How to wear an umbrella dress for a stylish look?
The umbrella dress is having a major fashion moment right now. This voluminous silhouette flatters a variety of body types and allows you to make a stylish statement. Here are some tips for wearing an umbrella dress with flair:
Choose the right fabric
- Lightweight fabrics like chiffon or crepe work best for umbrella dresses. They have beautiful drape and movement.
- Avoid fabrics like ponte or anything too heavy, as they won't create the right billowy shape.
Look for flattering details
- An elastic or smocked bodice will nip in your waist.
- Ruffles and layered tiers add volume to the skirt.
- Three-quarter or long sleeves balance out the full skirt.
Accessorize thoughtfully
- Add a belt to define your waist.
- Wear with neutral heels or wedges to elongate your legs.
- Carry a clutch bag to keep your look streamlined.
- Statement earrings and a cuff bracelet polish off the outfit.
Style for the season
- In warmer months, go for sleeveless or short sleeve versions.
- Try black or jewel-toned hues for colder weather.
- Add tights and booties during fall and winter.
- Light pastels work for spring and summer.
The voluminous umbrella dress makes a breezy and beautiful style statement. Follow these tips to look instantly fashionable in this must-have silhouette.
How to choose the right umbrella dress for your body type?
The key to rocking an umbrella dress is choosing the right silhouette for your body shape. Here are some tips on finding a flattering umbrella dress for your figure:
Pear shape
If you carry more weight in your hips and thighs, look for:
- A-line dresses that skim over wider bottom half
- Empire waists to define narrowest part of torso
- V-necklines to draw eyes up
- Dresses with skirts ending just above knee
For example, the Riviera Sun Plus Size Umbrella Dress with a V-neck and empire waist would beautifully flatter a pear shape.
Rectangle shape
If you have an athletic, ruler-like frame, consider:
- Fitted bodices with wrap/tie details at waist
- Flared skirts to add curves
- Surplice or sweetheart necklines to enhance bust
- Midi lengths to show off legs
The Riviera Sun Short Sleeve Umbrella Dress with a fitted bodice and flared skirt would complement a rectangle shape.
Hourglass figure
If you have an equal bust-waist-hip ratio, look for:
- Wrapped/belted dresses to show off your waist
- Sweetheart, square, or off-the-shoulder necklines
- Dresses with defined waist seam
- Hemlines hitting just above or below knee
The Riviera Sun Plus Size Off Shoulder Umbrella Dress would be ideal for showing off hourglass curves.
By keeping your body type in mind, you'll find an umbrella dress that highlights your best assets and has you looking utterly glamorous.
How to accessorize an umbrella dress for different occasions?
The billowy umbrella dress serves up endless styling potential. Dress it up or down with the right accessories for any occasion.
Casual Daytime
- Sandals, espadrilles or sneakers
- Straw bag or crossbody bag
- Minimal jewelry like hoops, pendant necklace
- Oversized sunglasses
- Wide brim hat or baseball cap
For a casual daytime look, the Riviera Sun Sleeveless Umbrella Dress paired with flat sandals, a crossbody bag, and sunglasses makes an effortless summer outfit.
Date Night
- Strappy heels or wedges
- Clutch purse
- Statement earrings
- Cocktail rings
- Wrap or pashmina
Date night calls for upping the glam factor. The Riviera Sun Off Shoulder Umbrella Dress dressed up with strappy heels, dangly earrings, and a sleek clutch makes a stylish look.
Formal Occasion
- Embellished heels
- Satin clutch
- Dramatic chandelier earrings
- Cuff or tennis bracelet
- Fur or velvet shawl
For formal events, the Riviera Sun Plus Size Umbrella Dress in jewel tones paired with embellished evening shoes, a beaded clutch, and statement jewelry creates an elegant look.
With the right accessories, you can take the versatile umbrella dress from day to night and everything in between.
How to care for an umbrella dress to keep it looking new?
The voluminous umbrella dress makes a gorgeously dramatic style statement, but the billowy silhouette does require some special care. Follow these tips to keep your umbrella dress looking its best:
Read the care label
Fabrics like chiffon, crepe, and lace need delicate care. Always check the garment's care label for specific instructions.
Wash gently by hand
When possible, hand wash umbrella dresses to preserve the shape and detailing. Use a gentle detergent for silks or delicates and cold water.
Reshape while damp
- Smooth out the fabric
- Lay flat or hang to dry, reshaping any wrinkles
- This helps the dress maintain its silhouette
Iron carefully
- Use an iron on a low heat setting if needed
- Iron chiffon and silks inside out to avoid shine marks
- Insert a cloth between lace overlays and base fabric when ironing
Dry clean for stubborn stains
For deeper cleaning, opt for dry cleaning. Inform them of the fabric content beforehand.
Store properly
- Hang on a padded hanger to maintain shape
- Allow airflow and space in closet
- Use garment bag for long term storage
With some TLC, your beautiful umbrella dress will maintain its exquisite shape and fabric for many stylish seasons.
How to find the perfect plus-size umbrella dress that flatters your figure?
The right plus-size umbrella dress can make you look and feel amazing. Here are tips for finding a silhouette that highlights your best assets:
Look for defined waists
Defined waists through wrap ties, shirring or soft gathers help cinch in and create curves on fuller figures. For example, the Riviera Sun Plus Size Short Sleeve Umbrella Dress has a flattering tied waist.
Choose strategic necklines
- Portrait or mock necklines elongate the look of the upper body
- V-necks and wrap styles draw the eye downward for balance
- Off-the-shoulder and strapless necklines show off shoulders
The Riviera Sun Plus Size Cold Shoulder Umbrella Dress has an off-the-shoulder neckline that highlights the shoulders beautifully.
Look for tiered and gathered skirts
Gathers, draping and asymmetric tiered skirts provide flattering coverage over the hips and thighs. The Riviera Sun Plus Size Umbrella Dress uses breezy chiffon in a subtly tiered skirt.
Consider length
- Hemlines just above, below or at the knee are universally flattering
- Maxi lengths can overwhelm a shorter frame
- Midi lengths show some leg
Accentuate your best features
Play up your best assets like a narrow waist or toned shoulders with stylish details in that area like a wrap waist or cold shoulders.
With so many stylish plus-size umbrella dress options, you can easily find one that makes you look and feel fabulous. Focus on silhouettes and details that enhance your figure.
