Every Type of Dress You Should Know About to Make Online Shopping Super Easy

If I could live in dresses, I would. Like...you should see my closet. What's amazing about dresses is that there are so many silhouettes, designs, and lengths to test out and frolic around in. Thankfully, I've put together a list of a bunch of common dress styles and types so you know exactly what terms to search for when you're online shopping.

Possibilities for a new favorite garment are endless, especially when you consider all the combinations (hello, think about the shoes), too! Are you into dresses and boots? Or, maybe you wanna try out some knee-high boots and a cardigan? Whatever your style or interest, I bet this list will help you discover your fave styles, learn of some new ones, and impress all of your friends! Happy exploring!

Mini Dress

Simply said: a mini dress is a lil number you throw on when it is time to turn heads. The hemline of these dresses typically hits somewhere from the upper to mid thigh.

Midi Dress

One of the chicest dresses to wear in my opinion, the midi dress, AKA the mid-length dress is much longer than a mini but shorter than a maxi; its hemline falls between the knee and ankle.

Maxi Dress

A maxi dress is a piece with a hemline that hits the ground. They can be dressed up or down but I especially love wearing them with stilettos to make the moment a bit more fancy.

Halter Dress

If one of your fave features is your back (like moi), you probably love this style. The halter silhouette has straps that go around the neck and leave your arms, shoulders, and back exposed to live their best lives.

Cocktail Dress

A cocktail dress can be any hemline from a mini to midi length. It's typically more polished and elevated, so it can fit in at a swanky event. Here's a shoppable list of do's and don't's for a cocktail attire dress code, BTW!

Wrap Dress

Made popular by DVF, the wrap dress is usually made of an elastic-like material, has a v-neck, and a front closure that wraps around the waist.

Blazer Dress

The blazer dress: A boss and sophisticated suit jacket that's long enough to wear without pants.

Square-Neck Dress

Into cute, not-so-typical necklines? You'll love the square-neck dress—a dress with a square-ish neckline.

Strapless Dress

A strapless dress is...you guessed it—a dress with no straps! So ideal for a night out.

Off-the-Shoulder Dress

As the name suggests, the off-the-shoulder dress's sleeves start just below the shoulder for a retro look.

Shirt Dress

Forget the pants—a shirt dress is the only thing you need for those days you can't be bothered. It looks like a typical button-down shirt, but in, you know, longer dress form. It usually has a collar, buttons in the front, and/or cuffed sleeves so you can still look pretty profesh.

Sweater Dress

Channeling cozy vibes now that I'm fully immersing myself in fall fashion. So ofc, the sweater dress (a dress made from knit material) is in my rotation.

Bubble Dress

Wanna pop out? The bubble dress has a hem that balloons outward, making that bubble effect.

Sundress

Sundresses are generally made for, ya know, time in the sun—this lightweight attire is usually tighter in the bodice and flows out at the waist and made of cotton or linen for breathability during the warmer months.

Trumpet-Sleeve Dress

Trumpet, bell, or flutter—these names can be used interchangeably. Dresses with this design have statement sleeves that legit look like the bottom of a trumpet or an old-school bell. Some are more exaggerated than others so if you're into drama, you'll love them!

Sweetheart Dress

This type of dress used to have a chokehold on me. Romantics, you'll be happy to know that this garment is designed with a curved neckline and resembles the top of a heart.

Shift Dress

When I move, you move (just like that). That is the essence of a shift silhouette! It's pretty flowy, and usually column like in appearance, so it is perf for when you don't want to feel confined or constricted.

Structured Dress

A structured dress is the complete opposite of a flowing dress. The style is typically composed of tougher fabric to keep its shape and sometimes, has some boning.

One-Shoulder Dress

Like the comfort of sleeves but don't necessarily wanna go sleeveless? A one-shoulder dress is the answer for ya.

Denim Dress

If you're not accustomed to casual styling, a denim dress (a dress made of denim) would be an ideal solution for you. Style 'em up with your fave pair of heels or booties, or style 'em down with some kicks.

Chevron Dress

Think of chevron dresses as a garment (in any style) that has a zig-zag pattern. These dresses pretty much dominated in the early 2010s, so if they look familiar, that's why.

Bodycon Dress

A bodycon dress hugs all your curves. And that's it!

Sheer Dress

Wear these transparent dresses with matching undergarments so you look put-together.

High-Low Dress

This one's easy! A high-low dress is a garment that comes up high in the front (typically above the knees) and lower in the back.

Slip Dress

Basically, these are sultry nightgowns designed to be worn outside. TBH, you can actually style your nightie and no one would know. They look real good with leather jackets!

Evening Dress

You wear an evening dress in the—you guessed it—evenings. They're typically glamorous gowns (like this gold masterpiece) and look good with heels because of their long (usually floor-grazing) hemlines.

Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien

Fashion Editor

Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle about 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is Miss Supranational Haiti 2024, a Syracuse Masters graduate, and the author of three books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok: @iamtarahlynn.