What are the different dress lines?

Different Types of Formal and Day Dresses

Work out what the different dress lines are, which will suit your body shape and how you can wear them.

Thanks to Isabelle of Bohemian Musings for this gorgeous picture. She is the queen of the dress in the fashion blog world. She wears a dress in many of her posts, and always knows how to style herself simply yet fashionably.

This particular combination suits her body shape and shows off her great sense of style. Although there are loads of accessories in her look, it works because they all blend together, and none of the colors are too strong. A belt, sunglasses, waistcoat, boots, tights, bags and bangles: chic.

Dress Lines Explained

Shift - This is a knee length dress with a slash neckline and no sleeves. It is a classic suit dress that is great for work.

Princess / A-line - This line has a fitted bodice, with a flared skirt that come out from underneath the bodice. It is a perfect prom style, that is brilliant for balls or formal parties.

Sheath - This is brilliant for tall women, and those with a toned figure. It wraps snuggly around the body, and is usually strapless.

Wrap - The dress shape that will suit every figure. Wrap dresses crossover at your bust, then tie at the back. Fantastic for those with a bigger chest, or a larger figure.

Mini - Obviously the shortest dress line, mini dresses became popular in the 60s, and didn't stop rising in popularity. Mini dresses are a great way to show off your beautiful legs, but keep it looking expensive by choosing a higher neckline version.

Tea-length - This dress line is hemmed just underneath your knees. Its a very 50s style, that is elegant and sexy, and perfect for loads of different occasions.

Bouffant - These are big skirted styles, what some people might call the 'meringue'. The puffball is its little sister, and is currently experiencing a rebirth in fashion circles.

Empire - This style flares from directly under the bust. It's a style very commonly known as the Jane Austen period look, otherwise known as Regency dress. It might have delicate capped sleeves, or it might be strapless, it could be halter or any other neckline.

Choosing the Right Dress Line for You

 It's all part of creating your own clothing style, and you need to decide what sort of dress lines you prefer.

 Go and try on a lot of different dress styles, and check them out in different stores, as each store has its own particular style.

 Don't neglect color, shape or style!

Your questions answered:

• How long should a cocktail dress be? 
• What is a princess dress line? - See above. It is the same as an A-line dress, which has a fitted bodice, and the skirt flares out from the waist.