As fashion trends evolve, the dresses that we wear go through changes too. Although many of us think that the little black dress is the only must-have in our wardrobes, there are other dress types that we should consider having. In this blog post, you’ll learn more about the 10 dress types that everyone should have, to ensure that your wardrobe is complete and that you’re ready for any event.
The great thing about dresses is that they can be dressed up or down to suit any event. In fact, every outfit could have a dress as a centerpiece, and you could still have a fresh new look every day. So if you’re looking to improve your wardrobe to ensure you have a dress for every occasion, here are the 10 dress types you need in your life.
1. Little Black Dress
The little black dress (LBD) is a staple in everyone’s wardrobe. It is versatile and can be worn for any occasion – from a formal event to a casual night out with friends. It can be worn plain or with accessories and can adapt to any style. Choose a dress with a comfortable fabric, flattering cut, and a style that you love.
The little black dress was first made famous by Coco Chanel, who made it a go-to piece in the 1920s. So you’re in good company if you own one!
2. Wrap Dress
The wrap dress is a timeless dress that flatters a variety of body types. It cinches at the waist, accentuating curves, and its V-neckline creates a flattering silhouette that elongates your neck and shoulders. Sweater wrap dresses are perfect for colder climates while wrap dresses made of lightweight material are perfect for warmer weather.
Wrap dresses are used in many cultures across the world, including India, Russia, and Central America. With the right accessories or fabric patterns, you could also bring an exotic element to your style with a wrap dress.
3. Maxi Dress
Maxi dresses have become increasingly popular, and for a good reason. They’re comfy, casual, and versatile. Maxi dresses can be worn for a casual afternoon event with sandals or dressed up with heels and jewelry for a formal event.
Maxi dresses are great for vacations, as you can also wear them to the beach, and enjoy the breeze through maxi dresses made from thinner materials in warm climates.
4. Sheath Dress
The sheath dress is a classic dress that never goes out of style. It’s perfect for the office, business meetings, and networking events. Sheath dresses fall just above the knee and are tailored to fit close to the body, creating a slimming effect.
Find a sheath dress made from a comfortable fabric like cotton or wool, with a length that you feel most confident in. For a classier look, get a sheath dress made from silk, which is perfect for formal dances and more classy events.
5. Cocktail Dress
Cocktail dresses are perfect for semi-formal events, cocktail parties, and weddings. They’re shorter than evening gowns and longer than regular dresses, making them suitable for any occasion. They come in various styles and designs, from A-line to bodycon.
Cocktail dresses were first popularly worn in the 1920s, when Coco Chanel yet again made them fashionable. Today, they remain a popular choice for events where you want to look and feel your best.
6. Little White Dress
The little white dress is the perfect summer alternative to the little black dress. It’s fresh, crisp, and perfect for warm weather. It’s a versatile dress that can be dressed down with sandals or dressed up with heels and jewelry.
Choose a little white dress that sits above the knee for elegant occasions, or a slightly longer, flowing dress for long and hot summers.
7. Shift Dress
The shift dress is a loose fitting dress that’s perfect for days when you want to be comfortable and stylish. It’s usually short, sleeveless, and hangs straight down, creating a flattering silhouette. It’s perfect for a casual weekend brunch or a day out with friends.
You can also wear leggings underneath your shift dress to create a more modern and relaxed look. For an evening out, add some statement jewelry and heels to transform it into a stylish evening look. During the colder months, layer it up with a long, woolen cardigan.
8. One-Shoulder Dress
The one-shoulder dress is an elegant and sophisticated dress that’s perfect for formal events like weddings or black-tie affairs. It’s asymmetrical design is eye catching and creates a flattering silhouette.
And for versatility, wear a smart jacket or cardigan over a dress like this to give it a more relaxed look from the one-shoulder statement piece it was originally designed for.
9. A-Line Dress
The A-line dress is a timeless dress that’s perfect for any body type. It’s fitted at the top and flares out from the waist, creating a flattering silhouette that hides any problem areas. It’s perfect for parties, weddings, and formal events.
You can wear it with heels, sandals, or even sneakers to fit the occasion. And if you want to be more daring, try a bright color or bold pattern for a dress that will stand out in any crowd.
10. Shirt Dress
The shirt dress is a casual dress that’s perfect for any casual occasion. It’s perfect for running errands, a day out with friends or even the office. It’s versatile and can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
Wear it with a smart jacket, heels and an eye catching handbag for meetings and more formal office occasions. Or throw on some sandals and sunglasses for a chic but relaxed summer look.
Having a variety of dresses in your wardrobe is essential to ensuring that you’re always ready for any event. From the little black dress to the maxi dress, there are many dress types that everyone should have. Whether you prefer a classic style or something more contemporary, there’s a dress type that will suit your taste and lifestyle. So, go ahead and build your wardrobe with these 10 dress types, and you’ll never run out of options when it comes to dressing up.