Sheath Dresses

Banana Republic

Sheath dresses should be a staple in every woman's closet, whether it’s for work or pleasure. Versatile and chic, sheath dresses are very flattering, from their shape to their length and design.  Stunning structure meets figure flattering design in this absolutely on-trend must.  This slim, close-fitting shape follows the contours of every woman's body. The waist is a major focal point with these dresses, especially when worn with a belt. Check out the sheath dresses below that are for various occasions and from a wide range of designers.

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor

Banana Republic

Banana Republic

Banana Republic

Banana Republic

Banana Republic

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor

Sheath dresses flatter all different body types. Have a belly? Bigger thighs and hips than you’d like? Here's what you should look for in a sheath dress to compliment your assets and camouflage those flaws:

If you have a belly — LOOK FOR: Ruching; it visually flattens the stomach and creates a more defined waist. AVOID: lightweight or thin fabric (it will cling to trouble spots)

Hourglass figure — LOOK FOR: Waist-enhancing seams and a form-fitting cut to play up balanced proportions. AVOID: “Stiff or heavy fabrics, like tweed and brocade, that don’t shape easily to the contours of the body.” Those who wear D cups or larger should steer clear of high necklines, which can overemphasize an already large bust.

Full hips and thighs — LOOK FOR: Styles that offer a bit more volume or interesting detail up top to even out the proportions of the lower body. What else works? Fabrics with some stretch or softness, such as rayon, silk, and cotton blends, and a straight, not tapered, cut of the skirt to accommodate the hips.  AVOID: Pegged cuts that make hips and thighs look larger. Wrist-length sleeves that line up with the hips direct the eye straight to that area.

Straight figure — LOOK FOR: A dress with built-in curves. You’ll know it when you see it because it will have a great shape even on the hanger.  Also keep an eye out for a fitted bodice with darts and seaming throughout the torso to help create a defined, feminine silhouette. AVOID: Thin, elasticized waistbands or gathered fabric at the stomach that adds thickness to the middle and makes the body look straighter.

Does it fit?

Use this guide to make sure the sheath dress you find fits you the way it should.

Neckline: Make sure it lies flat, as opposed to gaping forward.

Chest: Look out for horizontal pulling (the dress is too tight) or sagging (the dress is too loose). Also, any darts should line up at the center of each breast, not above or below them.

Armholes: The openings shouldn’t be so small that they constrict movement or so wide that your bra is visible.

Hips: Pinch the fabric at your side. There shouldn’t be more than an inch of allowance. However, the material shouldn’t pull across your thighs, either.

Hemline: The most flattering lengths are an inch above or below the knee. Avoid anything too long or too short.