A Guide To:
Women’s Types of Dresses - The 10 Dresses Your Wardrobe Needs
Photography by: Jeremy French
Published: 20.03.2025
Dresses are in. With dresses for summer sun and chilly winters, there’s a whole host of silhouettes to try. But how do you style them? That depends on the occasion. Whether you’re staying casual, headed to the office or off to an event, how you wear your dress will change. There is also a range of pros and cons to each look. Will it flatter me? Is the dress versatile? Can I wear it all year round? From flowing maxis to statement cut-out designs, this guide shows you ten types of designer dresses, the pros and cons, and how to style them.
1. The Maxi Dress
The Dress - Maxi dresses are ideal all year round. From strappy necklines to long-sleeved cuts, the silhouette is the perfect all-in-one outfit. Pick jersey styles to dress down or add a sophisticated touch with a chiffon design. Choose body-skimming fits to flatter your figure or go for a breezy look with looser skirts. Keep it simple with a blue, pink or black maxi dress or turn heads with a statement-making print.
How to Style it - Team a casual maxi dress from Balenciaga with chunky trainers or flat sandals for a laidback aesthetic and add an oversized blazer and sporty cap for running errands. Look to Alexander McQueen for elevated long evening gowns, great for styling with strappy heels and a clutch. Wear a winter maxi dress with cowboy boots in the colder months and layer a cardigan to beat the chill or pick out cat-eye sunnies and a crochet tote for summer. As for outerwear, a grungy cropped leather jacket or chic bomber are great options that won’t take any attention from your dress.
The Pros - The maxi dress is a must for low-effort looks. Throw one on and you’re ready to go. Highly versatile and easy to wear in any season, maxis are a wardrobe essential.
The Cons - Women on the shorter side might struggle with this longer silhouette. Shop petite collections, tailor the hem to your height or wear with chunky or heeled shoes.
2. The Jumper Dress
The Dress - For those who love the freedom of dresses all year round, jumper dresses are the perfect choice. Pick an oversized fit for easy off-duty looks or pick a belted silhouette to define your figure. Choose from fisherman, chunky or ribbed knit dresses and opt for soft wool or cotton fabrics to keep you warm. Shorter cuts are ideal for mid-season styling, while long jumper dresses are better for winter wear.
How to Style it - Whatever the length, a jumper dress from Isabel Marant looks instantly on-trend with a pair of ankle boots and an oversized overcoat. Brave the cold with knee-high boots and throw on a duster coat to add an extra layer. Add a statement with a House of Sunny number to team with heels and a mini bag for evenings out. Accessorise with a leather belt to cinch your silhouette and pick out a coordinating knitted hat and scarf combo to keep cold at bay.
The Pros - This style is great for those who love to wear dresses all year round. A knit number will keep you warm and looking stylish when the temperatures drop.
The Cons - Jumper dresses aren’t for the summer months. Wearing yours in the colder seasons will let you get the most out of the look.
3. The Shirt Dress
The Dress - A capsule wardrobe essential, shirt dresses offer the model blank canvas. Whether you’re dressing for the office or a summer soiree, this versatile silhouette provides instant sartorial sophistication. Go for a classic white design for chic minimal aesthetics and choose a colourful stripe to wear in the warmer months. With long or short sleeves, belted or relaxed fits and in a range of lengths to suit your figure, a shirt dress is a wardrobe must-have for any woman.
How to Style it - Pair a striped shirt dress from Tommy Hilfiger with oversized shades, loafers and drape a knitted cardigan over your shoulders for a casual elegant look. For a more formal aesthetic, style a Ralph Lauren shirt dress with a heeled shoe and a blazer or trench. Team a mini cut with strappy sandals or wear a midi with crisp white trainers. Add an extra touch with your favourite watch and chunky earrings as well as a leather handbag to hold your essentials.
The Pros - Shirt dresses are often made from lightweight cotton, making them lightweight and breathable for the summer sun. Versatile and timeless, this dress is effortless and easy to style.
The Cons - Buttoned versions of this dress could gape if you don’t get the right size. Check the measurement guides and measure yourself to find your perfect fit.
4. The Wrap Dress
The Dress - As popular now as it was in the early 70s, enter the wrap dress. From work to weddings, this style is a go-to for all occasions. Pre-knotted numbers take the hassle out of fastening, while belted looks can be tied in a bow for a statement touch. Turn heads in a printed design or keep to the classics with a white or black wrap dress. Long-sleeved cuts make wedding guest dressing a breeze, while strappy and short sleeve silhouettes boast fuss-free holiday vibes.
How to Style it - Look to Zimmermann for indulgent silk wrap dresses to pair with heels and a coordinating clutch for your next occasion. Dress the style down with tights and boots come autumn-winter or wear with high-top trainers and a denim jacket for early spring. Choose a Jacquemus number for your next getaway to team with strappy sandals and a crochet bag. For a distinctive touch, leave yours open over a pair of straight-leg jeans to add a chic aesthetic.
The Pros - Wrap dresses are flattering on a range of body shapes. With many ways to tie a belted silhouette, you can create your own unique look.
The Cons - Some styles may have a low neckline or high slit. If you prefer a more modest outfit, wear a camisole or pair of tights for added coverage.
5. The Slip Dress
The Dress - Wearing this style as an undergarment is a thing of the past, slip dresses are now the modern-day wardrobe must. Easy to wear and effortlessly stylish, slips are known for their luxurious silk or satin fabric. Whether you like a cowl neckline or a bias cut, spaghetti strap or head-turning details, there are a range of silhouettes to choose from. Dressed up or down, the slip lends itself to a host of occasions.
How to Style it - Go for grunge by pairing a black slip dress with chunky boots and a leather jacket. Look to Anine Bing for mini numbers to team with a heeled mule and statement jewellery for your next girl's night out. For transitional outfits, layer a short-sleeve tee underneath for spring-summer and take the style into autumn-winter by wearing a knit cardigan or jumper over the top. Pick out a L'Agence design to slip into with chunky trainers or sandals for an off-duty twist.
The Pros - This style can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion. With mini, midi and maxi slip dresses to choose from, finding your favourite look is easy.
The Cons - The satin or silk material of a slip could easily be snagged. Be wary of your jewellery catching on the fabric and stick to bags without chain straps to avoid any damage.
6. The Cut-Out Dress
The Dress - Dare to bare with a cut-out dress. Instantly elevating and statement-making, this silhouette offers skin-showing details to accentuate your figure. Cut-outs to the waist create an hourglass shape, while backless, side cut-out dresses and uncovered sections at the bust add an alluring element. From parties to weddings, this style is a go-to for occasionwear looks. Go for a mini length for added drama or opt for a longer length for evening wear.
How to Style it - Go for a Cult Gaia number to add to your holiday wardrobe and style with strappy wedge sandals and a shoulder bag for evening drinks by the beach. Spice up your LBD with a black cut-out dress to wear with stilettos and chunky jewellery. Pick a Sir The Label look to pair with a heeled mule and drape a blazer over your shoulders for a sophisticated touch. Celebrate in style with a mini cut-out dress and platforms for your next birthday bash.
The Pros - A cut-out dress makes an instant statement. Boasting an elevated aesthetic, this silhouette draws attention and turns heads wherever you go.
The Cons - Some styles might not be bra-friendly so it's best to try on before you buy. Not all dress codes will allow for cut-out details, so take care to check before you attend an event.
7. The Shift Dress
The Dress - Since soaring into style in the 1920s thanks to Coco Chanel, today the shift dress is a quintessential wardrobe piece. Typically a mini or knee-grazing length, this versatile cut easily takes you from smart to casual. Short-sleeved or sleeveless looks are perfect for warmer weather while long sleeves transition this style into the autumnal months Whether you keep it simple with a black shift dress or make a statement with a printed design, this timeless silhouette has stood the test of time.
How to Style it - Choose a Max Mara number to wear with high tops and a denim jacket for an easygoing aesthetic. Team with court shoes and a leather tote for workwear and add a blazer for a professional touch. Look to Self Portrait’s take to pair with platform heels and a mini bag for cocktail hour. Keep to classic minimalism and style with a loafer or add a twist with embellished detailing and coordinating accessories.
The Pros - This style is effortlessly comfortable and easy to move around in. For days when you’re on the go and running errands, this type of dress is a staple.
The Cons - A shift dress is characterised by its shapeless silhouette. If you want to define your figure, cinch your waistline with a belt.
8. The Blazer Dress
The Dress - Rooted in corporate attire but with a contemporary touch, introducing the blazer dress. Offering a refined tailored aesthetic and often menswear-inspired shapes, this is a style that takes stealing your boyfriend's clothes to a chic new level. Typically in a mini length with long sleeves and plunging necklines, this is a dress that says ‘out-out’ more than ‘office’. With structured cuts and relaxed designs to choose from, finding your perfect fit is a breeze.
How to Style it - Go for a minimal black blazer dress from Good American for a sartorial take on the LBD and team with a stiletto shoe and leather pouch for a sharp and sophisticated ensemble. Pair a double-breasted number with a chunky boot for an edge or style a single-breasted Gucci design with patterned tights for a playful touch. Keep to timeless neutral colourways or add a bold pop with a bubblegum pink blazer dress, ideal for adding a feminine twist.
The Pros - Blazer dresses boast a polished and professional aesthetic. Tailored and timeless, this style takes you from the office to happy hour in an instant.
The Cons - Some may find the silhouette constricting. Go for cuts that fit your figure perfectly for more comfort.
9. The Corset Dress
The Dress - Cinch your silhouette with a corset dress. This design is an instant confidence booster, hugging your figure in all the right places, creating an hourglass shape. Whether you opt for stylish mini and midi lengths or a floor-sweeping gown, a bustier dress is perfect for an array of occasions. Some may boast intricate lace and satin details, while others offer demure patterns and long sleeves. With tie-up, zipped and boned corset numbers to uncover, there is a style to suit every body type.
How to Style it - Look to the queen of corsetry Vivienne Westwood for instant elegance, and pair it with a strappy platform and coordinating clutch bag. Team a long-sleeved silhouette with thigh-high boots and layered gold chains for a girl's night out or dial-up date night with a barely-there stiletto and leather jacket. Elevate your evening attire with a black corset dress from David Koma, and enhance the look with metallic shoes and accessories for a head-turning statement.
The Pros - Corset dresses create an alluring and flattering hourglass silhouette. Taking inspiration from lingerie, this style is perfect for evenings out.
The Cons - This style could easily fit too tightly. Be sure that laced numbers are tied to cinch your figure, rather than to cut off and be uncomfortable.
10. The Milkmaid Dress
The Dress - Characterised by their romantic puff sleeves and square or sweetheart neckline, milkmaid dresses are the ideal cottagecore summer silhouette. Typically this style is a midi length, but a stylish mini is a great choice for an even-sweeter aesthetic. Look to lightweight materials with flowing skirts and flatter your figure with split skirts or shirred details. Whether you go for flirty florals, garden-party gingham or a minimal block colour, this dress design is a girly go-to for days in the sun.
How to Style it - Warm weather calls for a Nobody’s Child design paired with espadrille sandals and a straw bag for days in the sun. Look to festival style for inspiration and team a white milkmaid dress with cowboy boots for a feminine edge or wear with high-top trainers for a casual look. Lean into glam with Ganni, and style the silhouette with a platform Mary-Jane and chunky headband. Drape a cardigan over your shoulders for breezy conditions or layer with a light wash denim jacket.
The Pros - This look is flattering and feminine. Ideal for the summer months, this airy cottage-core silhouette beautifully defines your waistline.
The Cons - Milkmaid dresses aren't suitable for the winter months. Make sure to get the most out of yours during the warmer sunny days.