How to Wrap a Scarf Dress

Wrap closures feature in a variety of garments such as tops, sweaters, skirts and especially dresses. However, wrapping a scarf dress can be a bit confusing. With the many slit openings and twists, you may feel intimidated by the updated look and shy away from the style altogether. However, if you look for the right slit positioning, buckle inserts or clasps, your self-ties will wrap securely.

Things You'll Need

• Buckle or clasp
• Full-length mirror (optional)

Instructions

1. Drape your scarf evenly around your neck or dress form. Look for any open slits or added closures such as buckles or clasps, which will indicate how you should wrap your dress. Slits are usually located at seams or sideseams; they can also be located approximately 1/4 inch from the sideseam. If you are wrapping a scarf without slits, you will need a buckle or clasp to insert the ends for a secure wrap. Look for any tags or photos of the closed garment.

2. Insert the right point of your scarf into your buckle, clasp or slit and gently pull it through around your neck.You will need a sufficient amount of fabric to drape around your neck. Insert the same end once again into the buckle. It will form a halter-type neckline. Adjust it at your center front.

   The right side of the scarf will appear shorter, as an extended tail. The left side of the scarf will be naturally longer, as an extended tail. You will have an angled drape from right to left.

3. Hold and gather the right scarf tail in one hand. Position it at your right sideseam, under your arm. Gather the left tail. Gently pull it under your left arm, towards the back, until the sideseam fits correctly on your shape.

4. Wrap the longer, left tail around your back towards your right side. The front panel of your dress will be taut until you finish wrapping. Take the shorter, right tail and pull it gently towards the back, towards your left side. You will be wrapping the tails around the dress. The left tail, which is naturally longer, will wrap around twice.

5. Wrap the left tail, which is now at your right sideseam, by gently pulling it towards your front left sideseam. Your left tail will now be back in its original spot. Depending on the size and length of your scarf, you can self-tie the scarf at your left side or at your center back.

   For solid fabric dresses, make sure that your sideseams fall correctly. For printed patterns, horizontal or diagonal stripes, make sure that the pattern or stripe falls within the repeat position. This will ensure that your wrap dress accentuates your pattern correctly and that the fit is flattering to your body and style.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice wrapping your scarf dress on a dress form to get a clear idea of wrapping positions and dress adjustments and placements.

• It is best to finish wrapping your dress in front of a full length mirror to make any necessary fit adjustments.

References

• "Dress Your Best: The Complete Guide to Finding the Style That's Right for Your Body"; Clinton Kelly and Stacy London; 2005
• No Fuss Scarves: How To Wrap a Scarf Dress