178 Ways to Describe Women’s 

Clothing

There are so many terms for women’s clothing, they boggle the
mind–dolmen sleeves, pencil skirt, choker, colorblock. The best conjure up colorful images that
share with a few words a glorious picture that sticks in your mind as the character walks through
the scene.

Unfortunately, they don’t always come to mind as you’re writing. Not to worry. I collected them
for myself and will share them with you. Please add any others you use in your writing. There’s
no way my list can be exhaustive when we’re discussing women’s outfits.

Flared skirt

Pleated

Skirts:
Floral print

A-line
Knee-length

Jeans skirt,

mini

pencil skirt

gored skirt

tulip skirt

wrap skirt

Blouses:

peasant blouse

baby doll

Maxi

Printed flounce Georgette

Tiered skirt

Crinkle skirt
pin tucked

fitted shirt

oxford shirt

camp shirt

split neck tunic

logo t

camisole

tank top

beaded tank

kimono

rib-knit turtleneck

halter top

bodysuit
flutter sleeve tunic

silk blouson top

ruffled silk blouse

oversized silk blouse

silk peasant top

off-the-shoulder top

tuxedo blouse

off-the-shoulder top

v-neck shell

safari vest

appliqué

dolmen sleeves

three-quarter sleeves

cap sleeve

Henley sleeves

double-breasted

balloon-sleeves
shell

pullover

Dresses:

Cocktail dress

Mini dress

Jacquard sheath

Sheath dress

Essential little black dress

Empire waist silk dress

Shirtdress

Sweater dress

Bias-cut dress

Sequined mini

Micro mini

Halter dress

Fabric:
Plaid

Tweed

Color block

Ponte knit

Box pleat

Chiffon

Jersey

Crepe

Linen

Silk

Tweed

Velour

leather

suede

Polka dot

Pintuck

embroidered

Floral

Appearance:
Wrap

empire waist

sharktail hem

fringed

french cuff

bib front

layered look

colorblock

beaded

drop waist

split neck
ribbed

Shirred

Shirred waist

button tab

chain trim

paisley

smocked

French-ribbed

Pants:

Leggings

Skinny jeans

Tight-legged jeans

Wide-leg

Straight-leg

High-waisted pants

Color-washed jeans

Boot cut jeans

Leather pants

Cropped pants

Stretch pants

banded bottom

cuffed legs

Capris

Cuffed pants

Neckline:
Braided scoopneck

Ruched sleeve

flutter sleeve

cowlneck

v-neck

crew neck

Mock turtle neck

Wing collar

Shawl collar

Notch collar
ruffled

draped

t-back

smocked boatneck

Jewelry:
Hoop earrings

Studs

Clip

Crop earrings

Diamond studs

Cameo necklace

Bangle

Pendant necklace
Choker

Pearl necklace

Tennis bracelet

charm bracelet

cuff bracelet

toggle bracelet

link bracelet
Shoes:
sling-back open toed shoes

pumps

flats

Uggs

Ballet flats

Thong sandals

Windslow sandals

Sequin pumps

Platforms sandals

Platform pumps

Ankle boots

Western boots

Peep-toe pumps

Wedge sandals

Mules

Clogs

Oxfords

Loafers

Skimmers

Jelly sandals

Mary Jane’s

Moccasins

Bow flats
Hepburn flats

Dressy sandals

Persia sandals

Evening sandals

t-strap sandals

Garbo sandals

slide sandals

Birkenstocks

Sweaters:
bell-sleeve jacket

open front cardigan

shaker sweater,

cable knit sweater

cardigan

light-weight cardigan
bolero cardigan

Purses:
patchwork tote

patent bag

satchel bag

hobo bag

clutch