What is Digital Fabric Printing?

A reactive digital fabric printing bureau, printing on a range of cotton, linen, silk and bamboo - specialising in small, bespoke orders.

What is Digital Fabric Printing?

To put it simply, digital fabric printing is the act of printing digital files on to fabric, with the printing part of the process working much like your desktop inkjet printer. Only, think bigger and where the printing printed silk fabric  element is only one part of a larger process.

BeFab Be Creative Ltd, Edinburgh

There are a number of different types of Digital Fabric Printing Ink Technologies. Each works on specific fabric types and being best suited to particular purposes and offering varying qualities of print. The type of fabric printing will also dictate both the price and longevity of your printed design.

A simple demonstration of this is the difference between a T-shirt that has a waxy quality to the print design, where the print effectively sits on top of the fabric compared to those where you can feel no difference in the fabric whether it’s printed on or not, and variations in between these.

This diagram demonstrates the 4 basic ink technologies/chemistry's and the fabrics that they are able to print on. For the purposes of this post we are going to discuss Reactive Dye Digital Fabric Printing as this is what we work with at BeFab Be Creative.

In technologies for digital fabric printing

Reactive Dye Digital Printing is the most versatile of the high end digital printing technologies, with its ability to print onto both silks and plant based materials (eg cotton, linen and bamboo) and where the print has no effect on the handle of the fabric as the dye bonds directly with the fabric fibres. This also means that reactive printing has a greater light and rub fastness than other print technologies making it perfect for apparel and home ware.

BeFab Be Creative Ltd, Edinburgh

What do you need to know before you’re ready to print?

Colour:  Have fun with your design, you can print as many colours as you like when using digital printing. It’s designed so that you can achieve photo quality detail so there should be no restriction on the colours you use, just have fun!

Fabrics: We will rarely recommend a fabric to use, when it comes to most projects the selection of fabric is largely a matter of taste. We recommend you order a fabric sample book so that you can see and feel the handle of the fabric and also get an idea of how a comparable print looks on each material. For instance, we have designers who are printed silk fabric scarves on every one of our printed silk fabric options; similarly all of our cottons and linens have been used for garments or curtains, and the thicker options for home ware so it really is entirely up to you and the end result you want to achieve, as well as considering your cost and margins.

BeFab Be Creative Ltd, Edinburgh

Cost: At BeFab we like to keep things simple so we have a simple price per meter with no added extras. Though bear in mind, many printers work on a Print + Fabric + Admin/file set up/additional print length etc = Total cost per meter, so the end cost it is not always obvious at first or as transparent.

File standards: as a rule these should be RGB, between 150 – 300 DPI , and saved as Jpegs at the correct scale and orientation you wish it to be printed.

File orientation: the fabric runs down the height of your file so the cut edges are top and bottom and the fabric salvage runs down the sides.

Repeat patterns: we recommend you only upload the minimum repeat tile if the design/repeat is seamless at your end, it will be at ours!

Shirts by Risotto Studio and Emily Millichip printed at BeFab Be Creative

Placement prints: When the design is either made up of different elements or needs to be printed in a particular layout, lay your files as you want them printed, and keep seam allowances in mind. If you require white space at either end make sure you mark the boundaries at the start and end point of your file so we know where to cut the fabric where this may not otherwise be obvious.

File layout: If you are printing a number of squares of different designs, although digital printing is designed with multiple colours in mind, think logically where possible, if you have 3 light designs and 6 black ones lay these out so that lights are all together in a row and the blacks are together rather than mixing them all up. You wouldn’t put a red top in with your whites and the same logic is true where possible in the digital possessing and will potentially speed up production, if not possible then that’s fine.

Sample: We cannot stress to you enough the importance of sampling. It is important for many reasons, every printer is calibrated differently, we have calibrated our printer so that it matches the Uncoated Pantones as closely as possible, so this is always a good place to start. However your design will look different on your screen as it is backlit as opposed to being on a matte or sheer fabric. We offer a sample service that is 20cm by ½ the width of the fabric which we then print twice, side by side, which means we both keep a reference for any future prints for accuracy. You can get a lot into this size of print, so play with different saturations and always work to the same scale and design that your print will be rather than isolating colour chips or scaling down a design as this can affect your perception of colour.      

 And if after that you have questions just ask, we’ll always be happy to help you.

How does the print process work?

Unlike with traditional screen printing where the thick ink ‘fixer’ is incorporated into the ink itself, with digitally printing this fixer would clog up a printers ink heads, so the fixer must be applied to the fabric before it is printed. This is referred to as the ‘padding’ or pre-treatment.  This is done by an external fabric finisher (which sounds confusing when in digital print terms this is the first part of the process!)

Each new pre-treated fabric is then print tested and the printer is calibrated to the amount of ink that fabric can hold to achieve a crisp, bright print. Too much ink and a print will not be crisp, too little and the colour accuracy/brightness may be lost. The average shrinkage is calculated and then the fabric is given a ‘profile’ which the printer uses each time it prints this particular fabric.

Now for printing your design! Your fabric is placed on the printer, the ink head is set to the correct height for the fabric, there is only a few millimetre clearance over the fabric so the height for a printed silk fabric will be quite different to that of a upholstery weight linen. This head height is important not least to protect the ink heads but it also affects the crispness of the printing.

This is the bit where we look a like a cat watching the tennis, as we watch your print emerge as the print head passes right to left and back again across the fabric, laying the ink on the fabric in layers over a number of passes.  

BeFab Be Creative Ltd, Edinburgh

This is the most vulnerable time for the fabric as the print has not yet been ‘fixed’. In order to fix the fabric it must be steamed so that the printed ink can bond to the fibres of the fabric. Each fabric requires a different length and quantity of steam depending on a number of variables including fabric type and length of print.

Once out of the steamer the fabric needs to be washed in order to remove any excess ink, further fix the print and wash out the excess fixer which has now done its job. The fabric is then dried and ironed along with our final quality control check.

Only at this stage do we know your fabric is ready to go, at which point it is packaged up and on its way to you.

Amazing bandage dress styles

Much like anything great in life – relationships, love, chemistry, friendship, fun, laziness, inspiration – you can’t force a great outfit. It just doesn’t happen. You’d think it only has to do with the actual clothes, but no. C’mon, even we are not that shallow. A great outfit is a perfect combo of what you’re wearing, with how you’re feeling, your details, state of mind, mood, great light, great hair day, great face day, et all.

And also, you never want to waste a great on a basic situation, right?

Well I am bloody grateful I waited to drape myself in cappuccino and cream colours and let my body get hugged and loved by this amazing bandage dress. It was a good day. One of those perfect combos coming together. Or so I like to think.

After a very brief and very fun previous Friday night, I woke up Saturday morning fresher than a banana, put my hair in a sleek low ponytail, rocked dark lips (actually a combination of 3 lipsticks gave birth to that one), and squeezed my body into one of my latest gifts:a bandage dress from The Kewl Shop. Oh. My. God. That I am sometimes vain, is no news, but I LOVED myself in this dress, and you know what, I ain’t scared of saying it. It is International Women’s Day today, after all.

This bandage dress is purely the best for two reasons: 1) the quality is insane, the fabric being bandage is so thick and stretchy, it holds it all together, pulls it in, squeezes it, the straps and cuts are body fit in the best way possible, it takes 10 seconds to put on and even less to take off if you have the right help, AND 2) the moment you’re dressed in it you literally hear Beyonce’s ‘I’m a grown woman, I can do whatever I want  song in the background. No, I’m serious.

Man, I was feeling this dress, and so was my photographer pal, and so were the tens of people passing by and taking pics themselves. Yeah, that happened. Talk about not at all awkward moments.

All YES to this dress, for its high-quality fabric, for fast shipping, for being exactly as expected if not more, and for that razzamatazz it makes you feel once you squeeze into it. Not to sound as if I’m shoving them down your throat, but if you’re looking for hot dresses to wear to evening events, parties, going out moments THE KEWL SHOP is the online place to shop. It’s packed with bandage dresses, long, short, midi, two-pieces, you name it. I would literally wear all their dresses, especially the white, nude ones. Cause I have the obsession right now.

Design Theme For 2016-2017:

In the dynamic web industry trends don’t last very long. New and exciting concepts, techniques, and tools are constantly being introduced. Creative minds are always working hard to keep the industry fresh by challenging norms and developing innovative new styles. In other words, a lot can change in a year, and as 2015 comes to an end, Tipping Point has an eye on 2016-2017 and what a new year could bring to the table for the world of web design. As any web designer knows, keeping your finger on the pulse of the industry is incredibly important. What new trends will we see pop up and which trends will finally be laid to rest? Continue reading as we explore what 2016-2017 could have to offer for the wonderful world of web design.

Overall Design Theme For 2016-2017: Differentiation

Google’s ‘Mobilegeddon’ update forced responsive web design to become ubiquitous around the web. We’ve reached a point where the majority of “pretty websites” all look the same, but we believe that’s all going to change in 2016. In fact, we predict this upcoming year will bring more well thought out and unique user experiences. How’s so? We have a couple of ideas in mind that we believe will start to trend.

1) Storytelling

Designers are giving users rich, unique experiences through the use of visual storytelling. Storytelling through means of a website can be quite a complex endeavor, but it’s not impossible. We absolutely love Peugeot’s Hybrid Graphic novel. The site does a beautiful job of entertaining users with a scroll-able interactive graphic novel while also allowing them to learn about Peugeot’s HYbrid4 technology. We highly recommend you visit this site if you haven’t already. It’s a blast to scroll through and it serves as great inspiration for interactive web storytelling that makes learning fun.

2) Semi-flat Design

After Windows launched its Metro style, the design world became inundated with flat design. However, flat design did come with some pitfalls and has slowly been morphing into semi-flat design to correct usability issues. By integrating depth and dimension through the use of subtle shadows, cards, and well-thought out transitions, semi-flat design has become a much better design alternative due to its ease of usability. Semi-flat design appears to alleviate all of the problems caused by flat design and we expect to see much more of it in 2016-2017.

3) Custom-Made Illustrations

“Why should I design another _____ icon when I can just grab it off an already existing vector pack from the web?” This line of thinking crosses designers minds on a daily basis and there is merit to it. Stock icons and illustrations save time and money, but why not include extra time and money for custom-made illustrations in the first place?

Sites like lighthousebrewing.com, hungercrunch.com, and iceandsky.com all feature custom/hand-drawn illustrations that add an extra layer of visual appeal and create a truly unique website experience. We predict that sites will be implementing more custom-made features and illustrations to differentiate themselves from the herd of cookie cutter websites.

4) Unique Grid Use

Curious Space’s website serves as the perfect example for creative grid design. One of the first things that may jump out at you is the fact that the images are stacked on top of each other. Stacking images isn’t a problem, because as the user rolls over an image the z-index of the image shifts bringing the photo to the top of the pile. Additionally, upon first entering the site the logo appears in a haphazard arrangement (see below image), but after scrolling further down the page everything aligns into place spelling out Curious Space. Be sure to visit this site for inspiration on adding a pinch of organic freedom to an ordered grid layout.

5) Cinemagraphs

Remember when we posted about cinemagraphs and their use in social media? Cinemagraphs are extremely powerful visuals. They enhance the desired mood of a website and give sites an additional layer of wonder, mystique, and elegance. We haven’t even gotten to the best part yet. Cinemagraphs are better than videos because they don’t eat up as much bandwidth, and they’re certainly much better than photos, because they provide something more than a simple still shot. This technology isn’t new, but we do expect to see it integrated into more websites in the coming year, because let’s face it…cinemagraphs are so hot righ now.

6) Widespread Parallax Adoption

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In case you’re not already familiar with parallax, parallax is a type of effect applied to the speed and movement of background imagery. The background of the website moves at a different speed than the rest of the page which gives sites the illusion of depth. As computers and related technology get better at handling such effects, we can certainly expect to see more websites utilizing them. To see parallax in action, check out Peugeot’s hybrid graphic novel which we mentioned earlier, or The Boat. The Boat plays out much like the hybrid graphic novel, but is based on a story written by Nam Le. As you scroll the story unfolds and different website elements fall into place to illustrate the events taking place. If you have some free time and are in the mood for a good story, The Boat is certainly a site worth checking out.

7) Lazy Loading

Lazy loading aids in viewing content immediately without waiting for an entire page to load. This technique is utilized on sites that feed content such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. In a society where information is constantly being fed into our lives, lazy loading helps to simplify viewing said content one chunk at a time. Being that load speed is important for both SEO and website conversion rates, we expect more widespread utilization of lazy loading in 2016-2017.

8) Centered/Split Content

Centered content is a powerful style that will become ever more prevalent on home pages. Centered content places the main message smack dab at the center of the screen with striking visuals or smooth textures surrounding it to create a dramatic visual effect. This layout works brilliantly for pages with minimal content like home pages. However, pages with more substance will more than likely also be getting a face lift with split content layout design. Split content divides the screen into wide sections. The major benefit to the split content design is that look of each section can very greatly without being dictated by a single aesthetic tone. This in turn gives designers more creative freedom without threatening the clarity of content hierarchies

The Top 25 Facebook Games of 2016

Facebook games showed a lot of popularity over the last year. As Facebook adds more games to the menu and great entertainment you might wonder what games are the best and most fun to play. This paper provides reviews of games for each of the 25 best games of 2016 Facebook separate.

To begin the game reviews Facebook, let's start with a look at the number one game on Facebook called Farmville. Farmville, which is made by Zynga currently has about 73.8 million users a month and is growing steadily upward. Farmville is a game where you can become a farmer. Farmville lets you interact with your friends and neighbors still with them. Basically, you're going to do everything that a farmer Farmville during playback. Planting, cultivation, harvesting and cultivation of a farm successfully. Just make sure that playing this game you harvest your plants at this time. Different plants have different harvest times, and if harvest time the plants will die. The care of the farm, you get more points and level up.

Birthday cards take the place of the most popular game of 2016. birthday cards made by RockYou and has about 32 million users a month. When using the set of birthday cards you can customize and send cards for free, use a birthday calendar, a list of personal memories and personal anniversaries. The game also allows you to start the zoo own birthday too. It is popular for those who want to remember friends' birthdays and send cards on Facebook.

The third most popular game on Facebook Café du Monde, which is made by Zynga. The coffee has about 31 million active users a month. World Café is a fun game to play, if you ever dreamed of owning his own restaurant. When the game you can cook, bake and cook what you want when you play Café du Monde. During playback of Café du Monde is the chef and restaurant owner, so hire servers. By hiring a server at Cafe du Monde, you can select one of your Facebook friends. Make sure you always have plenty of food ready for your guests.

The fourth most popular game on Facebook is happy Aquarium which is carried by CrowdStar. Happy aquarium has about 27 million active users a month. During playback of Aquarius happy in Facebook, you can create your own aquarium. This can be done by purchasing fish and other creatures. Make sure you always feed the fish in the aquarium happy reading, because the fish may die as in real life. It's a fun game for fans of desire and dream of having an aquarium in your home. The downside of this game is that you can not feed your fish friends, if you die.

The fifth most popular game on Facebook is FishVille is done by Zynga. FishVille is about 24 million active users a month. FishVille is very similar to the Aquarium happy where you set your own aquarium and fish care. When you have finished raising their fish, you can sell the coins and points. Aquarium happy that you keep your tank or poor creatures die.

The sixth most popular game on Facebook's Mafia Wars by Zynga is done. Mafia Wars is about 24 million active users a month. The goal of the game Mafia Wars is to grow your mafia family. This can be done by inviting Facebook friends to join you in Mafia Wars. Another objective is to increase the wealth of their group and provide their friends with guns. What do you say it's bigger and stronger the mafia is the group that comes to mind.

The seventh most popular game on Facebook is the Texas Hold'em Poker, which is also made by Zynga. Texas Hold'em Poker on Facebook has about 22 million active users a month. When playing Texas Hold'em Poker on Facebook is more or less the same as playing the game in life. Before familiar with the rules on how to play Texas Hold'em. Texas Hold'em Poker on Facebook you can play with friends.

The eighth most popular game on Facebook is Pet Society, which is made by Playfish, Pet Society has about 21 million active users a month. Pet Society on Facebook is very nice game for animal lovers. While playing Pet Society, you can decorate your house and go to the house of his friends with gifts. It's a very cute and funny game.

The ninth most popular game on Facebook is Petville is done by Zynga. Petville has about 17 million active users per month. This game is another love for adorable. When this game will take care of your pet. When you become a player Petville be prompted to create your own pet. The options are endless and the end result is an adorable virtual pet. The goal is to keep your pet clean and well fed, walked and loved. This will help create an animal Petville happy for you. This game is very similar to Playfish Pet Society and other animal games.

The tenth most popular game on Facebook is YoVille is by Zynga. YoVille has about 17 million active users per month. When playing YoVille to live a virtual life. This game is very similar to the wildly popular Sims game for personal computers. While playing YoVille to build a virtual life. During playback, you can work, socialize, decorate your house or anything else you desire. It's a fun game for fans of the escape of a virtual world.

The eleventh most popular game on Facebook is Town House, which is done by SlashKey. City firm has about 16 million active users a month. Close the city is very similar to the game Farmville Facebook. When this game will take care of their own farm. To advance to higher levels, which are planted and harvested, invite friends to participate and hire workers to help on the farm. It's a fun game for those who want to be farmers, but living in the city.

Twelfth most popular game on Facebook is the restaurant in a city that is by Playfish. Restaurant in town has about 15 million active users a month. City Café is very similar to the city. During playback of the city restaurant you own a restaurant, to create the menu and hire workers. It's a fun game if you're interested in how a restaurant. This is a social game and you can interact with your Facebook friends.

Thirteenth most popular game on Facebook is MindJolt Games is made by MindJolt. MindJolt games are about 14 million active users a month. When playing MindJolt can play over 500 games. The games are arcade, puzzle, strategy, and more. MindJolt is fun for those who want a little variety of games.

Fourteenth most popular game on Facebook is glad to be done CrowdStar Pet. Happy Pets has about 12 million monthly active users on Facebook. When animals play I'm glad your kitten develop into an adult. The aim is to care for cats as you can. How happy can cats take care of the animals happy? If you are overwhelmed with too many pets to take care not to fall into the temptation to sell their cats. not as good animals who sell their kittens.

Fifteenth most popular game on Facebook is that RCK is by Zynga. RCK has about 11 million monthly active users on Facebook. Facebook is a fun game where you can create your own rock band. Ask your Facebook friends to join and help create a group of switches. This is a fun game for any music lover.

Sixteenth most popular game on Facebook is World Zoo is by RockYou. The zoo has about 10 million active users a month. When you play World Zoo on Facebook that will take care of zoo animals and zoo world cash. When you win the World Zoo money can buy new animals in the zoo and place in the zoo. It is a fun way to pass the time, if you like zoo animals.

Seventh most popular game on Facebook is Bejeweled Blitz is made by PopCap Games. Blitz Bejeweled has about 10 million active users a month. Bejeweled Blitz is an easy to master puzzle game. The curious thing about this game is that you can compete with your friends from Facebook. Many people spend many hours a day there playing Bejeweled Blitz.

ninth most popular game on Facebook is the world's fish made of Tall Tree Games. Fish World has about 9,000,000 active users per month. World Fish is very similar to Happy Aquarium. During the breeding fish in the world to care for their own virtual fish. Be sure to feed and care for them to stay alive. Sell your fish world fish are a common part of the game.

XX most popular game on Facebook is Pillow Fight, which is made by Shikha. Pillow Fight has about 8 million active users a month. Pillow Fight is a fun game if you like hitting your friend with pillows. The pillows are made of different materials and their friends can accept being beaten by pillows choose not to. The pillow you choose to use will be posted on the Facebook page to your friends.

The most popular game on Facebook twentieth (Lil) farm life that is made by Playdom. (Lil) Farm Life has about 6 million active users a month. This is another game that is very similar to Farmville and City Farm. When this game lets you create your own farm with crops, animals and buildings. This is another fun game for those who tire of Farmville and City Farm.

The first twenty most popular game on Facebook is the Sorority life is made by Playdom. Sorority Life has about 6 million active users a month. By playing this game, you can create your own guild. When you register for sorority life, you can invite friends to join your guild. Another feature is that you can dress up and customize to your liking. It's a fun game for those who miss their college fraternity lifestyle.

The twenty-second most popular game on Facebook is Paradise Island is done by Meteor Games. Paradise Island is about 6 million active users a month. It's a fun game where you create your own island paradise. When creating your island, you can grow plants, animals, or add whatever you want on your island. During playback of an island paradise, you can stop and visit friends. This is similar in Farmville, but for those who love life on the island.

The twenty-third most popular game on Facebook is the country life, which is made by Country Life. life in the country has about 5 million active users per month. This game is another that looks great in Farmville. When this game you take care of crops, the only difference in Farmville, is that you can make your own bread to more profit.

The twenty-fourth most popular game on Facebook Field history is made by Playfish. Country history about 5,000,000 monthly active users. This is another Facebook game farm theme. This game is ideal for lovers of the Farm / Farmville City and want to play something different.

The twenty-fifth most popular game on Facebook is happy Island is done by CrowdStar. Happy Island is approximately 5,000,000 monthly active users. By playing this game, you can create your own island. Attractions to add to most of their island win island. This is similar to Paradise Island, but with more buying and selling in question.

Women’s Fashion and Style: What are the five essentials of your wardrobe?

I love talking about fashion. The color that dominates my wardrobe? Same as you: black. I think it's actually illegal to be a New Yorker and not love black clothing.

My five essentials:

1. A white t-shirt. There's still nothing I feel sexier or more comfortable in than a plain, white t-shirt. It was that way when I was 16 and it still that way now at 30. I like the t-shirts from Everlane.

2. A black leather bandage jacket. A good black leather jacket is a staple that will never go out of style, and adds an instant dash of cool and toughness to whatever you're wearing underneath.

3. A good pair of jeans. I've been faithful to J. Brand jeans for five years now; I love their cuts and washes. I like when they produce their jeans in stiffer fabrics. The fabrics forcefully suck your thighs in. What woman doesn't like that?

4. A good, structured black bag. My current bag for the last three years has mainly been a Rebecca Minkoff "Morning After", and it's holding up reasonably well. Classic enough for every day, with enough detail in the gold hardware accents to add interest.

5. Leather leggings. I never thought I would like leather leggings, but I broke down and bought a pair recently and now wear them constantly (three times a week). They add more interest to my daily look than plain leggings, are warm enough for winter, and the black keeps them classic looking enough to pair with pretty much anything; a silky button-down, a boxy sweater, a t-shirt, you name it.

My ideal outfit is a blazer (sometimes a leather blazer, sometimes a wool blend), a silky blouse (or sweater now that it's winter), well-tailored jeans or leggings, and ankle boots with a walkable heel, 2.5" or under. This pretty much the uniform of 90% of the women in New York City.

I love fashion and enjoy trends, but I am NOT willing to suffer for fashion like I was at 18. If it isn't comfortable, I won't wear it; I don't care how trendy/sexy/chic it is.

I'm also currently in the midst of a career transition and am now interning in the fashion industry. So, looking chic is pretty much a work requirement.

It's tiresome sometimes to always wonder if your outfit is 'cool' enough, but at the same time, I know if I was left to my own devices I'd be in sweat pants every day. So, it's probably good that I'm working in an industry where I'm required to look at least somewhat presentable.

How to Match Your Bandage Dress With A Coat

Are you a fashion freak? Then you must know the name of herve bandage dress .They always  look slimmer in all occasion.The bandage dress moldes every body into the perfect shape. It enhances your curves and hides perfect imperfections in all the right places .That is why women wish to wear bandage dress in all events and functions. These dresses are also known as bodycon dresses.

 

Putting on a bandage or bodycon dress is a bold statement that conveys positive self-esteem and confidence in your body, appearance, and style. In general quality bandage dresses are made from  sturdy, heavy fabrics often featuring rayon, spandex, and nylon. A quality bandage dress is designed and constructed to hug your body like a second skin and cling to your curves to support and shape your feminine proportions. Fashionistas everywhere love bandage dresses because they are versatile, trendy, and flattering.

When paired with the right accessories, a quality bandage dress serves as both day and evening wear in a heartbeat. Choosing the right accessories is of utmost importance. This means finding the right coat, bandage jacket, jewelry, belts, tights, and shoes play key roles in pulling off certain looks.

For most people, a bandage dress is the epitome of a revealing party dresses. If this intimidates you, it shouldn’t. A bandage dress has the ability to be dressed up or down and when smartly paired with a coat or a bandage jacket provides just enough cover without reducing your sexy. Not just any coat or bandage jacket gets the job done when looking to use a coat or bandage jacket as more cover. For example, your favorite parka keeps you warm but it may do nothing to enhance your bandage dress or contribute to your sultry look. We’ve compiled a few simple rules to keep in mind when choosing coats to wear with your bandage dresses. Keep these tips in mind to ensure you rock a hot outfit throughout the winter and fall.

Enhancing Your Bandage Dress

The coat you choose to wear with your bandage dress serves multiple purposes. It keeps you warm on chilly nights, and if chosen well, it also serves to enrich the look of your bandage dress. While choosing your coat, it is important to remember that the purpose of wearing the coat is to enhance your bandage dress, and not hide it or add unnecessary pounds to your silhouette. For example, a bandage jacket may be acceptable with denim jean by itself but when worn with a bandage dress it tends to only add unnecessary bulk to your ensemble and draw attention to your midsection. The trick is to choose a coat that boasts a flattering cut and draws attention to the right places - depending on your body type.

Take Your Bandage Dress Along. While shopping for coats to wear with your bandage dresses it is always a good idea to take your dress along with you on your shopping spree. Often, a coat that looks great when you wear it in the store does not quite work with your bandage dress. Avoid fashion disasters by trying on your prospective coat and bandage dress together before you splurge or settle on one.

Get a Tailored Fit. A good way to ensure that the coat you pick flatters your body type is by getting it tailored to fit your silhouette. Once you choose the perfect coat for your dress drop by a local seamstress. Buying  a suitable coat off the rack and taking it to your local tailor so that he/she is able to take the sides, lift or let out the hem, or add darts give any store bought coat custom fitted coat.

Keep the Event in Mind. Do you intend to wear your bandage dress for a casual event? A denim jacket or shrug might just be the perfect option for you. However, this look does not float well for evening dinners or formal venues. When it comes to such events, a fitted blazer thrown over your bandage dress adds elegance and chic class to your ensemble. Choose your coat to wear with your bandage dresses based on the event you plan on attending.

Accessorize Correctly. Accessories go a very long way in helping you dress up or down your bandage dress-and-coat ensemble. For formal events, keep the accessorizing to a minimal. Opt for less jewelry of medium to small sized pieces such as studs and simple matching pendants. Wearing the right pair of shoes is pivotal to nailing your look for your event or venue. Flats and boots paired with a bandage dress and coat are perfect for daytime events. For nighttime soirees and formal events, pair your outfit with chic heels that to provide the illusion of height.

Types of Jackets and Coats

From coats, blazers, and jackets, to vests, cardigans, and shrugs, the sky's the limit when it comes to chic outerwear options to pair with your bandage dresses. Finding the right type of coat to wear with your bandage dress boils down to finding the right combination of the silhouette of the bandage dress and the length of the jacket. Balancing out these proportions is the key to hitting the right fashion notes.

Cropped Jackets. Wearing a short shrug coat or cropped jacket over a bandage dress is a relatively foolproof way to pair a bandage dress with a coat. A cropped jacket is one that ends at or above your natural waistline. By keeping the jacket unbuttoned or unzipped, you create a flattering vertical line that runs down the front of your body.

For informal events or when you are in an adventurous mood, opt for cropped leather jackets, boleros, denim jackets, Chanel jackets, etc. Other popular options include short tuxedo jackets, shrunken blazers, faux fur shrugs, and retro trapeze jackets. If you are gearing up for a formal event, opt for a cropped, fitted blazer. Ensure that the blazer fits you like a glove, especially at the shoulders and sleeves. The cropped style works well with short, knee-length, as well as a little below the midi length bandage dresses.

Denim Coats. Denim coats may not be right for formal dances and events but they make the perfect accessory for casual parties and dances such as nights out in Vegas or a night out with your friend’s to a local bar. A huge trend in the 1990s was denim jackets and they continue to make a comeback this season. Pair your bandage dress and denim coat with bright accessories and heels in a matching color for a well put-together look.

Faux Fur Coats and Vests. With the temperatures dipping, a faux fur coat gives you much needed warmth when paired with a bandage dress. A fine fur coat or vest is the most formal and chic topper that any woman wears to formal affairs. If a full faux fur coat is not your thing, opt for a well-fitted coat with fur cuffs and collar which keep you warm while ensuring that your silhouette stays streamlined and elegant.

Luxe Cardigans. Cardigans look great when paired with bandage dresses but it is important to ensure that you are wearing a cardigan that is made out of luxurious fabric. Think brushed cotton, luxurious cashmere, and fine wool. Other fabrics and synthetic fabrics may give your dress a cheap and unkept look that you otherwise would avoid.

Long, Fitted Blazers. The most preferred outerwear option for celebrities is a long, fitted blazer. When paired with bandage dresses of shorter hemlines, a long, fitted blazer is a great style alternative. During fall and winter seasons, opt for fitted blazers in dark shades of navy, black, or charcoal grey.

Knee-length Coats. Knee-length trench coats or wool coats are as long as or a little longer than the bandage dress you are wearing are a fashion no-brainer. Belted, fit-and-flare coats work with bandage dresses too. Ensure that your coat is not shorter than your bandage dress. A coat that extends to just a little below the thickest part of your thighs is the perfect length for women of all body shapes. Any longer than this and your coat is likely to make you look shorter and wider, especially if you are petite.

Bomber Jackets. You may not consider bomber jackets as a go-to coat option to pair with bandage dresses, however, boxy bomber jackets, cropped or long, help you add a modern twist to your look. Straight dresses and bandage dresses are easily paired with a bomber as they offer a sleek and fitted under-layer to the jacket.

Deciding on the Best Coat Fabrics

From kimono-sleeved and waterfall cardigans, to single-button peplum blazers, pair your bandage dress with various coat styles to complete your look and provide a bit of coverage and warmth. Keep in mind that the final goal is to enhance the dress and balance your feminine proportions with a coat of the right length and fabric. Fabrics play a role in your bandage dress style based on your style and outfit goals.  Certain events require more  insulated fabrics while others are ideal for lighter more simple fabrics.

As discussed previously a denim coat works well for more casual looks. Similar alternatives would be longer cotton or cashmere sweaters. Knitted sweaters pair well when paired with scarves and gloves. Another casual coat and jacket alternative is leather. Leather provides a edgy look, keeps you relatively warm, and is available in a variety of styles and cuts. In addition to leather casual trench coats pair well when you need a sophisticated look that is comfy and breezy. Opt for wool if you plan on being in cold weather for an extended period such as a New Year’s parade or at a park’s live music venue.

Inspiration from Fashion Bloggers

Since our beginning we've always reached out to the fashion world to ensure what we sell works and is in demand by fashionistas everywhere. We've compiled a few of our Style Reviews that feature coats, vests, and jackets to help inspire you and give you visuals of all the things discussed in this article. As you look for a coat or consider other options already in your closet remember that putting on the entire ensemble before making a decision is key. Try on your bandage dress and your coat to see if the look is polished, doesn't add weight, and gives you confidence.
Marta from Martha's Fashion Diary...
Marta is based in Bulgaria. She's a leading fashion blogger known for her style and ability to pull together looks that are versatile. Marta is wearing our two piece bandage dress with a crisp white blazer and flesh toned heels. The look holds many elements that are easily carried into other styles such as swapping out the bandage skirt for a form fitting jeans. Adding a blazer to your bandage dress is fresh, sexy, and chic.

Katie from Katie Loves....
Katie is a fashion blogger who is about femininity, class, and sophistication. She wore our strapless beige bandage dress and paired it with an oversized white vest. To polish the look she carried a silver clutch and chose two toned heels for added texture. The look is not only feminine but stylish and flattering to many body types. You wear this look to weddings, receptions, bridal parties, or summer and spring dates. Anywhere that a fresh and clean style is appreciated.

Clare from Clarabella... 
Clare is a one of a kind fashion blogger. She provided a style review while she was with child (she's since given birth to a beautiful little girl). She's a rising fashion blogger known for her edgy and innovative approach to fashion. Clare is wearing our black off the shoulder long sleeve bandage dress with sexy black heels that wrap around her ankles. She added a denim coat and leopard clutch to complete the look. It is a casual yet fierce look that works well for nights out in Vegas, dinner dates, and even cocktails with your coworkers.

Heidi Heidi is a no-nonsense fashion blogger that inspires women to coordinate relationships, careers, and fashion in their everyday lives. She is wearing our black cap sleeve bandage dress with an oversized sweater blazer. The combination is a cozy and warm look that is perfect for holiday parties by a fire and nights out with your love. Heidi finished the look off with grasshopper sunglasses and light gold jewelry.

Rach from RD's Obsessions...
Rach holds down a 9 to 5 and has become a rising fashion blogger who brings a casual style to everyday outings. She chose ourgeometric print bandage dress and added a taupe and navy trench coat, and gray pumps to complete the look. Pair a casual coat with patterns gives your dress a boost while allowing you to be comfortable without giving up your diva style and sex appeal.

Sydney from Sydney's Fashion Diary...
Sydney has been blogging since 2010. She loves two things: fashion and deals. When we asked her to try one of our bandage dresses she opted for a patterned black and white dress. She paired the dress with a well fitting red trench coat. Adding a splash of color with your bandage dress gives you a sophisticated texture and polish that is difficult to convey with more neutral style approaches