The Sheath Dress
A Classic Dress That's Both Feminine and Professional
The lean lines of the figure-skimming sheath dress make it perfect as a base for smart career clothing as well as a sophisticated show-stopper for evening attire.
What is a Sheath Dress?
Elegant, feminine and practical, the sheath dress is defined by a figure-hugging silhouette with a well-defined waist, that usually is cut mid-calf or shorter. Sheath dresses may be designed with or without sleeves, and are typically most flattering on toned, hour-glass figures.
Now that you know what a sheath dress is, here's how to make the most of this versatile, sophisticated frock:
Sheath Dresses at Work
Work-Friendly Cuts
- Hemlines: Sheath dressing takes naughty-secretary style and transforms it into polished, modern executive fashion. In the workplace, the sheath dress is a decidedly feminine, more efficient alternative to the business suit. For professional attire, always opt for sheath dresses with hemlines the hit anywhere from just above the knee to mid-calf.
- Necklines: There are many choices when it comes to necklines for the sheath dress, including bateau (or boat neck), deep V, jewel, scoop, or sweetheart. No matter your workplace, save cleavage for night-time looks and wear a light blouse – preferably one with a bow-tie neck – under dresses with revealing necklines.
- Sleeves: If your workplace allows, wear a sleeveless sheath dress in warmer spring and summer months; if that's too much skin, slip on a cardigan or fitted blazer. For more coverage in cooler months (or air-conditioned offices), go with a cap-, three-quarter, or full-length sleeve.
Strong Silhouette
The highlight of this simple dress style is its well-defined waist; further cinching the waist of a sheath dress with a thick belt accentuates the style's feminine appeal. And the sheath dress' strong silhouette makes a brilliant base for layering cute cardigan sweaters and slim-fitting blazers.
For a softer substitute to a structured blazer, and as an exercise in smart layering, go ahead and wear a longer cashmere cardigan sweater over your sheath dress (with the buttons between your breastbone and belly button fastened) and cinch it all with a wide belt.
Figure Flattering
The sheath dress' distinct waist also serves to create the illusion of long legs in the same way that high-waisted pants make your legs look longer. The elongated elegance of the sheath dress begs you to take it one step further by wearing the highest heel you can comfortably manage. Not only will it keep the long lines going, but a higher heel will also enhance the shape of your leg by flattering the curves of your calves and ankles.
Chic Style
The neat, minimal shape of the sheath dress makes it the perfect canvas for one or two tasteful yet eye-catching accessories: pin on a colorful or metallic brooch, or adorn yourself with a long string of pearls, a chunky necklace, or a thick and ornate bracelet. The retro style of the dress also makes it particularly suited to vintage costume jewelry.
Stand Out from the Crowd in Brighter Colors
Once again, the sheath dress' modest shape means you can go a bit brighter and bolder than you normally might at work. While basic black and gray are appropriate for very conservative environments, choose bright, energetic solid colors or attention-grabbing graphic prints for effortless, eye-opening sophistication.
Sheath Dress at Night
For night time looks, simply shed your blouse, cardigan sweater or blazer, slip on a pair of strappy stiletto shoes, put on some dangly earrings, and let your hair down from its daytime chignon. The figure-hugging cut of the dress and a bit of dramatic makeup is all the sex appeal you need.
