Question 1

What is the difference between a dress and a cocktail dress?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a dress and a cocktail dress is mainly the specificity of the term. A dress is any garment that has a bodice attached to a skirt. The term cocktail dress refers to a dress designed for events in the late afternoon and early evening. Many feature hemlines that fall between the knee and calf. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of cocktail dresses from some of the world's top boutiques.

Question 2

What is the difference between a bodycon dress and a bandage dress?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a bodycon dress and a bandage dress is construction. A bodycon dress is any stretchy dress cut to hug the curves of the wearer. Bandage dresses are bodycon dresses that look as if they consist of strips of fabric sewn together. Find a range of bodycon dresses on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What is a dress clip?

Accepted Answer

A dress clip is a type of pin that typically accents a piece of clothing and can be styled on either the shirt collar of a jacket or the straps of a dress. Dress clips were originally worn in pairs, but today, a dress clip can also be worn as a brooch. Shop a range of vintage dress clips from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is a column dress?

Accepted Answer

A column dress is a slim-fit dress — this garment will feature a straight cut and will fit your body very closely. Column dresses are a timeless, classic style and are ideal for formal evening engagements or just a night out on the town. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and designer column dresses from top fashion boutiques around the world.

Question 5

What is a peplum on a dress?

Accepted Answer

A peplum on a dress is a pleated, short and gathered fabric strip or frill of cloth, which is attached at the waist of the dress. Peplum dresses are considered very trendy and fashionable. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and designer peplum dresses from top fashion boutiques around the world.

Question 6

What is a ruched dress?

Accepted Answer

A ruched dress uses a specific pleating or gathering of the dress material which results in a slimming effect. The ruched style is also used as a means of decoration.

Question 7

What is a bodycon dress?

Accepted Answer

A bodycon dress is a dress designed to accentuate the curves of the body. Most bodycon dresses feature stretchy material that allows for a form-fitting effect. The name “bodycon” comes from the term "body conscious," referring to the fact that the cut of the dress makes you conscious of the wearer's curves. Shop a collection of bodycon dresses on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is a Balmain dress?

Accepted Answer

A dress designed by Balmain promises exceptional quality in materials and design. The designs are inspired by power and confidence, and are well known for flattering structured silhouettes. Stud detailing is commonly featured on Balmain dresses. Shop a variety of Balmain dresses on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is a tiki dress?

Accepted Answer

A tiki dress is a flowy, Hawaiian style, ultra-comfortable dress. It looks elegant on all body types from tiny mini to plus-sizes. On 1stDibs, find a variety of tiki dresses from the world's most prestigious fashion designers.

Question 10

What is a Grecian dress?

Accepted Answer

A Grecian dress is distinguished by draped or pleated fabric, ruching, and toga-like shoulders. During New York Fashion Week in 2021, Grecian gowns were seen on the runways and in presentations by designers such as Donna Karan and Monique Lhuillier. On 1stDibs, find a variety of vintage Grecian dresses.

Question 11

What is a Halston dress?

Accepted Answer

A Halston dress is any dress produced by the American fashion house of Halston. One of Halston's early successes was the sexy Ultrasuede shirtdress, an unassuming adaptation of a man's oxford shirt introduced in 1972 that became a fashion staple for the well-dressed woman. Named for a washable synthetic fabric that evokes the feel of suede, the Ultrasuede shirtdress was cut to complement many figures with buttons that began at the breastbone rather than at the garment's structured neckline. In one season, 60,000 were sold. Halston is also well known for its seductive, bodycon evening dresses that helped define the style trends of the 1970s. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of Halston dresses.

Question 12

What is an organza dress?

Accepted Answer

An organza dress is made from a specific lightweight weave material that is sheer called organza. Because it drapes well, it allows for nice volume of dresses.

Question 13

Is a gown and a dress the same?

Accepted Answer

No, a gown and a dress are not always the same type of clothing. While a gown is a type of dress, not all dresses are gowns. Gowns tend to be more formal and suited for black-tie and evening events. Shop a wide selection of high-end gowns and designer dresses on 1stDibs.

Question 14

Where is the hem of a dress?

Accepted Answer

The hem of a dress is the bottom edge. Depending on the length of the dress, the hem will fall in different places. With a gown or maxi dress, the hemline is usually between the ankle and floor, while the hemlines of micro and mini dresses brush against the thighs. Explore a large selection of dresses from some of the world's top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Question 15

What is a rayon dress?

Accepted Answer

Rayon is a fabric produced from regenerated cellulose fiber and is used to make dresses. It's made from cellulose, which is a semi-synthetic material. It has a comparable drape and softness like silk. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and designer evening dresses and gowns from top fashion designers.

Question 16

What is an A-line dress?

Accepted Answer

An A-line dress is a dress with a certain shape or cut. Specifically, dresses considered to be A-line styles fit closely along the bust and then gently flare outward for a flowier fit through the waist and hips all the way to the hem. The name of the style comes from the fact that A-line dresses show off a triangular shape similar to the letter A when hung on a hanger. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of dresses from some of the world's top boutiques.

Question 17

What is a mod dress?

Accepted Answer

A mod dress is a style of dress that originated along with the mod subculture in London — a culture with roots in 1950s' bohemian-style coffee bars where jazz and blues were played on jukeboxes. Later, during the 1960s, mods were generally fashion-conscious teenagers living in London and south England who listened to these types of music as well as R&B. Mod dresses were among the garments worn by mods, and they were colorful and were embellished by interesting patterns and designs. Mod dresses were made with a short hem. A range of mod dresses by Mary Quant, Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint Laurent and others can be found on 1stDibs.

Question 18

What are swing dresses?

Accepted Answer

A swing dress is a dress with an a-line shape that tends to flow as one moves. Swing dresses hit peak popularity in the 1950s.

Question 19

What is a couture dress?

Accepted Answer

A couture dress is hand-sewn using the best materials and designed specifically for the wearer so that the piece is one-of-a-kind. Because these dresses use such high quality materials and take hundreds of hours to complete, they can be expensive. Find a variety of couture dresses on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What is a wiggle dress?

Accepted Answer

A wiggle dress is a dress that falls just below the knee and has a hemline that is narrower than your waist. It is a figure-hugging dress that might add some pep to your walk, resulting in a “wiggle” in your hip. Wiggle dresses came about in the 1950s. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and designer evening dresses and gowns from top fashion boutiques around the world.

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