51 Different Types of Dresses Revealed

The fashion industry has gone through various changes in haute couture and certainly achieved great milestones. With the influence of western culture, we are way past the era of wearing only ‘OUR’ traditional outfits and have happily embraced the western styles of dressing. From the ‘Angrezi’ people we have now introduced beautiful dresses, gowns and what not.

different type of western dresses style and designs

If dressing up is your style mantra and you love reading about fashion, let’s perhaps talk about every piece of dress that you have ever come across or adorned on an evening party. Here we get to you your personal guide to different western dress styles that have been through the fashion world and let you choose which one fits best for your wardrobe and dressing style. Go on and find one for yourself!

51 Different Types of  Dresses for Various Occasions

  1. Tube/Bandeau Dresses
  2. Sheath Dresses
  3. Blouson Dresses
  4. Tunic Dresses
  5. Pencil Dresses
  6. Asymmetric Dresses
  7. Trench Dresses
  8. Bandage Dresses
  9. High-Low Dresses
  10. Empire Waist Dresses
  11. Bodycon Dresses
  12. Skater Dresses
  13. Maxi/Long Dresses
  14. Midi Dresses
  15. Mini Dresses
  16. Kaftan Dresses
  17. Shirt Dresses
  18. Off Shoulder Dresses
  19. Sweater Dresses
  20. Tie Detail Dresses
  21. Peplum Dresses
  22. Party Dresses
  23. Backless Dresses
  24. Fringe Detail Dresses
  25. Pop over Dresses
  26. Baby Doll Dresses
  27. A-line Dresses
  28. Layered Dresses
  29. Lace-Up Detail Dresses
  30. Denim Dresses
  31. Dungaree/Pinafore Dresses
  32. Cape Dresses
  33. Fit & Flare Dresses
  34. Shift Dresses
  35. Slit Dresses
  36. Spaghetti Dresses
  37. T-shirt Dresses
  38. Tulle Dresses
  39. Tuxedo Dresses
  40. Tweed Dresses
  41. Wrap Dresses
  42. Leather Dresses
  43. Milkmaid Dresses
  44. Draped Dresses
  45. Flounce Dresses
  46. Tea Dresses
  47. Ruched Dresses
  48. Little Black Dress
  49. Prom Dresses
  50. Mermaid Dresses
  51. Slip Dresses

1. Tube/Bandeau Dresses

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These can be very tricky as they need a perfect fit at your bust, else you are doomed. Like a Bandeau, these do not have sleeves or straps and fit at your bust going straight down like a tube.

Style Tip: To look your best, invest in a good adhesive bra or a strapless demo bra with the dress. You can also go for a bodysuit to stay comfy and safe.
Body Types: Hourglass or pear-shaped women
Occasion to wear at: Weddings, Cocktail parties, Formal brunches, or Dinners
A complete No for: Straight figures, very slim women
Best Brands: Likely, Susana Monaco, Amy Crookes, Donna Morgan

2. Sheath Dresses

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Sheath dresses are very commonly mistaken to be shift dresses, yet there are subtle differences. It falls relatively lower than the knees and is usually unadorned and plain. We see a lot of business women and political women wearing sheath dresses.

Body Types: Hourglass women, Well-toned curvy women
Occasion to wear at: Strictly formal-Interviews, conferences, etc.
A complete No for: Plump women, Rectangle-shaped, Apple-shaped
Best Brands: Black Halo, Alex Evening, Calvin Klein

3. Blouson Dresses

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Blouson dresses have a string, closure, or a belt at the waist usually causing the torso part for the dress to a blouse. The hem then falls straight and is usually body-hugging.

If you wish to create volume at the upper part of your figure alone, this one is a decoy in your wardrobe.

Body Types: Hourglass, Triangle Shaped women
Occasion to wear at: Workwear, Cocktail parties, Formal brunches or dinners
A complete No for: Straight figures, women with less curvy hips
Best Brands: Adrianna Papell, Calvin Klein, Dress the Population, Ramy Brook, Mac Duggal

4. Tunic Dresses

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Straight like a tunic, you cannot expect curves with your ins and outs in a tunic dress. Tunic dresses are simple and a subtle choice if you just don’t feel like dressing up today!

Style Tip: Pick up a nude shade and hang out with a denim open shirt.
Body Types: Any body type
Occasion to wear at: A lazy casual day out
A complete No for: Straight figures, very slim women
Best Brands: Free People, Johnny Was, Zara, Anthropology, Next

5. Pencil Dresses

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These are narrow and straight like a pencil with a tightly tailored hem falling at or below the knees.

Style Tip: Pencil dresses work like mirrors to your body structure. Wear them if you are very confident you won’t be the laughing stock!
Body Types: Slim and well-toned body types, Hourglass, Pear shaped
Occasion to wear at: Office wear, Formal dates, Interviews, Cocktail parties
A complete No for: Apple-shaped women, Plump figures
Best Brands: Lands’ End, Tommy Hilfiger, Banana Republic, Aisize

6. Asymmetric Dresses

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Any dress that has an asymmetric hemline falls under this name. Due to its asymmetrical flare, you can adorn this one on an extremely casual day or find a good embroidered piece for a prom night.

Style Tip: Make sure the frilly hem of the dress fits well with your body type. Too plump women can avoid these.
Body Types: Slim and well-toned body types, Hourglass, Pear shaped
Occasion to wear at: Office wear, Formal dates, Interviews, Cocktail parties
A complete No for: Apple shaped women, Plump figures
Best Brands: BCBG, Trina Turk, Lulus

7. Trench Dresses

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Have you been wondering what to do with your trench coat in the summer? Well, pick it up and wear it as a trench dress. Trench dresses are made from light cotton fabrics similar to trench coats and come with huge buttons and a belt. We would put them on a casual platform as they can be wrinkly and subtle.

Style Tip: Wear a trench dress with formal shoes at your office and make a fashion icon out of you!
Body Types: Rectangle-shaped, Women with fewer curves
A complete No for: Too curvy women
Best Brands: Calvin Klein, Burberry, Grace Karin

8. Bandage Dresses

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Yes, the name is peculiar but the dress is similar to a number of bandages woven together. It is a tight, body-hugging (bodycon) dress that has layers of fabric joined together that run criss-cross over the body.

Body Types: Slim and petite women, Hourglass, Rectangle-shaped women
Occasion to wear at: Semi-formal
A complete No for: Plump and heavy busted women
Best Brands: Bebe, Herve Leger, Venus, Windsor, BCBG

9. High-Low Dresses

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Asymmetrical, the hem of the dress is higher from the back and lower from the front. Anyone of you can wear them, the occasion being strict as per the dress you pick.

Style Tip: High-low dresses are a quick choice when you need to rush up dressing for sudden plans.
Body Types: Pear-shaped, Hourglass-shaped, Slim petite women
Occasion to wear at: Best for any time
A complete No for: Apple shaped, plump women
Best Buy at: Mac Duggal, Adrianna Papell, Ever-Pretty, Miusol

10. Empire Waist Dresses

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An empire waist dress fits perfect at your bust and flares down straight. Made in fabrics like satin and silk, it usually has no flare and is flowy.

Style Tip: Go with a pair of rugged boots with one of these.
Body Types: Rectangle body types, Apple shaped, Pear shaped
Occasion to wear at: Casual or formal as per design
A complete No for: Straight figures
Best Brands: Ever-Pretty, Alex Evenings, PrettyLittleThing

11. Bodycon Dresses

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Tight-fitted, stretchable and body-hugging, these dresses edge across your curves making your body shape very obvious. Kim Kardashian adorns a lot of these! Usually made of lycra or blended polyester it fits tight at the bust and the hip area. The hem lengths vary-Upper thigh, mid-thigh, or knee.

Style Tip: Make sure you wear a well-fitted bodysuit whenever you choose to wear this one.
Body Types
: Strictly Hourglass figures
Occasion to wear at: Evening party, cocktail party, Officewear
A complete No for: Rectangle body types
Best Brands: Venus, Ted Baker, Express, Dress the Population

12. Skater Dresses

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These have been modified from skater skirts usually worn by girls who skate. Skater dress is frilly below the waist and accentuates your waistline as it fits there. The dress is usually short and hems above the thighs.

Body Types: Apple Shaped, Slim and Rectangle Figures
Occasion to wear at: Evening party, Casual Getaways
A complete No for: Short women, Pear Shaped women
Best Brands: Windsor, Lulus, Fashion Nova

13. Maxi/Long Dresses

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If you rising tall and wearing short dresses makes you feel exposed, Maxi dresses are made solely for you. While shorter women might look too petite, maxi dresses flow with your figure and look mouth gapingly hot.

Body Types: Apple Shaped, Slim and rectangle figures
Occasion to wear at: Evening party, Casual Getaways
A complete No for: Short women, Pear Shaped women
Best Brands: Calvin Klein, Express, Tommy Hilfiger, Ann Taylor

14. Midi Dresses

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There might be blogs that just loath the concept of a midi dress, but we can bet you can pull a midi dress just as successfully as any other. A midi generally ends somewhere between your knees and mid-calf.

Style Tip: If you want to look slimmer, choose a dress that ends at the slimmer part of your legs.
Body Types: Tall women, Pear shaped, apple shaped women
Occasion to wear at: Casual wear, Travel, Evening parties, Casual dinners
A complete No for: Too short women
Best Brands: Mac Duggal, Calvin Klein, Express, Ralph Lauren

15. Mini Dresses

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Flaunting your legs is easiest when you step into a gorgeously fit mini dress. The dress usually has a hem a lot above your knees and can have any sort of flare below the waist.

Body Types: Hourglass shaped women, Short, and Petite women
Occasion to wear at: Casual wear, Beachwear, Evening Outings
A complete No for: Women with long legs
Best Brands: Mac Duggal, Windsor, Madewell

16. Kaftan Dresses

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A kaftan fits loose and is usually made in flowy fabrics with flared sleeves. Usually worn with leggings or a palazzo, you can go in a different lane and convert it into a Dress going without any contrasting bottoms.

These are super comfy and best suited for a casual lazy day out.

Style Tip: Go with statement jewelry along with a kaftan dress to get into the ‘Sufi’ mood.
Body Types: Pear-shaped, Apple-shaped, or women with weight
Occasion to wear at: Beachwear, Pool parties, Sufi evenings
A complete No for: Very thin, rectangle-shaped women
Best Brands: Johnny Was, Oussum

Recommended Read: 3 Types of Kaftan Dresses for Glamorous Look

17. Shirt Dresses

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Going for a super bowl match with your besties or boyfriend? Anything sporty or adventure-filled put on a shirt dress and there you are. Shirt dresses are just long shirts usually, denim or cotton-based and fall straight on you.

Style Tip: These are meant to be less curvy, so expect yourself to be boyish once you are in them. Do not accessorize much.
Body Types: Rectangle, Hourglass, Slim and petite women
Occasion to wear at: Beachwear, Poolside parties, Travel, and Trek
A complete No for: Pear shaped women
Best Brands: Polo Ralph Lauren, Everlane, Tommy Hilfiger

18. Off Shoulder Dresses

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If you like giving your skin some show, step into an elegant off-shoulder dress.

These bare your collar bones and shoulders, with sleeves either across your arms or no sleeves at all.

Style Tip: When going for such a dress, you can try any bold neckpiece to flaunt your collar bone area.
Body Types: Women with flaunting collar bones/beauty bones
Occasion to wear at: Weddings, Formal parties, Opera parties
A complete No for: Flat chested women, Women with broad shoulders
Best Brands: Fashion Nova, Lulus, Express, Xscape, Lavish Alice

19. Sweater Dresses

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Perfect for a day out, sweater dresses are usually made in the same knit fabric as sweaters and are body hugging. These cling tight to you and are stretchable with a coarser fabric.

Style Tip: Pair a plain sweater dress with a statement belt for perfect chic looks.
Body Types: Hourglass or pear shaped women
Occasion to wear at: Travel, casual wear, shopping sprees
A complete No for: Straight figures, Apple shaped women
Best Brands: Vero Moda, River Island, Anthropologie

20. Tie Detail Dresses

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You can make any dress of yours into this one. All it needs is a contrasting fabric belt that you tie along the waist or your bust. Using a tie generally gets attention to your waist and makes the upper torso look heavier.

Style Tip: Use an embroidered or an embellished tie to get a completely fabulous outfit.
Body Types: Hourglass, Triangle, Slim, and petite women
Occasion to wear at: Any occasion
A complete No for: Women with a heavier waistline
Best Brands: Tahari Asl, BCBG, Ted Baker

21. Peplum Dresses

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If you have some extra inches at the waist, this is a dress you must invest in. Peplum dresses have a frilled ruffle attached at the waist over a narrow skirt that extends till the knees.

Body Types: Pear shaped, Hourglass shaped, Rectangle shaped
Occasion to wear at: Workwear, Formal dinners, Client meetings
A complete No for: Less curvy women
Best Brands: Alex Evenings, Boohoo, Badgley Mischka, Aisize

22. Party Dresses

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These are extremely formal, shimmery and can have versatile designs on them. These are steamy and exposing. Strapless, sleeveless, or even cut sleeves you can have them designed anyway.

Body Types: Any body type as per dress style
Occasion to wear at: Party wear, Disco nights
A complete No for: Straight figures, very slim women
Best Brands: Venus, Ann Tylor, Fashion Nova, Dress the Population

23. Backless Dresses

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A backless dress can be any type but usually has no back or come with a slit closure.  The absence of a back makes it steaming hot and gets you a whole lot of attention.

Body Types: Slim women with attractive backs
Occasion to wear at: Weddings, Dates, Disco nights
A complete No for: Women with flabby backs
Best Brands: Stylesaint, Ted Baker, Lulus, Oh Polly

Recommended Read: 8 Types of Bras to wear for backless dresses

24. Fringe Detail Dresses

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Fringes are extra fabric pieces attached to your dress or protruding through it. A fringe dress has a lot of fringes attached to any part like the sleeves or the bust area. They increase the overall volume, so be careful with that.

Body Types: Hourglass, Pear shaped, Rectangle body types
Occasion to wear at: Prom nights, Birthday parties, Disco nights
A complete No for: Apple shaped, plump women
Best Brands: Lucy in the Sky, Mac Duggal, Babyond, PrettyGuide

25. Popover Dresses

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We have been noticing them in Cannes and what not but never knew about them. In this dress, the top part usually has an extra flowy fabric or silhouette that actually pops out of the whole outfit, hence the name. 

Body Types: Slim and tall women, Rectangle shaped
Occasion to wear at: Formal gatherings like weddings, concerts
A complete No for: Women with weight issues in dressing up
Best Brands: Ashley Stewart, Lilly Pulitzer, Xscape, Adrianna Papell, Alex Evenings

26. Baby Doll Dresses

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These dresses were originally designed as nightgowns- loose-fitting, sleeveless and flowy from the bust. These give a young, girly, and steamy at the same moment look to an overall you, hence named as a baby doll dress.

Style Tip: Braid your hair in a messy way and go on with junk jewelry.
Body Types: Women with well-toned busts
Occasion to wear at: Strictly casual
A complete No for: Broad shoulder, Heavy busted women
Best Brands: River Island, Anne Klein

27. A-line Dresses

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Like an ‘A’, the dress is narrower at the top and flares towards the hem. Since they sit tight at the waist, you need to be very careful with your waist size before going for this one.

Style Tip: A-line dresses are a quick choice when you need to rush up dressing for sudden plans.
Body Types: Pear shaped, Hourglass shaped, Slim petite women
Occasion to wear at: Best for any time
A complete No for: Apple shaped, plump women
Best Brands: Susana Monaco, Alex Evenings, Lands’ End, Grace Karin

28. Layered Dresses

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Similar to what they sound like layered dresses have sheer fabric layers over the main dress. The extra fabrics can have front or side slits and add volume to the overall outfit.

Style Tip: Always choose a dress that has contrasting layers to the fabric, else the layers would overlap.
Body Types: Hourglass, Rectangle body types, very slim petite women
Occasion to wear at: Casual parties, Beachwear, Pool parties, Travel
A complete No for: Apple shaped, Pear shaped women
Best Brands: PrettyLittleThing, Allegra K

29. Lace-Up Detail Dresses

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The current era is still postulating upon bodycon dresses, a sigil to the ones who own the hourglass sexy figures. These dresses pick up the steam best when their lace up patterns usher into the nightclub parties that evaluate the explicit cleavage one has to flaunt, similar to the sides and the backs that demand hollow exposes.

Body Types: Anyone as per dress style
Occasion to wear at: Prom nights, Karaoke Nights, Pubs/Discos
A complete No for: Apple-shaped women, Plump figures
Best Brands: PrettyLittleThing, Fashion Nova, Boohoo

30. Denim Dresses

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Dating back to the ’90s, denim dresses are crafted in denim. These usually look good when they are unadorned and unembellished.

Style Tip: Keep it simple and team the dress up with canvas shoes or loafers.
Body Types: Any body types
Occasion to wear at: Casual parties, Beachwear, Pool parties, Travel
A complete No for: Stout figures
Best Brands: Free People, Staud, Calvin Klein

31. Dungaree/Pinafore Dresses

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Dungarees were jeans (denim) usually worn by people doing physical work that had a bib attached to the trouser part. The modern world has a version for the girls as well with the trousers substituted by a skirt. 

Style Tip: Wear a cool pair of sneakers along with the dress and go out for clubbing or so.
Body Types: Women with heavy busts or hips
Occasion to wear at: Sports occasions, Adventure, clubbing, golfing
A complete No for: Flat chested women
Best Brands: Allegra K, Boohoo, Romwe, Grace Karin, French Connection

32. Cape Dresses

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Capes are long and fall through your body like hoods. Originally, capes were worn over an outfit, but now we see them attached to dresses as well. Capes make you look virtually taller and slimmer, making it a worthy pick for someone fat and flabby. 

Body Types: Women with long legs and slim stature
Occasion to wear at: Parties, Casual meetings, Kitty Parties
A complete No for: Short and stout women
Best Brands: Alex Evenings, PrettyLittleThing, Lavish Alice, Betsy & Adam

33. Fit & Flare Dresses

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A fit and flare dress sits perfectly at your waist and flares afterward. The hem length can wary as per the dress. This dress is universally flattering and gives a curvy look to your overall stature.

Body Types: Hourglass shaped, Well-toned women with flattering waists
Occasion to wear at: Casual or formal occasions
A complete No for: Women with plump legs and waist
Best Brands: Susana Monaco, Ted Baker, Dress the Population

34. Shift Dresses

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These dresses have an undefined waistline, are less curvy, and do not hug the body very closely.

These can come up with any hem length, sleeves, or sleeveless and mostly flatter the ins and outs of any body type.

Body Types: Anybody type
Occasion to wear at: Workwear, Party wear
A complete No for: Rectangle body types
Best Brands: Ann Taylor, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein

35. Slit Dresses

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These give a sure-shot aura of sexiness. The dresses have long slit either in the front or on the sides making the legs look bare.

Style Tip: Flaunt a slit dress with high heels or stilettos to look tall and beautiful.
Body Types: Women with flaunting legs, Tall women
Occasion to wear at: Cocktail parties, Weddings
A complete No for: Women with very thin or fat legs, Short women
Best Brands: Xscape, Grace Karin, Aritzia, Ever-Pretty

36. Spaghetti Dresses

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These might be short or long, straight or flowy but have spaghetti straps, hence the name. These are an amazing pick if you want to make heads turn towards your collar bones and well-toned shoulders.

Body Types: Slim and well-toned shoulders
Occasion to wear at: Casual or formal occasions
A complete No for: Heavy busted women
Best Brands: Fashion Nova, Adrianna Papell, Dress the Population, Mac Duggal

37. T-shirt Dresses

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Are you in no mood to dress on the day? Go around in super comfy T-shirt dresses and enjoy the hot summers. T-shirt dresses are made out of T-shirts and are a little longer.  They fit loose and are great if you want to hide the flabs.

Style Tip: Wear them in hot summers and team them up with leggings during winters
Body Types: Hourglass, Triangle, Slim and petite women
Occasion to wear at: College wear, Day outs, Casual Wear
A complete No for: Rectangle body types
Best Brands to Buy: Calvin Klein, Everlane, Tommy Hilfiger

38. Tulle Dresses

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Tulle is a lightweight, starched fabric made up of net and is usually used in designing ballet dresses. Tulles are now very commonly incorporated in skater dresses to make them look very young and fresh.

Style Tip: Pamper your looks with a statement tulle bracelet matching your dress.
Body Types: Hourglass shaped women
Occasion to wear at: Proms, Weddings, Bachelor parties, Cocktail nights
A complete No for: Stout and plump women (Apple or Pear shaped)
Best Brands: Romwe, Fashion Nova

39. Tuxedo Dresses

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These have evolved from a tuxedo Men’s suit and given a perfect formal get-up for women. The dress has lapels and buttons looking like a blazer from the top and a skirt that might be attached or be separate.

Style Tip: The hem of the skirt is usually tight and body-hugging, hence women with broad hips must avoid these.
Body Types: Women with heavy busts or hips
Occasion to wear at: Sport occasions, Adventure, clubbing, golfing
A complete No for: Flat chested women
Best Brands: Anne Klein, Adrianna Papell

40. Tweed Dresses

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This dress gets its name from ‘Tweed’ which a closely woven, rough and flexible fabric. We see a lot of this fabric used in blazers and suits for men, but recently the fashion world has gone one step ahead with dresses.

Style Tip: The dresses are usually in gloomy shades, so contrast your accessories accordingly.
Body Types: Hourglass, Triangle, Slim and petite women
Occasion to wear at: College wear, Day outs, Casual occasions
A complete No for: Women with dark complexions
Best Brands: Veronica Beard, Calvin Klein

41. Wrap Dresses

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The dress evolved from a wrap-around, where the fabric or dress can be fastened around. The dresses can sometimes be tied already-A faux wrap dress.

Style Tip: The dress clings to your curve so have a careful look at you when you decide to get one.
Body Types: Hourglass, Pear-shaped women
Occasion to wear at: Picnics, Travel, Evening parties
A complete No for: Plump women
Best Brands: Tahari Asl, Anne Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Madewell, Tommy Bahama

42. Leather Dresses

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Leather dresses are characterized by their use of leather as the primary textile/fabric of construction. This doesn’t mean that all leather dresses are made of 100% leather, rather leather is typically the primary fabric from which it is constructed. Some leather dresses may also use polyester or other synthetic materials. So if you’re in the market for a new leather dress, pay close attention to the details to determine what exactly it is made of. The use of other fabrics can alter its characteristics, potentially giving it greater elasticity or other beneficial traits. On the other hand, however, dresses made of 100% leather offer an unmatched level of style and sophistication that’s not found elsewhere.

Style Tip: wear with body corset or tummy control high waist panty
Body Types: Hourglass body
Occasion to wear at: Winter Party, Date Night
A complete No for: Chubby Girls
Best Brand: Asos Design, Altuzara, Guess

43. Milkmaid Dresses

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The milkmaid style is all about a midi length, puffy sleeves, and a square or sweetheart neckline. For an added cotttagecore aesthetic, look for a style that nips in slightly under the bust at the waist or has comfortable shirred (also a micro trend) stretchy detailing is what makes this dress flattering on everybody.

Style Tip: invest in a good adhesive bra or a strapless demo bra with the dress. You can also go for a body tape to stay comfy and safe.
Body Types: Hourglass or plumpy women
Occasion to wear at: Weddings, Sunday Brunch, Sunny Day Outing, or Dinner Date
A complete No for: Straight Figures, Very Slim Women
Best Brands: Lulus, Asos Desing, Anthropologie

44. Draped Dresses

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A draped garment (Draped dress) is a garment that is made of a single piece of cloth that is draped around the body; drapes are not cut away or stitched as in a tailored garment. Many draped garments are one-piece garments. The draped dress is an easy option to dress up or down – and a surefire way to create an entire outfit from just one piece of clothing. It comes in an array of lengths, fabrics, and cuts, but the architectural details that adorn it are a constant. Enveloping the silhouette and often highlighting the waistline, the draped dress is a good option at any age, as you have the freedom to choose the style that suits you most: mini or maxi, flowy or bodycon, with sleeves or not.

Style Tip: Dreapping is very romantically beautiful, opt for solid color
Body Types: Apple Shape, Hourglass
Occasion to wear at: Traditional Functions, Going out, Date Night
A complete No for: Slender Women
Best Brand : Anthropologie, BHLDN, Lulus

45. Flounce Dresses

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Flounce is an exaggeration, a frill, or a flounce. It is a wide strip of fabric gathered and sewn into a skirt or dress. They most often appear at the hem and help exaggerate the character and silhouette of a skirt. You can make a full circle or a half circle, depending on the amount of flare you’re looking for. The pattern is pretty much exactly like that of the circle skirt.

Style Tip: Flounce dress is for summer, wear bright colors with floral print
Body Types: All types of body figure
Occasion to wear at: Wedding, Outing, Sunday Brunch
A complete No for: Plus Size Women
Best Brand: BCBG, Adrianna Papell, City Chic

46. Tea Dresses

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Tea Dress was the home dress that women in the 40s used to wear around the house. This dress can be characterized as a loose-lined unstructured silhouette that was easy and comfortable to wear. Back in the 40s women started wearing it as a light dress that gave them breathing space. But, now it has been redesigned to suit every occasion and body type. Also, it has now become more versatile. Basically, it is a dress with light fabric and bright prints that comes in lively colors and different patterns. It is usually worn in the summers and spring seasons. It runs till your knees and often comes with a hemline. Tea dresses originated from the Asian dressing style, more specifically from the Japanese kimono, which later on influenced European development. Its elegance invoked women of Europe to wear it.

Style Tip: wear with pretty sandals and an evening bag
Body Types: All type of body figure
Occasion to wear at: Weddings, Outing
A complete No for: Short Women
Best Brand: Alex Evening, Free People

47. Ruched Dresses

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Ruching is a pleated, fluted, or gathered strip on a garment that’s used for design purposes, but gives a slimming effect. What’s the beauty of a ruched dress? They are insanely flattering! Designers are experimenting with the technique, ruching asymmetrically, on sleeves, and in unexpected ways. The frill or pleat of the fabric, often lace, chiffon, or muslin, has evolved from the 16th-century ruff.

Style Tip: it is a sensual dress so opt for gladiator or high heels
Body Types: full figure or hourglass
Occasion to wear at: Date Night
A complete No for: Slender or Thin Figure
Best Brand: Betsy & Adam, Ever Pretty, Xscape

48. Little Black Dresses

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The little black dress is a black evening or cocktail dress, cut simply and often quite short. Fashion historians ascribe the origins of the little black dress to the 1920s designs of Coco Chanel. It is intended to be long-lasting, versatile, affordable, and widely accessible.

Style Tip: Animal print sandals or diamond jewelry
Body Types: All types of body figure
Occasion to wear at: Party, Dating, Girls Night Out
A complete No for: Modest Fashion
Best Brand: Steve Madden, Calvin Klein, MUXXN

49. Prom Dresses

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A promenade dance, commonly called a prom, is a dance party for high school students. It may be offered in semi-formal black tie or informal suit for boys, and evening gowns for girls. This event is typically held near the end of the school year. Some of the prom dress styles you might see include the ball gown, A-line (princess), sheath, lace-covered, high-low, baby doll, chiffon, one-shoulder, empire, golden glamour, modest, and halter.

Style Tip: wear a matching slingback and jewelry
Body Types: All type of body figure
Occasion to wear at: Prom, Party
Best Brand: Sherri Hill, Halston, Betsy & Adam, Lulus

50. Mermaid Dresses

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A mermaid dress is a long gown that fits snug to the body till the bottom of the legs, where it flares out like a fishtail. For this reason, a mermaid gown is also called a fishtail dress. … Mermaid dresses are a popular bridal gown style. This type of dress is characterized by its fitted style, which hugs close to the bride’s body. Unlike A-line or ball gown wedding dresses, this style doesn’t flare out at the waist, rather, it flares at or below the knee, creating a mermaid like “tail” that’s utterly elegant.

Style Tip: Wear Tighshaper
Body Types: All types of body figure
Occasion to wear at: Weddings, Cocktail, Party
A complete No for: Short Women
Best Brand: Lulus, Ever-Pretty, Fairy dress

51. Slip Dresses

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A slip dress is a woman’s dress that closely resembles an underslip or petticoat. It is traditionally cut on the bias, with spaghetti straps. The slip dress looked like an undergarment, but was intended to be seen, and through the use of lace and sheer elements, offer glimpses of the body beneath.The slip style of dress is designed to look very much like a slip. It fits close to the body and typically includes narrow shoulder straps. One of the most important things is to find one that fits correctly, showing off your curves without being too clingy or too revealing. Dresses in this style are usually designed to be sexy, so if you aren’t comfortable showing much skin or wearing something suggestive, this might not be the best style for you.

Style Tip: wear with seamless undergarments, with pretty shoulder bag
Body Types: Slender Women, Small bust
Occasion to wear at: Summer party, Evening outing
A complete No for: Bulgy Women
Best Brand: Urban Outfitters, J.crew

Which were your favourite ones??? Go ahead and grab them all.

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Sophia Lacey

With her hilarious journey in an MNC, Sophia found her passion for life in writing. With her technical career taking her to New York, the city of multiple fashion trends, she came out to be a true enthusiast when it came to dressing up and filling her wardrobe with trends going on. Through her quest to change those around her for the same, she joins Looksgud to help her follow her true love for writing and end up writing about one thing she finds the most interesting-Fashion!!

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5 thoughts on “51 Different Types of Dresses Revealed”

  1. Nice! I was just thinking to buy different kinds of dress collections for my wardrobe but this info just helped me a lot.

    Thanks for sharing style guide of each dress.

  2. Best explanation. Thanks for the dress recommendation that helped me buy it. I was thinking to utilize my amazon gift card and your article just helped me to utilize it the right way.

  3. Nice post and I really appreciate your hard work. Blog commenting is also a best medium to share our views. Nice article you have shared.

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