1. Aline dress
This dress basically follows the Aline silhouette – ie flowy from the shoulders. It can also have a fitted defined waist but the hem is always flared giving the whole silhouette the shape of a capital letter A.
2. Tent dress
A shapeless tentlike full dress, that hangs loosely from the shoulders; it has a baggy silhouette and is usually worn short. The airy billowy dress is a favorite as a summer wear.
3. Yoke dress
This is a type of dress with a shaped top portion of the bodice which is separate from the bodice. The yoked dress can have a front yoke or back yoke or both
4. Empire line dress
This is a high waist dress that has a fitting bodice till just under the bust and then a flowy silhouette
5. Shift dress
This is a short sleeveless dress that skims the body without a fitted waist.
6. Dirndl dress
This is a European traditional dress originally worn by peasants there;The dress has an apron with lacing on the back or front.
7. Sheath dress
A close fitting dress usually ending near the knee. Usually there will be a slit in the back so that you can walk comfortably.
8. Low or drop waist dress
This is a loose fitting dress with the skirt seam being somewhere near the hip rather than at the waist length.
9. Tunic dress
This is a loose fitting dress ending near the hips or near the knee , usually with slits on the side seams.
10. Princess seam dress
This is a dress with a princess seam down the bodice.
11. Blouson dress
This is a dress with a fitted/clinched waist which will cause the top portion to have a billowing effect.
12. Shirt waist dress
This kind of dress resembles a shirt in the top portion, with a collar and an open front button placket.
13. Wrap around dress
This is a style of dress with an Asymmetrical closing. This dress usually has one side wrapped over the other side and usually has a tie which closes the front opening.
14. Peasant Dress
This is a dress originally worn by the peasants in Europe, with raglan sleeves or very loose sleeves.
15. Baby doll dress
A baby doll dress refers to a short sweet dress with a fitted bodice ( at times a bralette) and a loose gathered skirt. This is usually is used as a nightgown. A dress with gathers above the waist and long sleeves is also referred to as a baby doll dress. Check out the tutorial to make a baby doll dress.
16. Body con dress
This refers to a tight fitting body hugging dress made of a stretchy fabric. It usually ends near or above the knee.
17. Cocktail dress
This is a short dressy dress meant for attending semi-formal functions.
18. Debutante dress
This is a white gown typically worn by debutantes on their first ball. The white formal full length gown is usually accompanied by white kid gloves.
19. Skater dress
This is a dress that has a fitted bodice and a very flared circular skirt. They have an Aline silhouette with a very defined waist.
20. Camisole dress
This dress resembles the camisole worn as a slip or nightgown. A camisole dress is a longer version of this and is usually worn over tops.
21. Pinafore dress /Jumber dress
This is a collarless, sleeveless low cut dress which is worn over tops / blouses.
22. Granny dress
A granny dress is a loose fitting dress with long sleeves. This dress usually has ruffles or flounces and a high collar.
23. Harem dress
This is a full length dress with a flared cut narrowing down to a narrower hem. It is usually made in a flowy fabric.
24. Trumpet dress / Mermaid dress
A trumpet dress has a fitted bodice till the knee or just below the knee where it flares to the hem.
25. Maxi dress
This is an informal full length / ankle length dress usually made with a flowy fabric.
26. Apron dress
Apron dress is a sleeveless dress with a bib and a skirt attached to it just like an apron.
27. Sweater dress
A sweater dress is a long sweater that can be worn on its own as a dress. It is usually knee length.
28. Swing dress
A swing dress has a fitted top portion near the bust and then flaring to a knee or above knee length hem.
29. Tutu dress
Tutu dress is a tutu (gathered skirt made with tulle fabric ) with a bodice attached.
30. Sun Dress
A sundress refers to any dress which is casual and suitable for the summer. They are usually made in flowy lightweight breathable fabrics.
31. Little Black Dress
This refers to a short dress made in black.Usually this is a fitting dress which is short. Read more on an LBD here.
32. Coat dress
A coat dress resembles an overcoat with lapels and openings.
33. Corset dress
This is a dress that is fitted around the bust using a corset . The corset shapes the body with lacing.
34. Balloon Dress
A balloon dress refers to a dress with a hemline turned inwards so that the bottom edge looks like a blown up balloon.
35. Bouffant dress
This is a full length gown with lots of ruffles.
36. Paneled dress
This is a dress which is fitted in the top portion and then flares gradually towards the hem. This effect is usually achieved with panels.
37. Handkerchief hem Dress
This type of dresses have an asymmetrical hem which looks as if a handkerchief is held from the middle.
38. Gathered dress
This is a dress with a gathered waist.
39. Kaftan Dress
Kaftan is a loose fitting dress with billowing side seams; it is sewn as one with bodice and sleeves and usually ends near the ankles or feet. Check out the pattern and sewing tutorial to make a Kaftan.
40. Pillowcase dress
This refers to a dress made for kids with fabric from a single pretty printed pillowcase and some fabric straps to tie them to the neck.
41. Slip Dress
A dress which simply looks like a slip you wear inside as an undergarment. A slip dress is usually worn as an overgarment .
42. Shirt dress
This is a longer version of the shirt with collar and an opening in the front (full or partial).
43. Ball gown
Ball gown is a formal full skirted gown.
44. Party dress
This is a generic name for a dress worn for different kinds of parties. Basically it is an elaborately made dress.
45. Off Shoulder Dress
A dress without straps or shoulder joining seams and sleeve caps; the shoulder is laid bare with the sleeves and the bodice cut off at the shoulders. When this kind of dress has a shoulder seam with only the top of the sleeves cut off, it is called a cold shoulder dress.
46. One shoulder dress
A dress with straps or shoulder joining seams only on one shoulder; the shoulder is laid bare on one side.
47. Strapless Dress
This refers to a dress without straps holding the dress together at the shoulders. It is a form fitting style of dress.
48. Halterneck Dress
A dress that features a halterneck.
49. Draped Dress
A Dress with additional fullness pleated gathered or held to one side or both sides.
50. Xray Dress
This is a see through dress made with sheer/transparent fabrics like lace chiffon organza etc. It is usually worn with a slip underneath or strategically placed fabric lining/ embroidery/fabric patches or body stockings underneath to cover modesty.
51. Fit and flare dress
A dress with a fitting bodice and a gathered skirt.
52. Cape Dress
This is a dress that incorporates a cape as part of the dress.
