I'm with Suz, Claire and Joy. Wrap dresses will NEVER work on me. I tried so many times, back in the 70s, with the original Diane von Furstenburg wrap dress, and finally accepted the obvious. So this time around, when I read/see the "universally flattering, suits every woman" line, I can laugh and turn away.

Similarly, shirt dresses--they can fit, but never flatter--and raglan sleeves. It certainly simplifies shopping!

Good point, Sveta. True, I seem to be a little unusual in my ability to wear wrap dresses. I confess, I never realized how problematic they are for many women. Now, if only they were more compatible with my casual lifestyle! I love my DVF dress but it goes unworn until I have an occasion. It's not the easiest piece to dress down. If it were a solid color, it might be easier...

Janet, I think you're the perfect figure for wrap dresses. Smaller upper body with enough real estate to fill it out, a trim waist, and long legs. I have neither the waist nor any hips to add balance, so I end up looking like a big-busted frumpy rectangle. Which makes me so sad. My sister wears them well for the same reasons, although she is more hourglass.

I am a rectangle/column sort of a shape, with a tummy that seems to expand over the course of the day, so I find belts at the waist, nipped in dresses, and even tight stockings quite difficult - they become uncomfortable after a short time, or after a meal. In theory I would love to use belts to define my waist, but I buy them and never end up wearing them because they hurt.

So sorry your shirt dress didn't work! But I'm glad you tried it! I try to keep my best silhouettes in mind while shopping, but I also try new silhouettes regularly --- even those I suspect won't work. Sometimes I'm pleasantly surprised. Who knew that BF jeans would work so well?

I think it's not just body type, but also personality, age, and environment that influences what we feel we can and can't wear. I'm realizing that, in my work environment, people respond most positively when I'm dressed in a vibrant, polished classic style.

Things I cannot wear:
- frills
- stripes
- certain pale browns with purple in them
- babydoll or empire cuts
- wrap dresses

I don't even look at them anymore.

Also there are certain brands that get me, so I tend to stick to them. Once burned, twice shy!

The original DVF wrap dress (in any size) fits me like I need a night job involving a pole and tall shoes.... I all but gave up wrap dress hope until I tried the Banana Republic wrap dress...amazing! I can't even consider wearing a wrap without anything under it (cami), so I just work that into the wardrobe knowing I should buy wrap colors that blend with multiple camis. I have a rainbow collection because they are like duct tape...they fix most busty problems!

I've tried on numerous occasions, and tucking shirts in just isn't my thing. I'm long waisted + curvy, and it takes a pretty long shirt to stay in all day, I spend more time with hands down my pants than I'd like to spend on a typical work day! Sit down...retuck. Stand up...retuck. Walk a few steps...retuck!

Late to this but I can't wear wrap dresses or swim suits.

For me? SIDE ENTRY POCKETS on trousers. they stick out, no matter what. I just get them sewn closed.