6 Most Popular Types of Dresses

Fashion trends come and go, but there are certain wardrobe essentials that truly stand the test of time. We’ve come up with a list of the six most popular types of dresses that continue to be fan favorites regardless of the era, along with some fun fashion tips that help bring your style forward to what’s trendy today. Let’s mix some tried and true classics with modern trends you’ll love wearing this season!

1. Mini Dresses — You’re sure to turn heads when you rock a mini dress. This kind of dress is perfect for the woman who loves to show off their legs, and if you’ve got it, you’ve got to flaunt it. When it comes to accessorizing a mini dress, you can wear low-top sneakers, heels, or flats to help lengthen your legs. Mini dresses are all about a balanced look, so feel free to add on a fitted jacket or long cardigan if you feel a little too exposed. For more styling advice, take a look at our guide on how to accessorize. 

2. Midi Dresses — A midi dress is longer than a mini dress but shorter than a maxi dress since it falls between the knee and ankle, typically ending somewhere around your mid-calf. It’s a versatile and stylish choice, and every woman needs a fitted midi body con or a flowy midi dress in her closet. You can dress it up with pumps or keep it more casual with sneakers.

3. Maxi Dresses — Get ready to make a maximum impact with a gorgeous maxi dress. This kind of dress normally falls to the floor, reaching to your ankles or even the ground, depending on how tall you are or the length of the dress. If you’re on the shorter side, wearing a maxi dress with heels can help balance out the longer length of this dress. If you’re a bit taller, you can get away with flats or a shorter heel. Play around with slides or espadrilles if you want to show off a pretty pedicure underneath your maxi dress.

4. Shift Dresses — According to Who What Wear, the shift dress is a classic dress type that we’re seeing making a comeback this year. The resurgence in popularity is all the rage, and it’s been modernized by pairing shift dresses with oversized leather jackets and bows. Keep an eye out for trendy colors like shift dresses in bright colors like pink or green. It’s the perfect dress if you’re looking to wear this kind of dress for your next date night or evening party.

5. A-Line Dresses — The A-line dress is a fit-and-flare dress that is designed so that it fits snuggly at your waist and then gradually flares out from the waist to the hem. It essentially creates the A-shape silhouette. This classic dress looks great with a wide variety of body types since it helps balance out the waist and hips.

5. Long Sleeve Dress — Dresses can be worn all year long, and that’s why we love a long sleeve dress. You can layer it up with an overcoat or with tights underneath during the chiller fall and winter months. During the warmer spring and summer seasons, you’ll feel nice and breezy in a flowy long sleeve dress in bold colors and vibrant patterns. Add on some cute accessories, and get ready for all those compliments coming your way!

While there are dozens of types of dresses out there, these six are considered wardrobe classics and essentials that every woman should have in her closet. Wearing a dress can be as fabulous or as everyday as you want to make it. They’re so easy to dress up and dress down, depending on your mood and the occasion. Avara has a wide selection of trendy dresses you’ll love to wear today and for years to come.