A to Z of Dress Styles: Discover 30+ Different Types of Dresses

Have you ever wondered which dress type is the best for you? Or when to wear specific dresses accroeing to your body type? Dress lovers, get ready: this guide is for you. We’re reviewed different types of dresses with an aesthetic clothing perspective. In this guide, we’ll explore different types of dresses through shapes, lengths, sleeves, necklines, and occasions. All is for you dress lovers to find out which style suits you best.

Dresses by Silhouettes/Shapes

· A-line: A-line dresses are fitted at the top, and they widen gently from the waist. The form of them looks exactly like the letter “A”. They can be of any length and can be used on any occasion, including formal and casual. If you have an hourglass body type, A-line dresses are ideal for you.

· Ballgown / Princess: Ballgown dresses, also known as princess or full-length, are classic, elegant outfits that are usually full-skirted and off-shoulder. They are often used on formal occasions. If you have a pear or triangle body shape, this type of dress will fit you perfectly.

· Sheath / Column: Sheath dresses, also called columns, are straight cut and close-fitting. They’re mostly used with short sleeves and originated in Ancient Egypt. As they highlight your curves, hourglass body types look perfect in them.

· Mermaid / Trumpet: Mermaid or trumpet dresses are fitted through the waist and hips and flare below the knees. They have a dramatic look that has a lengthening effect on your body. If you have an hourglass or rectangular body type, they’re ideal for you to show off your curves.

· Empire: Empire dresses have a high waistline just under the bust, and they flow loosely downward. They’re classy and feminine and used to be very popular in Europe, especially France. Empire dresses are ideal for apple body type as they hide the stomach area.

· Shift: Shift dresses are simple, straight, loose, and of course, timeless. They can be used in any events as they’re basic and comfy. If you have a rectangular body type, they’ll fit you perfectly. Also, as shift dresses are versatile, they’re ideal for the office and look perfect with blazers.

· Fit-and-Flare: Fit-and-flare dresses fit the body perfectly, and they flare from the waist. They’re feminine, comfy, and suitable for any events, including work, date nights, or weddings. No matter if you have an hourglass, pear, or rectangular body type, they will fit you perfectly.

2. Dresses by Length

· Mini: Mini dresses are short and above-the-knee pieces that highlight your femininity. If you wanna have a flirty and confident vibe, they’re absolutely gonna be your confidence booster. Mini dresses are ideal for petite body types as they make petite girls look taller. They’re ideal for parties and casual hangouts as well as date nights.

· Knee-length: Knee-length dresses have around the knee and are ideal for both formal and casual events. They are comfy and have a professional but still feminine look. If you have an hourglass or pear body, knee-length dresses will highlight your curves and show your proportions well-balanced.

· Midi: Mini dresses are between the knee and ankle. They fit on any body types, from hourglass to rectangle, but not suitable for petites as they have a side-effect to make you look shorter. You can wear these elegant midi-dresses on casual hangouts, the office, or any parties you wish, as they’re suitable for any events.

· Maxi: Maxi dresses reach the ankle or the floor, and they have a timeless and elegant look. They’ve been popular all through the time and are suitable for any events. Think about it: you can wear them both on the beach and meeting with the queen. Maxi dresses are absolutely perfect for tall people as well as curvy body types as they highlight waist.

· Tea-length: Tea-length dresses are between knee and ankle. They look like midi dresses, but they’re more vintage and used in formal environments. From pear to petite, they are suitable for any body type. As tea-length dresses are both classic and versatile, they can be used for retro-themed events, parties, and weddings.

3. Dresses by Sleeve

· Sleeveless: Sleeveless dresses are especially ideal for summer and can be used on any occasion. If it’s a formal event or in winter, you can wear it with blazer to look more professional and cool at the same time. They’re the best for hourglass and rectangle body types to highlight shoulders and arms.

· Cap Sleeves: Cap sleeve dresses include very short sleeves covering a small part of the shoulder. If you wanna add a little bit of modesty to your style but still wanna look feminine, they’re ideal for you. As they show your shoulder broaden, they’re perfect for pear body type. Also, as they cover your shoulder, cap sleeves dresses both make you look professional in the work environment and suitable for evening events.

· Short Sleeves: Short-sleeve dresses end between the shoulders and elbows. They are ideal for both professional environments and casual occasions as they make you feel comfortable. Also, as they can be layered, they’re suitable for any season. The best thing for these sleeves are actually ideal for any body types.

· Long Sleeves: Long sleeve dresses end at the wrist and cover all your arms. They are perfect for a modest look and cold weather. As they draw attention to the upper side of your body, they’re perfect for tall bodies. From formal events to religious occasions, long sleeve dresses are suitable for any settings.

· Puffed Sleeves: Puffed sleeve dresses are made of fabric that is gathered at the shoulders. They have a rounded shape that dramatizes the look and adds more femininity. They are ideal for pear body types as they highlight the shoulders. Puffed sleeve dresses are ideal for special events such as garden parties instead of formal occasions, as they have a bold look.

· Bell Sleeves: Bell sleeve dresses start from the shoulder and fit on the sleeves rather than the wrist or elbow. They have a bohemian vibe instead of a modern look. As they add curves to the arm, they are ideal for a rectangular body shape. Bell sleeve dresses are suitable for festivals, parties, and beach looks as they have a dramatic vibe.

4. Dresses by Neckline Style

· V-Neck: V-Neck dresses have a neckline with a V-shape that creates a taller and slimmer look. They make you more feminine as they draw attention to the cleavage. They’re suitable for any body type except for those who have a very small bust and broad shoulders, as a deep V may look flat. You can wear V-neck dresses to any events as long as you make sure that the V isn’t so deep for formal or religious occasions.

· Scoop Neck: Scoop neck dresses have a rounded neckline and a curve across the chest. They soften your neckline and give a feminine look to your style. As they draw attention to the neckline and soften the upper body, they are ideal for hourglass or apple body shapes. As long as you make sure the depth of the neckline, you can use scoop neck dresses in any events. Also, they are perfect for layering with cardigans and blazers.

· Boat Neck: Also called bateau neckline, boat neck dresses have a horizontal neckline from one shoulder to the other. They highlight shoulders and neckline without revealing the upper body. As they add width to the narrow shoulders, they’re perfect for rectangle bodies. Boat neck dresses are ideal for formal events and professional environments as they’re structured and elegant.

· Square Neck: Square neck dresses have a straight neckline that creates a rectangular look across the collarbone. This neck style broadens narrow shoulders and add structure to the upper body, hence, it’s perfect for a rectangular body shape. As square neck dresses have a structured look, they’re ideal for a professional environment as well as other formal events.

· Halter Neck: Halter neck dresses have straps wrapping around the neck and leaving the shoulders and upper back exposed. They highlight shoulders, upper back, and arms, as well as make you look taller. As they draw attention to your curves and waist and show off your shoulders, they’re ideal for hourglass bodies. Halter neck dresses keep the back open, so they’re perfect for outdoor events in summer.

· High Neck: High-neck dresses sit close to the base of the neck and can go higher. As they cover the chest and shoulders, they have more of a modest and classic vibe. Focusing to the upper body, high-neck dresses are ideal for pear and rectangle body shapes. If you’re looking for a dress that is suitable for formal occasions, high necks are the best option that you can choose.

· Sweetheart Neck: Sweetheart neck dresses have heart-shaped, curved dips over the bust. They have feminine and romantic vibes, which are ideal for dramatic occasions such as weddings, parties, or proms. As they highlight the natural curves, sweetheart necks are perfect for the hourglass body type.

5. Dresses by Occasions

· Casual / Day Dress: Casual dresses, also called day dresses, are comfortable pieces suitable for everyday wear. You can wear them anywhere and anytime according to your styling. If you wanna have a relaxed vibe, you can add minimal accessories or if you prefer a layered look, you can use style your dresses with cardigans or scarves. As casual dresses are comfy and adaptable, they’re ideal for all body types.

· Cocktail Dress: Cocktail dresses are semi-formal, elegant outfits used for dressy occasions. They’re perfect for semi-formal events such as parties, dinners, or social gatherings. Cocktail dresses are shorter than the maxi dresses, which makes them easy to move and socialize. As they highlight the curves, they’re ideal for hourglass and pear body types.

· Evening / Gown: Evening dresses, also called gowns, are used in formal and sophisticated occasions. They’re timeless and made of luxurious fabrics such as satin, silk, or lace. Evening dresses are suitable for any body type, as long as you use appropriate colors and accessories such as a classic clutch or elegant high heels. Remember that your dress should be long, instead of mini.

· Party Dress: Party dresses are comfy and versatile in color and length, unlike gowns. They’re used for standing out in the crowd, and how fun mixing comfort and style. Party dresses can be ideal for any body type. However, you should remember that they’re not suitable for formal events such as the workplace or black-tie ceremonies.

· Work / Office Dress: Work or office dresses look professional and comfy enough to work for long hours. Also, they’re tailored and used for creating a confident look. All body types are suitable for work dresses as long as you use appropriate accessories and makeup. The most important things for work dresses are length, necklines, and tightness. Also, they’re easy to style with blazers and cardigans.

No matter where you go, there is always a dress which is perfect for you. All you need to know is when to wear it and how to accessorize it. Trust us, you are already perfect and you’ll slay more when you choose the right dress!

If you wanna learn more about aesthetic dresses, you can check out our aesthetic blogs. Our How to Be Aesthetic guide will help you choose the right pieces to wear with your dress. You can also explore our Different Types of Aesthetics guide to match your dress style with your mood!,

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Buse Bulut

Buse is a freelance content creator at Litlookz Studio and an EFL teacher. She's a coffeeholic cat mom and aesthetic style lover.

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