| In the early 1900s, women were fighting for the right | | | | length and across the breadth of the skirt. While |
| to vote. Forced into bustles, corsets and long heavy | | | | these are the different types of skirts that dresses |
| dresses, women were stifled by propriety while being | | | | have, another factor in dress is the bodice and |
| denied the opportunity to vote. As women's suffrage | | | | sleeve styles; bustier, empire waist, cap sleeves, |
| began to permeate society, hemlines began to raise | | | | spaghetti strap and long sleeves are just a few of |
| as women became more independent. The start of | | | | the styles. |
| the hemline climb began in 1915 and continued until | | | | A bustier bodice has boning which holds in the tummy |
| the 1960s when the mini skirt culminated the skirt | | | | and ribs and pushes up under the bust line. An empire |
| hem to just below the pantie line. The long dress, at | | | | cut is when the waistline begins just under the bust |
| that time, was mostly reserved for formal occasions. | | | | and then falls the length of the dress, usually straight |
| Recently a trend has begun in long dresses for all | | | | to the hem, but occasionally there is a flare. Capped |
| occasions. Choosing a long dress no longer means a | | | | sleeves are similar to short sleeves, but end just |
| formal affair is upcoming, in fact, more often than | | | | over the shoulder instead of mid arm. |
| not, short dresses are being worn to formal affairs. | | | | Fabric is the most important factor in making a long |
| There are many types of formal and casual long | | | | dress casual or formal. Formal dresses are usually |
| dresses available in hundreds of skirt styles. A few | | | | made of silk, taffeta, chiffon and blends of these |
| important skirt styles are the A-line, ballgown, pencil, | | | | materials. Casual long dresses are made with cotton, |
| circle and pleated. | | | | rayon, and polyester. |
| An A-line dress has a skirt which is gathered at the | | | | Long dresses are particularly beautiful when worn |
| waist and begins to flare as it moves towards the | | | | with heels rather than flats. For a more formal classic |
| hem. A ball gown is a full length skirt with a full skirt. | | | | style, a woman might choose a stiletto, however for |
| Pencil skirts hang straight along the body and taper in | | | | more comfort with the same style, a platform heel |
| towards the hem. Usually pencil skirts have a slit up | | | | may provide better options. Platform heels come in |
| the back or side to allow for ease of movement. | | | | many different varieties including unusual or classic |
| The circle skirt is gathered at the wist and like an | | | | styles and will look beautiful with casual or formal long |
| A-line, flares as it goes towards the hemline. | | | | dresses. |
| Pleated skirts have several folds of fabric down the | | | | |