Dress Styles for Women
It can be so confusing buying dresses online! Why are dress styles for women so complicated?
There are maxi dresses and midi dresses. Skater dresses and fit and flare dresses. Babydoll dresses and mini dresses. What is the difference?!
In this article:
25 Popular Dress Styles for Women – Simply Explained!
Here is a list of the 25 most popular dress style names for women. Hopefully this clarifies a few things for you!
1. A-Line Dress
A-Line Dress
An A-Line dress is fitted at the hips and then flares out, resulting in an "A" shape. This style dress looks great on women with a pear-shaped figure.
2. Ballgown Dress
Ballgown Wedding Dress
A ballgown dress is similar to a a princess style dress in that it has a fitted bodice and a very full skirt. You'll usually own see this style dress for weddings.
3. Bodycon Dress
Bodycon Dress
A bodycon dress is tight-fitting and typically made of stretchy material. This is a popular style for clubbing and for women who want to show off EVERY curve.
4. Boho Dress
Boho Dress
A boho dress is usually white or cream and loose-fitting. Boho dresses have a romantic look and often have lace features.
5. Cocktail Dress
Cocktail Dress
A cocktail dress can have MANY different styles. "Cocktail attire" is common for business events or classy parties. Cocktail dresses are less formal than a "formal dress" because they are usually knee-length or ankle-length.
6. Fit and Flare Dress
Fit and Flare Dress
A fit and flare dress has a fitted bodice and a flared out skirt. A fit and flare dress tends to have a slightly fuller skirt than an A-line dress. This style of dress also looks greats on pear-shaped women.
7. Halter Neck Dress
Halter Dress
A halter deck dress is sleeveless and has a band or tie to hold the dress up around the neck. This style dress looks great if you have great arms that you want to show off.
8. High-Low Dress
High-Low Dress
A high-low dress is shorter in the front and longer in the back.
9. Kaftan Dress
Kaftan Dress
A Kaftan dress is brightly colored, loose fitting, ankle-length, and usually worn over a swimsuit.
10. Lace Dress
Lace Dress
A lace dress is just how it sounds. It is a lace dress!
11. Maxi Dress
Maxi Dress
A maxi dress is a full length dress that hits at the ankles. It's a popular style for summer dresses.
12. Mermaid Silhouette Dress
Mermaid Dress
A mermaid dress flares out around the knee and looks great on women with a curvy figure. It's also a common wedding dress style.
13. Midi Dress
A midi dress is mid-calf length. There are casual midi dresses and semi-formal midi dresses.
14. Mini Dress
Mini Dress
A mini dress is short and hits above the knee. It's a popular style for summer and beach vacation outfits.
15. Off the Shoulder Dress
Off the Shoulder Dress
An off the shoulder dress is just that...off the shoulders! Off the shoulder dresses may be long (at the ankles) or knee-length.
16. Pencil Dress
Pencil Dress
A pencil dress is slim (like a pencil!) and usually hits at or below the knee. This is a popular style for work or going out, depending on the color.
17. Peplum Dress
Peplum Dress
A peplum dress has an extra "frill" added at the waist for a distinctive look. It looks great on pear shaped and curvy women or thin women.
18. Pinafore Dress
Pinafore Dress
A pinafore dress usually worn over a white t-shirt or a turtleneck. It has thick shoulder straps and hits at or above the knee.
19. Sheath Dress
Sheath Dress
A sheath dress looks great on slim women. It hugs the figure without being too tight.
20. Shift Dress
Shift Dress
A shift dress is relatively loose fitting (in contrast to a pencil dress) with a straight up and down silhouette. This style is great for work if you are slim.
21. Strapless Dress
Strapless Dress
A strapless dress has no sleeves or straps.
22. Sundress
Sundress
A sundress is usually loose-fitting with spaghetti straps and a floral print or bright solid color. Sundresses are perfect for summer.
23. Sweater Dress
Sweater Dress
A sweater dress is knitted and is usually knee-length. Pair with tights and boots for a cute fall or winter outfit.
24. Tea Length Dress
Tea Length Dress
A tea length dress hits at the calves. It's a great length for wedding guest dresses (especially mother-of-the-bride dresses) and classy-looking outfits.
25. Wrap Dress
Wrap Dress
A wrap dress has a piece of fabric that ties at the waist. This style is great for creating the illusion of hips and curves.
Dress Styles Names – List of the 25 Dress Styles
Want a downloadable excel file with a list of all the dress style names?
Click the link below to download an excel spreadsheet.
Dress Style Names by Very Easy Makeup
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Dress Styles for Women and Dress Style Names by Very Easy Makeup
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