Claire from House of Cards knows the allure of a classic sheath dress.
They create a powerful streamlined sihlouette that is classy and timeless.
Even Joan from MadMen loves her sheath dress.
They show she means business but can still be feminine and uber sexy while getting things done.
I’ve come to appreciate the simplicity of a good sheath dress. They can be mixed and matched easily with other items from your closet. They always look polished and can be dressed up or down depending how you style them.
Here are a few of my favourites from the past…
Tips for buying and wearing a sheath dress…
Personally since a sheath dress is normally quite fitted I like ones that have a bit of stretch in the fabric. They move with you, and don’t feel constricting. Look for at least 5% lycra in the fabric label.
I like mine to come to just above my knees. If you are taller you might choose just below your knees.
Having a strong shoulder (raised or capped), will make your waist look smaller.
Narrow belts will accentuate your waist and create sexy curves.
V-necks will elongate your body.
I have included more tips on another post in my Top 10 Essential Wardrobe Pieces.
Lately I’ve spotted a few I’d love to add to my closet…there are a mix of higher and lower end pieces here. Can you tell which are which?
Classic Sheath Dress
Did you guess correctly?
Do you own a sheath dress?
Linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday
For whatever reason sheath dresses tend to remind me of the early 200s and high school. You look great (and modern) in one though!
You and Claire make the sheath dress SING. oxo
quante belle idee cara a presto
This really is “your” silhouette. It looks so fabulous on you! I always feel big in sheath dresses, but maybe I just haven’t found the right one!
I think sheaths are uber sexy and chic but still look professional. I think they’re a timeless “powersuit” without feeling stuffy or masculine. I drool over Clare’s ensembles on House of Cards. Her stylist puts her in the chicest outfits. She appears feminine but tough, intelligent, and relentless. Perfect for the ruthless power woman she is! My favorite sheath look of yours is that red checked dress with the black blazer over the top. It shows that sheaths can still be fun! I own one dress in a sheath silhouette, but I find shifts more forgiving on my body. I can always belt it at the waist for a bit more shape, of course!
<3 Liz
http://www.withwonderandwhimsy.com
Look at you hot babe! I love the versatility of sheaths. Such a classic and also chameleon like. I love how you’ve styled these. Mine have to have stretch too or they’re down right uncomfortable. Great post!
I like V- neck too, but I prefer a midi-length, although I am short! These dresses are amazing! I loved the one the last one that you are wearing, with the animal print belt and the knew-length boots! Really elegant and gorgeous!
DenisesPlanet.com
these sheath dresses look great. I appreciate a classic but strong silhouette these dresses create. It’s so beautiful.
xo,
nancy
http://www.adoretoadorn.com
these sheath dresses look great. I appreciate a classic but strong silhouette these dresses create. It’s so beautiful.
xo,
nancy
Phwoar, you really smoulder in those dresses! xxx
Even before I knew their name, these dresses did something for me. They display a woman’s natural beauty to great advantage. Being cylindrical, I don’t favor them (you’ve given me advice on better shapes) but I vicariously enjoy them through admiring curvy women in them. Nice, informative post.
I love sheath dresses, but they don’t always love me. Usually they are the nicest without sleeves (a no go area for me, although you never know). You look terrific in these dresses, you have the curves to make it work. I agree with your tips. Just dared to buy one, according to all your tips haha.
They look all good on you, but my personal favourite is the black/white jacket on the red/white dress. So nice.
Greetje
You are smoking! you look great in these (you look great in everything!!) I’m going to try one this year I think, one with supreme structure on the inside x x x
Totally agree, a good sheath dress is the best classic item a woman can have in her closet. I only own two and love them dearly. After looking at your collection, which by the way, is amazing, I’m giving myself permission to buy a few more. And, thanks to you and your fun links I don’t really have to shop too hard. Although anytime you decide you’re tired of that leather sheath, I do believe we’re the same size.
I do like sheath dresses, though I wear mine far less often that dresses with a full skirt, just because they aren’t quite as comfortable. The 2 I have don’t stretch, which explains the slight lack of comfort. 🙂 I think stretchy fabric is a very good idea in a sheath dress.
Yep, I sure do, more than one. In fact, i just bought a Phase Eight light-weight stretchy gray wool one a few weeks back on sale (I don’t ever wear belts with them though, with my bust and hips, that’s not a good look for me).
I do love a great sheath dress. I do love the versatility of them and how you can transition it to office to party with change in accessories. Love the ones you’ve shown here.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
You definitely look gorgeous in a sheath dress. I really like the idea of adding a belt – will have to give that a try!
Well I spotted the Boden one straight away, and I knew number 6 was designer but was still a bit gobsmacked when I saw the price!!
I love the leather dress on you, but you honestly have such a fab selection! All gorgeous, and can be styled in diverse ways.
x
It’s definitely a style which really suits you, Suzanne, sheath dresses show off your fabulous figure. I think I have just one, a 1950s dress which I only wear occasionally but I do love it. xxx
Suzanne
Loving #5 and 2 for me, great tips on the sheath dress, and I really need the pumpkin leather one you have!!
Thanks so much for being a part of Turning Heads Tuesday!!
jess
OMG, OMG, OMG, OMGGGGGGG….that leather dress is The Business!!! Love how you accessorized it as well. Well-played madam!