What is an A-line dress?
An A-line dress fits through the top, then widens gently to the hem like a capital A. It skims instead of clinging, so it's easy to sit, walk and work in. Wear it to the office, brunch, day weddings and the races.
When to wear an A-line dress
Wear it to
Who it suits
Works on you if you want room to move and sit all day
Works on you if you like a neat top and a skirt that skims
Works on you if you want one shape that goes from desk to day event
Heads up if you want a sharply nipped waist: a fit and flare does that better
Heads up if the fabric is very stiff: the A can stand further out than you'd like
How to style it
- Block heels or loafers
- White sneakers on weekends
- A tailored blazer or cropped cardigan
- Knee boots and tights in winter
- A structured top handle bag
- A slim belt if you want more waist
- Avoid. Oversized long coats that bury the shape
- Avoid. Heavy layered necklaces on a busy print
What makes a dress A-line
The name is literal. The dress is fitted at the top and widens from the bust or waist out to the hem, so the outline looks like a capital A. Encyclopedia.com's fashion reference calls it a triangular silhouette that holds its shape away from the body. The Knot puts it simply: fitted through the natural waist, then it flares "out softly". The flare is gradual, so the skirt skims rather than clings.
Where the name came from
The term entered fashion with a Paris couture collection for Spring 1955, which was named "A-Line" (Encyclopedia.com, MasterClass). The shape then stayed popular for dresses and skirts from the early 1960s to the mid 1970s. Today it turns up everywhere from bridal to everyday outfits.
Why it's so easy to wear
There's nothing to fuss with. No tie to redo, no cling, and the skirt moves when you take the stairs or sit through a long lunch. That's what makes it such a good work dress: knee to midi length, a blazer, done. It also takes a cardigan, a trench or a denim jacket without losing its shape, so one dress can cover a lot of weekdays.
For day events, go brighter. A printed midi A-line is easy at a day wedding or the races, and it lets a hat or fascinator be the statement. Want more waist? Add a slim belt, or look at a fit and flare instead.
Fabric by season, both hemispheres
In warm weather, cotton and linen keep the A crisp and let air through. In cold weather, wool or a heavier crepe holds the shape nicely over tights and boots. Australia and the US just swap the calendar: a Christmas party A-line is summer cotton in Brisbane and wool with tights in Chicago.
Size labels differ between Australia and the US, so check each shop's size chart instead of guessing.
Shop A-line dresses
See all A-line dressesCommon questions
What is the difference between an A-line and a fit and flare dress?
An A-line widens gradually from the bust or waist, with no sharp change at the waist. A fit and flare is snug through the bodice and waist, then a fuller skirt kicks out. Our fit and flare guide has the full breakdown.
Is an A-line dress good for work?
Yes. A knee to midi A-line in cotton, crepe or wool is one of the easiest office dresses there is. Add a blazer and loafers or block heels.
Why is it called an A-line dress?
Because the outline looks like a capital A: narrow at the top and wider at the hem. The term entered fashion with a Paris couture collection for Spring 1955.
Can you wear an A-line dress to a wedding?
Yes, especially a day wedding. Go midi in a print, a bright colour or a dressy fabric like crepe. For black tie, look for a floor length A-line gown.
Compare a-line dresses across shops