Types of dresses: silhouettes, lengths and names
Three things describe a dress: the silhouette (how it falls from shoulder to hem), where the waist sits and the length. A-line, sheath and shift are silhouettes; midi and maxi are lengths; cocktail and evening are purposes.
Below are the most common types of dresses with technical flats, the drawings designers use. Open a dress to see how to recognise it, where it comes from, who and when it suits, and which fabrics and dress codes go with it.
A-line dressAn A-line dress is fitted through the bust and waist and widens evenly from the waist to the hem, so from the front it looks like the letter A.Sheath dressA sheath dress is straight, fitted to the body and narrowing towards the knee, often shaped with darts and closed with a zip at the back.Shift dressA shift dress falls straight from the shoulders to the hem with no defined waist, fitting only at the shoulders.Wrap dressA wrap dress fastens at the front by crossing one side over the other and tying a sash at the waist, which forms a V neckline.Slip dressA slip dress is a light dress on thin straps that looks like an underslip, usually in silk or satin and cut on the bias.Bodycon dressA bodycon dress is made of stretch fabric and hugs the body from the bust to the hem.Empire waist dressAn empire waist dress has its waistline raised to just under the bust, with the skirt falling loosely and long from there.Fit and flare dressA fit and flare dress is fitted through the bust and waist with a skirt that flares out widely from the waist, usually to the knee.Mermaid dressA mermaid dress fits closely from the bust to the knee and then flares out sharply below, like a mermaid's tail.Shirt dressA shirt dress is cut like a lengthened shirt: with a collar, buttons down all or part of the front and often a belt.Babydoll dressA babydoll dress is a short dress with a high waist under the bust and a wide, loose skirt, often with puff sleeves.Sweater dressA sweater dress is a lengthened jumper: a warm dress knitted in wool, cashmere or cotton, often with long sleeves and a roll neck.Strapless dressA strapless dress has neither sleeves nor straps: the top stays up on the bust thanks to a structured bodice with boning or an elastic edge.Cocktail dressA cocktail dress is an elegant semi-formal dress for evening events, usually knee or midi length.Little black dressThe little black dress is a simple black dress, short or knee length, that can be worn for many occasions just by changing the accessories.Maxi dressA maxi dress is a long casual dress reaching the ankles or the floor, usually in a light, flowing fabric.Midi dressA midi dress ends below the knee, around the middle of the calf, between the knee and the ankle.Peplum dressA peplum dress has a short flared ruffle of fabric at the waist that covers the top of the hips above a slim skirt.Tea length dressA tea length dress ends below mid-calf, just above the ankle, usually with a full skirt.Off-the-shoulder dressAn off-the-shoulder dress has a neckline that runs below the shoulders across the upper arms, leaving the shoulders and collarbones bare.Evening gownAn evening gown is a long, floor-length formal dress for evening events with a black tie or white tie dress code.
How to choose
- A defined waist (A-line, fit and flare, wrap) suits most figures and is easy to style.
- A loose silhouette with no waist (shift, sweater, slip) is more comfortable for every day and hot weather.
- For an event, start with the dress code: knee or midi for cocktail, a long gown for black tie.
- For work: a sheath, shirt, A-line or wrap dress at knee or midi length in a denser fabric.
Lengths
| Length | Where it ends |
|---|---|
| Mini | well above the knee, mid-thigh |
| Knee length | at or just above the knee |
| Midi | below the knee, mid-calf |
| Tea length | just above the ankle |
| Maxi and floor length | to the ankle or the floor |
Related guides
- Types of skirts
- Types of pants and jeans
- Types of tops, shirts and sweaters
- Types of coats and jackets
- Types of shoes
- Types of sneakers
- Types of heels
- Types of bags
- Types of necklines
- Types of sleeves
- Types of collars
- Fabric guide: 40 fabrics, properties and care
- Dress codes: what to wear to an event
- Clothing sizes and measurements
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
01What are the types of dresses?
By silhouette: A-line, sheath, shift, wrap, fit and flare, empire, mermaid, slip, bodycon. By length: mini, knee, midi, tea length, maxi. By purpose: cocktail, evening, shirt, sweater.
02Which dress suits most body types?
The A-line and the wrap dress: they define the waist and fall freely over the hips.
03What is the difference between cocktail and evening dresses?
A cocktail dress is knee or midi length for semi-formal events; an evening gown is floor length for black tie.
04What dress is appropriate for work?
A sheath, shirt, A-line or wrap dress at knee or midi length in a quiet colour, with a blazer or knit.