Surely Sheath

‘Tis the season to be merry … ‘Tis the season to start shopping for holiday party dresses! As many ladies are hitting the stores and looking for the latest and greatest dress that no one else will have, many forget the classic that can still be worn with ultra-feminine glamour ... The sheath dress. Once a classic, it is now available in various styles and with various details. Although hard to believe, the style of a contoured sheath with a contrasting waistband gives you an hourglass shape, even if you haven’t recovered from Thanksgiving’s feast and skipped your last workout. We all remember glamorous Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” wearing a black, Givenchy sheath dress.

Most people have this image in their mind when they think of a sheath dress.  But what many don’t realize is that a sheath can range from casual to fun, playful to flirty, and vibrant to sizzling, which makes it great for a wide range of occasions.  This versatile wardrobe piece is comfortable and easy to wear.  As long as the basic form is present, the sheath dress can be spiced up with ruffles, lace, tiers, embellishments, and the like.  Like below, the basic sheath dress is decked out in tiers of lace.  Also below, the peach pink dress is embellished with a zipper down the front.

Here is Kim Kardashian, Selena Gomez, and Kate Middleton in their own versions of the sheath dress:

I’m sure we’d all love to have the cut-out Givenchy sheath shown below, but it may not be at the top of our shopping budget at $1,300. 

And although the above sheath with a contrasting lace overlay from Asos, priced at $79.60, could account for this holiday’s splurge, I suggest practicing your best shopping skills as there are more affordable options elsewhere.

As all you fabulous ladies must be attending numerous parties this holiday season, go for a cheaper version so that you can afford a different dress for each party!

(Top left - Mod Cloth, $39.99; Top middle - Forever 21, $27.80; Top Right - Forever 21, $24.80; Bottom left - H&M, $17.95; Bottom middle - Forever 21, $24.80, Bottom right - Light in the Box, $27.99)

Remember this:  1) An unbelted sheath dress in a solid color helps to create a long, lean line that is not just vintage glamour but a figure-flattering piece that can be found on-trend, and 2) solid colors minimize figure flaws.  Don’t forget that the lighter the color, like white or a pale shade, the more your flaws will appear.  Go for darker shades, and those that mix best with your skin tone!

Author: Kaitie