48 Dress Types And What They Mean With Examples & Pictures
Dresses have been a staple in fashion for centuries and have evolved into many different styles and designs. In this article, we’ll explore the definition of a dress, the various types of dresses available, and how dress shapes are important for occasion wear. From midi dresses to cocktail dresses, below are 48 examples and pictures of each dress type.
What is a dress?
A dress (gown) is a one-piece garment that hangs on the shoulders and extends down the body at varying lengths, such as thigh-, knee-, or ankle-length. A dress is typically worn by women and girls, although it was originally made for men.
How many types of dresses are there?
There are many different types of dresses and dress styles thanks to the introduction of mass production, which created a rapid growth of dress patterns in the early 1900s, which before that time were limited, according to Margaret Walsh in her article “The Democratization of Fashion: The Emergence of the Women’s Dress Pattern Industry”.
The number of dress styles is constantly evolving as designers create new variations of existing styles each season, and because of that, there are a countless number of different ways to wear dresses and ways to categorize them.
The rapid growth in dress styles has equally been influenced by cross-cultural exchange thanks to globalization and the free movement of people (Anheier, 2008, p. 254). Dress designers incorporate elements of different cultures into their dress styles, such as the Indian saree, the Japanese kimono, and the Chinese Qi Pao dress.
How are dresses categorized?
There are a variety of ways to categorize dress types, including by style, length, fabric, color, silhouette, occasion, and features such as neckline, sleeve, and hem variations.
What one person may consider a distinct dress type, another person may categorize differently or simply see as a variation of another dress style. For example, some may consider an a-line dress and a column dress two separate types of dresses, while others may see them as variations of a midi dress.
What types of dresses are there?
This list contains 48 of the most prominent dress types in western fashion, with an image of the most typical representation of each one.
1. Midi Dress
A midi dress is a dress with a hemline that falls between the knee and ankle, typically around mid-calf length. The term “midi” is derived from the word “middle,” as the dress length falls between shorter mini and knee-length dresses and longer maxi dresses.
2. Maxi Dress
A maxi dress is a type of dress that is long, typically reaching down to the ankles or floor.
The name “maxi” comes from the word “maximum,” as it typically provides maximum coverage and length.
3. Bodycon Dress
A bodycon dress is a type of dress that is designed to fit snugly and cling to the body, emphasizing the natural curves of the wearer.
The term “bodycon” is short for “body-conscious” and refers to the way the dress is designed to highlight and accentuate the body.
4. Off-Shoulder Dress
An off-the-shoulder dress is a type of dress that features a neckline that exposes the shoulders, with the sleeves sitting below the shoulders or completely off the shoulders.
The dress is designed to showcase the shoulders and collarbone, creating a feminine and elegant look.
5. One Shoulder Dress
A one shoulder dress is a type of dress that features a neckline that exposes only one shoulder, while the other shoulder is covered.
The dress is designed to create an asymmetrical look that adds interest and style.
6. Asymmetric Dress
An asymmetric dress is a type of dress that features an uneven hemline or design that creates an asymmetrical shape.
The dress is designed to be visually interesting and unique, with the uneven lines drawing attention to different parts of the body.
7. Shift Dress
A shift dress is a type of dress that is typically short, straight-cut, and loose-fitting, with a simple design that hangs straight down from the shoulders without a defined waistline.
Shift dresses were first introduced in the 1920s as part of the “flapper” fashion trend, according to an article by Karina Reddy published on Fashion History Timeline.
8. Sheath Dress
A sheath dress is a type of dress that typically has a straight-cut hemline that falls below the knee. The earliest example of a shea
th dress comes from ancient Egypt, but it became popular in western fashion during the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. (Bucci, Startup Fashion, 2015).
This dress is characterized by its close-fitting silhouette, skimming the curves without being too revealing or tight.
9. Wrap Dress
A wrap dress is a type of dress that features a front closure formed by wrapping one side of the fabric across the other and tying the attached fabric belt at the waist.
The wrap design creates a V-shaped neckline and often accentuates the waistline. It was first popularized by designer Diane von Furstenberg in the 1970s, according to the FIDM Museum.
10. Drop Waist Dress
A drop-waist dress is a style of dress that has a waistline that sits lower than the natural waist, usually at the hip or just above it.
The bodice of the dress is usually fitted, and the skirt is flared or pleated, giving it a loose and relaxed fit around the hips.
This style of dress was popular in the 1920s during the flapper era and often associated with the Great Gatsby. (Lehman, 2013)
11. Shirt Dress
A shirt dress is a type of dress that resembles a shirt in its design, featuring a collar, button-front, and sometimes cuffed sleeves.
It is typically made from lightweight materials such as cotton or linen and can be worn on its own or paired with leggings or tights.
12. T-Shirt Dress
A t-shirt dress is a type of dress that has the silhouette and basic design of a t-shirt but with an elongated length that falls at or above the knee.
It is typically made of soft and comfortable materials such as cotton, jersey, or modal and often features a crew or v-neckline, short sleeves or sleeveless, and a loose or relaxed fit.
13. Sweater Dress
A sweater dress is a type of dress made of knit material that is heavier and thicker than a typical dress.
It is designed to resemble a sweater and is usually made of wool, cashmere, or a blend of other warm and cozy fabrics.
Sweater dresses can be long or short, fitted or loose, and come in a variety of textures, such as cable knit, ribbed, or plain.
14. Blazer Dress
A blazer dress is a type of dress that takes inspiration from a blazer jacket.
It typically features a structured silhouette with lapels, buttons, and pockets that are similar to those found on a traditional blazer.
Blazer dresses are longer than blazer jackets but are typically no longer than mid-thigh.
15. Sundress
A sundress is a lightweight dress that is typically worn during the summer months or in warm weather and is made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
Sundresses typically have sleeves or straps, with a loose, flowing shape that provides ventilation and mobility.
16. Empire Dress
An empire dress (empire waist dress) has a fitted bodice and a waistline that is raised above the natural waistline, usually just below the bust, creating a long, flowing skirt that falls to the floor or to the knee.
This style of dress was popularized during the Regency era in the early 19th century.
17. Princess or Ballroom Dress
A princess or ballroom dress is a formal evening gown that is fitted at the top and flares out dramatically at the bottom, creating a full skirt.
It is typically worn for formal events such as proms, balls, and other formal occasions.
The dress gets its name from its shape, which is similar to dresses worn by princesses and ballroom dancers.
18. Peasant Dress
A peasant dress is a loose-fitting dress that is typically made from lightweight, flowing fabric such as cotton or linen.
It is characterized by its loose, billowy silhouette and often features a gathered or elasticized neckline, sleeves, and waistline.
Peasant dresses often have lace or ruffles and may have a tiered skirt or a high-low hemline.
They are inspired by a romantic countryside aesthetic and are often associated with the French countryside or bohemian lifestyle.
19. Bohemian Dress
A bohemian dress, also known as a boho dress, is a style of dress inspired by the bohemian lifestyle and culture.
It is often characterized by its free-flowing, loose, relaxed silhouette, and mix of different fabrics and textures.
Bohemian dresses are often decorated with colorful patterns and prints, such as florals, paisleys, or tribal prints.
They may also include embroidery, tassels, or other decorative elements.
20. Column Dress
A column dress is a simple and straight style of dress that hangs down from the shoulders with little to no waist definition.
It is typically fitted through the bust and hips and falls straight down to the hemline, which is generally past the knee, creating a column-like silhouette.
21. Chiton Dress
A chiton dress is a type of ancient Greek dress that was worn by both men and women. It consisted of a rectangular
piece of fabric draped over the body and fastened at the shoulders with fibulae or pins.
The chiton was worn with a belt or girdle around the waist to define the figure and could be worn with or without an outer garment.
22. Kaftan Dress
A princess or ballroom dress is a formal evening gown that is fitted at the top and flares out dramatically at the bottom, creating a full skirt.
It is typically worn for formal events such as proms, balls, and other formal occasions.
The dress gets its name from its shape, which is similar to dresses worn by princesses and ballroom dancers.
23. Kimono Dress
A kimono dress is a type of dress that is inspired by the traditional Japanese garment known as the kimono.
It usually features a loose, flowing silhouette, wide sleeves, and a wrap-style closure.
Kimono dresses may feature traditional Japanese patterns and designs, such as cherry blossoms, waves, or dragons, but they can also be plain fabric.
They’re often styled with a wide obi belt to cinch the waist.
24. Qipao Dress
A qipao, also known as a cheongsam, is a traditional Chinese dress that originated in the 1920s.
It is a one-piece dress that is form-fitting, with a high collar and slit skirt.
The Qipao is often made from silk or other luxurious fabrics and is typically adorned with intricate embroidery, buttons, and other embellishments.
25. Slip Dress
A slip dress is a type of dress that originated in the 1920s as an undergarment worn beneath a sheer dress or skirt. The dress is
typically made of lightweight and silky fabrics, with thin shoulder straps, a low neckline, and a straight or bias cut that skims the body without clinging to it.
The slip dress became a popular fashion item in the 1990s, when it was worn as an outer garment, often layered over t-shirts or paired with sweaters or cardigans.
26. Mini Dress
A mini dress is a type of dress that is typically shorter in length, with the hemline ending above the knee.
The style was popularized in the 1960s by designers such as Mary Quant and André Courrèges and has remained a popular fashion trend ever since.
27. High-Low Dress
A high-low dress is a style of dress that features a hemline that is shorter in the front and longer in the back.
This creates a high-low effect, where the dress appears shorter in the front and longer in the back.
High-low dresses are often seen as a more modern and trendy take on traditional dresses.
28. Tea-Length Dress
A tea-length dress is a style of dress that falls in between a midi and a maxi length, typically reaching somewhere between the bottom of the knee and the mid-calf.
The term “tea-length” comes from the dress length that was traditionally worn by women to afternoon tea in the 1920s and 1930s.
It is sometimes confused with the midaxi dress.
29. Midaxi Dress
A midaxi dress is a style of dress that falls between a midi dress and a maxi dress in length.
Typically, a midaxi dress hits just above the ankle and is designed to be worn for both casual and dressy occasions.
The term “midaxi” is a combination of “midi” and “maxi”, which are both popular dress lengths.
30. Babydoll Dress
A babydoll dress is a short, loose-fitting dress that is typically characterized by a high waistline, a flowy skirt, and a bodice that is often gathered or ruffled.
It is named after the babydoll nightgown, which features similar loose and flowing characteristics.
The dress is often associated with a youthful and playful style.
31. Pinafore Dress
A pinafore dress is a type of sleeveless garment that has a square or rectangular shape, a bib-like front, and straps that go over the shoulders and attach at the back.
Pinafore dresses are typically worn over a shirt or blouse, but they can also be worn alone.
They are sometimes referred to as jumper dresses.
32. Petticoat Dress
A petticoat dress is a style of dress that has a fitted bodice and a skirt that flares out from the waistline, often with the addition of a petticoat or crinoline underneath to give the skirt extra fullness.
Petticoat dresses were particularly popular in the 1950s and 1960s.
Today, they are often seen in vintage-inspired fashion.
33. Coat Dress
A coat dress is a style of dress that resembles a coat in its design and features.
It typically has a tailored, structured silhouette, often with a collar, lapels, and button closures down the front, similar to a coat.
This dress style is associated with the British Royal family and is often worn by Kate Middleton at semi formal engagements.
34. Mermaid or Trumpet Dress
A mermaid dress, also referred to as a trumpet or fishtail dress, is a style of formal gown that is fitted through the bodice and hips, then flares out dramatically at the bottom, creating a shape that resembles a mermaid’s tail.
35. Skater Dress
A skater dress is a type of dress that is fitted at the top and flares out at the waist in a natural way, resembling the silhouette of an ice skater’s costume.
The skirt of a skater dress typically falls above the knee and flares out in an A-line shape, allowing for ease of movement and a youthful, playful look.
36. Smock Dress
A smock dress is a loose-fitting dress with a relaxed, flowing silhouette that resembles a smock.
It often features gathered or pleated detailing at the waist, chest, or back and may have a simple, straight collar or a v-neckline.
37. Peplum Dress
A peplum dress is a dress style that features a short overskirt or ruffle attached at the waistline of the garment.
The peplum, which is usually flared or pleated, adds volume and shape to the hips and waist area, creating a feminine silhouette.
38. Balloon or Pouf Dress
A balloon dress, also known as a pouf dress, is a style of dress where the hemline is gathered to create a puffed or poufed effect.
The volume is typically concentrated towards the bottom of the dress, creating a playful and whimsical look.
39. Trapeze Dress
A trapeze dress is a type of dress that is fitted at the shoulders and then gradually flares out into an A-line shape, resembling trapeze acrobatic equipment.
It typically has a short hemline and a loose, swingy silhouette that creates movement and flow.
40. Halter Dress
A halter dress is a type of dress that features straps that fasten around the back of the neck, leaving the arms and shoulders bare.
The straps may be thin or wide, and the dress may be long or short.
Halter dresses often have a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt, creating a flattering silhouette.
41. A-line Dress
An A-line dress is a type of dress that is fitted at the top and gradually flares out from the waist to form the shape of an “A.”
The dress typically has a narrow top, a fitted waist, and a wider skirt that falls to the knee or below.
42. Pencil Dress
A pencil dress is a form-fitting, knee-length dress that is often made of a stretchy material such as jersey or spandex.
It is called a pencil dress because its shape is narrow and straight like a pencil, hugging the curves of the body.
The dress typically has a high neckline and may have sleeves or be sleeveless.
43. Tiered Dress
A tiered dress is a type of dress that features layers or tiers of fabric that gradually increase in width from top to bottom.
The number of tiers can also vary, with some dresses having only a few tiers and others having many, creating a cascading effect.
44. Tunic Dress
A tunic dress is a loose-fitting garment that usually reaches mid-thigh or knee-length.
It has a simple design with a straight or slightly A-line silhouette and often features a round neckline.
45. Bardot Dress
A Bardot dress is a type of dress that features a pronounced off-the-shoulder neckline or wide boat neckline that exposes the shoulders and collarbones.
It is named after the French actress Brigitte Bardot, who popularized the style in the 1950s and 1960s.
46. Blouson Dress
A blouson dress is a type of dress that features a loosely-fitted, blousy bodice that gathers at the waist and then falls into a more fitted or structured skirt.
The blousy top can take on a variety of styles, including a halter neckline, a V-neckline, or a boat neckline, and the skirt can be straight or flared.
47. Bouffant Dress
A bouffant dress is a style of dress that features a full, voluminous skirt with a lot of gathered or pleated fabric.
The skirt of a bouffant dress typically has several layers of petticoats or crinolines underneath to create the desired volume and shape.
The bodice of the dress is typically fitted and can be sleeveless or feature cap sleeves.
48. Cocktail Dress
A cocktail dress is a type of dress that is suitable for semi-formal to formal occasions such as cocktail parties, dinners, weddings, and other similar events.
It is typically knee-length or slightly above the knee and can come in a variety of styles and designs, from classic black dresses to brightly colored or patterned dresses.
