Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres depicts the Comtesse d'Haussonville, wearing a dress
A dress (also known as a Frock or a gown) is a garment consisting of a skirt with an attached bodice (or a matching bodice giving the effect of a one-piece garment). In Western culture, dresses are usually Considered to be items of women's and girls' apparel.The hemline of dresses can be as high as the upper thigh or as low as the ground, depending on the whims of fashion and the modesty or personal taste of the wearer.
History
19th century
Dresses Increased Dramatically to the hoopskirt and crinoline-supported styles of the 1860s; then fullness was draped and drawn to the back. Dresses had a "day" bodice with a high neckline and long sleeves, and an "evening" bodice with a low neckline (decollete) and very short sleeves.
Throughout this period, the length of fashionable dresses varied only slightly, between ankle-length and floor-sweeping.
See also History of Western fashion: 1795-1820, 1820s, 1830s, 1840s, 1850s, 1860s, 1870s, 1880s, 1890s
Victorian fashion, Artistic Dress movement, Victorian dress reform.
A typical pre-prom gathering, with girls in dresses, and boys in tuxedos
UsageIn Europe and America, dresses are worn by Females of all ages as an alternative to a separate skirt and blouse or trousers.
Dresses however can be cooler and less confining than many trouser styles, and They are very popular for special Occasions Such as PROMs or weddings.
See also
- Abaya, a long-sleeved robe-like dress worn by some Muslim women
- Aodai
- Blouse
- Bustle
- Clothing
- Clothing terminology
- Crinoline
- Gown
- Shirtdress
- Skirt
- Qipao
- Sarong
- Tunic
- Women wearing pants
