Ladies clothes - a guide please

Totally get what you mean, it really is a minefield when it comes to describing women’s clothing properly. I found myself in a similar situation a while back when trying to help my sister shop online. Every time I thought I understood what a smock dress was, along came a tunic or wrap dress to throw me off again.

What helped me most was browsing through sites that not only sell the clothes but also give a clear sense of how they’re styled and categorised. A good example is Rooh London, they have a lovely collection that showcases styles like block print dresses, midis, maxis, kaftans, and more, all with clear visuals and descriptions. I found their website: https://www.roohlondon.co.uk/collections/blockprintdresses really useful for getting my head around what’s what.

Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, just skimming through their sections gives you a much better understanding of the differences between cuts and styles. And once you spot the same terms used consistently across a few good sites, it starts to click.

So you’re not alone and at least you’re trying to get it right, which already puts you ahead of most. Good luck with your research, and may the glossary of women’s fashion eventually make sense!

Absolutely feel your pain, David women’s clothing terminology can feel like learning a whole new language, especially when you're trying to get it right and not just guess! Tops alone can range from camisoles and tunics to blouses and bodysuits and don’t get me started on all the different types of dresses and skirts.

If you’re after a clear, visual guide, I’d suggest starting with a well-organised fashion retail site. One I found really useful is this website: https://www.roohlondon.co.uk/, they break down categories like tops, suits, dresses, and skirts in a clean, easy-to-navigate layout. You get the names, styles, and even styling suggestions, which helps put things into context. It’s great for building a basic mental map of what's what.

Also, don’t underestimate Pinterest or fashion glossaries (there are a few out there), they’re handy when you just want a quick look at, say, the difference between a midi dress and a tea dress.

Kudos for even asking the question, most just bluff their way through it. You're already ahead of the curve!

I totally understand where you're coming from. It can definitely be overwhelming to try and distinguish between all the different types of women's clothing. The good news is that there are plenty of resources available to help you get a better grasp on this.

One great way to familiarize yourself with the various styles of tops, skirts, dresses, suits, and more is to explore online stores that offer detailed descriptions and categories for their items. This can give you a clear idea of what each type of clothing looks like and how it differs from others.

For example, I highly recommend checking out the Boxhill https://www.boxhill.co.nz/collections/home-lee They have a fantastic selection of women's clothing, and their site is very well organized. You'll find that they categorize their clothing into easy-to-understand sections, which makes it simple to learn the differences between various styles. Their Home-Lee collection is particularly well-structured, with everything clearly divided into categories and subcategories. This can serve as an excellent guide for you as you navigate the world of women's fashion.

By spending some time browsing through these categories and reading the descriptions, you'll start to get a better understanding of what makes each piece unique. Plus, you'll be able to shop for great quality items while you're at it!