sixth in the “Fabulous Fall 2012 Trends” series
If there was one constant on the runways for the Fall/Winter 2012 Collection, it was the Sheath Dress. Designers fashioned them in fabrics ranging from brocades to leather to velvet. Although it has been around for literally decades, starting with Coco Chanel’s little black dress in the 1920′s, the classic Sheath Dress never seems to fade in its appeal. Unlike the looser fit of a shift dress, the sheath is designed to show off curves without being too tight and has a well-defined waist that can be further accentuated by adding a belt. The style is perfect for layering with a crop sweater, a jacket or a cardigan. Although plus-size women often shy away from the sheath dress, in actuality, the sheath dress when properly fitted makes all sizes look slimmer. No wonder it has been such a fashion staple for all these years. Sheaths are perfect for day and evening wear, however, when wearing the sheath for day, it should end at or just below the knee. For evening, just like Audrey Hepburn’s famous black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the floor is the limit.
THE ICONIC SHEATH DRESSES
Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”
Jackie Kennedy in one of her many sheath dresses.
Grace Kelly
Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge
THE SHEATH DRESS ON THE RUNWAY
Diane von Furstenberg
Holly Fulton
L’Wren Scott
Dolce & Gabbana
Victoria Beckham
SHOP THE LOOK
FOR DAY
Stella McCartney Blue Sheath Dress
Reiss “Bridge” (as of 08.19.12 the dress is on sale)
Reiss “Sophia” Wrap Dress (as of 08.19.12 on sale)
Laundry by Shelli Segal Mixed-Print Jersey Dress
Alice & Olivia “Avery” Fitted Dress
David Meister Belted Sheath Dress
FOR EVENING
Nina Ricci Draped Floral-Lace Gown
Sue Wong Embroidered V-Neck Gown
Issa London Crisscross Silk Maxi Dress
Tadashi Shoji Beaded Cap Sleeve Gown
Other posts in the “Fabulous Fall 2012 Fashion Trends” series: The Colors, Classically Black & Blue, The Fabrics, The Military Look, and Comfort Goes Luxe.
