Dress vs. Sundress — What's the Difference?

A garment for women or girls that is typically one-piece and extends down over the legs.

A lightweight dress designed for warm weather, often sleeveless.

Dresses can be accessorized in numerous ways.

Typically made of breathable fabrics like cotton.

Can be designed for various occasions, from casual to formal.

Sundresses are paired with summer accessories like hats and sandals.

Dresses vary in sleeve length and style.

Sundresses feature casual designs, ideal for summer outings.

Made from diverse fabrics to suit different seasons.

Often adorned with bright colors or floral patterns.

A dress (also known as a frock or a gown) is a garment traditionally worn by women or girls consisting of a skirt with an attached bodice (or a matching bodice giving the effect of a one-piece garment). It consists of a top piece that covers the torso and hangs down over the legs.

A sundress, or summer dress is an informal or casual dress intended to be worn in warm weather, typically in a lightweight fabric, most commonly cotton, and usually loose-fitting. It is commonly a bodice style, sleeveless dress, typically with a wide neckline and thin shoulder straps, and may be backless.

Put on one's clothes

A light summer dress with a bodice that exposes the arms and shoulders.

Decorate (something) in an artistic or attractive way

A typically sleeveless dress, usually a minidress, made of light, loose-fitting material for spring and summer wear.

Treat or prepare (something) in a certain way.

Draw up (troops) in the proper alignment.

(of a man) have the genitals habitually on one or the other side of the fork of the trousers

Make (an artificial fly) for use in fishing

A one-piece garment for a woman or girl that covers the body and extends down over the legs

Clothing of a specified kind for men or women

To put clothes on; clothe.

To furnish with clothing.

To decorate or adorn

To garnish

To arrange a display in

To arrange (troops) in ranks; align.

To apply medication, bandages, or other therapeutic materials to (a wound).

To arrange and groom (the hair), as by styling, combing, or washing.

To groom (an animal); curry.

To fertilize (land or plants).

(Archaic) To cultivate (land or plants).

To clean (fish or fowl) for cooking or sale.

To put a finish on (stone or wood, for example).

To tan or prepare (a hide) in leather-making.

To put on clothes.

To wear clothes of a certain kind or style

To wear formal clothes

To get into proper alignment with others

Clothing; apparel.

A style of clothing

A one-piece outer garment consisting of a skirt and bodice.

Outer covering or appearance; guise

Suitable for formal occasions

Requiring formal clothes

(transitive)

To put clothes (or, formerly, armour) on (oneself or someone, a doll, a mannequin, etc.); to clothe.

To design, make, provide, or select clothes (for someone).

To arrange or style (someone's hair).

To adorn or ornament (something).

To apply a dressing to or otherwise treat (a wound); (obsolete) to give (a wounded person) medical aid.

To fit or prepare (something) for use; to render (something) suitable for an intended purpose; to get ready.

To cultivate or tend to (a garden, land, plants, etc.); especially, to add fertilizer or manure to (soil); to fertilize, to manure.

To cut up (an animal or its flesh) for food; specifically (hunting), to remove the internal organs (of a game animal) shortly after it has been killed so that the carcass cools more quickly; to field dress.

(cooking) To prepare (food) for cooking or eating, especially by seasoning it; specifically, to add a dressing or sauce (to food, especially a salad).

(military) To arrange (soldiers or troops) into proper formation; especially, to adjust (soldiers or troops) into straight lines and at a proper distance from each other; to align.

To treat (someone) in a particular manner; specifically, in an appropriate or fitting manner; to give (someone) a deserved beating; also, to give (someone) a good scolding; to dress down.

(obsolete) To break in and train (a horse or other animal) for use.

To prepare (oneself); to make ready.

(intransitive)

To put on clothes.

Of a thing: to attain a certain condition after undergoing some process or treatment to fit or prepare it for use.

(slang) cross-dress

Of an animal carcass: to have a certain quantity or weight after removal of the internal organs and skin; also, to have a certain appearance after being cut up and prepared for cooking.

Of soldiers or troops: to arrange into proper formation; especially, to form into straight lines and at a proper distance from each other.

(sports) Of a sportsperson: to put on the uniform and have the equipment needed to play a sport.

(countable)

An item of clothing (usually worn by a woman or young girl) which both covers the upper part of the body and includes a skirt below the waist.

Ellipsis of dress rehearsal

(uncountable)

Apparel or clothing, especially when appropriate for a particular occasion, profession, etc.

(archaic) The act of putting on clothes, especially fashionable ones, or for a particular (especially formal) occasion.

(by extension)

(obsolete) The act of applying a dressing to or otherwise treating a wound; also, the dressing so applied.

To direct; to put right or straight; to regulate; to order.

To arrange in exact continuity of line, as soldiers; commonly to adjust to a straight line and at proper distance; to align; as, to dress the ranks.

To treat methodically with remedies, bandages, or curative appliances, as a sore, an ulcer, a wound, or a wounded or diseased part.

To adjust; to put in good order; to arrange; specifically: (a) To prepare for use; to fit for any use; to render suitable for an intended purpose; to get ready; as, to dress a slain animal; to dress meat; to dress leather or cloth; to dress or trim a lamp; to dress a garden; to dress a horse, by currying and rubbing; to dress grain, by cleansing it; in mining and metallurgy, to dress ores, by sorting and separating them.

To cut to proper dimensions, or give proper shape to, as to a tool by hammering; also, to smooth or finish.

To put in proper condition by appareling, as the body; to put clothes upon; to apparel; to invest with garments or rich decorations; to clothe; to deck.

To break and train for use, as a horse or other animal.

To arrange one's self in due position in a line of soldiers; - the word of command to form alignment in ranks; as, Dress right, dress!

To clothe or apparel one's self; to put on one's garments; to pay particular regard to dress; as, to dress quickly.

That which is used as the covering or ornament of the body; clothes; garments; habit; apparel.

A lady's gown; as, silk or a velvet dress.

Attention to apparel, or skill in adjusting it.

The system of furrows on the face of a millstone.

A one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice

Clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion;

Clothing in general;

Put on clothes;

Provide with clothes or put clothes on;

Put a finish on;

Dress in a certain manner;

Dress or groom with elaborate care;

Kill and prepare for market or consumption;

Arrange in ranks;

Decorate (food), as with parsley or other ornamental foods

Provide with decoration;

Put a dressing on;

Cultivate, tend, and cut back the growth of;

Cut down rough-hewn (lumber) to standard thickness and width

Convert into leather;

Apply a bandage or medication to;

Give a neat appearance to;

Arrange attractively;

Suitable for formal occasions;

(of an occasion) requiring formal clothes;

Not all summer dresses are sundresses; sundresses are specifically lightweight, often sleeveless, and designed for the highest temperatures.

Yes, dresses come in a wide range of styles, including formal options suitable for events like weddings, galas, and formal dinners.

The main difference is that a dress can be for any season and occasion, while a sundress is specifically designed for warm weather and is often more casual.

While sundresses are designed for summer, they can be worn in other seasons with appropriate layering, such as cardigans or leggings.

Sundresses are usually made from lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, or rayon to keep the wearer cool.

Yes, there are winter dresses made from heavier fabrics like wool or knit that are designed to provide warmth while maintaining style.

Sundresses are characterized by their sleeveless design and lightweight fabric, specifically aimed at providing comfort in hot weather.

Follow the care instructions on the label, which often recommend gentle washing and avoiding high heat to preserve the fabric and colors.

Generally, sundresses are too casual for formal events, but the appropriateness can depend on the specific event and dress code.

Consider the event's formality, location, and your personal style when choosing a dress. Sundresses are best for casual, warm-weather events.

Consider the fabric, fit, design (such as strap style and length), and whether the dress suits your personal style and the occasions you plan to wear it.

Yes, by adding the right accessories, such as statement jewelry or a stylish clutch, a sundress can be adapted for an evening look.

Popular styles include maxi dresses, cocktail dresses, sheath dresses, and wrap dresses, each suitable for different occasions.

While traditionally dresses are worn by women, fashion is increasingly gender-neutral. Anyone can wear a dress or sundress if they choose.

Adding layers like a denim jacket, cardigan, or scarf can transition a sundress for cooler temperatures.