Diane von Furstenberg may have gained fame and following for her wrap dresses but it was actually renowned British designer Charles James who created the first wrap dress, way back in 1932. While James was known for his exquisite couture dressmaking for the likes of Marlene Dietrich, his wrap dress was a sartorial innovation. The designer, who inspired the theme for the 2014 Met Gala, called it his "Taxi Dress" because he intended the piece to be so easy that you could get dressed in the taxi on your way to a big event (fashion that considers practicality is the best kind, non?).
Diane von Furstenberg modernised the shape, of course, introducing it to a whole new audience in 1974. Her jersey wrap dress was worn by Studio 54-goers, the Park Avenue set and bohemians alike, with the flattering shape and varied prints surging in popularity. However, over the past decade or so, the wrap dress has been seen as slightly dated, banished to the back of wardrobes and replaced by more contemporary shapes. That is, until the catwalks of SS17 ushered in a 21st-century refresh.
Etro showed graphic monochrome dresses belted at the waist, Balmain presented sheer sparkly minis, and Topshop Unique gave the '80s suit dress a halter-neck wrap dress update. Emilio Pucci and Versace showed wraps that were low-slung on the hips, while Victoria Beckham and Bottega Veneta paid homage to '50s English tea dresses with chintzy florals. Now, the high street has followed suit, with the wrap dress taking its rightful place as your ultimate summer piece.
Click through to see the wear-anywhere shapes that'll see you from the office to the beach, the taxi to the bar.
We'll be wearing this floral ruffled number with Dr. Martens at Glastonbury.
Nobody's Child Lilac Ellie Meadow Wrap Ruffle Dress, £30, available at Nobody's Child
An artful take on the shirt dress, this is your go-to summer officewear sorted.
Warehouse Asymmetric Wrap Shirt Dress, £42, available at Warehouse
A nod to DvF's bohemian beginnings, this Mango dress comes in the most beautiful print.
Mango Floral Wrap Dress, £59.99, available at Mango
We're hooked on Rejina Pyo's pieces, and this two-tone dress gives the wrap dress a modern twist.
Rejina Pyo Natalie Silk Wrap Dress, £499, available at Rejina Pyo
Sézane is the French-girl-cool your summer wardrobe needs – this dress is very Kate Moss circa '00s.
Sézane Olympia Dress, £125, available at Sézane
If florals are too feminine for you, this frayed denim dress looks great over a striped tee.
Madewell Frayed Cotton Wrap Dress, £150, available at Net-A-Porter
The resurgence of wrap dresses can be traced back to Réalisation, a brand that does throw-it-on-and-go wrap minis like no other.
Réalisation The Alexandra Dress, £151, available at Réalisation
Trust COS to provide us with a chic and minimalist take on the trend.
COS Wrap-Over Cotton Dress, £69, available at COS
This was made for garden parties and Pimm's.
Topshop Garden Floral Wrap Maxi Dress, £59, available at Topshop
This & Other Stories piece will fit the bill for more formal affairs.
& Other Stories Frill Dress, £69, available at & Other Stories
The frilled hem and sleeves spin two SS17 trends into one.
Reformation Kelsey Dress, £153, available at Reformation
We love motocross monochrome this season – we'd pair this with some maximalist slides.
Marc Jacobs Wrap-Effect Striped Dress, £410, available at Net-A-Porter
We want everything from Jeanne Damas' brand Rouje, but we'll start with this one.
Rouje Gabin Dress, £147.90, available at Rouje
The wrap dress is supremely flattering, and a mini hem makes it a little more youthful.
Goldie Wildness Wrap Tea Dress, £44, available at Goldie
This silk offering from Uterqüe is worth the investment – come winter you'll be wearing it with boots and tights.
Uterqüe Printed Silk Dress, £145, available at Uterqüe
This Ganni dress is styled perfectly here – over denim for summer, over a roll neck for autumn.
Ganni Harness Floral Print Silk Dress, £330, available at Net-A-Porter
Diane von Furstenberg has given her own design a contemporary twist here. We love those graphic shapes.
Diane von Furstenberg Chatham Print Wrap Dress, £391, available at Matches Fashion
We think we've found the perfect work dress.
Whistles Isla Belted Suede Wrap Dress, £195, available at Whistles
The asymmetry of this Goen J wrap dress makes it stand out from the rest.
Goen J Asymmetric Wrap Dress, £575, available at Net-A-Porter
This clever piece is wrapped like an artist's tunic, and the oversized shape looks great with your freshest kicks.
Rodebjer Beama Tunic Dress, £256, available at Urban Outfitters
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
These Are The 13 Styles That Are Selling Most On ASOS
24 Wedding Dresses That Are Perfect For A Beach Bride
I'm A Fashion Writer Who Bikes To Work — & This Is What I Wear