Women's Mini Dresses Styling Guide

Bodycon Mini Dress

The most figure-hugging fit, bodycon dresses are designed to accentuate curves. A variation resembling many strips of cloth sewn together is called the bandage bodycon dress.

Wrap Mini Dress

One side of the dress wraps around the other, with button closures or a tie-waist that accentuate the figure.

Slip or Shift Mini Dress

Slips resemble the traditional underdress garment. They are made of light soft materials – like satin or silk – and have spaghetti straps, and occasionally lace detailing. A shift dress tends to be boxier in shape than a slip dress.

Skater Mini Dress

Cut with a fitted bodice, defined waist, and flared skirt.

Babydoll Mini Dress

Babydoll dresses are based on nightwear that was designed to be shorter due to fabric shortages caused by war. They often have an empire waistline or no defined waistline at all. The skirt flares out, and this can be more or less exaggerated.

Shirt Mini Dress

Defined as a button-down in dress-length, normally with a collar, shirt dresses are a great modern style choice. Many lack a defined waistline making them comfortable, yet can be worn for both formal and casual occasions.

Tent Mini Dress

A loose-fitting style that goes over the shoulders and flares dramatically. The extra wide hemline gives an airy feel.

Smock Mini Dress

Similar to a tent dress – an airy dress defined by a gathered full skirt, normally gathered from the waistline, but sometimes gathered in tiers or above-the-bust. Loved for their comfortable casual wear.

Sweater Mini Dress

These dresses are cold-weather wardrobe heroes. Simply knitted or jersey sweaters with added length to above the knee. Very easy to create simple statements with boots and jewellery.

T-Shirt Mini Dress

Essentially a T-Shirt with added length to cover the butt. A casual go-to for simplicity and comfort.

Round Neck Mini Dresses

A classic and simple rounded neck. Normally they are cut low enough to show some skin from the base of the neck. There are also crew necks that are cut higher, fitting closer to the neck, and scoop necks, which are a lower cut version that allow you to highlight any jewellery.

Benefits

• Universally flattering and versatile.
• Enhances bust and highlights collarbones.

V-Neck Neck Mini Dresses

A v-shaped neckline, normally cutting to the bust – can be

Benefits

• Draws eyes upwards to the face while elongating the neck and body.
• Can show off cleavage – a benefit depending on how much coverage you prefer.

Sweetheart Neck Neck Mini Dresses

Named for resembling the top of a heart and the romantic, sweet element they add to dresses.

Benefits

• Enhances curves, bust and collarbones with an open neckline.
• Sometimes contains structured cups that can provide support and uplift.

Straight Cut Mini Dresses

When a neckline is cut straight and strapless we refer to them as bandeau, and if sleeves rise up and over the shoulders it is known as a square neck cut.

Benefits

• Straight lines contrast curves, while sleeveless styles spotlight shoulders and arms.
• Provides more coverage for cleavage than other open styles.

Halter Neck Mini Dresses

The fabric of a halter simply rises up over the bust and meets at the nape of the neck, or has straps that rise up and tie at the back of the neck. Some halters are a combination of neckline styles like v-neck or straight cut.

Benefits

• Creates a balancing effect between your shoulders.
• Accentuates arms while breaking up broad shoulders.

High Neck Mini Dresses

High neck styles come up to or over the neck. Turtlenecks come up a couple of inches before the chin, and the collars of rollnecks fold over to give the same effect. There is also the mock neck, which gives a less constrictive feel.

Benefits

• Offer the perfect canvas for layering garments and jewellery.
• High-neck mini dresses draw focus to the legs while covering the chest.

Natural Waistline Mini Dress

When a dress is constructed with a natural waistline that means it sits on the narrowest part of your body between your ribs and hips.

Cinched Waist Mini Dress

Cinched waistlines taper through the waist, hugging the slimmest section of the figure to accentuate the figure.

Empire Waist Mini Dress

When the waistline starts at the highest section of your ribcage, under the bust. Popularized by Queen Victoria when the British Empire was most powerful.

No Waistline Mini Dress

Mini dresses without a defined waistline are usually a very comfortable option and can be dressed up or down depending on the style. They are also perfect for drawing attention away from the midsection.