Fashion: Dresses and Gowns

I am constantly asked about the classic styles of dresses and gowns. So here are the classic styles with pictures.

The red gown on the left was one of my first formals. It is an A-Line gown with a chiffon skirt and puff chiffon sleeves. The bodice is covered with gorgeous red sequins. Now that takes some getting used to.
Also, check out the "formal gowns" links for great places to buy your dresses and gowns.







An EMPIRE CUT dress has a high waistline (generally beginning just beneath the bust) and a long, full skirt that flows straight from this waistline. The empire style camouflages a pear shape or thick waist and creates an illusion of height for short or petite figures.



A SHEATH is a slim dress with little fabric detail that hugs curves and outlines the silhouette of your body. The sheath is perfect for sleeveless styles and tends to show off a well-toned body. Sheath dresses are especially beautiful and graceful on tall, thin figures.



An A-LINE gown has a form-fitted bodice that flares out from the natural waist to a full skirt. This type of gown features a seamless waist and may also be called a princess-cut gown. The gently flared style flatters most figure types and is especially useful for disguising large hips and thighs.


A TEA LENGTH dress is a gown that is hemmed to end just at the shin. It has a fun, flirty appearance that is perfect for a slightly casual or more relaxed appearance at the prom. This dress style is ideal if your calves are your best feature or you have a tall, thin figure.


A HIGH-LOW GOWN is hemmed long in the back (at the ankles or to the floor) and just above the knees in the front. This trendy, new style creates a unique, sexy prom dress appearance. It is perfect for showing off long legs and an hourglass figure.



A BOUFFANT GOWN is characterized by a sheer, puffed-out skirt often made from stiffened rayon or silk. The skirt of this type of gown is similar in fabric construction (but not necessarily in length) to a ballerina tutu. The flared skirt is perfect for disguising a bottom-heavy figure.


A BALL GOWN is characterized by a very full skirt that begins at the natural waist and proceeds to floor length. The waist is seamed and may be styled in various shapes and designs. The ball gown style visually cuts the body in half and is ideal on average to tall figures.

Whether you need a gown for the prom, a party, a wedding or any special event there are many styles and colors to choose from.

"andrea nicole baker"