Dress
From The Fashion Dictionary
A dress is a piece of garment that is made up of a skirt for the bottom part and a bodice for the top part. In most cases, the skirt and bodice match, therefore making it a one piece garment. A dress is usually considered women's clothing and is worn either during the day or night.
Dresses come in a wide variety of lengths, colors and cuts. The hemline of a dress can either be really high or really low, depending on the current fashion.
History of the Dress
Dresses have been worn since the dawn of time, but they only became a fashion staple around the 1700s. Dresses became increasingly popular in the 19th century when the hoopskirt and crinoline styles of the 1860s became popular again. Dresses that were worn during the day had a high neckline and long sleeves, while dresses that were worn at night had low necklines and short sleeves.
Throughout history, the shape, cut, length, fabric and style of the dress changed dramatically, while older styles coming back in fashion.
Types of Dresses
There are numerous types of dresses, all of which have different cuts and styles.
- Gown: a dress consisting of a fitted bodice and a full skirt, usually worn for formal occasions.
- Sundress: a sleeveless dress that is usually worn in the summer.
- Sheath: a dress that is often sleeveless and very fitted, without a waistseam. Popular in the 1960s.
- Shift: a straight dress that has no waist shaping or seam. Popular in the 1960s.
- Shirtwaist: a dress with a bodice that has an attached full or straight skirt.
- Jumper dress: a sleeveless dress that is usually worn over a top or blouse.
- Tent: a dress that flares down from the bust. Popular in the 1960s and renewed in 2005.
A satin, peach colored tent dress as re-popularized in the 2000s.
- Wrap dress: a dress that is wrapped around at the bodice, giving a slimming effect.
- Evening gown: a long dress used for formal occasions.
- Ball gown: a long dress with a full, sweeping skirt.
- Wedding dress: a dress that is worn by the bride in a wedding.
- Cocktail dress: a semi-formal party dress that changes with the current fashion.
- Little black dress: a dress inspired by Chanel that is usually black and up to the current fashion.
- Kitty foyle: a dark colored dress with white collars and cuffs.
- Tea gown: a semi-formal, frothy dress.
