Casual, fashionable, prom, chic, summer, modest, small, wedding... It's all about the dress! The list of definitions provided is far from complete and indicates: There is a version of this item of clothing for every occasion.
What is a dress?
The modern meaning of this concept was formed not so long ago, and the phrase “ready-made dress store” has not yet acquired the status of obsolete.
Meaning of the word
Dictionaries give us two explanations of the term:
- clothes for ladies;
- clothes in general.
In the first case, the integrity of the thing is emphasized, not divided into parts (a skirt and a jacket). In the second, everything that is worn over the underwear is called a dress, and these can be parts of different sets, men's and women's.
Both interpretations basically imply the ancient word “plate” - a large piece of fabric into which they were simply draped without knowing how to cut.
Curious! The interpretation of the dictionaries looks somewhat outdated: firstly, a minimum of underwear is worn under a modern outfit (sometimes they do without it!); secondly, the description of this item of clothing also includes closed shoulders, while other evening options provide only thin straps. Or they can do without them!
Historical reference
The invention of a primitive cut did not mean the appearance of a dress. In the ancient world, its functions were taken over by tunics and shirts, the styles of which were common to men and women. The only difference was in the length and finishing methods.
Ancient Egyptian women sporting kalaziris - long straight shirts with straps. The Greco-Roman world wore tunics and chitons draped with buckles around the body.
The situation changed in the Middle Ages: with widespread Christianization, a tradition arose to separate men and women, which was reflected in clothing. But until the thirteenth century, clothing consisted, in fact, of two long shirts: silk or linen without decoration - at the bottom, embroidered - at the top.
Starting from the fourteenth century, they learned to cut, dividing the dress up and down, which was improved in every possible way during the subsequent Renaissance and Modern times: tight bodices and huge crinolines, flounces and frills, corsets and hoops...
The 20th century simplified all the difficulties: although the styles of dresses changed (the waist either soared up to the armpits, then went down to the hips, feminine curves were either emphasized or hidden, the hemlines either modestly dropped to the floor, or rose boldly above the knees), in general their models were significantly simplified. The 21st century also benefits from all the achievements of fashion designers of the last century.
Curious! A real revolution in fashion was made by the inventor of the little black dress: Coco Chanel allowed clothes to not only emphasize dignity, but also be practical.
What types of dresses are there?
They can be divided according to season and cut principle, purpose and age. The following varieties are distinguished:
evening: mandatory for celebrations and holidays, usually has a floor length;- cocktail: differs from evening cocktail in length (on average - to the knees, variations are allowed), lack of sleeves and collar;
- small black: being free from unnecessary decorating details, it can be a variety of evening or everyday wear;
- wedding: bride's dress, currently multi-variant in length and cut;
- mini: everything above the knees, with or without sleeves and collar;
- midi: medium length, knees closed;
- daytime: modest style and color, suitable for the office;
- coat dress: a dress made of dense material, borrowing a number of elements of streetwear (lapels, belts, large pockets), but does not imply the ability to take it off in a public place. In 1915, women's magazines announced the appearance of a new style resembling a coat. A recommendation was also given to wear such a thing over an undershirt;
- ethnic: possibly as an element of a national costume or ethnic style;
- carnival;
- children's: worn by young ladies up to thirteen years old.
evening: mandatory for celebrations and holidays, usually has a floor length;All this variety can be hand-sewn and purchased in a store, ordered from an atelier and knitted, branded and created according to the principle of “your own couturier”.
Dress styles
According to the features of the silhouette, they are divided into:
Straight ones are otherwise called a sheath dress and are a classic, suitable for both everyday life and holidays.A special feature is the absence of seams at the waist, a zipper at the back, which often looks like an additional accessory. The neckline is often round, but square is also allowed. Any length is possible. This style will suit any figure: a slim figure will look beautiful in it on its own, a massive one will be helped by a thin, non-tight belt at waist level.- Gaudet presents a combination of contraction and expansion: the figure is tight to the knees, then sharply expands. All godet options feature a fitted top with straps or sleeves, open shoulders and asymmetrical necklines. The back may be open. Godets are not suitable for an everyday look!
- Silhouette-A involves a combination of a narrow top and a hem that widens downwards. The figure becomes more feminine in such a dress. The waist can be high, there are no restrictions on length.
- The trapezoidal dress differs from the A-silhouette in the absence of a pronounced waist. Fashionistas of all ages love it for its convenience and ease.
- The Greek dress involves a combination of a long, loose silhouette, a high waist, and bare shoulders. Airy fabrics and cut features suggest evening or summer versions of such clothing.
- Empire style is akin to Greek, but the waist is very high - under the chest. Length may vary.
Straight ones are otherwise called a sheath dress and are a classic, suitable for both everyday life and holidays.A special feature is the absence of seams at the waist, a zipper at the back, which often looks like an additional accessory. The neckline is often round, but square is also allowed. Any length is possible. This style will suit any figure: a slim figure will look beautiful in it on its own, a massive one will be helped by a thin, non-tight belt at waist level.
According to the cut of the skirt, the following styles are distinguished:
baby dollar: short skirt, loose fit, often high waist, short sleeves or no sleeves;- balloon: voluminous, as if inflated, bottom (perfectly hides both excess thinness and an overly curvy lower figure);
- tutu: tight bodice and layered skirt (requires slender legs!);
- flared: expanding from the waist, such a dress will help hide too voluminous hips and emphasize beautiful breasts;
- culotte: the lower part is sewn in the form of a culotte skirt (short skirt).
baby dollar: short skirt, loose fit, often high waist, short sleeves or no sleeves;The abundance of models of modern dresses leaves no opportunity for anyone to refuse them. There is only one problem - choice.
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