Fashion Glossary: Dresses and Jackets

A sheath dress is a slim, straight-cut dress, a kimono is a loose, open jacket and a poncho is a cover-up with an opening for the head. This fashion glossary explains 14 terms for dresses and jackets in two to three sentences each.

When you browse, you come across words like wrap dress, bolero or kaftan that not everyone can place right away. For each term you will find what is behind it and what you can combine it with. For some terms there are examples from the shop, so not every term is linked.

Dress terms: sheath dress, wrap dress and shirt dress

Sheath dress. A slim, straight-cut dress that usually reaches the knee. In German it is called “Etuikleid”, from the French “étui” for case. The dress has a calm, clear line. A blazer, simple pumps and a small bag go with it.

Wrap dress. The front overlaps and is tied or fastened at the side or at the waist. The V at the neckline comes from the wrap. A short jacket goes with it, because the waist is already emphasized. A dress with a wrap look and a tie belt is the muslin dress in black.

Shirt dress. A dress with a shirt collar and a full button placket, like a shirt. It usually comes with a belt. You can wear it open over jeans or buttoned up with ankle boots.

Maxi dress and off-shoulder dress: length and neckline

Maxi dress. A dress that reaches the ankles or the floor. There are styles with straps, with sleeves and with a tiered skirt. Flat sandals, sneakers or ankle boots and a short jacket over it are enough to finish the look. You will find more in the guide Jacket with a dress.

Off-shoulder dress. The neckline sits below the shoulders, so they stay bare. The dress hardly needs jewelry, at most small earrings. A cardigan or a blouson jacket goes over it. One example is the off-shoulder muslin dress in taupe.

Kimono, poncho, bolero and kaftan: what is the difference?

All four are cover-ups and little jackets, but they look very different.

Kimono. The model is the traditional Japanese garment. In fashion it is usually a loose, light jacket that is open at the front, with wide sleeves. The kimono goes over a simple top with pants or over a slim dress.
Poncho. A sleeveless cover-up with an opening for the head. It comes from South America. A fitted sweater with slim pants goes underneath, so the poncho keeps the main role.
Bolero. A short jacket that ends above the waist and stays open at the front. The bolero replaces a longer jacket and keeps dresses and skirts visible. With a simple dress the look stays clear and neat.
Kaftan. A long, loose-cut garment with roots in West Asia and North Africa. In fashion it is a loose-fitting dress or top layer. A belt at the waist gives it shape.

Jacket terms: blouson, trench coat, parka, cape and blazer

Blouson. A jacket with a band, elastic or knit cuff at the hem. The fabric above it puffs out slightly. The blouson is sporty and goes with a dress, skirt or pants. How to style it is in the guide How to style a blouson jacket for women, and you will find a selection in the blouson jackets.

Trench coat. A coat with a belt, lapel collar and usually shoulder straps. The name comes from the English “trench” for a dug-in ditch; the cut is said to derive from military coats. It goes over a dress, pants and skirt. You will find outfits in the guide How to style a trench coat and styles in the trench coats.

Parka. A longer jacket with a hood, usually lined. The parka is practical for cold days and goes with jeans, a knit dress and boots.

Cape. A sleeveless cloak, often with slits for the arms. A cape sits loosely over the shoulders. A slim turtleneck sweater and straight pants go underneath.

Blazer. A jacket with lapels and a button placket, based on the suit jacket. The blazer comes fitted, straight and oversized. A blazer over the sheath dress or over jeans and a top is the classic way to a neat look.

How do I style dresses and jackets?

Three simple rules help with almost every term in this glossary:

Match the length. A long dress goes with a short jacket such as a bolero or blouson. A short dress goes with a longer trench coat or kimono.
One main role. If the dress has a pattern, the jacket stays plain. If the jacket has a lot of shape, like a poncho or cape, the dress stays simple.
Think of the season. Kimono, bolero and blouson suit the in-between seasons, parka and trench coat with a sweater underneath suit cooler days. For winter, the guide How to style a dress in winter helps.

You will find more terms in the glossaries for tops and knitwear and for pants and skirts: Fashion glossary: tops and knitwear and Fashion glossary: pants and skirts.

Matching items in the shop: dresses and jumpsuits and jackets and coats.

Frequently asked questions

What is a sheath dress?

A sheath dress is a slim, straight-cut dress that usually reaches the knee. It has a clear line and is often worn with a blazer.

What is the difference between a kimono and a kaftan?

A kimono is a jacket that is open at the front with wide sleeves, a kaftan is a long, loose garment. The kimono is worn over other clothes, the kaftan is a dress or top layer on its own.