Dress Silhouettes & Fit
The silhouette is the overall shape a dress cuts, set by where it fits and where it flares. This hub explains the main silhouettes so you can match a shape to your body and the look you want. Browse women's dresses (/collections/womens-dresses).
Fitted
Sheath
A close, straight silhouette that follows the body to the hem.
What defines it
A sheath is fitted through the bust, waist and hips in a straight line, usually knee-length, with darts for shape.
Who it suits
It suits smart and work wear and a streamlined look. Browse women's dresses (/collections/womens-dresses).
Bodycon
A stretch silhouette cut close all over.
What defines it
A bodycon shape hugs the body from bust to hem in stretch fabric, holding every line.
Who it suits
It suits going-out and evening wear where the dress does the shaping.
Column
A long, straight silhouette that falls in a narrow line.
What defines it
A column dress runs straight and slim from shoulder to floor with little flare, like a pillar.
Who it suits
It suits formal and evening wear and lengthens the frame.
Flared and full
A-Line
A silhouette fitted at the top that widens to the hem like an A.
What defines it
An A-line fits the bust and waist then flares gently to the hem, forming the shape of a capital A.
Who it suits
It suits most shapes because it skims the hips rather than clinging. Browse women's dresses (/collections/womens-dresses).
Fit-and-Flare
A silhouette fitted to the waist then flared into a full skirt.
What defines it
A fit-and-flare nips in at the natural waist then flares out sharply, emphasising an hourglass shape.
Who it suits
It suits those wanting a defined waist and a feminine, twirl-friendly skirt.
Skater
A short fit-and-flare with a circle skirt.
What defines it
A skater silhouette pairs a fitted bodice with a flared circle skirt at mini or above-knee length.
Who it suits
It suits a youthful, playful look.
Empire Line
A silhouette with a seam under the bust and a flowing skirt.
What defines it
An empire line sits its waist seam just under the bust, then falls loose to the hem, skimming the stomach.
Who it suits
It suits those wanting to draw the eye up and float over the midriff.
Relaxed
Shift
A straight, unfitted silhouette with no waist seam.
What defines it
A shift hangs straight from the shoulders with minimal shaping, skimming the body loosely.
Who it suits
It suits an easy, relaxed look and hides rather than defines the waist.
Smock
A full, gathered silhouette hanging from a yoke.
What defines it
A smock falls full and loose from a shoulder or chest yoke, with gathers giving volume.
Who it suits
It suits comfort-first and floaty summer dressing.
Tiered
A silhouette built from stacked, gathered layers.
What defines it
A tiered dress is made of horizontal panels, each gathered onto the one above, adding volume down the skirt.
Who it suits
It suits boho and holiday styles with plenty of movement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most flattering dress silhouette?
The A-line is the most universally flattering silhouette because it defines the waist then skims the hips, suiting most body shapes. Fit-and-flare is a close second where a defined waist is wanted.
What silhouette suits an apple shape?
An empire line or A-line suits an apple shape because both draw the eye up and float over the midriff rather than clinging to the waist. A shift dress is another easy option.
What is the difference between a sheath and a column dress?
A sheath is fitted and usually knee-length with darts for shape. A column is long and straight to the floor with little shaping. Both are slim, but the column reads more formal.