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8 types of dresses every woman should know

Whether you’re heading out for a meal with friends or looking for the ultimate office outfit, dresses are a great go-to style. From mini and midi dresses to swing and shift silhouettes, we’ve got style tips and a round-up of the eight types of dresses women should know and have in their wardrobe.

What are the three components of fashion?

When thinking about what clothes to buy next, it's helpful to keep their main features in mind. Firstly, consider the shape or outline of your favourite pieces - what's going to flatter you the most?

Colour is another important thing to think about, as is the texture of the fabric. Both things work together to help you look and feel your best.

How to know what type of dress suits you?

Don’t worry if you’re struggling to understand what kind of dresses to look for. It’s not as tricky as you might think.

Think about your figure and what areas you’d like to highlight or cover up. Choosing a dress with the most flattering silhouette for your shape will help you achieve this. You should also consider your height. Some hemlines can make you appear shorter by cutting you off at the wrong point, while others won’t work for taller figures because of the length and waistline.

What are the different types of dress silhouettes to suit women?

With so many dress styles out there, it can be a minefield choosing the right one for you. Fortunately, we’ve rounded up staple styles with handy tips on how you can get the most out of them.

Shirt dress

Perfect for both your office and weekend wardrobe, shirt dresses are one of the most versatile and smart shapes you can have in your wardrobe, regardless of the length you choose. Many come with a tie waist fastening to nip you in, and a stylish V-neckline to flatter your shape, whatever the occasion.

Shift dress

Shift dresses look great on all shapes and sizes and can be found in all the colours and prints you can think of. Pair your shift dress with heels and accessories for a special occasion or dress it down with stylish and comfortable sandals and flats during the day. There’s nothing more versatile.

Wrap dress

Wrap dresses are oh-so easy to wear and endlessly flattering thanks to the tie detail bringing you in at the waist. Add some trainers and a denim jacket for a cute daytime outfit, or a pair of wedges and a statement necklace to add something extra special to your evening wear. From short, midi and maxi length cuts to wrap dresses with various neckline shapes, there are countless options to choose from, so give this silhouette a whirl.

Swing dress

Perfect for pear-shaped and hourglass figures, swing dresses are excellent for emphasising your waist. They commonly come with a pleated skirt, beautifully skimming your hips and tummy area to show off your feminine silhouette. Swing dresses with Bardot necklines are super flattering for evening occasions. All you need are some strappy heels and a cute clutch bag and you’re good to go.

Denim dress

For casual outings where you’re searching for the ideal texture to work with, a denim dress is an easy choice. Whether you go for light or dark blue washes in a smock, mini or t-shirt dress style, or a cute black denim pinafore dress, there’s plenty of choices for you to have fun with. For a more figure-hugging cut, look for structured denim with button-up detailing.

Mini dress

Mini dresses work well for petite figures as the hemline helps to lengthen your lower half with or without heels. They’re also a popular choice when it comes to day dresses, so don’t be afraid to give a cut that suits your shape a try.

Midi dress

For something a little more sophisticated, midi dresses often reach mid-calf and there are lots of styles that work for day or night. Shirt dresses in this length will take you straight from the office to the bar, but be sure to add mid to high heeled footwear to lengthen your legs – particularly if you’re shorter.

Maxi dress

If you’re heading to a laid-back daytime event in the summer or even a semi-formal occasion like an outdoor wedding, maxi dresses are an excellent choice. These floor-length frocks come in an array of necklines and styles including empire-waisted, short-sleeved or even sleeveless, so be adventurous and find the ultimate option for you.