Dress Types
A dress is named by its cut, closure and how it sits on the body. This hub sets out the main dress types you will meet across our range, so a product name tells you the shape before you see the photo. Browse women's dresses (/collections/womens-dresses).
Everyday and relaxed
Shift Dress
A straight, unfitted dress that hangs from the shoulders without a waist seam.
What defines it
A shift skims the body in a straight line from shoulder to hem, with no waist seam and little shaping, so it reads clean and simple.
Who it suits
It suits those wanting an easy, uncomplicated shape that works for day or smart-casual wear. Browse women's dresses (/collections/womens-dresses).
T-Shirt Dress
A jersey dress cut like an extended t-shirt, soft and pull-on.
What defines it
A t-shirt dress uses soft jersey and a relaxed t-shirt shape, worn straight down or belted, with no fastenings.
Who it suits
It suits casual, low-effort days where comfort comes first.
Smock Dress
A loose dress gathered from a yoke for volume and ease.
What defines it
A smock hangs full from a shoulder or chest yoke, often with gathers or shirring, giving a roomy, unstructured shape.
Who it suits
It suits relaxed, floaty summer wear and anyone wanting room through the body.
Fitted and tailored
Wrap Dress
A dress that crosses over and ties at the waist for an adjustable fit.
What defines it
A wrap dress folds one front panel over the other and ties at the side, creating a V-neck and a defined, adjustable waist.
Who it suits
It suits most shapes because the tie sets the waist exactly where you want it. Browse women's dresses (/collections/womens-dresses).
Bodycon Dress
A close-fitting stretch dress that follows the body's lines.
What defines it
A bodycon dress uses stretch fabric cut close to the body, holding its shape from bust to hem.
Who it suits
It suits a figure-hugging, going-out look where the dress does the shaping.
Shirt Dress
A collared, buttoned dress built on a shirt's construction.
What defines it
A shirt dress takes a shirt's collar, button placket and cuffs and extends them into a dress, usually belted at the waist.
Who it suits
It suits smart-casual wear and anyone who likes a structured, put-together look.
Occasion
Bardot Dress
An off-the-shoulder dress with a straight neckline across the arms.
What defines it
A Bardot dress drops the neckline off the shoulders, sitting straight across the upper arms to frame the collarbone.
Who it suits
It suits occasion and evening wear where a bare-shoulder look is wanted.
Slip Dress
A slim, bias-cut dress on fine straps with a lingerie feel.
What defines it
A slip dress is cut on the bias in a light, fluid fabric, hanging from thin straps with a straight or cowl neck.
Who it suits
It suits evening wear layered or worn alone for a soft, draped look.
Skater Dress
A fitted-bodice dress with a flared, skater-style skirt.
What defines it
A skater dress pairs a close bodice with a skirt that flares out from the waist, echoing a skater's skirt.
Who it suits
It suits a fun, feminine look that nips in at the waist and flares below.
Tea Dress
A waisted, often floral dress with a flowing knee-to-midi skirt.
What defines it
A tea dress has a defined waist, a soft flared skirt and usually a print, taking its name from afternoon-tea wear.
Who it suits
It suits daytime events, weddings and summer occasions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most flattering dress type?
The wrap dress suits the widest range of shapes because the tie lets you set the waist exactly where it is most comfortable. A fit-and-flare skater dress is another strong choice, defining the waist then skimming the hips.
What is the difference between a shift and a bodycon dress?
A shift dress hangs straight from the shoulders with no shaping, reading loose and clean. A bodycon dress uses stretch fabric cut close to follow the body's lines. One skims, the other holds.
Which dress is best for a summer occasion?
A tea dress or slip dress in a light fabric suits warm-weather events. Tea dresses give a waisted, print-led daytime look, while slip dresses lean towards softer evening wear.