Knowing the different dress styles can come very handy for girls who wanna look their best and opt for the choices that best match their figure and taste. That’s why we decided to bring you a step-by-step guide to understanding dresses. Check it out and glamour in your favorite style!
Sheath Dress
Definition: sheath-dresses feature a figure-hugging silhouette with a defined waist (no belt or waistband). This short (mid-calf or shorter) gown works well in sleeveless styles on well-toned bodies.
Coat Dress
Definition: A coat dress features button, toggle and tie closures similar to those found on outerwear. It is often made of materials similar to those found in suits: wool, wool blends and menswear prints. Because it is a polished look, the coat-dress is usually used as formal dress for a business meeting.
Empire Dress
Definition: A type of gown or top where the waist line is above the natural waistline, sometimes as high as right below the bust. It’s better for slender-on-top or petite figures. Also, it creates the illusion of length and camouflages a bottom-heavy figure or thick waist.
Hankie-Hem Dress
Definition: The handkerchief, or hankie hem, falls in graceful points at the hem, resembling a scarf. Most often seen on below-the-knee to ankle-length dresses, this style works well on most figures.
Halter Dress
Definition: The halter-dress consists of two pieces of a material that meet behind the neck. This style may range from tied thin, spaghetti straps to draped fabric that crosses at the collarbone and meets behind the neck. It is great for anybody style that has good enough arms to go bare.
Basque-Waist Dress
Definition: The Basque waist is a low U or V silhouette. Providing an illusion of length, the Basque waist is an extremely flattering dress style and good on most body types. Also, it is known as: Dropped V waist.
Shirt Dress
Definition: shirt-dresses borrow details from a man’s shirt. Some of them are: a collar, a button front or cuffed sleeves. Frequently made up in crisp fabrics like cotton, the shirt-dresses often has a looser fit with waist definition given by a belt. Button fronts and forgiving fit make this a flattering look for most bodies.
Cheongsam Dress
Definition: The cheongsam is a traditional Chinese gown, typified by a high collar, long length (mid-calf usually) and button or frog closures near the shoulder. This fitted dress is often made up in shimmering silk, embroidered satin or other sensual fabrics. It’s suitable for athletic or slim figures. Moreover, the cheongsam is an acceptable alternative to the little black dress for special occasions.
A-Line Dress
Definition: A dress or skirt silhouette that is narrower at the top, flaring gently wider toward the bottom thereby resembling the letter A. Works well on most figure types; good for disguising bottom-heavy figures.
Spaghetti Strap Dress
Definition: Spaghetti straps on a gown are very thin pieces of fabric resembling the pasta noodle. Found on everything from morning dresses to after five dresses, the spaghetti strap is a feminine way to show off bare shoulders and arms.
Mermaid Dress
Definition: The mermaid gown is close fitting through the bodice, down through the hips and to about mid or lower calf where the skirt flares out. As sexy as this is, it’s not an easy gown to wear unless you have an athletic or slim body as it actually adds curves.