Knowing the Vocab Behind These Types of Dresses Will Make Online Shopping So Much Easier

There is nothing I love more than a good dress. As a Southerner who experienced 80 degree weather all year round, dresses made up a huge portion of my closet. But shopping for the exact style you’ve seen on celebs or on Pinterest boards can be hard when you’re unsure of the vocabulary behind them. Online shopping is so much easier when you’re armed with the specific keywords you actually need.While we’ve seen an influx of trends take off—from Bermuda shorts to lace-trim skirts, one thing stands the test of time, and that’s dresses. Whether you’re heading out on a fabulous vacation, or preparing your wardrobe for fall, here is your ultimate guide to building out the dresses in your sartorial rolodex. And, as a very confident dress wearer, there are some key factors when tapping into all the dress options out there, so I’ll give you the low-down on each to make it that much easier for you.Mini DressRachpoot/Bauer-Griffin//Getty ImagesSimply said: a minidress is a lil number you throw on when it is time to turn heads. The hemline of these dresses typically hits somewhere from the upper to mid thigh. And I always say, “the shorter, the better!”305pics//Getty ImagesOne of the chicest dresses to wear in my opinion, the midi dress, AKA the mid-length dress is much longer than a mini but shorter than a maxi; its hemline falls between the knee and ankle.Maxi DressHanna Lassen//Getty ImagesA maxi dress is a piece with a hemline that hits the ground. They can be dressed up or down but I especially love wearing them with a fun heel. Even though you can’t always seem them, knowing they’re there, making the moment even fancier, is what is most fun.Halter DressEdward Berthelot//Getty ImagesIf one of your fave features is your back, you probably love this style. The halter silhouette has straps that go around the neck and leave your arms, shoulders, and back exposed to live their best lives.Cocktail DressEdward Berthelot//Getty ImagesA cocktail dress can be any hemline from a mini to midi length. It's typically more polished and elevated, so it can fit in at a swanky event. The cocktail attire dress code can be a little complicated, but it tends to be a happy medium between semi-formal (or slightly more formal than office attire) and formal (gowns).Wrap DressEdward Berthelot//Getty ImagesWrap dresses normally have a v-neck and a front closure that wraps around the waist, accentuating it above all other bodily features. It is one of my favorite dresses for professional wear and tends to be comfortable all day long.Blazer Dress Valentina Frugiuele//Getty ImagesBasically, this type of dress is a sophisticated suit jacket that's long enough to wear without pants.Square-Neck DressChristian Vierig//Getty ImagesInto cute, not-so-typical necklines? You'll love the square-neck dress—a dress with a square-ish neckline.Strapless DressJeremy Moeller//Getty ImagesA strapless dress is...you guessed it—a dress with no straps! So ideal for a night out.Off-the-Shoulder DressValentina Frugiuele//Getty ImagesAs the name suggests, the off-the-shoulder dress's sleeves start just below the shoulder for a retro look.Shirt DressEdward Berthelot//Getty ImagesForget the pants—a shirt dress is the only thing you need for those days you can't be bothered. It looks like a typical button-down shirt, but with a few extra inches so that you can wear it as a dress. It usually has a collar, buttons in the front, and/or cuffed sleeves so you can still look a bit professional.Sweater DressHanna Lassen//Getty ImagesWhen you’re ready to start channeling those cozy fall vibes at the end of summer, then a sweater dress is perfect. Whether you go the sleeveless route or for something more traditional, these dresses are always a whole vibe.Bubble DressEdward Berthelot//Getty ImagesWanna pop out? The bubble dress has a hem that balloons outward, making that bubble effect.Add Cosmopolitan as a preferred source in your Google search results.Use your Google account to add this to your settings.SundressRaimonda Kulikauskiene//Getty ImagesSundresses are generally made for those warmer weather days—this lightweight attire is usually tighter in the bodice and flows out at the waist and made of cotton or linen for breathability during the summer months (or hot-year-round cities).Trumpet-Sleeve Dress Valentina Frugiuele//Getty ImagesTrumpet, bell, or flutter—these names can be used somewhat interchangeably. Dresses with this design have statement sleeves that legit look like the bottom of a trumpet or an old-school bell. Some are more exaggerated than others so if you're into drama, you'll love them!Sweetheart DressDave Benett//Getty ImagesThis type of dress used to have a chokehold on me and they’re all about the neckline, which follows the curve of the bust, loosely resembling the top of a heart. Romantics, this one’s for you.Shift DressChristian Vierig//Getty ImagesShift dresses are perfect for those days when you don't want to feel confined or constricted. It’s silhouette follows the line of the dress’s shoulder, which allows for a really roomy fit.Structured DressJeremy Moeller//Getty ImagesA structured dress is the complete opposite of a flowing dress. The style is typically composed of stronger fabric to keep its shape and sometimes has some boning.One-Shoulder DressClaudio Lavenia//Getty ImagesThis one’s pretty self explanatory. Like the comfort of sleeves but don't necessarily wanna go sleeveless? A one-shoulder dress is the answer for ya.Bodycon Dress305pics//Getty ImagesA bodycon dress hugs all your curves. And that's it!Sheer DressEdward Berthelot//Getty ImagesSheer is one of the hottest trends that all our favorite celebrities and fashion people have been wearing. You can tap into this bold trend as well, pairing it with undergarments like the look above.High-Low DressEdward Berthelot//Getty ImagesThis one's easy! A high-low dress is a garment that comes up high in the front (typically above the knees) and lower in the back.Slip DressEdward Berthelot//Getty ImagesBasically, these are sultry nightgowns designed to be worn outside. TBH, you can actually style your nightie and no one would know. They look real good with leather jackets!Evening GownHanna Lassen//Getty ImagesEvening dresses are typically glamorous floor-grazing gowns that look good with heels because of their long hemlines and more formal vibe.Corset DressesJeremy Moeller//Getty ImagesThis stylish garment has a fitted, boned bodice attached to a skirt. It cinches the waist and shapes the torso to create a classic hourglass silhouette. It’s perfect for day-to-night situation.Drop-Waist DressesEdward Berthelot//Getty ImagesThe waistline of a drop-waist dress falls low around the hips instead of at the natural waist. This design lengthens the look of the torso before the skirt flares or flows outward. It’s become one of my favorite styles in the last year.Kaftan DressesStreetstyleshooters//Getty ImagesA kaftan dress is a long, loose-fitting garment with wide sleeves, traditionally worn in the Middle East and North Africa. It is made from light, airy fabrics like cotton or silk to offer an effortless blend of comfort and elegance. It’s a perfect summer or beachy vacation style to have. Aiyana Ishmael is the style editor at Cosmopolitan magazine. In her work, Aiyana focuses on the culture of fashion and how it intertwines and shapes the zeitgeist. She is an award-winning journalist from Miami, Florida, and a graduate of the historically Black university, Florida A&M. She is a 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30: Media honoree, and her debut romance novella PASSING GAME is set to release March of 2027 (831 Stories/Simon & Schuster).