Classic sheath dress - a style for any occasion

There are things that, once they appear on the fashion catwalk, never go out of fashion, almost immediately becoming classics. One of these things, of course, is a sheath dress.

This is a model that effectively emphasizes the figure and, at the same time, hides existing flaws. But the reason for its enormous popularity is not this, but the versatility of the outfit. Photos of models allow you to see that the dress can look strict and businesslike or formal and elegant.

Peculiarities

The cut of the classic sheath dress is as simple as possible. This is a sleeveless model with a midi length and a semi-circular neckline. However, over time, the model changed, and new fashionable styles came into use. Short varieties of dresses and floor-length models appeared, called “mermaid”.

What body type is it suitable for?

The classic version of the sheath dress had a minimum of details and a simple style:

length – to the middle or just below the knee;
adjacent silhouette;
lack of sleeve;
semicircular neckline;
no horizontal seam at the waist.

Sophistication and the absence of draping details required a perfect cut and fit. Such models were worn by Jackie Kennedy, Edith Piaf, first ladies and show business stars. The style appeared after the First World War, when women wanted to get rid of many heavy skirts and unnecessary expenses for material.

The main attraction of the case is the highlighting of the figure, a clear identification of the proportions of the female body, which was hidden for centuries under crinolines, heavy sleeves, pulled in with corsets, and hidden under multi-layered underwear.

The sheath dress quickly became in demand and popular among women. The model was made more universal by additional cut elements - sleeves, collar, draperies, inserts at the waist. Such sheath options help hide the imperfections of an imperfect figure; any woman can choose a style that suits her.

Some subtleties of choosing a sheath dress for different figures:

mini models are good for women with slender legs, young;
full arms are hidden with a sleeve or jacket worn over a dress;
if there are body sagging or folds, it is better to choose something made of dense fabric that holds its shape well;
dark inserts on the sides and a V-neck lengthen the figure, suitable for overweight women;
ladies with a belly should choose a style with seams along the belly, which will distract attention and hide the volume;
for short women, knee-length will visually add a few centimeters to their height;
the peplum will give the missing volume to the hips for women with an apple figure;
Full ladies are suitable for midi models, without guipure or lace inserts.

Correct fit is the main criterion for choosing a case. The dress should fit your figure, not be tight. This pattern requires careful fitting when sewing or purchasing. There should be a slight gap between the body and the dress to ensure comfortable wearing and a beautiful fit.

Help: women of any size will find a model that hides, rather than emphasizes, figure flaws.

When did it appear?

We owe the appearance of the sheath dress to the unforgettable Mademoiselle Chanel. The year of his birth is considered to be 1928. This model became a logical continuation of the “little black dress”, which a little earlier managed to make a splash in the fashion world. But unlike the monochrome model, sheath-cut dresses can have a variety of colors or be made from printed fabrics.

The dress became popular almost immediately after its appearance, then there was a surge in popularity in the sixties. The reason for the revival of interest was movies. Heroines of cult films of that time often sported dresses of this cut.

Office dresses

Office models of sheath dresses, as a rule, have styles close to classic ones . The length should be below the knee and the neckline should be moderate. Slits, transparent or lace inserts and other revealing details are not welcome.

The dress can have sleeves of different lengths. Models with ¾ sleeves are sewn that can be worn without additions. While sleeveless office dresses are combined with jackets and cardigans.

Models with a collar of a contrasting color or a stand-up collar look interesting. But you can choose a model with a classic boat neckline.

They sew an office sheath dress from fabrics that hold their shape well. These can be models made of gabardine, wool, cotton-based fabrics, etc. Most often, a sheath dress with a zipper on the back is sewn. But there are models in which the zipper is located on the side. Dresses with button closure at the front are less common.

The color of the office outfit is chosen depending on the requirements of the company. The classic solution is a black dress. It can be worn with a jacket in white, red or beige. A gray sheath dress looks no less formal. It can be a dark shade (slate, charcoal) or a very light gray dress with hints of blue or green.

Sheath dresses made of different materials

The main feature of a sheath dress is its smooth lines, soft fit and narrow, often tapered skirt. Hence the name “case”, because the figure looks as if dressed in a perfectly selected case.

There are many types of dresses of this style, made from a variety of fabrics:

A lace sheath dress lined in pastel colors looks incredibly gentle and elegant. This outfit is suitable for special occasions and special occasions, perfectly playing the role of a cocktail dress. You can complement it with a pair of evening shoes and an elegant gold bracelet. It is important not to overdo it with decorations, since lace itself decorates and attracts attention;

knitted The very comfortable and pleasant material makes wearing a dress made from this fabric not only incredibly aesthetic and beautiful, but also comfortable in almost any weather and for every occasion. Any length of a knitted sheath dress goes perfectly even with sneakers. A monochromatic outfit can be diluted with a pair of eye-catching jewelry, and the business style can be emphasized with a feminine blazer and a thin leather belt that will further emphasize the waist;

jacquard This material is quite dense, holds its shape well, and the appearance of the fabric itself is quite elegant. Light, calm shades are suitable for a business look, while brighter shades will add more festivity. Jacquard goes well with plain contrasting jewelry;

A velvet sheath dress attracts the eye with its originality and rich color shades, because even pastel colors such as milk, beige, peach, soft blue and others look very bright and luxurious on velvet. An excellent option for holidays and any important special occasions;

The guipure silhouette outfit fits the figure very gracefully and gently, making the image romantically beautiful. The best addition here would be a belt made of fabric in the same color as the lining of the dress or in a contrasting shade;

a satin dress will create a truly elegant and at the same time colorful image, which will be very relevant at business negotiations, as well as at meetings with friends in restaurants or cafes;

A leather sheath dress is a rather bold and extraordinary look, which is nevertheless quite suitable for wearing to the office, especially if you choose an elongated model in muted and not too toxic tones. A shorter model with brighter colors is suitable for going to cafes and various events;

an outfit made from suiting fabric will look incredibly impressive, feminine and very gentle thanks to the texture of the material: being flowing and beautifully draped, suiting fabric is still somewhat stiffer and thicker than knitwear, which makes dresses made from this material more representative. The softness of the material allows you to diversify the outfit with various flounces, thereby making it even more interesting and original;

a denim silhouette dress harmonizes perfectly with accessories: shoes and accessories in a casual style, so this option is suitable for everyday wear, walking and shopping;

A sequin dress will be a real decoration for the holidays, both with your family and in an official setting. You can combine this outfit with elegant shoes, matte or shiny, jewelry and a clutch;

woolen fabric is ideal for wearing in the cold season, and in combination with a small admixture of viscose the dress will not look too voluminous;

linen and cotton silhouette outfits are suitable for wearing in hot weather, because these fabrics are completely natural, which means you don’t have to be afraid of the “greenhouse effect”. Pleasant colors and a classic style will make your look sophisticated even in the summer heat.

Everyday looks

A sheath dress is also perfect for creating everyday looks. This could be a comfortable knitted sheath dress that does not restrict movement, or an outfit made from natural fabrics.

Various models for summer. A summer sheath dress can look completely different. These can be plain models in bright colors, or outfits made of fabric with a floral print. Multi-colored dresses with a blurred watercolor effect are trendy.

The cut is also varied. It can be a classic cut sleeveless model, a model with straps or a bustier-style bodice. Models with an asymmetrical neckline with a wide strap on one shoulder look interesting.

If your figure does not allow you to wear a dress that fits like a second skin, then you should pay attention to models with draperies. These spectacular details will help hide minor imperfections.

The current model for every day is a denim sheath dress. The fitted silhouette will allow you to present your figure in a favorable light. You can complement a denim dress with a strap of an interesting texture.

It is better to make a winter sheath dress for everyday wear from elastic materials, as they are more comfortable to wear than fabrics that hold their shape well. For winter, it is not at all necessary to choose dark colors; on the contrary, bright dresses and an interesting print will add charm to the model. The dress can be made with long sleeves. And if you have to spend most of the day in a well-heated room, then it is better to sew a sleeveless dress, complementing it with a knitted cardigan.

What to wear with?

You can combine sheath dresses with a wide variety of accessories. For light summer models, you can wear sandals, ballet flats or strappy sandals. The choice of shoes will depend on the cut of the dress. Strict tailoring requires classic shoe models; avant-garde dresses look great with original-shaped sandals.

For a plain dress, the jewelry is chosen to be bright and colorful for summer; dresses with bright prints can be complemented with strict accessories, for example, a plain belt that repeats one of the shades of the dress.

Styles

With long sleeve

As soon as they decided to sew long sleeves onto the sheath dress... it didn’t get any worse. The silhouette has not deteriorated, the harmony in proportions has not shifted. But many girls who have a complex about their hands received the ideal thing for their wardrobe.

This dress looks best with heeled shoes, but no one forbids wearing it with boots or low-heeled boots. We also recommend choosing a straight, elongated vest for your dress.

With ¾ sleeves

Or with shorter sleeves. There are no significant differences from the previous version. This dress is also suitable for a variety of occasions. It can be worn with either elegant heels or more casual boots. Combine with coats, classic raincoats, fur coats of different lengths.

With a collar

Such a detail on a sheath dress will benefit the image of a strong business woman. The example of the inimitable Victoria Beckham demonstrates this perfectly.

Mini length

Confident women, who are not shy, but on the contrary, adore their legs, are ready to shorten even a discreet sheath dress. There is nothing wrong with this, especially if it is the spring-summer season, rich in warm days. However, we recommend closing the top as much as possible.

Throw on a fitted jacket, cardigan, leather jacket or light raincoat. Don't be afraid to play with color, it's especially easy to do this if the dress acts as a white or black canvas on top of which you can apply a variety of bright colors.

Heels with this length can be worn, but not aggressively high. Note the elegant and stable glass shape.

Length to and below the knee

A classic of the genre that is relevant at all times. Ideal length for women of any age. And here you no longer need to do without heels. Choose their height in accordance with your physiological characteristics.

With lace

This decorative element has been very popular lately and sometimes appears on the most unexpected things. However, a lace sheath dress looks quite natural. It is perfect for a romantic date, because it will emphasize femininity, seriousness, elegance and good taste.

Casual

Sometimes it’s impossible to separate a cocktail sheath dress from an everyday one. And this is its undoubted advantage. One and the same plain dress can serve during the day, and then just change into bright shoes, put on a few jewelry - and now you are ready for the evening program.

An everyday sheath dress is often made from practical fabric and is not decorated with stones or complex embroidery. Cocktail, on the contrary, is for sparkling prints, formal fabrics (silk or jacquard). It also requires jewelry: massive necklaces, voluminous earrings, iridescent bracelets.

Cocktail

We offer examples:

Office

The sheath dress for the office has a restrained color scheme: black, white and gray. Variations with prints are possible: stripes or houndstooth. A collar or thin strap can complement an office sheath dress.

Blazers, jackets, elongated vests will improve the look. The ideal shoes are classic pumps. There are different types of bags: from a business briefcase to a clutch.

Summer

A summer sheath dress assumes the absence of sleeves, but the presence of light shades and rich floral prints. They can refresh the image of a woman at any age.

Evening looks

A sheath dress is great for special occasions . It will be relevant for youth parties and at official celebrations.

A short sheath dress in bright colors is perfect for a youth party. It can be sewn from a material with glitter. Asymmetrical cut models with a strap on one shoulder look especially impressive. These dresses are comfortable to wear, unlike strapless models, you can move and dance freely in them without worrying about how your neckline looks.

The model with a peplum looks attractive . This decorative detail will help hide some figure flaws and draw attention to the most advantageous features.

A very interesting solution is a leather sheath dress. This is a rather extravagant wardrobe detail, but it is impossible to remain unnoticed in it. Only high quality soft leather is used to sew the dress. Zippers, belts, and pockets are used as decorative finishing. Leather dresses with fur trim or models whose individual details (sleeves, yokes, etc.) are made of perforated leather look impressive.

For those who are hesitant to purchase a leather dress, we can recommend purchasing a model with leather inserts. Such models look no less impressive.

It is recommended to sew a sheath cocktail dress from expensive and beautiful fabrics. Outfits made of satin or silk look great. The current solution is a sheath dress made of jacquard. This fabric has an interesting texture, so a dress made from it should have the simplest possible cut without draperies or decorative details.

Guipure models look elegant and sophisticated. You can sew a classic sheath dress from this material; it will look great due to the type of fabric. Brave girls can afford a guipure sheath dress with an open back. The neckline does not have to be as deep as possible; it can be made moderate.

For those who are hesitant to wear provocative cutouts, we can advise you to sew a sheath dress from a fabric with a smooth texture, and instead of a cutout on the back, use an insert with lace.

Long sheath evening dresses are called column dresses. They fit tightly at the waist, emphasizing the figure. The dress may have a straight silhouette; in this case, for ease of movement, a slit is made on the skirt. Mermaid cut dresses are trendy today. This style suits girls with an ideal figure. The dress fits tightly to the body, and the flared skirt begins from the mid-thigh line or from the knee.

What to wear with?

It is necessary to select accessories for the dress taking into account its color, cut, and also the format of the event. So, if this is an event that requires a strict dress code, then we can recommend the following look: wear a classic black sheath dress complete with a beige jacket with black trim. We complement the look with beige classic stiletto pumps, a black clutch and a string of pearls. The look will be impeccable; you can even wear it to a reception with the Queen of Great Britain.

To create less formal looks, you can use dresses in original styles and colors. They are paired with classic shoes or sandals. The choice of jewelry depends on the fabric, decor and neck shape. So, a jacquard or guipure dress has an interesting texture, so it’s better to avoid a necklace and limit yourself to earrings and a bracelet.

Evening option

A seductive sheath dress with an open back or a cropped model with thin straps is perfect for going to a restaurant or other special event.

It is best to choose a black dress for this purpose, which can be decorated with a string of pearls or more elaborate accessories.

A red dress will look no less impressive; you should choose lipstick to match it, and prefer shoes and a clutch in a different color, for example, black or gold.

In cool weather, you can wear a bolero on top, a stole or a shawl, and in winter, a natural fur coat will be the ideal companion for such a dress.

Wedding looks

An elegant and feminine sheath dress is ideal for such a special event as a wedding. The even cut of the dress without horizontal lines will make a slender figure even more attractive.

You can make a sheath wedding dress down to the knee or choose the option with a floor-length skirt. The top of a wedding dress can also be decorated in a variety of ways. It can be a boat neckline or a V-shaped neckline, an off-the-shoulder option or with an American armhole. The choice of neckline is made taking into account the bride's body type. If a girl’s shoulders are wider than her hips, then you need to visually narrow them. And if the shape of the figure resembles a triangle, then it is better to choose a dress with puffy sleeves or flounces along the neckline. If a dress with open shoulders is chosen, and the couple intends to get married in a church, then a bolero or cape will be required so that the bride’s outfit is not too open.

A wedding sheath dress made of lace looks impressive. This outfit can be made from colored lace on a white cover. A model made of snow-white lace on a pastel-colored case will look no less beautiful.

What to wear with?

Let's figure out what to wear with a wedding sheath dress. Choosing accessories for this outfit is easy. As a rule, classic shoes are recommended for a sheath dress; the best choice is stiletto pumps.

A veil can be present in the bride's image, regardless of the length of the dress. A short veil looks harmonious with knee-length dresses; you can wear a lush and multi-tiered veil with a long dress.

Wedding hats look no less elegant. This could be a small pillbox hat with a veil or a wide-brimmed hat. Gloves can be an interesting detail of the look. For a sleeveless dress, you can wear gloves that are longer than the elbow.

Jewelry is chosen according to the image. In most cases, pearls will do. Elegant white metal jewelry looks good.

What to wear with

When the question arises of what to wear with a sheath dress, the answer can be a few words - with almost anything.

All elegant things will suit it, such as:

Short and fitted jackets.
Long tailcoat jackets.
Bolero.
Knitted angora sweaters can create a very warm, comfortable and expensive look.
Knitted openwork items made from yarn with lurex or sequins are suitable for evening wear.

As for outerwear, of course, to create a complete classic look, a cashmere, tweed or drape coat is suitable.

Shoes traditionally suggest themselves - traditional classic stiletto heels, but recent trends allow you to wear such a dress even with loafers and oxfords. It all depends on the final image you want to achieve.

In fact, in order to understand and fully experience all the possible options for the execution of this item, it is worth looking through a large number of photos of sheath dresses.

This will allow you to navigate the assortment that fashion designers currently offer and choose exactly what suits each woman in a particular case.

How to choose?

A sheath dress is a model that will suit all women without exception . The classic version of the dress is the most acceptable option; it looks equally good on both young girls and ladies of an elegant age.

For women of short stature, it is better to opt for knee-length models; for tall fashionistas, elongated dresses up to mid-calf are also suitable.

Girls whose figure is not ideal should choose dresses made of fabric with a matte surface and smooth texture. Fabrics with sparkles, models with rich decor, and translucent inserts should be avoided. It is also very important to purchase an outfit that is the right size. If you wear a tight dress, your fullness will be more noticeable. If you have full arms, it is recommended to choose even summer dresses with sleeves or use a bolero.

So, a sheath dress is a classic that will always be relevant. Therefore, all fashionistas, regardless of age and body shape, should include it in their wardrobe. Based on this item, using accessories, you can create a wide variety of, but always fashionable, looks.

Photo of sheath dress

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