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Top 5 Dress Styles Every Woman Needs to Know
Styling Tips

Top 5 Dress Styles Every Woman Needs to Know

No matter the season, dresses are a wardrobe staple that work just as well for the office as they do for a night out. Of course, the trick is to find dress styles you feel comfortable wearing – and styles that fit your body beautifully. While dress trends come and go, certain cuts and designs are timeless, and these are the ones you want to add to your closet. We’ve put together a list of some of the hottest dress styles that you need to know, and you’ll want to add a few of these to your wardrobe, too.

Dress Style #1 – Fit and Flare Dress

Fit and flare dresses continue to be popular because they look great on any body type. They’re universally flattering because the style mimics an hourglass shape, giving you the appearance of curves, even if you don’t have them. They define the waist and then glide over the rest of your body, which is perfect if you have wider hips. Wear a fit and flare with a wider, longer skirt for an evening out. Add a cropped jacket or cardigan to the dress and rock it on the job. Or go with a fit and flare that has a flowing, long skirt for a day of shopping or a weekend brunch with the girls.

Dress Style #2 – Shift Dress 

The shift dress has a straight, slightly boxy shape, and according to Refinery29, it’s perfect for people who have a longer torso. The shape of the dress tricks the eye about where your hips start or end, so it can create some symmetry between the upper and lower body. A shift dress that features a shorter hem also makes your legs look like they go on for days. Shift dresses offer a classically elegant look, and they pair well with simple accessories and a great pair of pumps.

Reiss Tory Floral Print Shift Dress

Reiss Tory Floral Print Shift Dress

$265.00
Zimmermann Wonderland Shell Shift Dress -30%

Zimmermann Wonderland Shell Shift Dress

$795 $556.50
Sea Willa Smocking Flutter Sleeve Mini Dress -30%

Sea Willa Smocking Flutter Sleeve Mini Dress

$395 $276.50
Saloni Lea Smocked Dress

Saloni Lea Smocked Dress

$625.00
Bell Smocked Midi Dress

Bell Smocked Midi Dress

$408.00
Tory Burch Solid Tassel Tunic Dress

Tory Burch Solid Tassel Tunic Dress

$298.00
Zimmermann Tiggy Lace Mini Tunic Dress -30%

Zimmermann Tiggy Lace Mini Tunic Dress

$850 $595.00
Shoshanna Smocked Halter Midi Dress -40%

Shoshanna Smocked Halter Midi Dress

$350 $210.00
The Kooples Glow Ruffled Smocked Dress

The Kooples Glow Ruffled Smocked Dress

$195.00
The Kooples Smocked Mini Dress

The Kooples Smocked Mini Dress

$315.00
Hobbs London Cindy Tunic Dress

Hobbs London Cindy Tunic Dress

$210.00
St. John Cady Shift Dress

St. John Cady Shift Dress

$1,095.00
Wayf Smocked Tiered Maxi Dress

Wayf Smocked Tiered Maxi Dress

$148.00
Theory Sleeveless Shift Dress

Theory Sleeveless Shift Dress

$395.00
Eileen Fisher Round Neck Shift Dress

Eileen Fisher Round Neck Shift Dress

$198.00
Splendid Jennifer Shift Mini Dress

Splendid Jennifer Shift Mini Dress

$158.00
Ramy Brook Asher Floral Smocked Mini Dress

Ramy Brook Asher Floral Smocked Mini Dress

$395.00
Cece Flutter Sleeve Smocked Waist Midi Dress

Cece Flutter Sleeve Smocked Waist Midi Dress

$129.00

Dress Style #3 – A-Line Dress

The A-line dress fits more snugly through the top and then has a skirt that features a slightly flared hemline. Who What Wear notes that it’s a great dress style if you happen to have broader shoulders since the slightly flared hemline helps balance them out. The classic silhouette flatters every figure, and it’s easy to dress the style up or down. A pair of flats and a cardigan keep it looking casual, while some statement jewelry and your favorite heels make it instantly ready for a night out on the town.

Dress Style #4 – Bodycon Dress

The bodycon dress – it’s been made popular by stars like Khloe and Kim Kardashian. The name stands for body conscious, and this dress is all about showing off what you’ve got. A bodycon dress is designed to hug all of your curves, and they’re available in short and longer styles. Wear a short bodycon dress if you’re heading out to a club, or choose a longer one for a wedding or other more formal event.

Dress Style #5 – The Wrap Dress

The wrap dress always seems to be on-trend because it’s not only super comfortable, but it also flatters a lot of shapes. With draping above the waist and a V-neck, it draws attention up away from your hips and tummy. You can add a belt to the dress for extra waist definition. Wrap dresses are comfortable enough for weekend wear, but you can dress them and wear them to work, too.

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