There is one dress in my closet that makes me feel young again every time I wear it, and that is my pinafore. If the pinafore was good enough for the classy Audrey Hepburn in “Sabrina” then it is good enough for me. When I was at school, our winter school uniform was a dark gray pinafore over a long-sleeved white blouse and necktie.
A pinafore dress is a sleeveless dress that is designed to resemble dungarees or an apron on the bodice. Because your sides are exposed from the armpit down to your waistline it is common to wear a pinafore dress over a t-shirt, blouse, or turtleneck top.
Join me and learn how you can channel your inner Audrey Hepburn or Judy Garland in a cute pinafore dress.
What Are The Significant Features Of A Pinafore Dress?
A pinafore dress is a sleeveless dress that kind of resembles an apron from the front. This dress typically sits at the knee or above, however, you can get longer ones. Depending on the style of the dress, your arms, upper chest (not necessarily cleavage), the sides of your body from the armpit area to down to the waist, and part of your back won’t be covered. So, because of this most people wear this dress with a top underneath like a t-shirt or a turtle neck just so too much skin isn’t on show!
Some pinafore dresses have buttons running down the front, others resemble dungarees from the waist upwards and you can also get dresses made from faux leather, or with pockets on the front or with plunging necklines!
What Are The Origins Of The Pinafore Dress?
The word “pinafore” is a combination of the words “pin” which basically means attach and “afore” which means in front. So, if we go back to the late 17th century this is when women and children used to pin what was essentially an apron to the front of their clothing for protection. Over time the pinafore became fashionable with some being decorated with embroidery, ruffles, and lace. The pinafore eventually evolved into a full garment (dress) to be worn over clothing and during the 1940s/early 1950s the pinafore was worn by women across America!
Judy Garland wore a pinafore dress when she played Dorothy in the movie “Wizard of Oz” in 1941, Jeanne Crain wore two pinafores in the movie “State Fair” in 1945 and Audrey Hepburn wore a pinafore dress in the movie “Sabrina” in 1954 – the pinafore, whether worn as an apron or a dress, was super popular during these times and the pinafore dress is still a fashionable option today.
What Figure/Body Shape Is Best Suited To A Pinafore Dress?
All body shapes can wear a pinafore dress, however, if you have a large bosom then you might want to go for a pinafore dress with a plunging neckline. And by pairing your dress with a top that’s a different color you’ll break up the top half of your body and look less top-heavy.
Apple body shapes should go for a loose-fitting dress as it will cover the stomach area well. Hourglass body shapes may want to go for a close-fitting/belted pinafore dress or add a belt to a plain dress to show off the curves. And inverted triangle and rectangle body shapes may want to go for a dress with a flared skirt to balance out the body. The same goes for pear body shapes, as a flared skirt can help to hide the hips!
Etiquette: When Can You Wear/Not Wear Your Pinafore Dress?
The pinafore dress is typically a casual number so you’d usually wear this when out shopping, walking in the park, going for brunch/lunch, or chilling out with friends and family. However, you can wear this dress when going to the club or for a late-night drink if you go for something like a faux leather pinafore dress or wear a sexy bralette with a modern style pinafore dress instead of a fully covered top.
You wouldn’t wear this dress to weddings, funerals, work (unless casual dressing is allowed), job interviews, or formal dinners/parties as you may look a little underdressed!
What Shoes/Bag Works Best With A Pinafore Dress?
This dress is quite versatile so many shoes will go with it and both flat shoes and heels can work really well. Some good options are strappy platforms/wedges (with thick straps), ankle boots, knee-high boots, trainers, ballet flats, mules, and loafers. And some bags that will look great with this dress are cross-body bags, backpacks, chain shoulder bags, and mini top handle bags.
The pinafore dress can be styled in many ways because it’s such a simple dress so have fun with it and experiment!