What is a Faux Wrap Dress, and Is it Better?

Today I had a question about Faux wrap dresses. A reader asked, What’s the difference between a faux and an actual wrap dress, and which is better? Let’s find out!

What is a Faux-Wrap Dress?

This vibrant print dress from Calvin Klein is a faux wrap dress. It has all the style and figure-flattering charm of a traditional wrap dress without hassle.

My dress crisscrosses at the chest and wraps across the waist under the bust, typical of a wrap. But here’s the difference. An actual wrap dress ties up like a kimono. It’s one big open piece of fabric that you fold over your body and belt.

A faux wrap dress is an all-in-one sheath with the wrap part sewn. Instead of tying up a faux wrap dress, you slip it over your head. The result? A flirty, feminine dress that stays put.

What do I mean by “stays put?” If you have ever owned an actual wrap dress, you know how tricky it can be to keep the crisscross neckline from pulling apart. This is especially true if you are busty.

Many gals (including me) have to pin the dress at the V to keep their clothing closed and reveal too much cleavage. The other option is to wear a pretty camisole underneath your wrap dress in case the dress starts slipping apart. I sometimes use wardrobe tape.

With a faux wrap dress, there’s much less worry about a wardrobe malfunction. With the wrap detail sewn in, it’s easier to keep “the girls” covered. So you see, you get the look of a traditional wrap dress without worrying about anything spilling out.

This particular faux wrap dress has beautiful gold hardware on one side that highlights the elegant draping of the fabric across your body.

It’s also the same soft, stretchy fabric as any other wrap dress I own, so it’s super comfy.

That glamorous, gold waist detail is my favorite part of the dress. I went with delicate gold sandals to play up the metallic shine. The abstract print on this dress is artsy and modern, but the navy and white combo keep the dress grounded and conservative, which means you can wear this anywhere, from work to a party.

This dress is meant to follow your curves, so don’t forget to wear shapewear. I like Spanx – High Waist Mid Thigh shapers. It’s well worth it, and you will be amazed at how svelte it will make you look. It’s the magic bullet to a smooth, sexy faux wrap dress look.

If you’d like to pick up this faux wrap dress, I’ve linked it above, plus a few others in the same style but with different prints. As for sizing, I found this dress was true to size. Enjoy!