Fashion 2012 - The Sheath Dress

It was the year 1926, and "Vouge Magazine published "CoCo Chanel's " little black Sheath dress. The dress was calf length, with a straight line, and decorated with a few diagonal lines. Vogue called it " Chanel's Ford".... Naturally it was named after "Fords Model T "automobile. Chanel's little black dress took off like gang-busters, it became a staple for not only the wealthy woman, but copies were soon produced in mass, which made it affordable for all women to have at least one little black sheath dress in their closet.

"Audrey Hepurn" made this little floor length black sheath the dress every woman wanted to own in 1961. Hepurn wore this fabulous sheath in the movie "Breakfast At Tiffany's" . Where she portrayed the character "Holly Golightly" a somewhat naïve, eccentric woman that was making her way in New York City in the early 1960s...

The 1960s will be remembered for a time when fashion changes came fast and furious. The "Kennedy's" were in the White house, and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy being young and vibrant, took the country by storm with her wonderful flare for fashion. " Jackie" became a fashion icon very quickly, in her few years at the White House, and her influence on women's attire continued throughout her life. Jackie Kennedy continues to remains a fashion icon even today.

Jackie Kennedy loved wearing bright colors, such as yellow, pink, red and ivory.She loved prints, and stripes as well. Jackie's personal fashion icon was Audrey Hepburn, and throughout her life, Jackie's kept to the classic look that of Audrey Hepurn was known for. Jackie chose Hubert de Givenchy as her go-to designer, she also loved Oscar de la Renta, well as Coco Chanel .

Jackie Kennedy's day wear generally consisted of simple sheath dresses with a cap sleeve. In a suit Jackie liked Chanel's suits. She would most often pair her outfits a simple pump shoe, and very interesting classical jewelry, such as her three strand of pearls. She loved to finish off a suit with a perfect glove. She most often wore a pillbox hat. Casual day time wear might find her in a tailored trouser, with crisp fitted white blouse, and simple cardigan sweater. In many photo's throughout her life she was seen wearing a gold tone 'Cartier " watch that had a thin black leather strap, the face adorned with diamonds. This watch seemed to be one of her signature pieces of jewelry.

For eveningwear, Jackie's style was generally a sleeveless look, choosing in a single color with a jewel or bateau neckline. She loved long sheath dresses that showed off her slim figure. Jackie also loved backless or off-the shoulder gowns, which made her look like Hollywood royalty. Her shoes, and accessories would always match her evening apparel perfectly. A pair of white gloves was another signature accessory of Jackie Kennedy's.

It appears that the new first lady of the United States "Michelle Obama" loves sheath dresses, and wears the style frequently. Michelle Obama just may be an up and coming style icon... She may just rake her place in Fashion history wearing a fabulous sheath dress...

The sheath dress came to style in the mid 1950s, many starlets, as well as fashion icons seem to choose the sheath dress as their "signatures look". Fashion forward women such as CoCo Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, and let's not forget Jacqueline Kennedy were much responsible for making the sheath dress a classic fashion must have for women around the world - a fashion that continues to defy time.

The sheath dress with its fitted waist can serve to create the illusion of long legs, in the same way a higher waist pant can make your legs appear longer. The elongated look stands to make the figure look " 5 pounds thinner." To be further complete this lengthened look, add a pair of plain pump high heel, pumps just add a look of elegance of the sheath dress. The heel will keep that long line going, and let's face it, there is nothing like a plain pump to enhance the shape of a leg.

Sheaths for the workplace take on a polished look, with hemlines at or below the knee, necklines will vary from high scoop, high jewel or even mock turtleneck. The office sheath neckline should not be confused with the cleavage reveling necklines that many more formal and casual sheaths have. The sleeve for the workplace should be comfortable, a cap is a great choice for the workplace, throw on a cute cardigan or blazer jacket your good to go... Naturally if you are live in a cooler climate, you may want to have a longer sleeve.

The biggest plus with a sheath dress is its well-defined waistline. Therefore, girls take this into consideration when accessorizing, try cinching in the waist with a great belt, try several widths from a thick belt to a thin - go with what you feel looks best with your figure type. Another great way to wear a sheath dress, think layering!

Layering can be fun with a sheath, add a crop sweater vest, and top it off with a jacket or great little cardigan - or why not a wonderful shawl.
The neat, minimal look of the sheath dress makes it very easy to accessorize. Try to Chose tasteful yet eye-catching accessories: a colorful scarf , a well chosen brooch or necklace, pearls are always a good choice to add just a bit of class to a sheath dress. Love chunky jewelry, wear a thick ornate cuff bracelet at your wrist.

Love the bright more colorful dresses? The sheath dress may be modest in most designs but are made in bright colors, and prints. It not your basic black or gray jersey any more... While you're more demure colored sheaths are suitable for the office, there are sheaths made in just about every juicy color you could dream of, not to mention prints. Therefore, after work enjoy wearing the more casual designed sheath dresses, they are fashion forward, and fun to wear. Whether it be a stop me on fire red sheath or a graphic print - you will look polished, and sophisticated in a sheath dress.

" Night time is the right time" A sheath dress can be accessorized to simply come alive after dark. It can be the simplest of sheath dresses, add a pair of strappy stiletto shoes, put on some great earrings, and a well chosen shawl - you are good to go. It also never hurts to change up your hairstyle from that daytime look, to something a bit different for that special evening out. How about a bit brighter shade of lipstick? Dress up that sheath dress, it will never let you down....

Many sheath dresses are strapless or just a spaghetti strap. The design of a sheath dress can vary, depending on its design purpose and fabric it is made of. Ultimately, fabric dictates the purpose of the dress. If a sheath dress is made of silk and strapless, one should know it is to be worn on a formal occasion, but if the same design sheath is produced in a cotton print, one would more likely wear it to a fun casual event.

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The sheath dress is one of the most versatile dresses around, it is elegant, feminine and can be very practical. Although the sheath dress is figure-hugging it gives a slimming silhouette and definitely flatters the waistline, providing an hour-glass figure. The long lines skim over the figure, and can be worn comfortably by most figure types. While designers year after year put out wonderful formal sheath dresses, they also produce the basic sheath dress that can be worn more casual or for business.

This Squidoo Lens give helpful tips on how to make that Sheath Dress into a Chic fashion forward outfit... And Stay On A Budget !
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