What Is a Sheath Dress? (2024)

There are things that once appeared on the fashion runway, never go out of fashion, almost immediately becoming a classic. The number of such things, of course, can be attributed to the sheath dress. This is a model that effectively emphasizes the figure and, at the same time, hides existing shortcomings. But the reason for the huge popularity is not in this, but in the versatility of the outfit. Photo models allow you to make sure that the dress can look strict and businesslike or solemn and dressy. Comfortable, relevant, giving full scope for the flight of fancy and change of images, the sheath dress confidently enters the ranks of the most popular things for women with taste. Immediately after trying on, looking in the mirror at the irresistible silhouette, it becomes clear that the place of favorite clothes is occupied for a long time and only a similar type of dress is able to produce the same effect. Hello everyone, it's no secret that the sheath dress - one of the most successful options for women's clothing, is universal, practical and acceptable for any event, while others can be surprised if you add an interesting accessory and a drop of female.

Elegant, strict, but at the same time, sexy, the sheath dress in its time made a real revolution in the world of fashion. After the First World War, when the economy of European countries was noticeably shaken, spending several meters of expensive fabric for one dress seemed extremely unreasonable. That is why the lush, layered outfits were replaced by simple, laconic models. The appearance of the sheath dress is not difficult to draw in your head, because the name itself already speaks of a tight cut to the knee line or slightly below. This model has undeniable advantages, but it is worth remembering that for some physiques it is better to consider another option. If the desire to become a happy owner of this dress has already ignited in a woman, the solution will also be found, because you can just more detailed approach to the choice of the perfect dress.

Sheath Dress

A sheath dress is a slim, semi-fitted dress that emphasizes the figure. The dress is sewn from one piece of fabric and does not have a cut-off seam at the waist. The classic version of the dress assumes a length to the knee, slightly above or below, the absence of sleeves, a round neck without a collar, a zipper on the side seam or on the back.

Previously, sheath dresses were associated only with solemn and evening events. Modern sheath dress has many different styles, sewn from a variety of fabrics so that you can choose a model suitable for a variety of occasions: for everyday wear, for work in the office, for a date, for a party and even for a wedding. The style of the dress emphasizes the beautiful curves of the female figure, focusing attention on the thin waist and seductive line of the hips. Options neckline modern designers offer any. In addition to the classic semicircular neckline, you can find a neckline in the form of a heart, square kare or oval. Asymmetrical necklines are often found in dresses for the evening.

Sheath dress first gained popularity in the 1930s and were firmly established in women's closets for all subsequent decades. The cut of the dress and its rather rigid solid texture (as the name suggests), often implying the presence of lining, maximally effectively hide the flaws and emphasize the advantages of the female figure. Various interpretations of the dresses allow you to wear it both as a co*cktail dress and as part of the office dress code.

It is the winning silhouette that makes this model ideal for any figure. The first "little dresses" were made of jersey and other pleasantly streamlined feminine silhouette fabrics. But the sheath dress was created precisely as part of a woman's suit in office style. In a business environment, the most respectable is considered to be clothes that are simple in shape and close to a rectangle. Traditional sheath dresses are sewn from fairly dense fabrics that hold their shape well. No flared skirt, unnecessary details on the shoulders or bodice. The only thing - a slight fit and relief seems to make the model sit well on the female figure. The fabric is mainly monochrome or with a classic pattern: plaid, "houndstooth", "herringbone", etc.

It is this option that helps to create a respectable expensive image, which is not ashamed to go to the reception at the embassy. In addition, the sheath dress has entered the wedding fashion. It is chosen by brides who prefer laconism, an expensive style. And those who want to actively spend time without crinoline and a long hem, a lot of moving, dancing, and socializing with guests.

A Brief History of the Sheath Dress

The date of birth of the sheath dress can be considered 1926, which can be considered the prototype of the sheath dress. Independent from the little black dress it became in 1928. That's when the term "slip dresses" was coined. After that, and diverged his path with the little black dress. The first peak of popularity of this outfit came in the 1930s. Then, thanks to its versatility and simplicity of cut, which served as a great background for various accessories, women could update their image in times of crisis.

It is believed that the cut of the sheath dress comes from the shirt dress model, which has a similar shape and comes from the style of the sheath dress, fashionable in the 20s (except for the fringe and provocativeness). The second peak of popularity of the sheath dresses were in the 1960s. It was then, in 1961, that the most talented fashion designer created a model of a long black sheath dress. This exquisite, extraordinary and incredibly feminine image was remembered by everyone for a long time. This dress was later sold at auction for 200 thousand dollars.

In the 1980s there was a new form of sheath dress, a dress-sarafan, made of jersey. Under it you could wear a T-shirt or turtleneck with high socks. Thanks to the narrow cut, the sheath dress became synonymous with the boyish figure. Straight silhouette lines and tight on-the-hip fabric were combined with a loose waistline. Such a dress did not create the illusion of an hourglass silhouette. An emphasized waist can be made with an additional belt. Sheath dresses can be found both in inexpensive stores and in designer collections. It is great for both summer and winter season. Simple and embellished designs are equally popular. The vintage style jersey dress is another popular option with an original 60's design.

And in our time, the sheath dress has not lost its relevance. On the contrary, its popularity is rapidly moving up. Thanks to the simplicity of the cut, which suits any figure, skillful combination of color solutions and accessories, these dresses become completely universal. It can be worn both to work and use as.

  • Off White

  • Black

Tips for Styling a Sheath Dress

- At work
Perfectly suited for sheath dresses and for creating everyday looks. It can be a comfortable knit dress, not constraining movements, or an outfit made of natural fabrics. Such a simple solution, such as a classic style with loose-fitting fabric and a rounded shallow neckline, will be a great option for office style. Put on top of a strict jacket will give the image a finished look. Also appropriate will be beautifully tied around the neck silk scarf, a massive necklace or a pendant. The gray color will serve as an excellent alternative to black. In such a color scheme, a sheath dress of woolen fabric will look harmoniously at work, giving a woman a sophisticated and luxurious look. As an accessory to this image will suit a thin strap made of leather of dark shades.

- At the party
At the party, the sheath dress will serve a great service, because in it you can feel comfortable, and stylish, but at the same time not too frank. A bright design with a print, jabot collar, applique, or bows should be balanced with a business jacket . The beauty of silk dresses will be emphasized by a rough leather jacket with a handbag or bold sandals with spikes on the heels. The model with a basque is best suited for going out, and from the accessories, you can take only a clutch.

- Street style
No reason to wear a sheath dress? No problem, because the field for experimentation is endless. Dark-colored dresses look great with tights of bright colors, boots or boots. There is also an option to wear a plaid shirt over a sleeveless dress without fastening it. Such a move will soften the excessive severity of the style, and the stones playing in the sun in the necklace will give the girl charm and style. In cool weather, it is a very unusual and interesting-looking combination of a sheath dress with cardigans and scarves. Representatives of the "lush beauty" are recommended to opt for models-flats with ajar bodice to accentuate the look on the upper part of the figure, and a gathering at the waistline, like the Greek style, giving the image of harmony and tenderness.

What Is a Sheath Dress? (2024)
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