GLOSSARY
Corset - A tight-fitting top, either strapless or strapped. Halter - A top with straps that wrap around and tie behind the neck.
Midriff - A bodice that fits tightly around the ribcage and reveals the stomach.
One-shoulder - An asymmetrical bodice that has either one sleeve or reveals one shoulder.
Princess-line - A two-seamed bodice that runs over the bustline.
Tank - A sleeveless bodice with wide arm holes.
NECKLINES
Bateau - A neckline that falls straight across the collarbone.Halter - A higher-neck with straps that tie behind the neck.
High-Neck - A neckline that reaches up high along, and often encircles, the neck.
Jewel - A simple round neckline.
Off-the-shoulder - A neckline that exposes the collarbone and shoulders.
SLEEVES
Balloon - Sleeves that are roomy over the shoulder and upper arm, but which taper over the lower arm and wrist.Bell - Narrow at the top of the arm, these sleeves open to a bell shape near the wrist.
Bishop - Sleeves that are roomy at the shoulder and over the arm, then gather at the wrist.
Cap - Full at the shoulder, these sleeves gather at the very top of the arm.
Fitted point - A long sleeve that comes to a point along the top of the hand.
Gauntlet - A two-pieces sleeve that's full at the top of the arm, with a separate piece (which may be a glove) that covers the arm and the top of the hand.
Gigot - A large, rounded sleeve that's roomy at the shoulder, but that narrows over the arm to the wrist.
Juliet - A long sleeve that's puffy at the shoulder and extends down to the wrist, ending in either a straight or pointed cut.
Pouf - A large cap sleeve that extends low on the arm.
Three-quarter-length - A sleeve that ends between the elbow and wrist.
Tulip (or "criss-crossed") - A petal-shaped sleeve that features several flaps over the shoulder.
SKIRTS
Ballgown - A bell-shaped skirt that is narrow at the waist.Flared - A tulip-shaped skirt that's narrow at the waist.
Flounce - A loose skirt that flares outward, with a ruffle at the hem.
Front slit - A skirt with a slit on a front seam, usually along the leg.
Pannier - A sheath-like dress with fabric draped on both hips.
Pencil - A straight skirt with no flare or accent at the waist.
Pleated - Featuring folds that run downward, along the front of the skirt. Multiple pleats may be called 'accordion style', two larger pleats are called 'box style.'
Tiered - A skirt made of overlapping fabric layers of different lengths.
Wrap - A skirt that overlaps and wraps at the waist.
Skirt Lengths:
Ballerina - Just above the ankle-length.Floor-Length - Hem reaches to the floor on all sides.
Intermission - Hem falls between knee and ankle.
Hi-Lo - Intermission-length in the front, curving down along the sides to floor-length or longer at the back.
Knee-Length - Hem extends just to the knee.
Mini Skirt - Hem extends to just above the knee.
Street-Length - Hem reaches just below the knee.
Tea-Length - Hem reaches to mid-shin.
TRAINS
Cathedral - A train that extends 6-8 feet behind the gown.Chapel - A train that extends 3-4 feet behind the gown.
Court - This train extends 1-2 feet behind the gown.
Sweep - A train that just touches the floor.
