When it comes to dressing up, there are many words and jargon which you may be using. These terms often need clarification or use in place of each other. A common problem is a gown or dress – these terms are often used interchangeably. But it is important to note that there is a subtle difference between a dress and a gown.
We all know that the world of fashion is vast and glamorous, but at the same time, it is confusing too. The difference is generally unnoticeable for a layman, but that does not change the fact. But if you clearly understand the difference between a dress and a gown – it will be easier for you to shop the next time.
So now, when you go shopping, understand the two garment options. Especially when the wedding season is around the corner. You would want to avoid showing up to a black-tie affair in a cocktail dress. In addition, you do not want to arrive at a graduation in a gown – where the attire has been specified.
What is a Gown?
Does it seem like some English riddle? All gowns are dresses, but not all dresses are gowns. Yes, gowns are more formal attire. They are worn for formal events, such as ball parties, charity dinner parties, or wedding gowns. Gowns are usually full-length, with or without flare.
Gowns are primarily cloth garments consisting of a bodice and a full-length skirt. There are various types of gowns available these days. They are classified based on occasions, events, seasons, and cuts.
The top in the gown can have various styles and cuts with different necklines and sleeves. Some of the most popular gown cuts are often back-cut and cut-out corset top gowns.
The Short Answer
When it comes to dressing up, many terms should be used more. These include but are not limited to dress and gown. Although you may be using these terms interchangeably, there are some subtle differences between them.
There is a straightforward way to decide which is what. There is mostly a distinction in semantics and personal preference between a dress and a gown.
A gown is a more formal garment, such as one worn at a ball, a wedding, or other formal occasions. They are outer garments that can be from knee-length to full-length. They are known as a gown from medieval Latin gunna. An article of clothing, often known as a gown, is generally a full-length garment consisting of a bodice and a skirt attached to it.
A History of Gowns
Gowns have been in the dictionary of women’s fashion from time immemorial. In the past, gowns were the icon of the nobility, and they proclaimed the women’s wearer’s family status, wealth, and social standing.
Slowly, it became an aspiration for women to wear the best gowns. Each wanted to dress better than the others. Elaborately decorated gowns were made of the most costly fabric with beautiful embellishments and embroidery for some special occasions.
For a long time, the gowns noticed in European courts often featured voluminous skirts with layers of petticoats and hoops inside to keep the shape intact. The gowns also had long trains, tight bodices, high and low necklines, and elaborate sleeves. They were made of expensive fabrics like silk brocade and similar fabrics.
In the 18th century, gowns had a high-waisted style often called the Empire line, which had gathered skirts with very low necklines and short sleeves. After the French revolution in 1780, fashion changed altogether. Gowns were made in simple silhouettes and were more towards the natural shape of the female figure.
During the 19th century, the old favorites of having full skirts were visible. By the 1890s gowns with very long trains started to gain popularity. But by 1900 the full skirts and tight bodices came back in fashion. With further changes by the 1940s, the classic voluminous skirts with tight waists came back in gowns.
The 1980s gowns showed lots of ruffles, pleats, and puffed sleeves. Today you can wear anything in the name of a gown so long as it enhances the wearer’s beauty.
Types of Gowns
Evening gown
Evening gowns are one of the most elegant and flattering dress forms famous among young people. Women prefer evening gowns for almost all occasions. You can wear them to evening parties, cocktail parties, ball dances, and weddings.
Formal evening gowns are long dresses you can wear on formal or special occasions. They are usually made of expensive fabrics, having beautiful embellishments. Their unique design will make you stand out among the crowd.
Ball gown
Ball gowns are specifically designed for ball-style dance parties. They are full-length and usually have a lot of tulle and flair.
As you know, a ball gown is the most common silhouette in gowns. It has a fitted bodice, tight waist, and a full, floor-length skirt, with or without a train.
Wedding gown
Wedding gowns are the most beautiful and precious of the ones you might access. To wear a wedding gown, you do not necessarily need to be a bride.
Yes, even bridesmaids can wear a wedding gown if the bride and groom choose that particular style for the wedding. Wedding gowns designed for brides tend to have a long train. Wedding gowns are usually paired with a veil.
Things To Know About A Gown Dress
1. Right Gown For The Right Occasion
Gowns can be ankle length, touching the feet, or with endless trails. Gowns are versatile, and you can pick various options – all depending on what the occasion is.
You can wear a gown for your wedding, a friend’s wedding, the red carpet, gala events, ceremonies, cocktails, formal dinners, and even engagement parties. Depending on the occasion, you should decide how heavy they look and what kind of gown you need.
2. Choose The Right Color For Your Gown
Note that deep tones like royal blue, mahogany, and rich greens have always looked good on gowns. But at the same time you can choose vintage and more subtle tones that look beautiful.
You should choose a color depending on the occasion and majorly your skin tone. For example, bright shades must be avoided by dark skinned people.
It is true that the fabric of the gown largely determines its structure and finish, but the color transforms the outfit’s mood. Different colors look better during other times of the day and pair better with different skin tones.
Therefore, you should select a color for your gown that looks flattering on you and, at the same time, is appropriate for the occasion. Here are some factors that you must consider to choose the perfect color for your gown
Wedding reception gowns and engagement gowns often allow you to experiment with different shades like jewel tones and festive colors. On such occasions, you can opt for shades of blue, pink, or green depending upon the time of day and season.
3. Pay Close Attention to The Right Fit
You would agree that every person has a unique body structure, and knowing what part of your body to enhance is the key. If you have a problematic stomach area, then you should choose gowns flowing down from the waist.
You can enhance the shoulder with embellishments or shoulder pads if you have small shoulders. If you are pear-shaped and have a problematic bottom, then avoid something which is too fitting. In contrast, you should avoid deep necks if you have large bosoms.
Difference Between a Dress and a Gown
The main difference between a gown and a dress is semantics and personal preference. The word gown is often used for more formal garments, like those worn for weddings, parties, proms, or balls.
In contrast, a dress can be any one-piece garment, often with a skirt of any length. A dress can be either formal or informal. Gowns are a particular type of dress. In earlier English examples, especially from the 16th century onward, the word dress referred to the clothing of both men and women. However, it may be modified by terms like evening, traveling, riding, and more.
When the gown is used strictly, it refers to more fancy and frivolous wear, having a tight-fitting bodice and a full floor-length skirt. You may also find certain close-fitting styles, like the form-fitting types often worn by actresses to award ceremonies. They are still often considered to be gowns. For attending the Oscars, for example, men and women require formal evening wear.
What is A Frock?
Another related term is frock. It is a less formal dress but may also be an evening or formal gown. The word frock is more prevalent in the UK, referring to any one-piece garment with a skirt.
Conclusion
The key to fashion is always using the proper wording. Now that you know the difference between different terms, it will be easier to look for garments. You can be specific and choose the right one depending on the occasion or the season. Also, remember to add adjectives while looking for the right outfit. Remember that the adjectives for the type of outfit you are searching for will help make your search easier.
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