10 Types Of Dresses

Aisha Abubakar
5 min readJun 24, 2020

--

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 a few dress types, for any occasion.

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!

2. 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.

3. 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!

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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!

9. 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

10. 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.

--

--