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Every woman loves a circle scarf for travel. They’re convenient and versatile. Plus, they add a little flavor to a basic outfit and can also provide warmth from the cold or protection from the sun if needed.
Now, imagine a circle scarf that also transforms into a dress with the push of a button? Well, in the case of Encircled’s Chrysalis Cardi, it transforms by the snap of a button!
Keep reading to learn more about the convertible wrap dress you can actually wear everywhere!
Encircled Convertible Wrap Dress
This isn’t the first time you hear about Encircled on TFG. They’re a well-known convertible travel clothing brand from Canada, and I also reviewed their Chameleon Maxi Skirt a couple of years ago.
Now, I’m testing out their Chrysalis Cardi, which has the benefits of a circle scarf taken to a whole other level. Need an LBD? Look no further. They’ve got it. Choose black, grey, green, purple, or a lovely variety of blue hues.
How does it work? The Cardi is a tube-like fabric that conceals clever buttons around the rim that allows you to use it as a scarf, a convertible wrap dress, and a cardigan, too.
In their description, they claim it can transform into eight unique items. But guess what? I found even MORE ways to wear the Chrysalis Cardi! Keep reading to uncover the bonus looks I discovered!
The fabric is super-soft and comfortable made from a blend of Bamboo/Spandex, which is eco-conscious, too. It’s available in a variety of colors but they’re constantly selling out so when you see a color you like – don’t wait.
They also offer petite sizing, which is a bonus for shorties like me. At 5’2” I was a bit discouraged with the fabric length of the regular size (shown in Stone Grey below) but the petite (shown in Black) was perfect. The versatile construction allows you to play with the various styles until you uncover one that’s right for you.
Here are 11+ Ways to Wear the Chrysalis Cardi:
DRESSES
I have to admit, this dress took me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did. It was so flattering yet comfortable, which made me feel effortlessly confident. Didn’t expect to feel so fem in convertible travel clothing!
Dresses can help you minimize your travel wardrobe. Read more tips about how to create a functional but minimalist capsule wardrobe with Pack Light Stylishly!
Even my partner at the time gave me top marks for this look – the “one shoulder gown” – appropriate for any dressy occasion!
A common issue for travelers attending special occasions abroad is that they struggle with the idea of packing a dress that they’ll only be able to wear once on their entire trip. This convertible wrap dress solves that problem!
You’ll be able to wear it on New Years, for a destination wedding, for upscale dining, or other events. On the plus side, you can also wear it casually, too. Functional fashion!
The key to packing light is to use packing cubes to compress your clothing shown in this video!
This is a bonus style I made just wearing the “Grecian Tunic” style backwards!
The Cardi includes a belt of the same fabric so you can adjust the waist to a location that feels most comfortable on your body. I also used my own belts to change the look or even wore it draped and loose as shown below.
worn with Comfort Sandals (similar) and Silver Necklace (similar)
Where to wear it: Everywhere!
Getting married? These are the perfect bridesmaid dresses that can actually be re-worn after the wedding. The various dresses can be worn with both straps and strapless bras – a relief for busty ladies that fear a strapless bra for a wedding party.
Expecting? This seems like an awesome piece if you’re a nomadic mom-to-be. It’s the perfect investment piece to wear comfortably as your body changes. Just ditch the belt as your tummy grows and let loose.
I also totally love this for cruises! Great for casual to semi-formal nights alike.
Wear it as a “Wrap Dress” as shown above and dress it up…or dress it down.
worn with this brand’s beach bag and my favorite flip-flop sandals
Above I’m wear this convertible wrap dress in their “Grecian Tunic” style. For an updated bonus look, I just lowered the sleeves for an on-trend off the shoulder variation shown below.
worn with a Packable Sunhat and Lace-up Sandals
By changing the way I snapped the buttons, I was able to make a more fitted off the shoulder style, which I paired with a military inspired vest. I liked the idea of wearing this as a dressy look with my Lace-up Gladiator Heels as shown below but I could’ve just as easily worn it with flat sandals like shown above.
worn with Lace-up Gladiator Heels and Military-inspired Vest (similar)
SCARVES
In addition to a dress, the Chrysalis Cardi can also be worn as a traditional scarf. And, because of its width it can be worn in various lengths and adjusted by looping once, twice or three times.
Alternatively, get creative with your scarf styles or wear it loosely as a draped one layer scarf when your outfit needs a little something extra.
worn with Top Shop Tank and Merino Wool Cardigan
Where to wear it: Pack this item for a cold weather trip and have the functionality of a scarf plus the versatility of a dress for a night out. Pair it with a merino wool cardigan like the one above for maximum warmth!
Merino wool is one of the best fabrics for travel. This 3/4 – full sleeve merino wool top is a great option when traveling to diverse climates as it can be worn in both warm and cooler weather. Add the Cardi as a scarf and you’ve got perfectly versatile layering pieces.
worn with Merino Wool top and All Saints denim shorts
THE COCOON CARDI
As any circle scarf, the Chrysalis Cardi has the ability to wrap around your shoulders to act as an open-front cardigan. However, Encircled gives it a pretty twist. Literally.
Using their unique button design you can clip the fabric together to cover your back and also create a lovely drape. As a bonus, you can also snap the front buttons together and close the cardi for another look.
Where to wear it: Where this style anywhere! Use it as a light cover up on a flight as part of your travel outfit then wrap yourself around it on the plane in place of a travel blanket.
This brand’s beach bag and my all-time favorite flip-flop style sandals are the perfect accessories to finish the look!
Is it TFG Approved? YES!
Tempted to pack a “just in case” dress? Don’t. Pack the Chrysalis Cardi instead. You’re probably already planning to take a scarf anyway. You might as well make it work extra hard for you.
While the scarf styles are classic and the poncho/cardi looks are great for changes in weather, what really sold me on this garment was the dress styles. So flattering and incredibly versatile!
I recommend the Encircled Chrysalis Cardi for cold to moderate weather trips. It’s particularly ideal for multi-weather trips.
Read our ten step packing guide for dual-climate trips. This is definitely a great piece for complex itineraries.
worn with Steve Madden Flats (similar) and Delsey Suitcase
IN HOT WEATHER
I’d wear it on a beach trip but I’d avoid it in extremely hot destinations where you don’t have easy access to a washing machine as you’d need to wash it often due to humidity and body moisture.
You can wear it on the plane as a scarf, during the day as a dress, and as a cardigan if it cools down at night.
IN COLD WEATHER
I love this piece for cold weather trips. There are many times when female travelers toy with the idea of taking a dress just in case they need one to dress up at night. This is ideal because you can definitely wear it as a scarf for warmth then use it as a dress if needed.
Some women also swear by wearing dresses with layers like tights or leggings in cold temperatures, too. So you might get more use of it than you expect. And remember, you can always add a long sleeve top under the “Wrap Dress” style.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS!
The Chrysalis Cardi is one of many beautiful multi-way dresses available on the market. The tricky thing is that many of these styles require a strapless bra. While I now have an awesome strapless bra thanks to a good bra fitting, I prefer to avoid them when I can.
I definitely wouldn’t classify the dress as cheap because the Encircled fabric is nicer than most jersey fabrics available in fast fashion. The dress is a similar jersey fabric to the Michael Stars tops that I always wear and softer than that of the Leith dress (another fave).
Ironically, I thought the dress was more dressy than my normal casual style. Ultimately, it’s the perfect option to bring on a trip when you want to pack mostly casually and want that one special item to dress up, in case you need to but be able to use it in other ways, so it doesn’t take up unnecessary space.
On the opposite scale, it’s also ideal for a trip where you’ll need several dress options such as a cruise. I really regretted not bringing this dress on my 13-day transatlantic cruise opting instead for a cheap basic black dress instead. I should’ve brought this one!
Ultimately, one of the best things about this convertible wrap dress is that you can truly make it your own. The more I played with this item and found new ways to wear it, I grew more astounded at how clever a “circle scarf” could really get.
Share how you wear Encircled’s Chrysalis Cardi on Instagram with the hashtag #TFGencircled!
For more details, please visit Encircled!
Where would you wear this convertible wrap dress?
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Please note: This has been a product review on behalf of Encircled. However, all opinions are my own.
I bought this and took it on a trip to Italy – it was great as a scarf and cardigan but I’ve found most of the other configurations too complicated and confusing to do! Encircled’s how-to videos are OK, but they tend to skip the steps where I get stuck. I’d love to be able to get more use out of this piece but I feel like I need a degree in mechanical engineering to figure it out 😀
WoW!!!
This looks so versatile, comfortable, relax and perfect for any trip, since it’s able to change and transform in so many awesome ways.
I hope this comes in plus size!!!
This it’s the perfect piece to make a wardrobe different and at the same time pack way less.
Thanks for all the good inf. and the practical and terrific articles. I’ve been following for a long long time.
Be Blessed & Stay safe
I’ve been using TGF for years and have recommended it to lots of my fellow travelers. Thanks to TGF, my days of trying to drag full size suitcases all over the world are long gone. Appreciate the work you do!
Any curvy girls love this item and have pics to share?
This is fabulous! Thanks for the review!
Hi TFG,
Congratulations on 10 years! Your website/FB page are so fun and helpful.
I watched the video on the Encircled webside but it goes so fast I’m not confident if I ordered it I could create the different looks. TFG, how easy did you find it to configure the different looks?
Also, for us budget minded ladies, does this model ever go on sale?
many thanks,
Peggy
Great combinations!
I love the dresses you have modeled in the pictures. They are basic and yet so classy.
Love this! I would rather wear a dress than anything else so this is perfect
I have this in 4 colours and is definitely one of my staples any trip. And I actually use it in a variety of ways unlike so many convertible items that you often never do!
I found Encircled through TFG years ago and have several Chrysalis Cardi’s in different colors. You can also double wrap it around the waist as a maxi skirt. I’ve given several as gifts and the recipients LOVED them. Now my challenge is which color to bring on my trip!
I often struggle finding staples that work in various situations but this seems to be a solution! Thank you so much for the info and honest review. The pictures and suggestions about what weather works best is super helpful.
I just love TFG and all these space saving ideas!!! Thank you thank you!!!
Love your posts. Thanks so much for all the info.
The cardi in particular is intriguing. It’s pricey, but perhaps worth it!
What a great piece of clothing. So versatile.
Oh I love this dress! It seems like it would be perfect for my upcoming Portugal trip. Does it truly not wrinkle?
Just recently came across this post, and love these product recommendations. Definitely willing to pay a higher price point for a piece that will last and can serve several functions in one trip. Even better, these companies often use sustainable fabrics, some are B Corp and Female Founded. I’m thrilled to find new companies for investment-pieces!
Love this post!
Super helpful review! I’m 5’2″ 110 lbs and purchased the the Chrysalis Cardi in Petite (black) and it fits perfectly. It’s very soft and I often wear it as a scarf on the plane so it doesn’t even take up room in my luggage. It’s nice to use as a wrap/blanket since I often get cold on planes too.
Hi Alex,
Thank you so much for introducing this amazing versatile clothing item. Was it difficult to figure out how to transform it into different clothing items?
Hi Susan, have a look at this video for tips on how to wear it!
https://www.encircled.co/collections/the-chrysalis-cardi
I have never heard of this brand. This would be the perfect versatile dress for my next trip to Bermuda. Thank you.
I first learned about this brand MANY years ago when it was first introduced on TFG in the early years. The concept of modifiable multipurpose multi-way clothing is genius especially for traveling light! I have since bought several items from Encircled, and just LOVE them for work, travel, every day. I also learned how these clothing items fit into the capsule wardrobe for traveling (and living) light! Buy less, buy better quality. 🤩 Thanks TFG/Alex for changing my travel and fashion world!
Cute dress. Not sure if the style is me, but I’m going to give it a try.
This looks like something I need!
How did you make the wrap dress?
Hi, love the dress options. Just wondering how well have you found the fabric to hold up? I often find these type of fabrics ‘snag’ easily and it pretty much ruins the item for me. I’ve two young kids and need clothes that aren’t too fragile.
I’ve only had mine for about a year, but so far it’s held up quite well. It’s a stretchy thicker knit material and very well made.
Wow, I’m so glad I clicked on this post! I’ve recently started to experiment with brands that offer infinity type dresses/pieces. I’m so in love with the idea and will definitely be paring down my whole wardrobe into as much (or as little, actually) of these amazing items as possible.
That’s awesome Honey! Definitely check it out! Let me know what you think! Happy travels!
Ready to pull the trigger on this item but I can’t decide on a color in the petite size.
I’d suggest whatever color you like to wear the most! It’s a versatile piece, so you can wear it a lot!
I have learned a lot from you . Thank you so much for sharing .. I travel a lot . My trips are usually longer than most people take . When I go to a place I am doing many different activities in one trip . Boats, bikes , cruise’s . Having items that can be worn differently is a huge plus …
I love the way you wore it draped! i just received mine yesterday and am trying to figure out how you did it! Can you please give me some pointers? I love this post. Thanks so much!
Michele
Thanks for the comment Michele, there are some great video how to’s on the company’s site: https://www.encircled.co/collections/the-chrysalis-cardi . Good luck and happy travels!
I purchased this wrap after reading about it on your blog and have brought it on our epic 2 month family trip to Southeast Asia. I agree it’s a bit heavy for this weather but I love the versatility!
The versatility of the wrap dress is what makes it so awesome 🙂
Thank you so much for your review and helpful pics! I have a similar body type and I’m 5’1″ so your post was perfect in helping me make my decision. I ordered the black petite, can’t wait to receive and play around with it. I liked the loose draped style and the backwards Grecian the best. I travel between Maui & Honolulu a few weekends a month to visit my BF. I hope to use this is as a light cardi at the airport and I’ll always have a dress if we decide to get dressed up for dinner. We often can get away with shorts for the entire weekend but I always carry a dress just in case but I absolutely hate packing stuff I never used. So I think this will be perfect.
Glad you liked it Tania! Thanks for reading!
OMG…I am always skeptical of how truly versatile these types of items will be, or how they will really look on *my* figure, but seeing you model it in all the different styles really helps and makes me want nab one for myself!
So glad this article has helped you Jen 🙂 It really is a versatile dress!
Love the dress for travel!
I need one of these! A long black washable dress is in my suitcase on every trip. My favourite is getting a little worn. This looks like a good replacement and it looks great on you!
Thanks Sharon 🙂 I think it’s great and is so versatile!
So fab!
🙂
I LOVE the versatility of this piece. You can create so many looks with it. 🙂
You really can Tammy! So glad you like it!
OMG! Want want want! I’ve seen it on the website before but it’s great to see it on a ‘real’ person and not just the website models. Now to convince my boyfriend!
Go for it Jessica 🙂 It’s fantastic!
This is the best convertible dress I’ve seen in a long time and the colors are great too!
I totally agree Angela!
Alex – yet another well-timed post! My wedding anniversary is the end of this month and was actually looking into purchasing this “cardi.” Great review – I am sold! 🙂
🙂 So glad to hear it Joan. I hope you like it!
What is your height, and did you order the regular or petite sized Chrysalis Cardi?
Hi Akisha, great question! I’m 5’2″ and I had both the petite and regular size. The petite worked a million times better for me! The regular length drowned me. The black garment shown in the pictures is the petite Cardi style 🙂
Kristi – I’ve owned my Cardi for almost a year and still haven’t worn it just because I became completely intimated by all the snaps and options. But I love the “wrap” dress look – how did you make it do that?
Hey Elissa 🙂 Take a look at this video for tips on how to wear it https://www.encircled.co/collections/the-chrysalis-cardi
How much longer is the regular versus the petite?
Hi Marjorie, the regular was several inches longer and drowned me in fabric at 5’2″. I much prefer the petite 🙂
In one of the last photos with the suitcase, what sandals are you wearing? They’re cute!
Hi Tracey, the sandals are by Steve Madden but I can’t find them online so i didn’t link to them. However, I did find this pair which is similar: http://bit.ly/1UHLHxF Thanks!
Absolutely love the dress and other options. Now the most important question: which color to choose.
They’ve got some great options!
Hi Alex! So glad to see you using your VacayStyle Beach Bag! All the pictures are super cute!
xoxo,
Elizabeth
Thanks Elizabeth! LOVE the bag 🙂
Because of your blog, I learned about Encircled, a Canadian company, and Iive in Canada! When I travel, their clothes are on me on the plane and in my suitcase. Some pieces are almost as old as your blog and just beginning to wear out. Quality is supreme!
I loved this review (I have a Chrysalis Cardi too!!) but can you give more details on how you created the extra looks. I’m not good at looking at pictures and figuring out which snaps you used to create those looks. Sorry!! :S
https://www.encircled.co/collections/the-chrysalis-cardi – Take a look at this video for tips on how to create the different looks 🙂
I first learned about this brand MANY years ago when it was first introduced on TFG in the early years. The concept of modifiable multipurpose multi-way clothing is genius especially for traveling light! I have since bought several items from Encircled, and just LOVE them for work, travel, every day. I also learned how these clothing items fit into the capsule wardrobe for traveling (and living) light! Buy less, buy better quality. 🤩 Thanks TFG/Alex for changing my travel and fashion world!
I would love to order! Thank you for your review! The Promo code TRAVELFASHION doesn’t seem to work. 🙁
Hi Richelle, sorry about that – let me contact Encircled about the code
Hi there! Recently came across your blog a few months ago and love it! I’m finalizing packing for an open ended “slow travel” trip around the world starting in Jan and I’m about to order the Cardi from Encircled. The promo code doesn’t seem to work again though. Is it still available to your readers? (I realize this thread is from May of this year, but figured I’d ask) Thanks!
Unfortunately, no it is no longer valid. Thanks for asking Amanda!
You look simply put, Stunning! The multipurpose Convertible Wrap Dress is flirty and fabulous. To have this on a multi country trip would be a perfect choice to take with me.
Hi Richelle,
Thanks for your comment! Sorry about the promo code. It’s fixed now. Appreciate you letting us know + look forward to shipping you a Cardi.
With gratitude,
Kristi
Encircled
Congratulations on 10 years! I’ve been following you for quite some time. Love Encircled!