15 Different Types of Dresses for Women

How many types of dresses do you think exist in today’s stores around the world? 50, or perhaps 100?

There are probably as many as 1000 different styles of jules dresses available regularly. Each culture and designer brings its own twist on some of the more established dress styles. They can all be customized by adjusting the lengths, materials, and fabric.

Keep reading as we review 15 of the most popular and wearable dress styles.

1. Shift Dress

The first of the chic dress styles to share is the shift dress. Originating in the 1960s, this style evokes an effortless cool.

It particularly suits those with a leaner body frame, as this dress doesn’t do much to highlight your curves. Pair it with some loafers or slingback heels to complete this look.

2. Maxi Dress

Next, let’s take a look at the epitome of boho fashion with the maxi dress. This is a great style for the summer and often comes in beautiful patterned fabric.

Maxi dresses suit all body shapes so this is a crowd-pleaser for all women. Complete the look with a denim jacket and a pair of sandals!

3. Wrap Dress

Another modern classic when it comes to wearing a dress is the wrap dress. There is a kind of understated seduction to the wrap dress, meaning it works well for the office and dinner parties alike.

Less is more with the wrap dress, so go for minimal jewelry and a pair of smart boots.

4. Bandage Dress

For those looking to accentuate their curves, look no further than the bandage dress. It gets its name from the layers of knitted tape that hug the body, resulting in a stunning silhouette.

Celebrities such as J-Lo and Kim Kardashian are well-known for rocking this sexier dress option.

5. Blazer Dress

A slightly edgier choice of dress is the blazer dress. Typically double-breasted, the blazer dress can be oversized or tight-fitting, depending on the designer’s choices.

They can be made more revealing with a slow slit in the front, but it’s also possible to layer up the blazer dress with a turtleneck sweater underneath.

6. Sweater Dress

One of our top choices for a casual dress is the sweater dress. Stay cozy during winter by opting for this comfortable and insulating dress.

Sweater dresses look great with both boots and sneakers. Try adding a statement necklace on top for a more stylish look.

7. Ballgown

One of the more historic options on our shortlist is the ballgown. This style has strong connotations of royalty and formal events. If you’re wondering how to style a dress like this, the classic option would be with a low pair of heels and some elegant jewelry.

But, celebrities such as Lily Allen and Rihanna have modernized this outfit by pairing it with sneakers.

8. T-Shirt Dress

Sticking with dresses that are strongly associated with style icons, we move on to the t-shirt dress. Arianne Grande is well known for sporting an oversized t-shirt with a pair of thigh-high boots.

This creates the ultimate casual yet glamorous outfit. This dress is a great choice for going to the movie theatre, out on a date night, or even for doing your grocery shopping.

9. Peplum Dress

One of our favorite kinds of dresses to gain popularity in recent years is the peplum dress. The peplum is an additional piece of fabric that is attached to the waist of the dress provides a flattering shape.

This dress emphasizes an hourglass shape and looks great for both casual and more formal occasions.

10. Pinafore Dress

Next up, the pinafore dress is an excellent option for a stylish outfit while maintaining a youthful and cute vibe. They can be both tight-fitting and looser depending on your preference.

This is a versatile style of dress, as it can be worn with a t-shirt, shirt, or sweater underneath.

11. Shirt Dress

Sticking with the theme of shirts, now we come to the shirt dress. This is a casual look that can be dressed up with your choice of accessories, such as some jewelry and heels.

The shirt dress is often oversized, making it look like you borrowed the shirt from your partner.

12. Cocktail Dress

Another popular style of dress is the cocktail dress. This term in fact encompasses many different variants of a style. It is often short, glamorous, and highlights the body shape of whoever is wearing it.

There is a significant crossover between cocktail dresses and homecoming dresses. Check out the latest homecoming dresses by Jovani for some great options.

13. Pencil Dress

Next, the pencil dress is a fantastic option for something you can style both in the office and for after-work drinks. Similar to the pencil skirt but in dress-form, the pencil dress nips in at the waist and stays tight to the legs until the mid-calf.

This figure-hugging look is popular with all celebrities – almost every star has rocked this look at some point.

14. Tube Dress

One of the most simple, but wearable, kinds of dress is the tube dress. This is a strapless and often tight-fitting style that packs a punch.

When styling a dress like this, you have plenty of options. Go big with jewelry, hair, and heels, or understated with sneakers and a jacket.

15. Slip Dress

The final dress to highlight in our list of common styles is the slip dress. This grungy look came to prominence in the nineties and tends to be made from satin.

It looks great with chunky boots and is often worn under a sheer overlay.

Those Are Some of the Most Stylish Types of Dresses

We’ve now covered the main types of dresses each woman should have in her wardrobe. Thanks to these styles, you’ll be equipped to look fantastic for any occasion.

If you’re looking for other fashion and style tips, be sure to check out the rest of our articles!