Universal Thread Dress

A great dress makes getting ready a breeze. Slip one on and you have an instant outfit ready for anything on your calendar! For affordable, on-trend dress options, Universal Thread is a top choice available exclusively at Target. Their collection offers stylish dresses for work, weekends and everything in between.

This dress buying guide will explore Universal Thread’s wide range of designs, fabrics, silhouettes and details. Read on for tips to pick pieces that perfectly suit your personal style, shape and needs.

An Overview of Universal Thread Dresses

Launched in 2017, Universal Thread creates a line of modern essentials and accessories focused on denim and dresses. Based in LA, the design team keeps up with what’s hot in fashion to craft stylish pieces at budget prices.

While staying current, Universal Thread doesn’t compromise quality. Soft knits, flowy linens and stretchy ponte fabrics feel luxurious. Flattering details like tie waists, ruched sides and tiered skirts are executed beautifully. Compared to fast fashion, these Target dresses will maintain their shape and colors much longer.

Universal Thread incorporates comfort technologies into many of their dresses too. Features like stretch fabrics, breathable cotton and antimicrobial linings make the pieces easy to wear from morning to night.

Now let’s explore the range of Universal Thread dress silhouettes, necklines, and lengths to find your perfect match!

Choose the Best Silhouette for You

Universal Thread offers diverse dress shapes designed to flatter different figures:

Wrap Dresses

• Wraps and ties at the side waist to cinch in
• Conceals midsections beautifully
• Adjustable fit fluctuates with size
• Diagonal seam slims and elongates
• Works on many body types

Shirt Dresses

• Straight shape skims without clinging
• No defined waist but flatters most figures
• Professional enough for office wear
• Easy to throw on and feel put together
• Great dressed up or down

Fit and Flare Dresses

• Fitted at bust and flows out at waist
• Emphasizes your shape while hiding flaws
• Balance broad shoulders with a full skirt
• Shows off your waist and flatters curvy hips
• Flirty, feminine silhouette for most bodies

T-Shirt Dresses

• Simple oversized T-shirt shape
• Provides room without looking sloppy
• Ideal for casual comfort and movement
• Easy to accessorize to dress up or down
• Perfect everyday option for busy lives

Bodycon Dresses

• Clings close to every curve from top to bottom
• Shows off your shape so best for confidence
• Pair with looser unconstructed layers
• Works on slender to athletic body types
• Adds va-va-voom sexiness to your look

Compare Different Dress Lengths

Universal Thread carries lengths from mini to maxi to suit your style preferences:

Mini Dresses

• Hit mid-thigh to several inches above the knee
• Allow you to show some leg
• Pair well with knee-high boots or simple heels
• Give off a flirty, casual vibe perfect for weekends
• Best for taller figures or leggy looks

Midi Dresses

• Fall anywhere from below the knee to mid-calf
• Provide more coverage than mini lengths
• Easily dress these up or down
• Look great belted to define the waist
• Flatter and slenderize petite frames

Maxi Dresses

• Extend down to the ankles or floor
• Offer the most coverage and allure of mystery
• Glide beautifully with each step
• Work well for both casual and formal events
• Complement all heights when hemmed to fit

Pick the Most Flattering Neckline

Necklines draw the eye up and can highlight your best assets:

V-Necks

• Create the illusion of an elongated neck
• Naturally draw eyes up and accentuate the face
• Show just a subtle peek of skin
• Pair well with delicate necklaces
• Most flattering on wider or square face shapes

Scoop Necks

• Form a curved U-shape across chest
• Reveal a bit more skin than V-necks
• Perfect balance of modest and allure
• Allow you to highlight delicate collarbones
• Complement oval, round and heart faces

Square Necks

• Form an angular straight-lined décolletage
• Offer a bold, modern look
• Draw attention directly to the bustline
• Best for those wishing to accentuate their chest
• Frame slender necks and shoulders elegantly

Off-the-Shoulder Necks

• Straps sit below shoulders, fully exposing them
• Feel romantic and flirtatious
• Highlight elegant collarbone and shoulders
• Best for those wishing to show off shoulders/arms
• Keep hair and accessories minimal to maximize the look

Consider Details That Delight

Subtle touches give Universal Thread dresses extra personality. Look for:

Tiered Skirts – Flouncy stacked layers, often seen on maxi dresses. Provides beautiful fluid movement.

Ruffles – Add feminine frilly texture to hemlines, sleeves or necklines. Available in lush lace or gauzy sheers.

Ruched Sides – Gathered pleats at the waist or hips that enhance curves. Provides flattering shape.

Cinched Waists– A narrow line draws in at the waist, plays up an hourglass figure. Try wraps, belted or peasant styles.

Puff Sleeves – Voluminous gathered sleeves with elasticized cuffs create a vintage peasant vibe.

Lace Trim – Delicate lace adds a refined, romantic edge. Positioned along necklines, hems or as inset panels.

Keyhole Cutouts – Small back or front cutouts add sleek asymmetry. Dare to bare at the midriff or décolletage.

Dress Styles for Different Occasions

Consider when and where you’ll wear the dress to pick the right fabrics and features:

Office Attire – Shift dresses, shirt dresses, sheath dresses in dark solids or subtle patterns. Knee length or midi length.

Job Interviews – Sheath dress or fit and flare dresses in solid navy, black or gray. Just above the knee in length.

Casual Weekend – Flowy maxi dresses, t-shirt dresses, spaghetti strap dresses in bright colors and prints.

Beach and Poolside – Lightweight linen, cotton or jersey in mini or midi lengths. Tie-dye, nautical or tropical prints.

Summer Weddings – Elegant maxi or midi lengths in chiffon, satin or lace.Pastels or metallics suit the season.

Date Nights – Curve hugging bodycon or bandage dresses paired with a jacket. Heels dress up mini lengths.

Formal Events – Floor length gowns or short cocktail dresses for black-tie affairs. Look for luxurious fabrics with ornate embellishments.

Best Practices for Finding Your Perfect Size

Finding your ideal size ensures the proper fit to both flatter and be comfortable in:

• Consult the size chart to find your dimensions – consider bust, waist, hips and height.
• Fabric content impacts fit. Stretchier fabrics have more give while rigid fabrics limit movement.
• Try on at the end of the day when your body is more expanded after being on your feet.
• Move around in the dressing room to assess comfort for sitting, bending and walking.
• Ensure seams sit properly against your curves without pulling or gapping.
• The dress hem should hit at the most flattering spot on your frame. Check seam placement.
• Focus on how the neckline flatters your face shape and highlights your favorite assets.
• A quality dress in the right size should require minimal tugging, pinning or adjustments.

Where to Shop Universal Thread’s Dress Collection

The number one spot to browse and buy Universal Thread dresses is Target stores and Target.com. Since the brand is a Target exclusive, selection is streamlined there. Inventory varies locally, so first scout options online to view all colors, prints, lengths and sleeve options.

Use Target’s website to filter dress styles by length, neckline, sleeve, fabric, size, price and customer rating. Read reviews for real people’s sizing guidance and feedback. New dress arrivals are launched each season as well.

For convenience, order online for in-store pickup at many locations now. Try dresses on at home and easily return anything that doesn’t fit expectations to your local Target.

Some secondhand sellers on Poshmark and Mercari also carry Universal Thread dresses but have limited availability and inflated pricing. Shopping directly through Target ensures you get the full selection of styles and sizes at fair price points.

Style Tips for Universal Thread Dresses

Once you’ve found the perfect dress, learn how to maximize its versatility:

• Balance fitted dresses with unconstructed layers like boyfriend blazers, flowing kimonos or oversized cardigans.
• Cinch loose, flowy dresses with belts to define your waist. Position at the narrowest part of your midsection.
• Neutral solid dresses act as an ideal canvas for bold jewelry, shoes, handbags and lip colors.
• Match the hem length to your shoe choice. midi dresses look great with heels while maxi lengths pair well with flat sandals.
• For casual looks, pair knit bodycon dresses with sneakers. Flowy maxi dresses look chic with leather jackets.
• Choose contrasting colors and patterns for dresses and leggings or tights. Complement rather than match.

Caring for Your Dresses

Follow these laundry tips to keep your new dresses looking fabulous:

• Carefully zip and button dresses before washing to avoid snags and tears in delicate fabrics.
• Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle. Hot water can fade colors and compromise stretchy fabrics.
• Use washing bags for delicates or hand wash for specialty fabrics like lace, silk and sequined pieces.
• Hang dresses immediately after washing to prevent wrinkles from setting in. Let air dry fully if possible.
• Steam gently as needed between washes if wrinkles set in. Avoid pressing decorations.
• Spot clean stains immediately with mild soap and warm water. Don’t rub aggressively.
• Check care tag instructions as some fabrics require specialist dry cleaning only.

Find Your Perfect Dress for Any Occasion

Hopefully this dress buying guide helps you confidently shop Universal Thread’s stylish selection for your new go-to piece! Now that you know how to compare silhouettes, lengths, fabrics, sizes and prints, you can narrow in on the dress that flatters your unique shape and style.

Remember fit and comfort are key, so focus on how contoured seams sit on your frame and move with you. The right dress acts like a trusty secret weapon, ready to make you look and feel great for any event. So go find your perfect dress match among the options waiting to help you make an entrance and exit in style!