Though Diane von Furstenberg is famous for her wrap dresses, she does make non-wrap dresses too. Some show up for a season, others have started becoming repeats. Here's my thoughts on what sheaths I like, how flattering they are, and how appropriate for work. First, my opionion is strictly on my own body shape. I've compared myself to a T-Rex- little up top, huge hips & thighs. And a tummy. In wraps I'm usually an 8, though I've squeezed down to a 4 if it's a rare pattern. In my own personal preference order:
Thane, Marbled Pesto. I LOVE
this dress. It's not too tight at the waist. The wool is a comfy stretch (this dress is 100% wool, Bluefly is wrong in listing it as silk". The keyhole back is interesting but not work inappropriate. If it's cold, I can layer a cardigan. In fall/winter, this dress gets heavy rotation. The dress came in several other patterns (Eva Longira wore it in red) but it doesn't pop up much on eBay.
Description "
Crewneck, Cut-out back with button closure, Pleated cap sleeve, Empire waist seam, Ruching at side skirt, Unlined"
Jamila, Tiger Print. I also LOVE this dress. With the obi waist it's surprisingly forgiving of my stomach. The top is a soft silk, the bottom a stretchy silk. I think the tiger print is a little much for work, and usually only wear with a sweater. I tried on the Jamila in Cayenne at the DVF in NYC, and thought "it'll go on sale". It didn't, and I still regret not getting it in Cayenne or in blue. The tiger keeps popping up on eBay.
Description "
wide scooped neckline, keyhole button closure at the back of the neck, capped shoulders, chiffon overlay (top), banded waist, ruching at the sides, straight skirt, and a slip on design."
Holland, Navy Blue. I got a 10 as
I'd read this ran big. wrong! the 10 split neckline is way too low on me. It's a cute dress but I can only wear it on weekends.
Description
" Sporty mandarin-collared splitneck dress with cap-sleeves, white panels on both sides of silhouette, and built-in hip pockets "
Marchona Hot Pink. This dress hits my stomach in the worst place and makes my butt look like meatballs. Somehow I still like wearing it, perhaps because it reminds me of the fun I had at the DvF sample sale. A wool blend. Not work appropriate (on me) but a fun going out dress with the zipper detail.
Description "
Round neckline, Cap sleeves, Straight skirt; high waistline, Black-lined zipper adorns left shoulder."
Taran. Regetta weave blue. I'm a sucker for pockets! Barely work appropriate. The scoop neckline is a little low. Good for a warm day as it's 100% silk with cap sleeves.
Description "
scooped neckline, sleeveless cut, banded waist, scooped pockets at the hips, pleated detailing, and a hem that should fall just above knee level."
Carpeena. in Hazelnut. I got this dress in 10, but it's still a bit small for me. I like the back zipper, but still haven't worn it.
"
sleeveless, crew-neck dress features on-seam hip pockets and a full-length, exposed back zip. Darting at bust and waist. Vertical seam at skirt. * 33" long, measured from shoulder."
Helen. Navy Pinstripe wool. I got this for $97 from Neiman Last Call in a size 12, and I still haven't worn it. I feel like I'm all tummy as it's so clingy. I read reviews on Saks of how "flattering" it is. huh. I love this dress in theory and it's my goal dress.
Description "
Wide neck, v back, cap sleeves with vents, elasticized shoulders. Seam detail through front and back, concealed back zip closure"
New Domina. Ok, this is truly my goal dress. It's basically a bandage style dress. Very tight. I got mine at the DvF sample sale for $20. It was a true sample so no size. someday, someday, I'll fit in this!
Description "
square neck and back, capped sleeves, a side zip fastening and seam and stitch detailing "
Jori. I don't actually have this one. A lady at the sample sale took it off the rack right before me! No big loss, when I'd tried it on (full price) it was tummyful.
