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40 TYPES OF DRESSES FOR EVERY WOMEN

 
When it comes to finding a dress to wear on a night out, the options are endless.
Certain outfits flatter certain body types, weather and occasions, so it can be
overwhelming to try and tackle the choices alone. Here is your guide to all dress
types, for any occasion.
 
RELATED: 10 Trending Dresses That Will Up Your Style Game
 
Contents  show 

1. Midi Dress
Sitting between a maxi and a mini dress, the midi is what everyone needs for the times
when you’re unsure of the formality of an event. This style can have any neckline or
sleeve length, so it’s great for any body shape. Pull-on tights and ankle boots for a
perfect winter look, or grab a pair of flats and a cute straw hat and have a stylish
picnic!
 
SHOP: Midi Dresses
 

 
2. Off the Shoulder
Take the plunge and keep your shoulders exposed in an off-the-shoulder dress. These
dresses showcase your shoulders, while maintaining a sleeve or ruffle on the bicep.
The off-shoulder style is great for those who want to exhibit their shoulders and arms
but don’t want the commitment of a strapless look.
 
SHOP: Off the Shoulder
 

 
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3. Shift Dress
The shift dress was a massive trend in the early 1960s and has a simple, boxy shape. It
is a short and typically sleeveless dress that hangs from the shoulders. It’s ideal for
those who have a lean, column-esque body shape, as they appear straight. You can
style this dress with a mid-length duster jacket and a pair of slingback heels or
even knee-high boots, to give it that real ‘60s flair! This shape is the ideal blank
canvas for color blocking or print detail.
 
SHOP: Shift Dresses
 
 
4. Bodycon Dress
The bodycon is a tight-fitting dress that hugs your figure and accentuates your assets.
They’re often made of stretchy material and are perfect for a night out on the town.
This dress is ideal for those with an hourglass figure, as it flatters the beautiful curves!
 
SHOP: Bodycon Dress
 

 
5. A-Line Dress
An A-line dress fits at the hips and gradually flares out towards the hem, which makes
the dress look like an “A” shape. It is perfect for a casual setting, and you can dress it
up or down with ease. This style is best suited for pear-shaped bodies, as it shows off
your lovely shoulders and adds a feminine touch to your lower half.
 
SHOP: A-Line Dresses
 

 
6. Mini Dress
The scandal broke loose in 1965 when model Jean Shrimpton wore a mini shift dress
to the Melbourne Cup, showcasing her bare legs and hat-free head to the world.
Nowadays, mini dresses are far more mini and far less scandalous, and they’re a great
way to capture attention and showcase your pins! This dress is ideal for anyone who
wants to put emphasis on their legs and make the world stop and turn! If you’ve got it,
flaunt it!
 

 
7. Maxi Dress
Spend the day at the beach or by the pool in a relaxing in the effortless maxi dress.
This style is suited best for a more casual setting; however, the fabric hits the floor (or
at least your ankles), giving the impression that you’re dressed up. Make the perfect
lazy outfit by adding sandals and long-hanging jewelry into the mix, and everyone
will wish they were as stylish and comfy as you are!
 
SHOP: Maxi Dresses
 

 
8. Wrap Dress
The wrap dress features a front closure by wrapping one side of the dress across the
other and tying the fabric at the waist or back. Often seen by the likes of Kate
Middleton, this style has a classic silhouette that is perfect for athletic body shapes, as
it creates the illusion of an hourglass figure, even if you don’t have one naturally.
 
SHOP: Wrap Dresses
 

 
9. Halter Dress
A halter dress is ideal for summer. Featuring a strapless or sleeveless upper half, with
a tie around the neck. Some halter necks don’t have a bow but fabric secured around
the neck. This style of dress is most flattering for those who wish to show off their
ample shoulders.
 
SHOP: Halter Dresses
 

 
10. High-Low Dress
A high-low dress is a form of asymmetrical dress. They are typically longer at the
back, and shorter at the front. This shape works with casual dresses as well as the
ballgowns. It is the perfect style for anyone who wants to show off their sexy pins,
and they’re best paired with high heels or platforms, so the back of the dress doesn’t
drag on the floor.
 
SHOP: High-Low Dresses
 

 
11. Sheath Dress
A sheath dress is form-fitting, it has a straight cut and is nipped at the waistline, with
no visible seam. It sits at the knee or just above and is ideal for a business event or a
night out. This dress style is perfect for those who want to put their gorgeous curves in
the spotlight, as it flatters those with an hourglass figure.
 
SHOP: Sheath Dresses
 

 
12. Peplum Dress
For those who love a playful style, a peplum dress is perfect. The detail can be below
the waist, under the bust, at the hips, or around the neck or shoulders. The fit and flare
silhouette of the peplum shape has its origins from Greek antiquity. For a day to night
look, you can swap flats for a pair of hot heels, adding height to your figure, making
your legs look super long and your waist nipped in and tiny.
 
SHOP: Peplum Dresses
 

 
13. Sweater Dress
Keep it casual with a sweater dress! This dress is knitted, it can be form-fitting or
loose, and it comes in different lengths. It is perfect for all body types as there are so
many different silhouettes. You can pair it with thigh-high boots to keep your pins
warm, or add a sneaker for a fresh casual look!
 
SHOP: Sweater Dresses
 

 
14. Pencil Dress
If you’re heading out somewhere and you’re trying to impress someone, the pencil
dress is the one for you! Named after the pencil shape, a pencil dress is typically
nipped in at the waist, with a hem that hits below the knee and has no frills or flounce.
This silhouette is great for a little black dress or a go-to for a date night. You can
switch things up a bit by opting for a plunging neckline or keep it fresh and sexy with
a turtleneck.
 
SHOP: Pencil Dresses
 

 
15. Shirt Dress
Keep it cool and casual with a shirt dress. Defined as a loose-fitting dress, it features a
shirt collar and a button-down front. This style comes in different lengths, and
sometimes has a nipped in waist. The focal point of a shirt dress is the collar and
button-down front. It’s super easy to dress up or down, grab some chunky ankle
boots or sneakers and you’ll be ready for a night out or a night at the beach!
 
SHOP: Shirt Dresses
 

 
16. Slip Dress
Unleash your inner grunge girl with a slip dress. You would typically wear this style
as an undergarment; it is usually satin, with a V-neck line, spaghetti straps, and lace.
You can dress it up or down with a pair of barely-there heels or chunky boots. Keep it
casual by pairing this dress with a basic T-shirt or a white shirt underneath, to give it
that real ‘90s feel!
 
SHOP: Slip Dresses
 

 
17. Smock Dress
A smock dress is a gorgeous go-to for anyone in a rush! Super comfy to wear, a
smock dress is usually loose-fitting. It can have long sleeves or be strapless, so it’s
super versatile. Dress it up or down with a leather jacket and cute ankle boots for a
perfect transitional outfit!
 
SHOP: Smock Dresses
 

 
18. Ballgown
Be the belle of the ball with a ballgown! It is a formal dress that hits the floor, it is
perfect for a fancy event such as a black tie dress code premier or a ball. This style
comes in many different forms, from a princess silhouette, with a prominent pouffy
skirt, all the way to the mermaid silhouette. A ball gown is a dress to wear when
you’re ready to make a real entrance, and wow the whole room!
 
SHOP: Ballgowns
 

 
19. Mermaid Silhouette Dress
A style of a ballgown, the mermaid silhouette is the perfect dress for a black tie
occasion. As the name suggests, the mermaid dress is long and straight from the top
all the way to the middle of the thigh or calf, where it flares out into a wide skirt, as a
mermaid’s tail would. If you have an hourglass or pear-shaped figure, opt for the
tight-fitting silhouette. For column-esque bodies, you can go for a profile that’s a bit
looser on the waist and hips.
 
SHOP: Mermaid Silhouette Dresses
 

 
20. T-shirt Dress
The ultimate casual dress, the T-Shirt dress is the one that you can go for when you’re
stepping out to brunch or the movies. Much like a regular T-shirt, the round neck and
loose-fitting silhouette sit just above the knee. Of course, you can also find a T-shirt
dress with a pencil skirt silhouette, but the focus is on the T-shirt neckline. This look
is perfect for any body type, so get creative, as this dress is a real blank canvas for any
season!
 
SHOP: T-shirt Dresses
 
 
21. Tea Length Dress
This classic style has its modern origins from Edwardian times when fabric became
lighter which made it popular to wear indoors, around friends, often while drinking
tea. This silhouette has a full circle skirt that hits at the mid-calf. A vintage-inspired
silhouette, a tea length dress is perfect for those who are on their way to a semi-formal
event or wish to add some classical Hollywood drama into their outfit. Pair it with
cute flats or classic low heel pumps for a full Audrey-inspired get up.
 
SHOP: Tea Length Dresses
 
 
22. Cocktail Dress
As the name suggests, a cocktail dress is a choice for a schmaltzy party or drinks at
the bar. A cocktail dress is a blend of formal and casual, it hits just at the knee and is
perfect for cocktail dress code events. This is a versatile dress, with different
necklines and silhouettes, so you can find the ideal dress to suit you.
 
SHOP: Cocktail Dresses
 
 
23. Denim Dress
When you’re not in the mood to squeeze into your jeans, slip on a cute denim dress!
Just as the name suggests: this type of dress is made of denim. They come in a wide
range of styles, with long sleeves and a button-down front, or a pinafore with pockets.
This casual-cool style is effortless, chic, and suitable for many occasions.
 
SHOP: Denim Dresses
 
 
24. Pinafore Dress
A pinafore dress is a collarless, strapless dress with medium-sized straps on the
shoulder. You can wear it with a shirt or a turtleneck underneath. This cute little dress
is a great way to showcase your figure without having to squeeze into something too
tight!
 
SHOP: Pinafore Dresses
 
 
25. Bardot Dress
Named after the blonde bombshell, Bridgette Bardot, this dress radiates decadence
and sophistication. With an off-the-shoulder motif, these dresses are complete with a
sleeve that sits just below the shoulders, giving you the impression that you’ve slipped
the sleeves off just a little!
 
SHOP: Bardot Dresses
 
 
26. Tube Dress
If you’re ready to make an entrance while making an impact, show off your assets in a
tube dress! Tight, form-fitting, and strapless. This dress is the ideal style for summer
nights when you want to look sexy and seductive, without compromising on keeping
yourself cool. This dress is great for all body types, as the figure-hugging silhouette
amplifies your best features!
 
 
27. Qipao Dress
This traditional Chinese dress dates all the way back to the 17th century during the
Manchu rule. Stunning in design, the Qipao features a high neck and a straight skirt.
Traditionally made of silk, they are complete with delicate embroidery. The modern
Qipao became popular in the West in the 1920s, and features a high slit on one or both
legs, with a variety of different sleeve types. This dress is a stunning glimpse into the
intricate and awe-inspiring Chinese culture.
 
SHOP: Qipao Dresses
 

 
28. Long Sleeve Dress
For those chilly winter nights, opt for a dress with long sleeves. This style is not only
a smart choice for freezing nights, but they’re also incredibly sexy and alluring. Long-
sleeved dresses come in a range of different silhouettes, so no matter what style
you’re after, whether it be a bodycon, ballgown or a midi dress, there is something
perfect for you! These dresses are ideal for those who wish to keep their arms
covered.
 
SHOP: Long Sleeve Dresses
 

 
29. Bell-Sleeve Dress
A bell-sleeve dress identifies itself with the sleeve ending at the mid-forearm or wrist,
with a flare flowing down towards your hands. The sleeve is shaped like a bell, hence
the name. These dresses come in different silhouettes, but the focal point is the
sleeves.
 
SHOP: Bell Sleeve Dresses
 

 
30. Strapless Dress
Show off those gorgeous shoulders with the help of a strapless dress. The first modern
strapless dress is said to have originated in the 1930s by designer, Mainbocher. As the
name suggests, this style has no sleeves or straps, and it sits just above the bust,
relying on your body’s contour to keep up. If you don’t feel like showing skin, you
can always rock these dresses with a T-shirt underneath or a skivvy.
 
SHOP: Strapless Dresses
 

 
31. Blazer Dress
The blazer dress is the perfect ensemble to wear when you need to talk business, but
have fun at the same time! These dresses look like a blazer, but they are worn as a
dress. The style is typically double-breasted, giving the appearance that you’re
wearing a men’s blazer. It’s versatile and perfect for any season, so rock it with low
rise sneakers of a pair of ankle boots.
 
SHOP: Blazer Dresses
 

 
32. Empire Waist Dress
The empire waist dates all the way back to the 18th century. The dress gathers under
the bust at the slimmest part of the torso, creating a flattering effect.  If you’re smaller
on the top part of your body, this dress will pinch the top of your abdomen and flare at
the bottom. It’s perfect for petite girls, as it elongates bottom half giving the
appearance of wickedly long legs.
 
SHOP: Empire Waist Dresses
 

 
33. Sun Dress
Catch those rays and wow everyone in a sundress. This garment is best worn in the
warmer months, as it’s loose-fitting with spaghetti straps and a wide neckline. These
dresses are often tighter around the waist and have a fuller skirt. Sundresses are soft,
light, and feminine, best seen in a stunning floral pattern or pastel color.
 
SHOP: Sun Dresses
 
 
34. Kimono Dress
This traditional Japanese gown dates over a thousand years ago when the word
“kimono” meant a piece of clothing. Now, the kimono is one of the most widely
recognized garments, characterized by its long sleeves and a wraparound closure.
While the traditional kimono is still prevalent today, the modern kimono dress can
have a slit in one leg, wraparound design and long sleeves.
 
SHOP: Kimono Dresses
 
 
35. One Shoulder Dress
Whether you’re indecisive or it’s just cold outside, you can always opt for a one-
shouldered dress! A one-shoulder dress is a form of asymmetrical dress, characterized
by the single shoulder. Choose from a full-length sleeve or one strap; however, you
wish to wear it, you’ll make a statement.  The asymmetry of the garment will attract
attention for all the right reasons; you’ll look stunning!
 
SHOP: One Shoulder Dress
 
 
36. Handkerchief Hem Dress
Add a twist to the asymmetrical dress with a handkerchief hem. These hems are
designed to appear as though several handkerchiefs were held at the center, flowing
down in the skirt. The style of handkerchief hems can be found at any length, with any
neckline. It can be subtle or pronounced, and is a beautiful way to show off your
gorgeous pins!
 
SHOP: Handkerchief Hem Dresses
 
 
37. Asymmetrical Dress
An asymmetrical dress is an excellent option for those who aren’t sure of
the formality of an event or party. An asymmetrical dress will have two sides of a
different length. Sometimes the dress is longer at the back than the front, or shorter on
one side. You can also find asymmetrical dresses that are sleeveless on one side and
with a long sleeve on the other side. There are so many variations of asymmetrical
dresses that flatter any body shape!
 
SHOP: Asymmetrical Dress
 

 
38. Bandage Dress
Popularised in the ’90s by French designer Hervé Léger, the bandage dress has a
similar silhouette to the bodycon shape. However, its evolution is closer to shapewear.
The dress got its name due to its ‘bandage’ construction, consisting of layers of
knitted tape that hug the curves in all the right places.
 
SHOP: Bandage Dresses
 
 
39. Pouf Dress
Nipped in at the waist and pleated into a full skirt, the pouf dress is sweet and girly.
Very 1950s in design, this style is famous for its “poufiness” in the skirt. You can go
full throttle down the feminine road by pairing it with cute pumps and pearls, or you
can make it rocker chic with sneakers and a leather jacket.
 
 
40. Princess Silhouette Dress
The princess silhouette is what you’d typically see in a Disney film. Tight-fitting at
the top and waist, it flows like a dream below the waist, giving the effect of a full
princess-esque gown. This dress is made for anyone, as it accentuates your shoulders
and arms. The princess silhouette is a traditional and historic-inspired dress, for those
who wish to be a princess for a day!
 
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