Dress styles explained

Start with the length

Length decides where you can wear a dress more than anything else.

• Mini. A mini dress is a short dress with a hem that sits well above the knee, usually at mid thigh. Nights out, summer days, anything with dancing. See mini dresses.
• Midi. A midi dress is a dress with a hem that falls between the knee and the ankle, most often at mid calf. The most useful length to own: work, weddings, lunch. See midi dresses.
• Maxi. A maxi dress is a full length dress with a hem that reaches the ankle or the floor. Holidays in cotton, formals in satin. See maxi dresses.

Then the shape

The shape is how the dress sits on your body.

• A-line. An A-line dress is fitted at the top and widens gradually from the bust or waist to the hem, so its outline looks like the letter A. The easiest shape to wear. See A-line dresses.
• Fit and flare. Fitted to the waist, then a fuller skirt. More swing than an A-line. See fit and flare.
• Wrap. A wrap dress closes by crossing one front panel over the other and tying it at the waist, which makes a V neckline. You set the fit each time. See wrap dresses.
• Slip. A slip dress is a sleeveless dress with thin straps, usually cut on the bias in a silky fabric, that looks like the slip once worn under clothes. See slip dresses.
• Bodycon. A bodycon dress is a close fitting dress, usually in a stretch knit, that follows your shape from neckline to hem. See bodycon dresses.
• Shirt dress. A dress cut like a shirt, with a collar and buttons down the front, often worn with a belt at the waist. See shirt dresses.

Putting it together

Pick the shape that suits how you like to feel, then the length that suits where you're going. A wrap midi works for a wedding guest. A bodycon mini works for a party. A slip maxi works for black tie if the fabric is good.

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