Sheath dress: what to wear with and fashionable and stylish looks with photos

The sheath dress is one of the most successful designs of twentieth-century designers. It is a one-piece, narrow dress that fits the figure and makes subtle accents on feminine assets.
This style came into fashion after the First World War, in the early 30s of the last century. During a period of general shortage, it was considered unreasonable to spend a lot of money on tens of meters of expensive fabric to sew just one dress, so women began to abandon wide skirts and fluffy dresses, which, moreover, were not very comfortable to move around in.

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.

Who is suitable for a sheath dress (pencil dress)

For girls with ideal shapes, any model of pencil dress, in any color, is suitable. Fragile girls with an Hourglass or Slender Column figure will look great in a pencil dress in cream, pink, green, yellow. You can even experiment with stripes or asymmetrical prints.

For overweight women with an Apple or Pear figure, a sheath dress can be an ideal option.

The absence of a transverse seam visually lengthens the figure and makes it more graceful. In addition, a little loose at the waist, it emphasizes the chest well and disguises the fullness of the hips.

If you are short, it is better to choose short models of pencil dresses; if you are tall, on the contrary, longer ones.

Skinny girls should choose dresses made from heavy fabrics to add some weight to the silhouette.

If you have small breasts, then a dress with ruffles on the chest is an ideal option.

Where is it appropriate?

Departing somewhat from the classic style, the sheath dress has become a universal garment, suitable for different occasions.

A variety of cut options and decorative elements give the outfit a look that matches its purpose:

strict colors, thick fabrics, moderate length - for the office;
lace inserts, rhinestones, expensive fabric, neckline or open shoulders - for evening dress;
lightweight materials, bright prints - for walking on a hot summer day;
denim, knitted model - for everyday wear.

Flounces, ruffles and draperies create a romantic look, while simple darts and ¾ sleeves create a business-like look. Wedding fashion offers sheath dresses for the bride; they also make models for pregnant women.

Leather sheath dress - for advanced fashionable parties. Different acceptable length options make the case popular among young people and older ladies.

Black sheath dress: a classic of the genre

A classic black sheath dress is a thing that should be present in the basic wardrobe of every modern woman. In addition to everyday sleeveless models, today you can choose an asymmetrical sheath dress , options with ruffles, fringe, and draperies.

A black sheath dress with lace, cutouts, and decor made of beads, pearls or beads looks beautiful.

If you need to choose an office dress for 2020-2021, pay attention to the Versace autumn-winter collection. The designers of this iconic fashion house continue to follow the commandments of the great Coco Chanel, who encouraged women to cover their knees. Fortunately, today no one considers the kneecaps to be the ugliest part of the female body. However, black sundresses of a laconic cut, worn on top of a shirt, do not lose their popularity in 2020-2021.

Optimal length for a sheath dress

The length of the sheath dress has departed from the classical norm (moderate) and is allowed to vary. Comfortable, knee-length, appropriate in the office and for every day; for youth get-togethers, cocktail parties or special occasions, choose a casual one.

Mini

Slender girls with beautiful legs liked the shortened version of the classic case. The mini length is good for young people, especially on warm summer days. When wearing a mini sheath, you should not expose your shoulders or create a deep neckline. A light jacket and bolero complement the shortened models.

Shoes with heels with a minidress look harmonious on slender legs, but an overly high stiletto heel makes the look aggressive. Medium heels and sandals with thin straps will decorate the foot and add completeness and chic to the ensemble.

Midi

Midi length is popular at all ages. Such dresses are worn with heels, choosing the height depending on height and build. Elongated models are made from elastic fabrics that are comfortable when walking.

Below the knee

Options just below the knee are classics of the genre. When walking, the hem slightly reveals the kneecap. This length is in demand among women with different body types, as it allows you to present the main advantages of the body, highlighted by a sheath dress, in the best possible way.

Accessories for a sheath dress

The good thing about a sheath dress is that you can easily wear it all day and evening, adding a couple of elegant details, go to a meeting with friends, a boyfriend, or just take a walk. But you need to complement your image with interesting details to appear even more attractive. Long chains with pendants, as well as various thin bracelets, look good with this outfit.

In addition, you can complement the look with accessories with stones. For example, massive earrings or an unusual necklace. Large bracelets with stones will also look good, especially on thin wrists.

Suitable fabrics and textures

Different fabrics are used to sew dresses - from thin silk to thick linen, jacquard, boucle. The material must correspond to the created image and style, as well as the time of year.

From guipure

Guipure models create romantic images. The lining is sewn from contrasting or similar-colored fabric. Deep cutouts and lace inserts turn the outfits into festive and formal ones.

Silk

Silk models look chic, but quickly wrinkle and stretch. Suitable only for slender women without folds or excess weight.

Denim

Lightweight denim with a small amount of lycra is a convenient option for everyday wear and walking with a child.

Made from linen

In linen models, you can safely go to work in the office and take a walk on the street in the summer. They are hygroscopic, the body breathes in them. Disadvantage: they wrinkle a lot.

Jacquard

Thick fabric is used for sewing winter versions of sheath dresses, for wearing in the office. Long or ¾ sleeves.

Knitted

Knitwear is comfortable and practical, clings to the body. Such models favorably emphasize the figure and do not create stiffness or discomfort when worn for a long time.

Lace

With the help of lace, inserts are made that give the dress a festive look and correct the shape of the figure. Fully lace models are distinguished by sophistication and an elegant look.

The most fashionable colors of 2021

The color scheme depends on the purpose of the outfit. Plain dresses traditionally attract more attention; the features of the cut and fit are better visible on them. Monochrome dresses are ideal for special occasions; they are complemented with shiny accessories, jewelry, and fur, which look advantageous against a plain background. Green dresses, popular this season, are complemented with accessories in gold, wine shades, and all the colors of autumn - from yellow to brown.

Dresses with prints - floral, geometric - usually do not need additional decorations; the pattern on the material is the decoration of the outfit. The 2021 season offers many color options for sheath dresses for different occasions.

Grey

Shades of gray are ideal for offices and cold seasons. A small ribbed or speckled pattern is allowed. Pearl and silver tones are worn in the summer, this shade is fashionable in the 2021 season. Expensive silver-gray fabric looks great in evening dresses.

Blue

Blue and light blue colors have been constantly in trend in recent years. Various shades of blue create subdued or vibrant looks. A dark blue dress is suitable for the office and going out. Shoes and accessories in white, gray, and beige tones go well with blue outfits. Any lady can easily find a shade of blue that suits her type. These outfits are complemented with silver jewelry.

Black

Chanel introduced black color into fashion by creating the famous little dress - a variant of the sheath model. Since then, black color has been popular among ladies of all ages; it makes you look slimmer, adds chic, and goes well with different types of jewelry. In festive versions it is complemented with lace, sparkle of rhinestones and jewelry.

White

White color gives tenderness and sophistication to the image. Designers offer sheath wedding dresses for brides of any age. White color is appropriate on a hot day, for everyday wear and for the office.

Red

Defiant, passionate red color does not require additional tricks to decorate the dress. Ladies in red attract everyone's attention, so the fabric, cut and fit must look perfect. Such models do not burden with unnecessary details, they focus on the texture of the material and the beauty of the figure. Accessories are chosen in shades of gold, complementing the look with scarves, stoles, bags in animalistic style with prints in gray, white and black colors.

Shades of beige

The beige color looks great on tanned skin and emphasizes the femininity of the image. Shades of beige tones are ideal for hot summers. Such dresses are complemented with accessories in appropriate soft tones, giving the image aristocracy and restraint. Another option is to use bright contrasting shades of shoes, bags, belts to create a defiant accent and colorize the clothes.

Sheath dress. Current models

This season's trend is a tight-fitting sheath dress without a horizontal seam along the waistline. The classic style is the absence of a collar and sleeves. The neckline has a rounded shape. The presence of a thin belt focuses attention on the waist.

There is no wrong body, there is only the wrong dress. Evelina Khromchenko

A sheath dress can transform any figure by accentuating the waist. The classic female hourglass body shape is back in fashion. And the length of the dress allows you to visually lengthen your legs, especially in combination with high stiletto heels. This season, a fashionable dress can be with or without straps. The most important condition when buying an outfit is that the model must fit you perfectly!

Classic sheath dress

The classic length of a sheath dress is knee-length. The length has remained unchanged for a long time, and all designers adhere to this stability. A tight-fitting silhouette is very sexy, so it does not require additional sexuality when reducing the length; a too short tight outfit will look vulgar. But a bold, fitted dress with a moderate length looks amazing.

Femininity and sophistication are always in fashion. This season, a sheath dress can be made from any material, the main thing is that it matches the event that you are going to attend in this outfit.

“Even more femininity” is the motto of the season; various silk and satin ribbons in the form of straps and ties on the shoulders and waist add even more sophistication to the look.

Sheath dress for summer

The traditionally strict sheath dress blossoms in the spring - both literally, due to the current print, and figuratively, thanks to the asymmetrical cut and graceful draperies.

The designers do not skimp and combine two current trends of the spring-summer season in the colors of the summer model: floral print and the effect of blurry watercolor sketches.

Sheath dress - cut

The unusual cut of the sleeves of the asymmetrical dress turns it into a successful hybrid of a sheath and a bustier, taking the best of both models: a wide strap will allow you to move freely without worrying about what happens to the neckline.

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Sheath dress - drapery

Sheath dresses were considered the privilege of women with an ideal figure, but now this problem has been solved: the drapery at the waist, which echoes the sleeves, makes the silhouette clear and hides minor imperfections.

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Long sheath dress

This dress is also called a “mermaid” because it widens at the bottom.

Sheath dress with ornaments and prints

Do you want to look original and feminine? Then feel free to wear an outfit with stylish decor, floral prints and geometric patterns. This season's fashionable “case” from the catwalks of famous couturiers easily fits into delicate and romantic images.

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Case with peplum

Women can express their love for peplum tirelessly! It was brought into fashion by Cristobal Balenciaga in the 20th century. The current trend boldly took a leading position back in 2014 and does not intend to give it up. For skinny girls, a dress with a peplum gives the opportunity to emphasize ideal shapes, and for curvy girls - to hide extra pounds on the hips.

Sheath dress with lace

A true masterpiece of the fashion world! Lace in a sheath dress is present in the creations of famous couturiers. Handmade lace has become the most in demand this season. Chic and sophistication of models, pastel, cream and caramel shades are on trend!

Satin sheath dress

In such a luxurious outfit, a girl can feel like a real queen of the evening. This model is only suitable for formal meetings and dates. By wearing this to her prom, a girl will become the object of adoration among boys and the envy of her friends!

Popular styles

After the sheath dress was subjected to some changes and additions, the model became in demand for any occasion. It’s easy to choose the right style for work, leisure, or a festive event.

Summer

Summer models are made from cotton, linen, and silk. For the hot season, variations of the little black dress are especially relevant - without unnecessary details and complex elements. For a warm day and bright sun, the following are appropriate:

open shoulders, straps, asymmetry;
short sleeves or completely open arms;
for slim people – mini length;
lace or mesh in decor;
light plain fabrics;
floral prints, geometric, animalistic patterns.

For ladies with full arms, it is better to choose models with sleeves that hide part of the problem area.

Office

Models for the office are one of the options for everyday wear. The rigor and laconicism of a sheath dress are appropriate in the office; they give working women a businesslike look and do not distract attention with many details and complex decor. Office models are closest to the classic case style. Let us note the main characteristics of the office look of the popular model:

Length – moderate, knee-length, slightly lower. A cool mini or too long options will interfere with your work.
A sleeve of any length is appropriate, depending on the season.
The collar will not harm the office dress. It is made to stand up, turn down, and is often made in a contrasting color, making it the main accent of the image.
The fabrics chosen are dense, under which the linen does not stand out. In the 2021 season, jacquard, wool, and linen are used for summer. As always, mixed fabrics are popular because they are elastic and wrinkle less.
Color solutions are selected according to the taste or dress code of the company. The main requirement is not flashy colors, muted tones. The trend of the season is brown, gray, classic blue, shades of beige. An inconspicuous print on the fabric is allowed - herringbone, specks, check.
Absence of transparent inserts, guipure, lace, which would be inappropriate at work.

Wear an office sheath dress with high-heeled shoes or boots and discreet jewelry. A briefcase or clutch bag will complete the look.

Tip: classic sleeveless models are complemented with a jacket or cardigan, ideally combined with the adjacent silhouette of the sheath. Jackets are worn in the same or contrasting colors.

Cocktail

Dresses for cocktail parties are made from expensive fabrics and decorated with deep cutouts on the back and slits. Dresses with drapery are suitable for women with any figure; shortened models made of thin fabrics (silk, satin) are better for slender girls.

Models are decorated with rhinestones, feathers, embroidery, beads, and inserts made of translucent fabrics. Guipure and lace dresses, which do not require additional decor, look elegant.

Casual

The introduction of lycra into most fabrics, which makes the material elastic and comfortable to wear, has led to an increase in the comfort of the sheath dress and the ability to wear it constantly. Summer dresses are made from light fabrics with bright or muted watercolor prints; monochromatic models are still in fashion - white, red, black. In everyday clothes, a variety of styles are allowed - with straps, a deeper neckline - bob or curly. In the 2021 season, asymmetrical dresses with a strap or sleeves on one shoulder are popular.

Tight models with lycra or loose-fitting dresses are appropriate at any time of the year. Additional details make the case suitable for any figure. Help to correct addition shortcomings:

waist-shaping scents;
draperies that add volume to the chest or hips;
sleeves that help hide very full or thin arms;
length that hides leg imperfections and visually corrects height.

For everyday wear, a denim sheath dress, which is often made with buttons, is suitable. Winter models are sewn with long sleeves or complement a short-sleeve dress with a knitted cardigan or short jacket. Models for the cold season are made from elastic, thick fabrics that retain heat and are comfortable to wear.

With lace

Lace elements are used to decorate sleeves, décolleté, and the bottom of the dress. Sew lace in a contrasting tone or the same tone as the dress over the fabric. Models with lace are worn in the 2021 season as festive and everyday dresses.

With a collar

The collar changes the look of the sheath dress and gives the models a more businesslike, office look. Stylish options for 2021 are sewn with stand-up collars, turn-down collars in a contrasting color or from fabric of a different texture.

With sleeve

Sleeves make the sheath dress more practical and relevant in our country, where it is cold most of the year. Long sleeves and three-quarter size are comfortable to wear during cold seasons. For summer, the choice of sleeve style is wider:

flashlight for women with narrow shoulders;
wings and tulip for any figure.

Elegant, with sleeves

In many models, the sleeve serves as the main decoration of the dress. The trend is for sleeves made of lace, guipure, and mesh. Hands covered with translucent fabric elongate the silhouette and make ladies who are not very thin appear slimmer.

With cleavage

Dresses with a low neckline are a great way to stand out and show off your beautiful body. Deep cutouts on the back adorn evening dresses. The trend is asymmetrical necklines that reveal only one shoulder. Asymmetry draws attention to the shoulders; bare forearms are decorated with bright bracelets.

With basque

The peplum adds volume to the hips and serves as a decorative element. The peplum is sewn from the main fabric or a material of a different texture. Such models do not need other decorations.

High waist

Figure defects are hidden by high-waisted dresses. The models are comfortable for overweight ladies with an unclear waistline. A high waist visually lengthens the body and does not draw attention to problem areas.

With pockets

Pockets give some freedom to the look and help hide minor figure defects. More often, the pockets are hidden in the seams, so the model is not made heavier and does not add volume.

With smell

Wrap dresses allow you to model your silhouette, hide a small tummy, and emphasize your chest and waist. The V-shaped neckline elongates the neck and gives additional slimness. A bra with push-up cups adds fullness to the breasts.

Direct

Straight models are universal, restrict movement less, and suit different body types. This is a timeless classic of the case. Those who like to emphasize their waist wear narrow or wide belts of contrasting or harmonizing colors.

Boat neckline

Options with a boat-shaped neckline widen the shoulders and help ladies with wide hips to equalize the proportions of their figure.

With flounces on the shoulders

Beautiful flounces made of fabric or lace add romance and mystery to the image. Festive dresses decorated with flounces along the edge of the neckline look elegant. Such jewelry visually increases the volume of the upper body and is suitable for girls with narrow shoulders.

Off Shoulder

Models with bare shoulders - for summer and evening outings. They will decorate girls with harmonious proportions. Dresses with American armholes and bandeau bodice are popular. Another option for a lightweight top is straps. Wide straps are suitable for ladies with any shoulder shape; narrow straps should only be worn by thin girls with a proportionate figure.

Accessories

The sheath dress itself is modest, but at the same time graceful and elegant. If the occasion allows, then you can absolutely easily add decorations. You can choose a beautiful large or not so large bracelet, a brooch will look interesting on a dress - now there is such a choice of brooches, you can choose a beautiful animal or object. Various necklaces and beads look beautiful with the dress.

And if you also add beautiful bright pumps with elegant stilettos, then you will be the sexiest and irresistible.

However, as for shoes, these may not necessarily be stilettos. You can choose beautiful shoes with thick heels or even shoes without heels, for example, ballet flats. Tall, slender girls can easily wear ballet flats and not be afraid that their legs will visually appear short. But short girls with ballet shoes under their dresses need to be careful.

What to wear with a sheath dress: fashionable images and ideas

The laconicism and restraint of a sheath dress requires the selection of shoes, bags, and accessories that will decorate the image and add completeness to the outfit.

Shoes and sandals

The sheath dress goes harmoniously with different shoes. Pumps in matching or contrasting colors are ideal. Models with heels and open toes look great. Ballet flats simplify the look; the sheath loses most of its feminine charm. For a summer outfit, choose heeled sandals of a comfortable size. Beige, white, shiny models will suit light tones of the dress.

Sneakers

The combination of the case and sneakers can be considered original. The dress comes from the 30s, when beauty was a priority for women, not comfort. And although photographs of models in such a set can be found in fashion magazines, the union cannot be called harmonious, rather strange.

Handbag

When wearing a sheath dress, it is better to leave huge fashionable bags at home. A small handbag, clutch with or without a strap goes perfectly with a feminine look. The briefcase bag will harmoniously complement office clothing.

Glasses and hat

Sunglasses and a hat are an aristocratic option to complement the outfit. Small pillbox hats with a veil and wide-brimmed straw hats that mysteriously shade the face look great.

Glasses are chosen with heavily tinted lenses in the spirit of the 60s.

Accessories

Despite the abundance of fashionable options for the case, this is a retro look, a little from the past. Exquisite accessories to complement the outfit include:

gloves to match your shoes, bag or dress;
stockings or tights even in the summer season;
small watches, bracelets;
expensive jewelry;
string of pearls

If the dress is decorated with lace or guipure, accessories are chosen to be discreet and in minimal quantities. The sheath dress does not leave the catwalks; new types of the popular style appear in collections every year. The one-piece simple model perfectly emphasizes feminine advantages and is comfortable to wear. Modern trends and new materials add additional charm and glamor to well-known and beloved clothes, without taking away the main thing - simplicity, grace and sophistication.

Casual option

The sheath dress is also indispensable for everyday wear. Not only will you feel comfortable in this outfit, but you will also be able to create new looks.

Do you want to show your guests your hospitality? Throw a shawl over your sheath dress. It is cold outside? Complete the sheath dress with a knitted cardigan with a belt. Do you want to transform into a socialite? Swap the shawl for a wide chiffon scarf - and immediately when you look at you, the thought of haute couture will come to mind.

What to wear over a sheath dress?

Of course, a classic - a raincoat, a coat or a fur coat, a French jacket would look good. Neither a down jacket nor a windbreaker will fit under a sheath dress - it’s not the right combination. But if you adhere to a sporty style of clothing, you are allowed to wear a parka, leather or even denim jacket over such a dress. In this case, your image will be not only informal, but even slightly romantic. But if you have a choice, it is better to give preference to the classics.

What about shoes?

But the question of choosing shoes is a serious one, and it should be treated the same. After all, a sheath dress not only does not imply freedom and negligence, but simply does not tolerate it!

The most successful shoe option for such a dress is classic models. A narrow toe, a stiletto heel - these are the shoes that are ideal for a sheath dress. Sandals are also acceptable, especially if the heel or platform is elegant.

In cold weather, ankle boots or high boots are worn, sometimes even shoes without heels are allowed. It is worth remembering that boots and shoes with a blunt toe and square heels will not fit under a sheath dress. You also need to forget about sports shoes - this is unacceptable for such a classic dress.

The only exception to the rule is pumps without heels.
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Inna:
This dress is an indispensable item for business negotiations and ordinary corporate events. I wear a sheath dress with a classic-cut jacket and shoes. The accessory is a reticule.
Answer