The silhouette is the lifeline of a summer dress. The cut is the key that makes you feel like you all day long or constantly have to pinch, hem and rethink in the mirror by the end of the afternoon. The same fabric, the same print and totally different results.

For most of us, we opt for one shape and never think about it. However, selecting the proper attire is dependent on the day, the event and the weather outside. It is awful when a bodycon with a dinner is uncomfortable on a 40°C errand trip.

Here is the real deal. What these silhouettes are actually, who they are made for, and when to go for them. At the end you'll be sure which of these summer dress is in your shopping cart.

But which one to put on the rack?

The Three Silhouettes, Quickly

Before the detail, the one-line version. A bodycon hugs the body and is left off at or above the knee. A midi-length skirt goes up to the middle of the calf. A maxi flows down to the ankles or to the ground.

The only difference between the two is length.

However, the under the garment changes when it comes to fit and drape.

Who they are for and when to wear a Bodycon Dress.

A bodycon dress hugs your curves from shoulder to skirt. The baddest of the bunch, and the one that people often think is just for a few body types.

The reality is that a great bodycon is flattering for the majority of bodies when the material works the way it's intended. Seek out stretch that is structured, that holds and that will smooth, not cling to every line (a little spandex goes a long way). Ruched sides and wrap fronts are features that help shape the waist and tolerate the rest. Our bodycon dresses fit into just that sort of material.

Is bodycon dresses suitable for summer?

Bodycon summer swimsuits can definitely be worn in summer, provided they have a breathable material. A cotton blend or rayon-spandex combination is best to stretch without holding heat, and avoid scuba or heavy polyester. For dinners, parties and date nights, a bodycon that is knee-length is perfect, made in a breathable knit. If you want it to be more of a daytime version you should size up a little bit and also select a softer drape that will skim and not grip.

When to wear one? Evenings, mostly. A bodycon is a great look for indoor portraits and is easy to read with confidence.

Midi Dresses: The Everyday Workhorse

Purchase one summer dress this year, it will be midi. It dips below the knee, provides enough length for the office or a temple, and is still light and summery.

Midi is a diplomat of dresses. It's polished enough to work, casual enough for brunch, and it's photoshootable at any angle. Fit and flare or A line midis fit around the waistline and are popular with almost anyone who wears them because they skim over the hips.

Which body type is a midi dress best for?

This is the beauty of a midi dress as it works with all body shapes. Wrap and slit midi dresses are perfect for curvy shapes as they accentuate the waist and elongate the legs. Taller women appreciate that the hem doesn't end abruptly. Petites may wear it as well, just add a little lift with high-waisted and heels. Here's why the mid-calf hem works so well for so many!

When in doubt, go for the midi! It doesn't often fail you.

For hot days, Maxi Dresses: Easy Drama is a great way to keep your kids cool.

A maxi dress is the one you put on when you want to look done without doing much. It is long and loose, drapes down over the legs and leaves the sun off, but is still cool.

This is literally the silhouette silhouette for heat. Loose construction – let the air flow freely, a cotton or rayon maxi will be comfortable when a fitted dress would make you feel like you are wilting (your legs will thank you on a hot day). It is an ideal summer holiday getaway or Goa holiday. Look at the maxi dresses and you'll see just how far the length stretches and the difference between beachy and black-tie.

Here is a word of caution for petites. A maxi is long enough to accommodate a smaller frame; make sure that the heels aren't noticeable below and that the waist is high. Tall ladies, on the other hand, are privileged to wear these as if designed for them.

Bodycon, Midi, Maxi: A Quick Decision Guide!

Still stuck? Hay un tanto que el vestido debe ir con la ocasión.

Which of the dresses looks best?

There is no one correct way to dress, it depends on your body type, the type of event, and your likes. When you need to display form, Bodycon will work for you.

Midi is flattering for all types of body and is suitable for the most occasions. Maxi is ideal for tall frames and for those who wish to be covered with a dramatic touch. Choose what you're doing, then what makes you look taller in the mirror.

It decomposes easily at times. For the office and during the day wear the midi. The bodycon refers to dinners and parties. The maxi is for weddings, travel and the beach.

And by weather? As the temperature rises and the humidity increases, the longer, looser you want to go. The Mumbai weather is such that a breezy maxi is rewarded with stickiness. A planned bodycon can be the answer to a dry evening in Delhi. The Midi is on a year round display in Bangalore's moderate climate.

Fit, Fabric, and Fit Across All Three

Fabric is the difference-maker when it comes to a summer gown, no matter the length of the gown. Cotton is the most breathable fabric and is for day wear. Rayon drapes in a soft way and is used for all three cuts. Linen stays cool for a maxi but will start to crease by noon.

And never silhouette should be the only determining factor for fit. We cut bodycon, midi and maxi fits up to 6XL and it's cut so that proportions remain correct and not growing from a small fit. On fuller frames, the maxi or a waist-defining wrap will do the hardest work, as the length of the vertical line will extend and the waist detail will do the shaping.

The Bottom Line

Three silhouettes, three professions. Bodycon adds the drama to evening outfits. The midi is the perfect choice for the go-to outfit from office to evening meal. When it gets really hot, the maxi will keep you cool and covered.

Ready to pick yours? Explore our women's summer dresses across every silhouette, in sizes S to 6XL, with free shipping above Rs.1199, cash on delivery, and easy returns if the fit isn't right the first time.