How to Style a Wrap Dress (Modest Outfit Ideas)

A wrap dress is one of the most flattering things you can own. It ties at your waist, it moves when you walk, and it looks put together with almost no effort. The only catch is the neckline. Most wrap dresses are cut with a deep V, so a little planning makes them work for a modest wardrobe.

Here's what I look for in a wrap dress and the ways I wear mine through the year.

What to look for in a modest wrap dress

A few details make the difference between a dress you fuss with all day and one you forget you're wearing.

• Neckline. Look for a higher crossover or a faux wrap, where the front is stitched closed. A true wrap can open when you sit or bend down.
• Length. Midi to mid-calf or a full maxi. Check the front overlap when you walk, since some wrap skirts open at the hem.
• Sleeves. Long or three-quarter sleeves are easy to find in wrap styles. Bishop and blouson sleeves add a softer look.
• Fabric. Jersey is comfortable and easy to wash. Crepe and georgette drape beautifully for dressier days. Knit sweater wraps are lovely in winter.
• Lining. Lighter fabrics look better with a slip underneath, so check whether the skirt is lined.
• Tie. A long tie can wrap twice around the waist. An inside tie or snap keeps the front from shifting.

Fixing the neckline

If you love a dress but the V is too low, there are easy fixes.

• A shell or slip top underneath. A thin, fitted long-sleeve top or a sleeveless shell in a matching or neutral color fills the V and looks intentional.
• A turtleneck. A fine-knit turtleneck under a jersey wrap dress is a great cold-weather look.
• A small safety pin or snap. Pin the crossover a little higher from the inside so it stays in place all day.
• A modesty panel. Some brands sell clip-in panels that sit behind the V.

I keep a few thin layering tops in black, ivory and nude just for this.

The best colors and prints to start with

• Solid navy or black. The easiest to dress up or down, and they hide wear well.
• Small florals. A ditsy floral on a dark background works almost all year.
• Polka dots. A classic print that looks polished and a little playful.
• Jewel tones. Emerald, burgundy and sapphire wrap dresses feel festive for Shabbos and the holidays.
• Camel and rust. Warm earthy shades that look rich in fall and winter.

Layers for cold days

• Long cardigans. A soft cardigan over a wrap dress is cozy and keeps the waist tie visible.
• Blazers. A tailored blazer turns a jersey wrap dress into a work outfit.
• Belted coats. A wrap or belted wool coat repeats the shape of the dress and looks finished from the street.
• Cropped jackets. A short denim or tweed jacket works for weekend errands.

Shoes and tights

• Opaque tights. Black or a shade close to your skin tone keeps the look smooth.
• Knee-high boots. Great under a midi wrap dress in fall and winter.
• Ankle boots. A block heel works for walking and everyday wear.
• Ballet flats and loafers. Easy for long Shabbos walks and busy weekdays.
• Block heels and pumps. For weddings and simchas, a simple heel dresses the look up.

Easy wrap dress outfit formulas

1. Navy jersey wrap dress plus ivory fine-knit turtleneck plus black tights plus knee-high boots for a winter weekday
2. Burgundy crepe wrap dress plus nude shell underneath plus block heels plus pearl earrings for Shabbos
3. Small-floral wrap dress plus long camel cardigan plus ballet flats for an easy weekend
4. Black wrap dress plus tailored camel blazer plus loafers for work
5. Emerald wrap dress plus belted wool coat plus suede ankle boots for a family dinner
6. Polka-dot wrap dress plus cropped denim jacket plus white sneakers for errands

Dressing a wrap dress up or down

To dress it up, choose a crepe or silky fabric, add heels, delicate jewelry and a small bag. To dress it down, pick jersey or knit, add a cardigan or denim jacket, and wear flats or sneakers. The tied waist does most of the work, so keep accessories simple.

Caring for a wrap dress

• Untie the sash before washing so it doesn't twist or stretch.
• Wash jersey wraps on a gentle cycle and lay them flat or hang them to dry.
• Steam crepe and georgette instead of ironing them flat.
• Hang knit wrap dresses folded over a hanger bar so the shoulders don't stretch.
• Follow the care label, since some fabrics need dry cleaning.

The bottom line

A wrap dress gives you an easy, flattering outfit in one piece. Choose a higher crossover or a faux wrap, keep a few thin layering tops for the neckline, and add cardigans, boots or heels depending on the day. Once you find one that fits well, it's easy to see why so many women own a wrap dress in every color.

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