A-Line Dresses for Women

The A-line is the most universally flattering silhouette in dressmaking, and there's a mechanical reason for it. The skirt flares... Read More

The A-line is the most universally flattering silhouette in dressmaking, and there's a mechanical reason for it. The skirt flares from the narrowest point of the waist and moves outward without touching the hip or thigh. That means it defines the waist while skimming everything below it — which is why it works on pear, apple, rectangle and hourglass shapes alike, and why it's the shape most often recommended when someone doesn't know what suits them.

The Square-Neck Poplin Fit & Flare Maxi is the clearest example here — a true A-line in structured 100% cotton poplin, with a square neckline and adjustable pintuck straps, in yellow, black and pink. It's the most-reviewed dress in this collection. The Blossom Cotton Dress and Belle Pink Maxi carry the same shape in print, and the Eva Ombre Silk Maxi is reduced to $228 from $428. Pieces run $118 to $378.

A-line, fit-and-flare, or wrap — which is which? A-line flares in a straight line from the waist to the hem, forming the letter A. Fit-and-flare is closely related but usually has a more defined, fitted bodice and a fuller skirt. A wrap dress ties at the waist and creates its shape from the closure rather than the cut. All three flatter, but A-line is the most forgiving through the hip, and the easiest to sit down in for three hours at a wedding.

For a wedding. An A-line midi or maxi is among the safest wedding guest choices available — formal enough for a ceremony, comfortable through a reception, and structured enough to photograph well. Avoid white and ivory, and check the wedding party's colours. Cotton poplin holds its shape in summer heat; velvet and heavier viscose suit autumn and winter.

Each style is made in a limited run of 10 to 20 pieces by Project Runway Season 13 designer Sandhya Garg — small-batch production rather than volume manufacturing, in exclusive prints drawn in-house. Read about how these garments are made.

Shop by length in maxi, midi and mini dresses, or by related silhouette in wrap, swing, sheath and shirt dresses. By occasion: wedding guest, cocktail, garden wedding, mother of the bride and plus size occasion dresses. Also see floral and linen dresses.

Read more: every wedding dress code explained, maxi dresses for wedding guests, and how to care for cotton and embroidered pieces.

Any style can be made to your measurements for $50–$100 above retail. Check the size chart before ordering. Free US shipping on orders over $250. Afterpay available. Ships from Scottsdale, AZ within 1–3 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an A-line dress?
An A-line dress has a fitted bodice that flares outward from the waist in a straight line to the hem, forming the shape of the letter A. The skirt skims the hip and thigh without gripping. It's one of the oldest and most reliable silhouettes in dressmaking, and comes in mini, midi and maxi lengths.

What body shape does an A-line dress suit?
Nearly all of them, which is what makes it unusual. Because the skirt flares from the narrowest point of the waist rather than following the hip, it defines the waist while skimming everything below. Pear shapes gain balance, apple shapes gain waist definition, rectangles gain curve, and hourglass shapes keep their proportions. It's the safest choice when you're unsure what suits you.

What is the difference between A-line and fit-and-flare?
They're closely related. A-line flares in a continuous straight line from the waist, creating a clean triangular shape. Fit-and-flare usually has a more closely fitted bodice and a fuller, sometimes gathered skirt, giving a more defined waist and more volume. Fit-and-flare tends to read dressier; A-line is more versatile across occasions.

Is an A-line dress good for a wedding guest?
Yes — it's one of the most reliable wedding guest silhouettes. It's formal enough for a ceremony, comfortable through a long reception, structured enough to photograph well, and easy to sit in. A midi or maxi length in a rich fabric or print works for nearly any wedding dress code short of black tie, where floor-length is preferable.

What is the difference between an A-line and a wrap dress?
An A-line gets its shape from the cut — a fitted bodice flaring to the hem. A wrap dress gets its shape from the closure, with one panel crossing over the other and tying at the waist. Wraps are adjustable to your exact measurements; A-lines are more forgiving through the hip and have no risk of gaping. Both are flattering, for different reasons.