ILLUSTRATED GLOSSARY · DRESSES
Types of dresses, by silhouette.
Dresses are named mostly by their silhouette: where they fit, where they flare and how they close. Learn these eight and you can describe nearly any dress.
Updated · By the Delve to Life editors · Editorial standards
THE QUICK ANSWER
Name the silhouette first, then the length (mini, midi or maxi), then the sleeve and fabric: "midi wrap dress", "satin slip dress", "mini babydoll dress".
A-line dress
Fitted at the top and widening gently from the bust to the hem.
How to spot it. No sharp waist seam needed; the outline makes a letter A. The skirt skims rather than clings.
How to wear it. Easy on most bodies and occasions. A belt adds a waist if you want one.
Fit-and-flare dress
A fitted bodice with a full skirt that flares from the waist.
How to spot it. A clear waist seam with volume starting right there; the skirt is fuller than an A-line.
How to wear it. Polished for weddings, parties and dinners. Pairs well with a small heel or flats.
Wrap dress
One side wraps across the other and ties at the waist.
How to spot it. A V neckline formed by the crossover and a tie or button at the side. Faux-wraps are sewn closed.
How to wear it. Adjustable and office-friendly. Jersey versions travel well.
Slip dress
A fluid, bias-cut dress with thin straps, like a long camisole.
How to spot it. Spaghetti straps, a soft sheen and fabric that drapes rather than holds a shape.
How to wear it. Evening on its own, or daytime over a T-shirt or under a knit.
Shirt dress
A dress built like a long shirt, with a collar and buttons.
How to spot it. Pointed collar, button placket and often a belt or tie at the waist.
How to wear it. Smart casual and work. Wear it buttoned with a belt or open as a light layer.
Sheath dress
A straight, fitted dress with no waist seam.
How to spot it. Follows the body closely from shoulder to hem but isn't stretchy; tailored darts give the shape.
How to wear it. A classic for work and formal daytime events, often with a jacket.
Bodycon dress
A stretchy dress that hugs the body closely.
How to spot it. Close fit everywhere thanks to stretch fabric, often ribbed jersey.
How to wear it. Evenings and going out. An oversized blazer or shirt makes it more casual.
Babydoll dress
A short, loose dress gathered just under the bust.
How to spot it. A high yoke, then a swingy skirt that falls away from the body. Often puff sleeves.
How to wear it. Light and playful. Balance the volume with simple shoes and a fitted layer.
Easily confused
| Pair | The difference |
|---|---|
| A-line vs fit-and-flare | Both widen below the bust. An A-line widens gradually with no sharp waist; a fit-and-flare is snug to a defined waist, then flares fully. |
| Sheath vs bodycon | Both are close-fitting. A sheath is tailored from non-stretch fabric and skims the body; a bodycon is stretchy and hugs it. |
| Slip vs babydoll | A slip dress is fluid and follows the body on thin straps; a babydoll is gathered under the bust and swings away from it. |
Still not sure what yours is called? Tap through the pictures, or add a screenshot, and we'll name it and find real ones.
Describe it with picturesThe illustrations on this page are AI-generated so each style can be shown in the same colour, angle and light. They are not products.