Chic Evening Wraps to Wear with Cocktail Dresses
We spend so much time searching for that perfect cocktail dress for a holiday party, but when the big night comes, what do you wear when you need a little extra coverage to keep you warm or discreetly camouflage your arm-jiggle? Let’s hope it’s not that boring workday cardigan you grabbed last-minute out of the front hall closet or, worse, your husband’s borrowed suit jacket!
Here are some suggestions for chic evening wraps to pair with cocktail dresses, along with tips on selecting the perfect wrap for any holiday party outfit or fall/winter wedding.
Choosing The Perfect Wrap
When it comes to wraps, there’s something for everybody. Choosing a suitable wrap depends on many things, including.
- The formality of the event. The more formal the event, the more luxe the fabric. Choose silk, chiffon, velvet, satin, lace, or faux fur.
- Season – Wraps are often wider and heavier in the fall and winter than in spring and summer. Lighter-colored wraps look best in summer, and darker colors are lovely in the fall. Black and white are always in style. Metallics are year-round.
- Style of the Dress – Sleeveless, off-the-shoulder styles and dresses with plunging necklines look better with wraps than dresses with full sleeves or high necklines.
- Your Personality – Glam gals mostly go for wraps with patterns, embellishment, fringe, or shine. Classic dressers may prefer solid colors and traditional, low-key styles, such as cashmere pashminas or chiffon dusters. Dramatic types might enjoy a cape style. Edgy dressers might even wear a glitzy cocktail dress with a leather moto jacket!
- Your size– Large wraps can swallow up Petites. Giant prints can be overwhelming as well. Keep scale in mind when choosing the right size of evening cover-up to go with your cocktail dress.
Here are three styles of wraps that pair perfectly with fall’s most beautiful cocktail dresses.
Faux-Fur Wrap
Every gal needs a little glamour in her life, and a faux-fur wrap delivers and then some. It’s the perfect accompaniment to an off-the-shoulder cocktail dress like this one. The classic type is the Hollywood-style faux fur wrap that meets in the middle or at the side and is embellished with a decorative, sparkly pin. A little more understated, but just as elegant as the kind with a slit in the wrap that you pull one side through.
You’ll also find faux fur cropped jackets or shrugs, which are very modern and chic. A faux fur capelet is a romantic look, and a faux fur shawl is equally as pretty. And they don’t have to be expensive. You can get one for as little as $40. (black dress 1, black dress 2, black dress 3, black dress 4)
Sheer Shawl
A sheer wrap looks very elegant and lets you go sleeveless without being cold or worrying about showing off your arms. Many sheer wraps are trimmed in satin or have a shimmery metallic finish. You can even find sheer jackets that act as wraps, or a capelet shawl, if you only want coverage at the shoulders.
Lightweight Metallic Wrap
When you want something less sheer, this pretty metallic wrap is a beautiful option. It’s more opaque, like a pashmina, but not completely, and has a bit of nice sparkle without looking too bright or gaudy. It’s also a good length, offering you various ways to tie it. The thing I love about this wrap is its versatility. Not only is it perfect for dressier occasions, such as a holiday party or wedding, but it would also be a great lightweight piece to pack for evenings on a resort vacation or a cruise. Or wear it scarf-style over a coat; it’s a great piece to own.
These Wraps are in Stores Right now!
What do you wear to cover up at your holiday parties?
(NOTE: If you are looking for spring and summer wraps, check here.)
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Hi – Thanks for the tips! What type of wrap would you wear with a sheer-sleeved solid, color (eggplant) evening gown? (Or should you wear a wrap with a long-sleeved dress?) I am the groom’s mother, and the wedding is on December 30th. Also, trying to decide on shoes.. black, platinum, or matte gold. I am stumped. Thanks for any suggestions.
Hi Elizabeth, Your gown sounds lovely, and if it has long sheer sleeves I would not ruin the look by wearing a shawl. The sleeves are a focal point and you would just be covering this beautiful detail. As for shoes, Black may come to mind but black can be heavy looking and weigh the look down. I would go with a silver shoe since eggplant is a cool purple and silver is a cool metallic. For a warmer purple like plum, a gold shoe would be nice. Whatever metallic you choose make sure the finish is not so bright and shiny that all the attention is on the shoes. Soft silver or matte is best. Have a wonderful time!
Hi Elizabeth,
Your dress sounds lovely, and I would not wear a wrap if it has long sheer sleeves. The sleeves are a beautiful focal point, so why hide this exquisite detail? As for shoes, black may come to mind, but black shoes can weigh your dress down and make your feet look heavy, depending on the shoe. I would go for silver which is an excellent metallic and pairs well with eggplant, which is usually on the cool side. You could wear gold shoes if the eggplant purple color is a little warmer. Whatever metallic you choose, be sure it is not so bright and shiny that all you see are the shoes. Soft or matte metallics are elegant. Have a wonderful time.
Hello –
Love your blog! Is the black dress pictured with the sheer/satin black wrap available for purchase? It’s to the left of the red cocktail dress. Thanks !!!
Hi Cheryl, Unfortunately, that dress sold out, but I found these:https://amzn.to/2ZqxoZb, https://amzn.to/3GzEjjE,https://amzn.to/3pQW48i,https://amzn.to/3Gr0xod (other sizes of this at amazon) Hope that helps!
Can you provide a link for the black cocktail dress in the faux-fur wrap ensemble? Perfect little black dress for an event I have coming up.
Hi Pam, Thanks for this. Please check my response to Cheryl. Cheers, Deborah