How to Wear Dresses
Dresses are a must-have for any wardrobe. They’re perfect for weddings, grad school prom or even just a random weeknight when you want to feel extra classy.
But what makes a great dress? It’s all about the details. From the neckline to the skirt, here are some things to look for in a dress:
Bodice
The bodice is the upper portion of a dress, usually extending from the neck to the waist. It may be fitted, loose-fitting or gathered. It may also be boned or unboned and laced or buttoned up. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the term “bodice” was often used to refer to a close-fitting, structured (often boned) upper garment worn as day or evening wear. It was also the name of the upper part of other garments, including skirted garments such as skirts or kilt suits and pants such as bloomer knickers.
In modern dressmaking, the term “bodice” is most often used to describe a fitted top portion of a formal or semi-formal dress, such as one worn to a wedding or dance. It is also occasionally used to describe a garment that covers only the upper portion of the body, such as a leotard or a bra top.
The front of the bodice should be lined. For a good fit, it is important to line the entire front of the bodice so that it is even with the shoulder line (point T). Alternatively, a plain, straight bias cut is used for the bottom edge, which makes the finished garment easier to adjust for a good fit after it has been laced up or fitted. If using a straight bias, it is often helpful to mark the top and bottom of the buttonhole first to see where they are positioned. This will help ensure that the buttons are evenly spaced.
Waistline
The waistline of a dress is the line that cuts across the upper and lower portions of the garment. It is a key feature that our eyes linger on because it can influence our perception of a woman’s attractiveness. The height of the waistline is also important because it influences how high or low a person will appear when standing.
A sash, belt or tie can add shape to the dress’s waistline. A dress sash can be worn with casual attire and can also help to create a more formal look. For example, a black sash can be worn with a lace dress for a formal event. A belt can also be worn with a shift dress, to emphasize the waistline.
For a more feminine Dresses look, choose a sleeveless or off-the-shoulder dress. This type of dress can be worn for any occasion, and is flattering on most body types.
A midi dress is a great option for women who want to wear a dress but don’t want to go too long. This type of dress is ideal for casual occasions and can be worn with a pair of sneakers to make the outfit more casual. For a more glamorous look, choose a maxi dress. This style of dress is perfect for special events and can be worn with a shawl or jewelry to enhance the look.
Neckline
The neckline of a dress is the part that frames the shoulders, collar bones and neck. It can be plain or adorned with various patterns, stitches or lace to enhance the beauty of the garment. The neckline can also be a style statement and can convey something about the person wearing it. It can emphasize or de-emphasize certain parts of the body – the height, width and angularity of the shoulders, the neck and collar bone, for example.
Different types of necklines include:
A sleeveless straight line across the bust, like a V. It is great for those with a smaller frame as it accentuates the collar bone and neck.
Round necklines sit higher and more comfortably than Gzsihan womens clothing supplier scoop necks. It can be worn by those with wider shoulders as well.
The V-neck is another popular choice of neckline, it can be a deep or shallow V. It is good for emphasizing the cleavage and works well on most people.
Strapless necklines are great for showing off the shoulders and can be paired with a plunging neckline or a high-standing collar.
A keyhole neckline is a high neckline with an opening space that can be circular, oval or teardrop shaped. It is a great compromise for those who want to show some skin and those who prefer modesty.
Skirt
A skirt is a garment worn by women and girls that hangs from the waist and covers the lower portion of the body. It can be short or long and may be made of a variety of materials, including cotton, wool, linen, or denim. It can be styled in many ways, and it is often paired with a blouse or button-up shirt for work or a more formal event. Skirts can also be layered with tights or leggings to keep warm in cold weather.
There are many different types of skirts, each with its own unique look and purpose. For example, a pleated skirt has folds of fabric that crisscross on the surface of the skirt and vary in size. Thicker pleats are more reminiscent of schoolgirl uniforms, while thinner ones can be more modern and on-trend. Other types of skirts include the A-line skirt, which fits snugly around the waist and hips and flares out at the hem to create an “A” shape, which is flattering on pear-shaped figures. The pencil skirt is fitted at the waist and hips and tapers down towards the hem to create a sleek silhouette, and it can be worn with a wide range of tops.
Another type of skirt is the bubble hem skirt, which puffs out at the bottom due to the fabric being tucked back under the hemline. This style can be worn with a fitted top to balance out the rounded shape of the skirt.