Simply wrap it up!

SKIRT OR DRESS?

The wrap-around skirts these days have become some of the most versatile clothes, for they are lending themselves to turn into fashionable dresses as well, finds-out Sarah Thomas.

WMade of satin, cotton, silk or corduroy, wrap-around skirts come in different shapes and sizes to fit all and sundry. These are certainly considered one of the most chic kinds of skirts. But did you know that a little creativity is all it takes to turn that skirt into a gorgeous looking dress? Yes! There are more than 21 ways of wrapping that skirt, and all of them would make you go ‘wow’!

“I am very fond of skirts, and while shopping I came across a reversible wrap around skirt. It had two layers of different patterns; the first one was shorter than the other.

The shopkeeper told me that it was called a ‘magic wrap’. He showed me several different ways of tying it. I was amazed and I picked it up,” explains Patricia D’costa, an instrumental engineer.

Wrap-around skirts can be tied in different ways as a skirt and can be worn as dresses as well. It is mostly seen as a beachwear, but many women across the city have gotten comfortable skirts and have opted for ‘wrap-arounds’, says Aloka Dsouza, freelance Fashion Designer.

“Be very aware of your body shape before buying a wrap-around skirt. If you are pear-shaped, do not go in for frills, as it adds volume and would make your lower body look bulkier.

However, if you are tying it as a dress, make sure that the frills are on top, near the bust. This would give you a proportionate look. A-line or straight cut skirts would suit this body type. If you are busty, then the frills must be at the lower end of your dress,” she advises.

Here are three most easy ways of doing-up a wrap-around skirt:

Halter-neck wrap-around

This is the easiest and the best way of tying the skirt as a dress. Hold the wrap under your arms, such that there is equal fabric on both sides. Now take the right strap and put it across the left shoulder and put the left strap across the right shoulder. Tie the straps round the neck, after adjusting the fabric as you desire. Make sure you hold the knot in place with a pin or button, and voilà! Your dress is ready!

Two-layered wrap-around

There are several ways to drape a two-layered wrap-around. First, wrap the two-layered skirt round your waist. Let the knot be tied at the back. Now lift the upper layer and cover the upper part of your body. Tie the two ends of the fabric either around your neck or at the back.

Off-shoulder wrap-around

Hold the fabric across your back and bring one side of the strap under your arm, pull the strap out towards your back, now place the other end of the strap across the opposite shoulder tie both the straps behind the back. There! Easy to drape, off-shoulder dress!

[Tip: Always wear a tube top and tights while draping the skirt. Also team it up with the right kind of accessories, preferably junk jewellery; this adds an oomph factor to your attire. Also remember that a free falling fabric is best as it would drape well and is also easy to experiment with. A longer skirt, will cover more skin when wrapped as a dress. So go in for longer skirts. But if you want to wear it as a top, a short one will do.]

Regardless of the occasion or weather, there is no ‘right’ way of wearing a wrap-around. So just be creative and you’ll have eyes following you as you walk down the streets.