A Guide to Dresses: 5 Types of Dresses

A dress is a one-piece garment that consists of a top piece and an attached skirt. The oldest dress is believed to have been worn in ancient Egypt.

Over the years, the style of dresses has evolved with changing fashion trends. At the start of the eighteenth century and into the twentieth century, corsets were a popular undergarment worn to cinch the waist and make dresses more tight-fitting. By the 1920s, loose-fitting dresses became popular, as short, straight dresses became the norm. This look used lighter fabrics for comfort and emphasized a natural figure.

Today there are different styles of dresses—from formal ball gowns to casual sundresses. Dresses come in all shapes and sizes, with some falling mid-calf, mid-thigh, or to the floor. Some popular dress styles today include the bodycon dress, T-shirt dress, sheath dress, tunic dress, maxi dress, sleeveless dress, mini dress, skater dress, slip dress, and sweater dress.

In their most basic form, dresses are composed of four main parts that, when sewn together, form a silhouette. The silhouette of a dress is essentially the shape of the dress. For instance, an A-line dress is a popular silhouette that suits different body shapes. It consists of a cinched waist and a skirt that flows out, giving the dress a triangle shape.

• Sleeves/straps: Dresses can be long sleeve, short sleeve, or strapless. From a functional standpoint, the sleeves cover your arms and support the bodice of the garment. From a style standpoint, sleeves vary with season and play a significant role in shaping the overall look of the dress. For example, spaghetti straps are typically used for summer dresses and play a large part in the overall look of the dress. The slim, strappy pieces of fabric expose more neck, which can help keep the wearer cooler.
• Bodice: The bodice of a dress outlines the neckline and torso. Many different cuts and styles form the bodice, from a v-neck bodice to a high-neck bodice. Most bodices are structured to accentuate the chest and waist. For example, a halter neck bodice is made of a fitted sleeveless top with a single strap that loops behind the neck. This look accentuates the waist with its fitted bodice.
• Waistline: The waistline is a horizontal seam that connects the bodice and the skirt of a dress, and greatly influences the silhouette. For instance, the high waistline of an empire waist can lengthen the lower half of the body. Conversely, the shift dress and baby doll dress have a boxy look to them due to their looser waistline and shape.
• Skirt: The skirt of the dress is everything that falls from the waist to the hemline. Skirts can be long, short, or tea-length (falling just above the ankle), and can be loose or form-fitting. The peplum dress, for example, has a tight skirt that usually falls knee-length, giving the look of a sophisticated pencil dress. With many dress styles, a full skirt is common to add volume. Petticoats were popular in the 1950s as women began wearing these undergarments under their skirts to add body and shape. Flare dresses also incorporate a voluminous skirt.

With so many different types of dresses available, there are options that accentuate every body type and fit every occasion:

1. 1. Sundress: The term “sundress” was coined in the 1940s; however, the style of dress became popular during the 1950s. Sundresses are casual dresses made with open necklines and light fabrics, such as cotton. Floral prints and cutouts are also common in sundresses. Sundresses are usually sleeveless and loose-fitting—making them an ideal outfit for warm weather—and come in a variety of lengths including mini dresses, midi dresses, and wrap dresses.
2. 2. Blazer dress: For a business chic look, this style of dress looks like a cross between a dress and a jacket. Originally a garment for men, the blazer didn’t enter women’s wardrobe until designer André Courrègesit created the first pantsuit in 1964. The blazer dress is a feminine twist on a jacket that had long been associated with men’s fashion.
3. 3. Cocktail: The cocktail dress, or party dress, is a semi-formal dress style that falls knee-length or just below the knee. As the name suggests, cocktail dresses are great for your typical cocktail party, though they are versatile. In 1926, Coco Chanel designed the little black dress, making the iconic, yet simple piece a closet staple and de facto cocktail dress.
4. 4. Gown: Also known as an evening dress, the gown is a formal dress with a floor-length skirt. The designs and fabrics used for these dresses are more elaborate and often more expensive, employing chiffon, tulle, silk, and satin. Gowns are often hand-sewn with beaded, sequin, or lace details. Gown silhouettes vary, from figure-hugging styles, such as mermaid dresses, to full skirt styles, such as ball gowns. The off-the-shoulder gown is a timeless look, which accentuates the shoulder with a ruffle or lowered sleeve that falls at the bicep. Wedding guests will often wear gowns if the wedding is a black-tie event.
5. 5. Wedding dress: A wedding gown is a garment worn by the bride on the day of the wedding. Wedding dresses can be short dresses or full-length gowns, depending on preference. In the US, white dresses are commonly worn for weddings; however, in other countries, wedding gowns often come in a variety of colors. Frills, ruffles, lace, and beading are often added to wedding gowns to indicate the special occasion.

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