leggings. They put it on under a shortened coat, a short coat, and a thin jacket-coat. Legs can be worn with long lace-up boots with an open toe and heel, pointed shoes, gladiator sandals and, of course, classic stilettos.
Fashion sensation, or long sleeve models
Dresses with long sleeves became a real fashion sensation. It is said that this trend began with the Cannes Film Festival in 2011. Later, the fashion of wearing dresses with long sleeves spread everywhere.Now you can meet a lot of variations of this style, for example, with a collar, as in classic golf or "turtleneck". Actual models with long and wide collars, flowing spectacular decorative folds in the neckline.
In any case, the “cases” with sleeves are ideally combined with long and short fur vests, velvet and satin jackets, colorful cardigans and a long coat 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 season. But their accessories and shoes should be selected carefully. Try not to overload the image, choose a middle ground and do not abuse shiny elements. In a word, choose the dress and accessories that will complement your look and will be in harmony with each other.